Rest from cycling

It may seem strange to start this list with rest, but if you don’t get this element of your cycle training right then you will not make any bike progress. Whilst you don’t want the whole of your cycling program to consist of rest, it’s essential to listen to your body and take time off from road biking regularly.

Train on your bike according to how you feel

If you’re having a bad day and feel that another bike ride would be detrimental then don’t go. Cycle training when you’re feeling unwell or having a stressful time at work, for example, is counterproductive. This is not to be confused with that ‘I can’t be bothered, because I feel tired’ feeling!

Have a cycling plan

Cycling without a plan can be demoralizing. If you have a target in mind like an event or an overseas cycle challenge, then you need to follow a cycling plan or you could find you are literally going around in circles. A plan will give you short, medium and long term targets that you can tick off as you achieve them.

Stick to your cycling plan

Once you have devised your cycling plan, or have decided to follow one of ours, then stick to it. Don’t be tempted to deviate from it just because you’re having a particularly good day. The plan will have been put together with all of the basics of cycle training in mind, such as the need for progression.

Build up cycling fitness slowly

Don’t be tempted to do too much cycling too soon. Even though you might feel that you just want to get into your cycling in a big way from day one, make sure that you stick to your plan and start slowly. If you don’t then you are very likely to get injured.

Get into a road biking routine

By this, we mean get used to going out on your bike regularly. Build it into your way of life, just like you go to work and have dinner when you get back. What we don’t mean is do the same bike ride all the time. If you do that then you won’t make any progress.

Cycle your own way

Cycle training with a partner suits some people more than others. There are advantages but there are plenty of disadvantages. You may well find it better to do your own thing, especially in the early days. One of the problems of road bike training with others is that you lose heart if you can’t keep up or don’t make as much progress as they do. Remember the principle of individualisation.

Don’t waver from your cycling

Believe in yourself and don’t give up on your cycling. There will be plenty of times when you doubt your ability to follow your plan and achieve your road biking goals. Don’t lose sight of your goal; keep at it. We all have bad days but don’t let them affect your overall cycling program

Is anything letting your cycling down?

If you aware there is something letting you down in your cycling then work on it. Don’t let a weakness bring down your bike training. Deal with it as soon as you identify it. Maybe you aren’t that strong at going downhill or you’re struggling with the right gear selection.