History

Nothing tests a cyclist motivation and love for the sport like WINTER. Bundling up to brave the conditions takes forever.  You still come back with frozen feet and hands.  Can this actually be good for you?

In November a ride between 40 and 50 degrees seemed cold, but I persisted and now I can ride fairly comfortably between 30 - 40 degrees.  There is something to be said for persistence and
acclimatization.  The more you ride in the cold the more comfortable you become riding in the cold.

Mental toughness is an indefinable but very useful tool to have as a cyclist. You can train yourself to become mentally tough by riding consistently in the winter. You have to love cycling in order to ride through the dark months. This toughness will assist you all year long through headwinds, rain, hail and chilling descents off high mountain roads.

A cyclist is now a year round athlete. An average recreational rider or racer today is much more aware of training methods, nutrition and high tech bikes and gear than they were thirty years ago when I started out in tennis shoes and clip straps. Cycling has evolved in this country. Every year we hope to improve as a cyclist. Having a year round plan for your cycling fitness is essential. There is no better way to start your cycling year than to work on your cycling in the winter. The older we get the more important this is.

There are many books written on winter training for cyclist. They stress flexibility, core strength work outs, indoor riding and of course encourage you to brave the winter outside on your bike.

My wife and I target the Skinny Tire Festival for a peak. We hope to complete each day at a fast pace with out too much fatigue. By the end of the four day event we will be ready to take a week off training and start building up for more specific goals later in the spring.

For many this event is their first chance to get out on the bike in the New Year. Based on where you are in your training you can choose sections of rides and just enjoy feeling the sun shine on your bare legs as the legs go round.

For years now the Skinny Tire Festival has provided the perfect early season goal to get many cyclists through the winter. Teams of racers use the event as a spring training camp. The events bring together a diverse group of people. Just being around so many people crazy for bikes gets you motivated. We come from all over to help a good cause (LAF) to do some good for the world and to share the road with some folks in this very special and beautiful place.Get out on your bike this winter- you will be glad you did come spring!

Viva Velo

Thomas

This column is updated regularly with articles from cyclist Thomas Fleishman.  Thomas offers online coaching that improves your cycling experience.  Contact him at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .