Happy New Year from BikeParts.com
New Year’s has always been a time for reflecting on the past year, and more importantly, looking forward to the coming year. It’s a time to reflect on the changes we want to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. However, for all too many resolutions, failure is virtually assured at the offset because the resolutions are not made with serious intent and deliberation. Basically, they are just wishful thinking.
The first trick to making a resolution stick is to choose the right resolution in the first place! Make it SMART! When you make your resolutions SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound), not only do you boost your chance of attaining your goals, but you also become a better cyclist in the process. Aside from the traditional resolutions to ride more, to loose weight, and to explore new rides, consider taking on some different resolutions.
Resolve to set bigger goals! Set your sights high! Reach for bigger goals in 2016! Many cyclist resolve to ride more frequently or adventure on longer rides in the coming year; yet without actually quantifying the specific actions required to support these goals, no gains are actually made. The post, Make Proper Goal Setting a Priority for Your Next Cycling Season highlights this fact offering 10 questions to evaluate the past season’s cycling performance and arms you with insights to making better training choices that lead to better performance in 2016. In addition to goal setting, using cycling accessories – as in power meters and /or heart rate monitors can aid in bio feedback, data, and analysis towards obtaining your goals. Armed with SMART goals and biofeedback, the only thing you have to do is actually ride!
Resolve to try something new! If you are a roadie, try riding a mountain bike. If you only ride trails, opt for a gravel grinder event. Gravel grinder events are great for roadies and mountain bike riders and they are popping up all over the country. Generally, they are unsanctioned, unsupported endurance bicycle races on primarily gravel and dirt roads, with little or no outside support, course markings, fees or prizes. That translates to a day of adventure on the bike! If the endurance route isn’t your thing, consider riding a fat bike. Fat bikes offer a whole new level of fun and adventure to riding. Why not try something new? You have nothing to lose and only fun, adventure, and new cycling thrills to gain!
Resolve to treat your body right! Sure, as a cyclist you probably think about proper hydration and eating well but there’s more to taking care of your body than that. Have you thought about yoga? Some of the most elite cyclists use yoga as part of a successful training program, including 2012 Tour De France winner Bradley Wiggins. From power to endurance, athletes at all levels are incorporating yoga to gain an edge over the competition, and prevent injury. Another way to prevent injury and take care of your body is to get a proper bike fit. Leg strength, endurance, and fitness are at the heart of cycling speed, but without a proper bike fit, you are sabotaging your training efforts and possibly even your 2016 cycling resolutions. In a sport based on such a highly repetitive action, like pedaling, the first line of defense against injury is a proper bike fit. A bike fit doesn’t simply consist of setting saddle height and bar reach. It’s more than that and it is even more critical to dial in the fit and confirm you have the right bike parts for optimal performance.
The New Year is all about out with the old and in with the new. Maybe last year’s cycling resolutions were to get in shape, build fitness, or get stronger on the bike. This year, branch out! Create resolutions worth keeping and watch your cycling soar to new heights in the coming year! At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we’re wishing you a year that is filled with all the joys, personal rewards, and the grand adventure that cycling brings. Happy 2016!
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