My cycling season ends sometime in November – usually when temps start dipping below freezing. I don’t like riding in the cold – but it’s usually better than riding on the trainer so I put up with it. One thing is certain, though; starting in November, I don’t push the pace. In fact, this year I was slower in the winter than I can ever remember. Rumor has it, Peter Sagan takes a complete month off the bike. I’d go nuts, so I don’t, but I made peace a while back with taking part of November and all of December “easy”. I push easy gears at an enjoyable, comfortable cadence. I go from a 22-23-mph average on Tuesday nights to 15-mph on gravel roads. I enjoy the scenery and the simple pleasure of not being cooped up and riding with my friends. And I enjoy not working at it.
Come January 1st, though, when everyone else is thinking about how they’re going to improve, writing resolutions they probably won’t live up to for more than a couple of weeks, and making plans they’ll abandon within another couple of weeks, I get right to it.
There exists no magic pill, piece of advice, or double-secret pedal stroke that will get me in shape for spring. There exists no magic that will allow one to ride a bicycle down the road at a blistering pace… No, riding fast requires one two things; pushing hard on the pedals, and not being fat. Even a level of pudginess can be worked around, but fat won’t do.
My plan is very simple – it doesn’t require planning or a whole lot of knowledge. It requires plain old want to.
Come January 1st, my drive switches from enjoying the end of another great cycling season to getting ready for the next one, and I’m already chomping at the bit to get started. I’m actually counting down the days till I can start hammering again.
My training plan is two phases… are you ready?
Come a little closer…. Phase I is…
… push harder on the pedals.
Phase II is…
… push myself away from the dinner table a little sooner.
Let’s just keep this between you and I, eh?
Don’t fart around with resolutions. Push harder on the pedals.
Fit Recovery 
Farting around is very dangerous at your age.. probably messy.
Nope, not even a little bit. I wear old well. You, on the other hand, should probably refrain. Chuckle.
LOL — there are times!
I so get that. I’ve got a new trainer now. A tiny thing that is former cop, former FBI trainer. I put her on hold for the first of the year. I got to psyche myself out to be disciplined. You seem to come by it rightly.
I bet Sagan doesn’t take a whole month off riding. He probably just kicks around on his mountain bike having fun, but he’s a genetic freak.
You must be almost topping out the resistance on that trainer of yours. Time to think about a direct-drive upgrade! 😉
I know, I’m down to 19th gear and I haven’t really started working yet. Riding the tandem has helped, though. That’s a ton of work, man.
Jim I read this earlier, got on my trainer, pushed the pedals harder and you know I feel better. As always great advice!
Thanks,, Sue. Music to my… err… eyes. 😀
After only picking up cycling again from June this year, I’m looking forward to 2019. Just going to keep it simple as you said, get in that saddle as often as possible and just push harder. Have a good new year my friend.
I’m going to give it my best. Thanks, brother.