Become a Stronger, Faster Cyclist

Mt biking video from FATS

posted on January 11th, 2012 in Cycling, Ride Reports, Video Blog by Stephen

A group of friends got together once again, this time for a Fun ride near Augusta, GA. A local trail system called FATS.
All I can say is WOW!! This has got to be one of the most Fun trail systems that I have ever ridden!

While I was editing the footage for this video I kept thinking 2 things – 1) I wanted to show how rolling this terrain was, which lead to the 2nd thing: this trail system is like a Mt bike roller coaster, thus the music. Now, this isn’t to say that every part of FATS has a slightly down-hill angle and a whoop to jump every 5 feet. There is definitely some climbing involved on a couple trails. But for this day in January we chose to stay more on the flatter trails of Brown Wave and Skinny.

Unfortunately, as always, footage from an event rarely ever does the course justice. But I hope you enjoy the video & that it will encourage you to get out and ride!

2011 Christmas eve ride

posted on December 25th, 2011 in Cycling, Ride Reports, Video Blog by Stephen

This year was a bitter sweet Christmas eve ride as we enjoyed our time together on the trails.
We got the dogs out for a short ride before most folks showed up, then headed out for the group ride around 11am. There was a bunch of climbing, and we ended up exploring an unknown trail which ended up looping us back around to mid-climb, then we got to bomb back down the trail again – good times!

We had a water crossing that had no bridge – w/ a smart phone in my pocket, I figured it was safer to walk than take a $200+ dunk/phone renewal.

Post ride we hung out with our friends and the dogs, and remembered our friend Jeff.

Good times with Great friends!

Hope you have very Happy Holidays and enjoy time spent with friends and family!!

Winter Cycling Training

posted on December 22nd, 2011 in Cycling, Cycling Tips, Strength Training by Stephen

This is the time of year when Mother Nature tries to fool you into thinking that the winter will be easy and you will have beautiful days to ride all Winter.

One Winter several of us at a local bike shop got together and did twice weekly spin classes. We started in the first of the year, and it was good to do it with a group. But suddenly our guy that had to lock up when we were done got a change of schedule and we could no longer spin – a month later, the time had changed and we were once again out on the road. But I feel like I was starting all over again.

Many people do all kinds of training this time of year, only to burn out or stop due to the cold and/or wet weather in the early Spring. Remember not to do too much intensity and do not do too much mileage this time of year, unless your plan and commitment is true, and you follow through to the new year.

Remember the old story of the tortoise and the hare – steady wins the race.

Have the proper Winter cycling gear to get you through the cold and dreary days.

Don’t let that happen to you!
1) Get a Trainer
2) Have prepared workouts that ramp up the intensity.
3) Do the workout and get OFF the bike! Riding the trainer can be more challenging for you mentally than physically! Do a workout and get off the trainer.