Reflections on the Mental Side of Cycling and Self-Development on the Bike

Most people that I talk to about cycling, especially those who have been in the sport for a while, smile knowingly when I ask about the pain... There are reasons why cyclists constantly talk about suffering, the pain, the fight, etc. to describe riding with intensity. I've come to learn this over several years of dedication to riding and training. What I'm finding is that cycling has become one of the most powerful tools of self-development and mental focus I've ever come across for myself. I don't remember it this way as a kid, of course. All I remember are the fast descents, racing my friends up each hill, and endless summer days.

These days, as a year-round cyclist, I'm very interested in the mental game of cycling. This year has been a more successful year for me in terms of my riding abilities. I've found that I can climb faster, finish training rides with my team, and get dropped less often in races. These are all outward signs of improvement, but I've discovered that they may not all be due to increased physical abilities. I give the credit largely to a deeper understanding of my emotional state on the bike. Of all the things I've learned in the past few years, probably the most important is how to be more relaxed on the bike when the intensity starts heating up and learning how to quiet the distractions.

This is a topic I intend to explore more, and not one that I even planned to write about this morning. It was inspired by my reading of this article by Kevin Todd.

Local Ride TRYBR Makes the Bicycling Magazine Calendar

I was quite proud to see that our local ride the Tenino-Rainier-Yelm-Bucoda Rally (TRYBR) was listed in the August 2009 cue sheet in Bicycling Magazine. Usually I look at the rides and get left thinking how cool it would be to go to some of the fantastic rides listed and how lucky those people are who live local to them... Well, I can get to the TRYBR from my HOUSE! So maybe I will this year. Shamefully, I haven't done it yet!! 100 miles, here I come! August 9, 2009

I Just Signed Up for the MS Ride in September 2009

This year will be the first year that I will be riding in the Washington State Bike MS Ride 2009. I will be riding in honor of several friends, patients, and relatives. I'm just getting started with this now,so there will be more to come. If you want to contribute I would appreciate it! More to come...

Serious Bike Racing in Oly

Since I look forward to this event all year long, it's hard to believe it's now... over! Until next year, anyway. In addition to hosting back to back races that drew athletes from around the region, our team made a powerful showing in sheer numbers and results with many top finishes for the weekend. One of our teammates is a gifted videographer (and magician!) He filmed a short video of our racing on Sunday in Boston Harbor, WA. Great job, Jeff!

Boston Harbor Circuit Race State Cycling Championships from Jeff Evans on Vimeo.

Newspaper Coverage for Upcoming Races

The Valley Athletic Club's cycling team made the front page of The Olympian's sports section today. One of our teammates just passed along the link. Seriously, there will be hundreds of competitors from all levels and ages enjoying bike racing this weekend. The Capital Criterium on Saturday is great for spectators. It's a very tricky course that winds around the front side of the State Capitol Building. Lots of visibility for everyone. Cheers! Andy

Bike Racing in Downtown Oly This Weekend

Olympia will be hopping with bicycle fever this weekend as the Valley Athletic Club hosts the Capital Criterium and the Boston Harbor Circuit Race. Saturday will be a full day of racing for everyone from kids to professional caliber racers. The day kicks off at 9:30 and goes into the evening. The setting for this race is around the beautiful Capitol Campus in Olympia with great viewing for spectators. Heart-pounding excitement!! :) The second race travels the roads around the Boston Harbor area just outside of Downtown Olympia. Many of the racers from the previous day's racing around the capitol will throw down the hammer again on Sunday... Father's Day and all. Racing on Sunday will begin at 9:00 and go into the late afternoon. Again spectators are welcome. The epicenter of fun for this race is Boston Harbor Elementary on Zangle Rd.
Saturday's Schedule
Sunday's Schedule