What's the thing that really boosted your skills/fitness?

[Hackster]

I'm interested in transformative experiences or lessons with regard to fitness and/or skills.

 

I used to be a casual rider, always at the back of the group struggling to hold on. Until I changed one thing, I added early morning Tuesday and Thursday rides to my training regime. These two short but intense midweek rides transformed my cycling fitness. It probably sounds obvious to many of you, but it took me a long time to figure out that one big ride every weekend wasn't enough.

 

On the skills side, the thing which has made me significantly faster on both the mountain and road bike is learning not to fight the bike. I used to tense up and hold on tight when things got hairy, nowadays I try to loosen up and let the bike move around beneath me. This is a work in progress - I still have to remind myself to do it...

[Wayne Potgieter]

Skills clinic and losing weight.

[NotSoBigBen]

#1 Losing weight!

#2 riding technical challenging (to me anyway) stuff at least 2 or 3 times a week. Nothing crazy just a bit out of my comfort zone

[RocknRolla]

I'm not saying Singlespeed, for fear of being lambasted for taking the first opportunity to say Singlespeed, but riding a Singlespeed boosted power lots. Forgoing front suspension also has it's merits.

 

Before that, doing strength routine and core development at the gym assisted in posture on the bike.

[HairyLegs]

To improve your balance and spinning technique, get rollers.

[NotSoBigBen]

I'm not saying Singlespeed, for fear of being lambasted for taking the first opportunity to say Singlespeed, but riding a Singlespeed boosted power lots. Forgoing front suspension also has it's merits.

 

Before that, doing strength routine and core development at the gym assisted in posture on the bike.

 

Singlespeed rigid did help with strength but I also found that I avoided some things (too steep, too technical etc.) because of it so in some ways not ideal for everything!

[Belgarath]

Commuting.

[Veebee]

weight loss and high intensity IDT workouts

[Hfx0]

My story:

 

Many casual riders either start cycling on hand-me-downs or whatever is on sale at Sportmans or Makro.

In many cases having the bike setup professionally is not offered or isn't available.

 

They’ll cycle with gusto for a couple of months until they've survived the Argus or 94.7 and then chuck the bike in the garage.

 

All the while they’ll complain about sore necks, aching wrists, stiff shoulders and other weird pains.

 

If they’d had a proper bike setup they could've avoided many of these issues and enjoyed the overall cycling experience so much more.

 

It’s astounding what a difference a proper, professional bike setup will do for your overall performance and skills!

[Reinhardt89]

Couldn't agree more on your second part! Not that I'm skilled or anything, but my biggest downfall (pun intended) was that I didn't let my wheels be my feet. Whenever there was a tight corner, drop-off or something I'd also tense up and put my feet out and mentally brace for impact. Then I learned that if I just commit and let my wheels roll I tend to stay on the bike and ride it out!

[rudi-h]

entering a big race or a tour...

 

i always find that once your fitness reaches a peak (as it does in preparation for a big race/tour/event), it's a lot easier to maintain that level of fitness until you attempt the next big race / ride.

 

I did a solo bike tour in Alaska in 2010 which involved about 70 hours of riding in a month which gave my fitness and riding ability a massive boost.  After that I entered ironman in 2011 and since I try to do something big each year. My fitness stays kindof level in between these major events and takes a leap when I enter something more daunting than the last.

 

This year I'll be cycling all the major TDF passes in the French Alps and I'm sure as hell that's going to take my fitness another steep notch up!

 

Edit:  That was on the fitness part.

 

On the skills front the best three things I ever done was:

1)  Trading my marathon bike in for a trail bike.

2)  Switching to flat pedals and going for a lesson on how to balance and hop properly.

3)  Entering a downhill race

[Reinhardt89]

Commuting.

This! I started commuting last week...omw. Bedtimes changed from 11pm to 9pm! haha!

My body is seriously struggling to adapt.

['Dale]

Spending more time at 95% HR / 90% FTP

Dropping 3 kegs from 72 --> 69

[AlanD]

Nice thread.

 

I am a total weekend warrior only managing to get out on a Saturday or Sunday for a ride, rarely both days and this is due to family commitments, time constraints, house maintenance...etc

 

My fitness is not good so i try to ride with good technique and found that being loose helps alot and having less fear which for me is a little hard.

 

This weeks i am trying to get up early to get in some core exercises and some pushups to help with fitness so will see how how that goes.

 

Skills, one of the best is balance and can help tremendously although my balance sux i have been trying to practice my track stands which is tough but once nailed i think it will help alot on the trail.

 

Good bike setup is also important and must be diald in to your specific requirements.

['Dale]

Ride with fitter dudes

Who make you cry behind your sunnies

[T-Bob]

Road: Dropping kegs & getting a proper training plan that you can actually achieve with your lifestyle. 

Dirt: keep trying to find different lines on your usual trails, don't zombie after a new PB on Strava. Also riding up what you ride down can really change some approaches.