When I started riding with Team Bad-Ass last year, I was one of the "strong" riders. I would typically lead the pack or at least be up near the front. I slowly found myself slipping to the back of the pack, sometimes watching the team pull away from me. I used to think it was me trying to hang in while riding a mountain bike with slicks. Then I read an article from Bicycling magazine about hitting the plateau (something that most cyclists hit at some point). I thought, "holy crap, that's me". The author described almost exactly what happened to me with my team. It turns out that it wasn't the bike, it was ME, I figured as much but this article confirmed it. He then outlined a plan to get back into form and get stronger.
Part of his plan was taking some time off (and get "fat"), which I have already done.I'm going to modify that plan a little; I took the time off, but didn't get fat. i think I burned out. Riding the same course most of the time, failed to challenge me. This year, I will ride a wider variety of courses to challenge me and force me to either get stronger or die. This will include more hills. Phoenix is geographically a pancake, very flat. There are, however, some outlining areas that are hilly. That's where I will be. Sure, I will still take the quick 20 miler out the front door to spin some, but I will also add in some serious "training".
I am also going to cross train with walking and some light jogging (my orthopedic surgeon better not read this). There will be some strength training as well, not so much with weights, but resistance bands. I have obtained what I am calling my jump box which I need to start using more frequently (more to come on that later).
So, here's to a stronger, faster 2011.
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