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Base training season
#1
Winter time or the last quarter of the year is usually off-season for events and the perfect time to do base training, locally here in my country only a few people know about this kind of training season and what exactly to do which leads many to have burnout from training or to completely stop the sport. Is this also the case everywhere else or are the different cycling communities around the world not doing enough to share this? what are your thoughts?
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#2
I cycle all year around, snow and all.

This time of the year is typically slow, but I like to just upkeep through off-season.

Since my bike is in winter mode, knobby tires and low gear create unique aspects of challenge to ratio the downtime.
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#3
We also have off-season here but it's due to weather conditions. Namely, winter months are the time for cross-country skiing, indoor swimming & gym.

Personally, I also cycle or commute on my 29er all year round but there aren't many who cycle outdoors during the snowy months.
Merida Scultura 5000 (2015)
Merida Big Nine 400 (2019)
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#4
I know a few hardcore people that do a lot of training in the in the off season (I’m in North America so we get a lot of snow so riding isn’t as easy). I personally will go ride skateparks as they dry out quick with a few sunny days or go skiing in the winter. I always try to just stay in shape for riding by skiing, climbing or doing other things of that nature in the winter. If you just stay in shape by doing other sports in the winter you don’t burn out, stay prepared for the coming season, and stay stoked to ride as soon as it warms up
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#5
(12-23-2022, 04:39 AM)meamoantonio Wrote:  Winter time or the last quarter of the year is usually off-season for events and the perfect time to do base training, locally here in my country only a few people know about this kind of training season and what exactly to do which leads many to have burnout from training or to completely stop the sport. Is this also the case everywhere else or are the different cycling communities around the world not doing enough to share this? what are your thoughts?

That's a great point. Base training is crucial but often misunderstood. Many riders either push too hard in the off-season or stop completely. In my experience, structured base miles at low intensity make a huge difference for the next season. It seems like this knowledge isn't shared widely enough in casual cycling circles, mostly staying with more serious clubs and coaches.
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#6
Heart 

.pdf   Endurance MHR Training.pdf (Size: 142.44 KB / Downloads: 15)

Don't forget to focus on Endurance Training. Most of us like to go all out. Ride to the edge. Prevent injuries, build endurance, and train in the 75%-85% MHR (max heart rate). Here's an article I published years ago.
Two Wheels
Stay Safe
Robert
"SPINMAN"
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#7
(12-23-2022, 04:39 AM)meamoantonio Wrote:  Winter time or the last quarter of the year is usually off-season for events and the perfect time to do base training, locally here in my country only a few people know about this kind of training season and what exactly to do which leads many to have burnout from training or to completely stop the sport. Is this also the case everywhere else or are the different cycling communities around the world not doing enough to share this? what are your thoughts?
Base training is crucial but often overlooked! It's the same in many places - people focus too much on intensity year-round and burn out. A proper off-season with base miles makes you stronger and prevents fatigue. More coaches should emphasize this!
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#8
This time of year, I am focused on Zone 2 endurance rides, as espoused by Bulletproof Cycling, although strong winds can make it hard to stay in that zone (I live by the sea and yesterday's ride featured a steady 20mph headwind).
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#9
hey thanks for bumping this thread up, I was actually thinking about buying something in preparation for this season, https://www.thinkrider.com/en Im thinking about buying a smart trainer from this company, what do you guys think?
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