Cycling is a fantastic sport and recreational activity that offers numerous health benefits. However, many riders, especially beginners, have trouble with the issue of "bouncing in the saddle," which is one of my pet peeves. This phenomenon occurs when the cyclist's body excessively moves up and down while pedaling, resulting in inefficient energy use. This week's blog will explore why bouncing in the saddle is detrimental and provide tips on improving your cycling performance.

​Proper cornering is a fundamental skill that every cyclist should master. No matter what level of cyclist you are, taking corners safely and efficiently will ensure a better riding experience. Proper cornering improves your overall speed, helps conserve energy, and reduces the risk of accidents.

Cornering involves many aspects, including body position, braking, speed management, and line selection. These factors are critical in determining how well you take corners and how much control you have over your bike. The proper cornering technique can help you maintain momentum, prevent loss of traction, and maximize your speed through turns.

​Beginner riders, intermediate cyclists, and advanced athletes should all have different strategies for tackling a race. This newsletter will explore what tactics beginner riders, intermediate cyclists, and advanced athletes should employ when participating in a cycling race, such as the best way to conserve energy and the most effective techniques for sprinting to the finish line. 

Setting achievable goals for yourself before undertaking a race is essential for those just starting cycling. Beginner riders should familiarize themselves with their bike and practice riding in different conditions before the race. It's also important to have realistic expectations regarding time goals; if you're new to racing, expect to avoid lightning-quick times compared to more experienced cyclists. A more accessible course is often best for beginners, as this will give you a chance to get used to competing and racing.

During our last newsletter, we discussed Part 1: Tips for Preparing for Your First Cycling Event of the Year, which involves physical training, mental preparation, and logistical planning. In this week's episode, we will discuss how to win!​

Winning a bike race is no easy feat, especially when it requires a combination of physical fitness, mental preparation, strategic planning, and a bit of luck. Coming out on top takes a well-rounded and disciplined approach to training and racing to win! Here are some tips to help you win your next bike race.

​Are you ready to take on your first cycling event of the season? Preparing for race day is essential for a novice or an experienced cyclist. To help you stay on top of your game and reach the finish line, here are four tips on getting ready for your first cycling event of the season.

​One common myth about training in the small chainring is that it is only suitable for beginners or cyclists who need to be fit enough to handle cycling in the big chainring. However, this is only partially true. Beginners still developing their leg strength and conditioning can benefit from the small chainring, as can intermediates and advanced cyclists.

Another myth is that using the small chainring is a sign of weakness or lack of skill. The situation here, however, is different. Cyclists using the small chainring often do so strategically to improve their endurance, efficiency, and performance.

​Finally, some people believe using the small chainring is unnecessary, and riders should focus on using the big chainring for speed and power. However, this is only sometimes the case. Riding in the small chainring can be a valuable tool for improving cadence, reducing knee stress, and improving hill climbing, all of which can help cyclists improve their overall performance and endurance.

In summary, the myth of training in the small chainring is that it is only suitable for beginners or weaker cyclists, is a sign of weakness or lack of skill, and is unnecessary for experienced cyclists. However, these beliefs are only partially accurate, and using the small chainring can benefit cyclists of all levels.