Hello and welcome to the Ride It Blog by Adam Copley: Personal Training.
Here we will discuss all things mountain biking, fitness, food, and general chit chat about the happenings of mountain biking around the world. This week I want to talk about what you can do when you aren’t on the bike.
As mountain biking can be a dangerous sport, and crashes happen. You may escape unscathed, but your bike could be another story. As someone who is a regular at breaking things on my bike, I thought I would share my insight into what I do, if I don’t have a bike.
1: N+1:
The obvious first choice. If you aren’t familiar with the N+1 equation, then let me pull you out of that rock your stuck under. The N+1 equation is the way to correctly determine how many bikes you should have and goes like this: N = the number of bikes your currently own + = addition and 1 = one more.
So, the number of bikes you should own equates to: The number of bikes you currently own, plus one.
Going by this rule means that you will never be without a bike, and you will always be able to ride. If you are familiar with this rule and follow it, then it is unlikely the rest of the blog will matter, so don’t bother ready on. THAT WAS A JOKE!
But seriously, having a second bike can reduce time spent off the bike and also open you up to new disciplines of riding. I had a road bike at one point as well as my endure bike, I didn’t enjoy it so I sold it and ordered an XC bike, which in my eyes is the perfect combo, one big rig and one lightweight pedal machine. I am currently without a bike and not having a second is really annoying, as I have to do option two.
2: Running:
Many of you will read that word above and click the X at the top right of the page, but before you do, consider it. Running is brilliant in the winter as it is phenomenal for your fitness, and you don’t have to be out as long to get the same difficulty of workout. Then there’s the fact there is less cleaning up to do after you have run that ridden in the slop and it’s also a lot quicker. So if you are stuck for time a run is a fantastic way to get your fitness in.
And I maintain this: If you don’t ride for a while but replace it with running, it won’t take too long to get back into full riding fitness. The other way round, it doesn’t work at all.
I would 100% recommend adding running into your training, as it is fantastic when you get into it and always good to have that fall-back plan. I know if I don’t have a bike, I will definitely be able to run, because all I need are my shoes.
3: Gym:
Onto something indoors then. The gym is a fantastic place to work on your bike fitness. While you can’t replicate the feeling of being on a bike, and while I will admit I love the gym. It is no where near as good as riding for me. So, I understand why some people are hesitant to go. But, the gym is an excellent place to build strength, stability, rehabilitate an injury or just do something different with your training.
The gym is guaranteed to make your riding experience a better one if you follow the correct style of training and don’t just go into generic workouts. Check out my Instagram at @acopleypt for some ideas on how to do this.
The gym can also be a great place if you are sick of the winter weather. So don’t fear them when they’re open in December!
While nothing can replace that feeling of going for a ride. It is important to stay moving to prevent a loss of fitness when you do get back on a bike, these three things are all things that I feel are great to do, especially number 1. And will all add to your riding experience in some way. So give them a try!
I hope you enjoyed the blog.
Ride safe.
Adam.
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