When the weather starts cool down, you can still find ways to keep up your road riding fitness. Here are my tips for training through the changing seasons. – Post by MEC Envoy Allan Prazsky
1. Clothing
Without proper cycling-specific clothing to layer, the cold months can be downright miserable. Look for gear that you can layer and strip off easily as needed. Go-to pieces include a good fleece headband that covers your ears, gloves that don’t limit fingertip movement, and waterproof booties.
2. Embrocation (heat balm)
A favourite. Slather on a thick veneer of embrocation, then sit back and giggle as the rain (and cold) dances around and tries to penetrate your skin – and fails! Just make sure the embrocation doesn’t migrate to areas it shouldn’t be. Ouch.
3. Cross-training
Change it up. When it comes to training, you need variety and fun. Focus on maintaining aerobic activity, but introduce a new activity beyond cycling. Trail running, power hiking, skiing and swimming are just a few activities that lend themselves well to cycling.
4. Focus on your weaknesses
If you spend a lot of time in the saddle, chances are your core is weak and your range of motion is less than ideal. Get to the gym and minimize your weaknesses. Remember, you’re not in the gym to become Arnold; more reps and lower weights are the name of the game.
5. Prioritize
Create a goal, then work backwards. If you intend on riding your first long distance Fondo-type event next season, your focus will be on developing aerobic endurance. A seasoned racer might have an entirely different focus. Define your objectives, identify weaknesses, and then throw together a recipe that maximizes your chances of success next season.