If you’re reading this, you’re probably dealing with a lot right now. We hope that, no matter what, you and your family are healthy and happy. We hope that you’re doing so well, in fact, that you’re thinking about bikes.
And if that’s the case, you’re probably also looking at a calendar with a lot of Xs on it. Races across the country and around the world have been canceled or postponed, leaving a months-long void from competition for the foreseeable future. Locally, our race from March and April have been kicked back into late summer or fall. Even races in early June are in working with venues and other organizers to explore ways of sliding back further into the season or possibly offering some kind of virtual option for participants who may not be able to squeeze yet another event into August or September.
A few athletes have expressed a bit of listlessness at the prospect of having no events to look forward to. It isn’t just the lack of racing, either. With many organizations advising riding alone, we haven’t been able to enjoy the slow debut of spring in the company of our pals. Even dropping our buddies up the local hill would be competition enough, but we’re left instead with chasing Strava segments or cruising along on our own.
Instead of bemoaning what you might be losing, this is a great chance to come up with challenges that you wouldn’t normally focus on. For example, you don’t have to chase those Strava segments on your own. Groups like kolo t.c. have created segement-based competitions to challenge racers to ride together, but separately.
It’s also a good time to go big. Create a new route that you’ve never done that takes you up to or even past the longest ride you’ve ever done. Whether it be a monster loop or an ambitious point-to-point, but in a few weeks of training to feel comfortable taking on that kind of distance, then give it a go. Make the most of not having to train too specifically or taper and rack up some big rides, and you’ll probably enjoy some great base fitness once it’s time to get sharp for summer racing.
At times like these, we start to appreciate our communities even more. Make a point of riding some place new and at some pace new, too. Go for an urban ride and document all the things you love and appreciate in your town. Take photos of your favorite parks, favorite trails, old neighborhoods, even your favorite coffee shops or restaurants that you’re missing during the lockdown.
If you just can’t shake that drive to train, embrace it. Pick a segment or a route to crush and spend the month of April sharpened your fitness to absolutely smash it. From a short climb to a long time trial of a loop, use the same structure you would to target an A race to target your new challenge. Don’t obsess on the segment of the KOM; instead, use it as a way to learn how your body reacts to the training and what you might be able to do differently, and do better, when it’s time to gear up for a race.
Right now, health has taken a whole new meaning in our lives, hasn’t it? Instead of being centered on body fat percentage and VO2 max, it’s about avoiding a virus that could do an awful lot of harm to us or our loved ones. Enjoy your cycling and use it as a way to relieve or reduce stress, not add to it.
Stay motivated, even if what motivates you is totally different.