I’ve been riding indoors for almost 30 years now and most of those years were spent staring at some kind of movie, video, show, webinar, etc.  Sometimes it was less than exciting, but it was effective and got me through the cold, dark months of winter.

Around 2014, I started hearing about this thing called Zwift, back when it beta and was just the island.  I was intrigued and listened intently as it was described by some of my friends who got on the beta release, but it  seemed unnecessary to me and just added a layer of complication that I didn’t want.

After it moved out of the beta version and started gaining some momentum and membership, I felt even stronger that this wasn’t something that I needed and always got...

​I can remember the first time I rode long enough in temps that my water bottle started freezing up.  At first I didn’t believe it, but I unscrewed the top and sure enough, I had made my own personal slushie.  It was a bit of a badge of courage, until I really needed a drink and then it was just annoying and keeping me from hydrating.

I have to admit that I still get a kick out of riding in conditions to freeze bottles, I also take...

This is a great article written by one of the giants in a scientific approach to endurance training, Doctor Edmund Burke.  I first came across Dr. Burke with his High-Tech Cycling as pictured here.  Since then I have learned much from his books and other literature, and indirectly through his influence in the sport.  He is surely missed but his works live on.

Keep these key concepts of:

• Individuality
• Consistency
• Slow Progression
• Fulfillment
• Goal Selection

as pillars of your year and you will certainly increase your chances of finding success and hopefully happiness in your cycling.  A coach can help you develop a plan for YOU and complete the package that will lead to a great season…and beyond.

Check out what Dr. Burke has to say and let me know your thoughts, questions, or comments below.  What’s your goal for 2023?

​Ride on!
Coach Brian


​Starting the Year Off Right

By Edmund R. Burke, Ph.D.
Active.com

Most of you could ride almost as well as Miguel Martinez or Alison Dunlap.

​You probably couldn't ride their times or beat them in a race, but if properly trained, you could approach your potential as they have theirs. While we each have different genetic gifts for off-road cycling, most of us have the ability to fully realize our promise if we go about our training with intelligence and restraint.

It's no new news that with the colder months also comes colds, flus, stomach bugs, and other forms of communicable diseases.  As endurance athletes we're often operating with a depressed immune system especially immediately following a training bout.  While ultimately exercising and staying can strengthen our immune system, we need to be extra careful during those more vulnerable times.

There are some steps we can take to help protect ourselves which will then also protect our loved ones and other folks in our lives.

On a lesser note, if you're sick you will quite likely to be forced to take some time off from training, and I don't know anyone that will rejoice with that experience. 

The link below will send you to some some great tips from Andy Blow, founder of Precision Hydration, as posted on the TrainingPeaks Blog.  I got to know Andy's work and expertise through his Precision Hydration certification program, which I participated in a a few years ago.

Simple Tips to Avoid Illness During the Off Season