Spring is here, which means it is time for hero dirt, longer daylight hours, warmer weather and rider development! At The Cycling Co. we are all about year-round mountain bike development, but we see Spring as the ultimate time to put on bike gear, set new goals, put your head down and get to work at building your skills, speed and confidence on the bike.
Our Summer Camps help new and experienced young riders, aged 8-16, push their boundaries and take their riding to new heights. Rider development is a never ending process as there is always room to fine tune techniques and unlock new skills and maneuvers. Youth camps are the start of a lifelong journey into learning, experiencing and growing, not only as a rider, but also as a human.
Bradley Wright, a longtime original member of our DIRT SQUAD Race Team, is a fantastic example of continuous rider growth and development.
Bradley was kind enough to share his riding story with us and we couldn’t be more inspired and proud of this young man, and how far he has come!
From Bradley Wright – OG Dirt Squad Member
“I’ve always ridden bikes, and I first learned to ride a bike at the age of three. Since that day cycling has always been one of my favourite things to do. Most of my early childhood consisted of various sports and riding bikes whenever I could for fun. I even tried bmx racing at age nine or ten.
My first actual mountain bike ride wouldn’t be until I was twelve when a camp I attended had a mountain bike ride as one of the optional activities, and well it was safe to say that was that, and I’ve been riding mountain bikes ever since.
From there I was invited by a friend to go for a ride with his cousin, McKay Vezina. At the time I just stood there in awe, wishing I could do the things he could–not knowing that later I would have the chance to.
My proper introduction to mountain biking would come when I was fourteen.
The middle school that I attended brought in Coach Adam Walker to coach a school bike league. Here I learned the basics of mountain biking and dipped my toes into the racing scene. I would then immediately get my parents to sign me up for a summer mountain bike camp with Adam, and any camp that I could make it to with his company.
Before I knew it I had progressed to the point where Adam proposed the beginning of the Dirt Squad program, and he wanted me to be one of the first riders in the program. All I could think was ‘I’m a kid who gets to ride my bike twice a week with my sights set on eventually racing. I couldn’t be luckier’.
The Ups and Downs of Mountain Biking
Now that’s not the end of the story. Although I’ve been in this program (Dirt Squad) for many years now and I’m turning nineteen later this year, there have been some ups and downs. Most notably injuries. I seem to have impeccable timing to injure myself right just as race season is in its full stride.
The first big injury I had was breaking my right collarbone the first year I tried to racing. I managed to get a couple of races in that year, but could definitely say that I was HUNGRY FOR MORE.
Another race season came around and I was actually able to race most of my local races, but tended to over exert myself, which resulted in A LOT of race crashes. From there I would learn to dial it back a notch and ride more conservatively rather than getting a little too loose every chance I got.
2020 hits…
We all know where I’m going with this. Covid hit and I was only able to ride on my own, and focus on my own training. This was a huge adjustment as most of my rides had been with a group of people. It took the better part of a year to properly adjust and be mentally ready to ride every week. I wish I could say that riding by myself is great, but it lacks the energy exchange that happens when riding with a group, and as a young teen I thrived off that energy. Ultimately there was nothing I could do, and luckily I’ve adjusted to a point where I almost prefer riding on my own depending on what my training schedule demands.
It’s 2021.
I’m ready. I’ve been training. I just finished building up a new bike. I am BEYOND stoked for the year to come and I have set my ambitions high and want to race as much as my legs allow me. Before I could even get my tires on the race track, I went out for a training ride as the weather was just warming up, and bam. Another broken collarbone that would set me back and temporarily put my goals on hold.
Now, hungrier than ever, I kept up my training as I was injured with countless hours on the trainer, and eating and recovering properly. The doctor would finally give me the go ahead with riding a couple of weeks before a race at a bike park, and, well I didn’t really hold back. I wanted to show my friends, and those who supported me, that an injury isn’t the end of a race season. I had a total of three races that year, and each one got better and better. Racing really felt like my thing, even if I wasn’t on top.
And 2022…
My most prepared year yet, I’ve got three races under my belt for this year alone and I’ve got a race that I am ready to put my all into. Now all of my races had been enduro races up until this point, and I was going to try racing pumptrack. Practice day goes by and the weather is perfect–no wind, perfectly dry, and no rain to be seen. I wake up race morning and it’s pouring rain. I didn’t want that to affect me, so I got out there and started practice. A couple of hours before the seating runs I have a huge crash, and was advised to go to the hospital.
