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Suitcase that 'Cross Bike

9/18/2023

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'Cross is no longer coming...it's here!  The exciting discipline of cyclocross racing has some of the greatest buzz out of all types of bike racing, at least on the world wide interweb.  Cyclocross is super fun and, despite the pain we choose to all put ourselves through, very addictive.  Even for the most casual racer, "cross racing pushes your skills, both on and off the bike, to the limits.

One of the primary differences between cyclocross and other types of bike racing is that you will most likely get off your bike at least once if not several times over the course of one lap.  The most common obstacle that will require dismounting is the "barrier".  'Cross barriers often come in pairs and are typically between 12 and 16 inches (40 cm or 16" for UCI standards) and usually between 4 and 6 meters apart, spanning the full width (3 meters) of the course.  Think steeplechase for bike riders.


For most riders, the barriers and other obstacles only take a few seconds to traverse and their bike can simply be lifted alongside their body while they run.  Sounds simple, right?  Well, yes and no.  You are simply dismounting, lifting the bike, running, placing the bike back down, and remounting, but there are many ways to make this process smooth, efficient, safe, and FAST.

​





​Just like that game you might have played as a child, one of these things is not like the other.  Or, more specifically, one technique is considered better than the other.  Which is it? Check out this great article from CX Magazine written by Adam Myerson on how to properly lift your bike.  It's a skill worth practicing!

 https://www.cxmagazine.com/technique-tuesday-myersons-tips-on-carrying-bike

Easy, right?  As long as you take the time to practice PROPERLY, you'll get it in no time.

If you're in the area, BJL Coaching conducts clinics and skills sessions for groups or individuals.  I offer video review of your technique to help you learn and improve as efficiently as possible.  Drop me a line and we can setup a time to get you on your way to your best 'cross season ever!  BJLCoaching@gmail.com

Cheers,

B.L.

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Top Three Tips for Mountain Bike Training Podcast

6/12/2023

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I wrote a post a couple of months ago (Free Speed!) about reconnecting with Dr. Matt Miller, a longtime friend and fellow mountain bike racer.

From his site, www.mtbphd.com :

“Dr Matt Miller is a sports scientist and entrepreneur focused on MTB rider performance. He was the first to publish findings on using FTP to predict MTB race performance and pioneered braking analysis on the trails. 

​Matt is the Inventor and Founder of BrakeAce, the world's first brake sensor and analysis app. BrakeAce was successfully funded on Kickstarter in August 2021. He has coached gravity and endurance MTB racers 1-on-1, including riders earning multiple USA National Championships and top-10 overall finishes in the Enduro World Series. He continues to consult for major brands in the industry and publish educational science content for mountain bikers.”


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How’s yours?  Top Tips for Motivation

6/12/2023

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When I see how often some folks struggle to find the will to ride their bikes, I realize I’ve been blessed with what seems to be relatively high motivation to ride.  I love riding bikes.  I really enjoy riding and training, and racing is just the best.  I’m usually pumped for solo rides of many, many hours, and rides with friends and family is so amazing I feel like it’s a gift when I’m out there.  I can even get fired up to ride my trainer or rollers.  And if not fired up, I don’t dread it, at least.


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​Polarized Training--What is it?

3/30/2023

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Polarized Training has become quite popular over the past 5 years or so, but after talking about training modality this with many athletes and upon reading and listening to discussions, I believe it is often widely misunderstood.  So what exactly is it and why the confusion?

The concept of polarized training was “invented” over 20 years again by sports researcher Dr. Stephen Seiler.  Dr. Seiler looked at training data of successful professional endurance athletes and saw a commonality.  To over simplify it, they trained either really hard or really easy.  Both of these terms are relative terms, of course.  And they training really easy about four times as much as really hard.  He found that it fell into a breakdown of about 80% low intensity and 20% high intensity.


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March 14--Tip of the Week

3/15/2023

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Happy Pi Day!  Yeah, I'm a math nerd at heart.

Despite the bitterly cold temperatures, 30 mph wind gusts, and sideways snow here in the North East, spring is right around the corner.   We've sprung the clocks forward and have that extra daylight in evening, just begging us to get off of our trainers and out on the road and trail.  Let's go get that fresh air!


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  • Home
  • About
    • Coach Brian
    • BJL Coaching Kit
    • Search
  • Services
    • Personalized Coaching Packages
    • Training Rides
    • INSCYD Testing (VO2 Max and More)
    • Consultations
    • Threshold Field Tests
    • Camps/Clinics
    • Indoor Training
  • Testimonials
  • INSCYD
  • Contact
  • B.L.'s Blog
  • WP Blog