Autumn might seem like a passive season but the truth is, cyclists often see it as the perfect time to ride and train hard for next season before the winter kicks in, making the long hours of training decrease into almost zero.
Remember, you don’t have to let the season’s blues take over your motivation and make you forget your goals. We know that all major tours and events have probably finished and you’re now thinking about building your next season’s calendar, but it doesn’t have to be like that. Preparation is key to a successful upcoming season and this is something every pro cyclist remembers.
The more you train in the Off season, the better you start the On season
Here’s a simple and efficient tip for you. If you have already made your next season’s calendar, the best thing to do in the Off season besides refreshing yourself mentally and of course, physically, is to work on your upcoming goals. Starting early is never a bad thing. You don’t have to put yourself under a very strict training schedule.
As long as you stay fit and start practicing on your goals’ specifications whether it is to improve your climbing skills or others, you’re good to go.
Try out a new, more advanced discipline
Experts suggest every cyclist to motivate themselves to ride through autumn and not take a completely Off season being passive and waiting for the late winner to come before they hit the road once again and prepare for the upcoming year. One of the best ways to motivate yourself is by starting out a new discipline.
For example, cyclo-cross is now becoming one of the most popular cycling disciplines and it is ideal for autumn and winter as well. It is also a very accessible form of bike racing and can significantly help you increase your level and competitive performance mostly because it requires a fast and hard riding style which can help you keep your techniques in shape.
Another discipline you can try out during the off season, in case you don’t want your workout to be so intense, is mountain biking. Pro coaches often believe that a good cyclists should have some great all-around cycling skills in order to become a better bike handler and also a fast descender on the road.
You can join a cycling club
If you are not a member of any cycling club, maybe it’s time for you to join one. Especially if you’re a beginner and need to learn as much as possible from other cyclists’ experiences in order to know what to expect. The autumn, aka off season, is the perfect time to do that so when the winter comes, you can already practice the tips and advices you’ve learned.
If you are still not sure whether you should do this or not, here are 6 reasons why this might be the perfect time to join a cycling club.