At this point I’m thinking I’ve just torn my shoulder and I can make it back in time for the race. Six hours go by and I had finally accepted the fact I was out of the race. The doctor gets back to me and says, it’s broken. Oh, here we go again with another broken collarbone. But this one took much longer to heal and meant my season was over.
On the Sidelines…
There’s no other feeling than watching all of your friends race when you have to sit on the side lines. I tried to keep myself busy with work, and light rides that would satiate my bike cravings.
At this point physical pain wasn’t the issue, mentally I was ready for the year to be over. Which in August shouldn’t be the case. But the year didn’t end there, after a couple of weeks on my shoulder and collarbone being strong, I had another crash resulting in a broken rib. Now I could still ride, but it truly put a limiter on the types of rides I could do. It eventually healed and I got back into my stride. I’ve been training solidly for the 2023 race season with big plans for the year.
My skills and attitude towards training are constantly progressing
Over the years of riding I was able to watch myself go from a grom that thought that jumps were the only thing that mattered, to a rider who prides himself in putting in the work every week to become the best rider I can be. My skills and attitude towards training are constantly progressing, and going into my junior years of racing I’m stoked to see how far I can push myself to climb up the ranks.
I’m lucky to have the support and coaching that I’ve had through the years, and it’s always a surprise looking back at what I’ve done and how far I’ve come from the 12 year old just riding his bike for fun with friends. Not to say that I’m not having fun with friends now, it’s just less about being with your mates, and more about trying to prove myself to the world.”
Riding can start from the early ages of 6, 7 or 8, or start at 12 or 20 or 40+. There is always room for progression and learning, no matter when you jump in. We want to see YOUR confidence in your riding abilities grow whether you’re racing or riding for FUN. It is about PROGRESSION, not PERFECTION. What is holding you back? Spring is here and it’s time to get geared up.
Dirt Squad is the ideal program to help young riders build skills and confidence on the bike, as well as learn all about the racing environment, including fueling, hydration and recovery. To learn if Dirt Squad is the right program for your young rider, or to apply to join, check out the info page here.
Follow Bradley on Instagram here:
The Podium Performance Pyramid
CoachingThe Podium Performance Pyramid 🔼
This is the framework I created to build, deliver and monitor athlete development programs.
The PODIUM PERFORMANCE PYRAMID has three points:
💪 PHYSICAL
🧠 PSYCHOLOGICAL
… the outcome:
🚲💨 PERFORMANCE
Within the PYRAMID lie multiple elements, that can be broken into physical or psychological components.
Here are a few examples of how I work with athletes to help make this happen…
🗓️ PROCESS.
Long term focus, defined goals and refined processes over time.
We begin with a deep dive on goals, then create a framework to achieve them, building daily habits to support the performances that will result in the transformation you are seeking.
🧐 PROBLEM SOLVING.
Asking questions. Finding Solutions. Through Individualized Programming prioritizing key performance factors.
There will be curveballs, hurdles and setbacks. Sometimes life brings the unexpected. Together we find solutions.
📈 PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
Data collection and analysis paired with the art of coaching.
Testing data, daily metrics and subjective feedback combined with your experience as an athlete and my experience as a coach culminating in real performance.
It can be a real roller coaster. 🎢
We focus on controlling what we can control and refine our processes along the way.
Sometimes motivation can waver, but dedication remains constant. Regular communication between athlete and coach is an essential to your success.
🗓️ PERSISTENCE
Throughout all of this, Consistency is the constant.
Consistency in training and relentless skill development, even when things weren’t ideal.
Consistency in communication through regular zoom calls 💻 , comments in your training app and messaging and feedback.
Consistency in focus on the process. ✅
How many more “P” words can you think of that relate to PERFORMANCE?
… there are quite a few!
Curious about reaching your POTENTIAL?
(… there’s one right there ⬆️ 😉)
Don’t PROCRASTINATE!
CLIENT REVIEW:
years. Having the opportunity to collaborate on a training plan with someone who not only
motivates me, but holds me accountable to my goals, has created consistency in my training
habits and confidence in my capabilities. Most importantly, a training plan that is personalized and adaptable allows me to have a sport/life balance which keeps me excited to train.
