Ride your Bike. Ride your Bike. Ride your Bike.

I spent some time off the bike this winter and in the gym. I needed some time away from the bike and wanted to build some strength. Strength is the first element in the Strength, Stamina, Speed Formula. While in the gym I worked on the legs, then the following work out I would work on the upper body and of course the abs. It all about the abs. I worked hard and it payed off I'm quite happy with the results. I'm much stronger this spring than I was last spring or the spring before that. In fact, I'd have to go bad a few years to remember a spring where I started the outdoor season so strong. The reason I was strong that year was because I spent the winter in the gym as well.  With all of this working out been done their is nothing that prepares you for hill climbing like hill climbing.  Even though I spent all that time in the gym doing rep after rep of muscle building weight pumping I was still lacking what it takes to climb hills aggressively and confidently. I ridden approximately 450 miles this spring and I'm just starting to feel comfortable on the climbs. The muscles in the legs, arms and chest aren't quite so fatigued nor am I totally out of breath at the top of the climb. The mind plays a part in this as well; after you climb several  dozen hills you convince yourself that the hills aren't scary and hard, they are alluring and challenging. I realize that if I hadn't worked out in the gym during the winter  I would have had to ride many more miles this spring before reaching the physical and mental level where hill climbs are welcomed and sought after. However, you can't replace the time on the bike with any other work out.



Eddy Merckx was asked one time by a fan "How do you getting better at cycling?" Eddy said  "Their are three ways to get better at cycling.
1. Ride your bike.
2. RIDE your bike. And
3. RIDE YOUR BIKE. "

Get out their and ride your bike on Whidbey!!!