Adam can see the big picture when I can’t. He encourages me to keep pushing and seize
opportunities when I am apprehensive and maintains the most genuine, unwavering, positivity
towards his athletes that allows them to feel supported, no matter what.
Having Adam in my corner, whether it’s bringing me a finish line Pepsi, or answering my calls
when competing on the other side of the world, eliminates any doubts that I haven’t prepared
enough because he is a constant reminder of how far I’ve come, and inspires me to keep on
exceeding even my own expectations.”
Elly Hoskin
Canadian National Enduro Champion 2024
Enduro World Cup Win 2024
Year Round Mountain Bike Development with Dirt Squad’s Bradley Wright
Dirt Squad, Mountain biking, Rider DevelopmentOur Summer Camps help new and experienced young riders, aged 8-16, push their boundaries and take their riding to new heights. Rider development is a never ending process as there is always room to fine tune techniques and unlock new skills and maneuvers. Youth camps are the start of a lifelong journey into learning, experiencing and growing, not only as a rider, but also as a human.
Bradley Wright, a longtime original member of our DIRT SQUAD Race Team, is a fantastic example of continuous rider growth and development.
Bradley was kind enough to share his riding story with us and we couldn’t be more inspired and proud of this young man, and how far he has come!
From Bradley Wright – OG Dirt Squad Member
“I’ve always ridden bikes, and I first learned to ride a bike at the age of three. Since that day cycling has always been one of my favourite things to do. Most of my early childhood consisted of various sports and riding bikes whenever I could for fun. I even tried bmx racing at age nine or ten.
My first actual mountain bike ride wouldn’t be until I was twelve when a camp I attended had a mountain bike ride as one of the optional activities, and well it was safe to say that was that, and I’ve been riding mountain bikes ever since.
From there I was invited by a friend to go for a ride with his cousin, McKay Vezina. At the time I just stood there in awe, wishing I could do the things he could–not knowing that later I would have the chance to.
My proper introduction to mountain biking would come when I was fourteen.
The middle school that I attended brought in Coach Adam Walker to coach a school bike league. Here I learned the basics of mountain biking and dipped my toes into the racing scene. I would then immediately get my parents to sign me up for a summer mountain bike camp with Adam, and any camp that I could make it to with his company.
Before I knew it I had progressed to the point where Adam proposed the beginning of the Dirt Squad program, and he wanted me to be one of the first riders in the program. All I could think was ‘I’m a kid who gets to ride my bike twice a week with my sights set on eventually racing. I couldn’t be luckier’.
The Ups and Downs of Mountain Biking
The first big injury I had was breaking my right collarbone the first year I tried to racing. I managed to get a couple of races in that year, but could definitely say that I was HUNGRY FOR MORE.
Another race season came around and I was actually able to race most of my local races, but tended to over exert myself, which resulted in A LOT of race crashes. From there I would learn to dial it back a notch and ride more conservatively rather than getting a little too loose every chance I got.
2020 hits…
We all know where I’m going with this. Covid hit and I was only able to ride on my own, and focus on my own training. This was a huge adjustment as most of my rides had been with a group of people. It took the better part of a year to properly adjust and be mentally ready to ride every week. I wish I could say that riding by myself is great, but it lacks the energy exchange that happens when riding with a group, and as a young teen I thrived off that energy. Ultimately there was nothing I could do, and luckily I’ve adjusted to a point where I almost prefer riding on my own depending on what my training schedule demands.
It’s 2021.
I’m ready. I’ve been training. I just finished building up a new bike. I am BEYOND stoked for the year to come and I have set my ambitions high and want to race as much as my legs allow me. Before I could even get my tires on the race track, I went out for a training ride as the weather was just warming up, and bam. Another broken collarbone that would set me back and temporarily put my goals on hold.
Now, hungrier than ever, I kept up my training as I was injured with countless hours on the trainer, and eating and recovering properly. The doctor would finally give me the go ahead with riding a couple of weeks before a race at a bike park, and, well I didn’t really hold back. I wanted to show my friends, and those who supported me, that an injury isn’t the end of a race season. I had a total of three races that year, and each one got better and better. Racing really felt like my thing, even if I wasn’t on top.
My most prepared year yet, I’ve got three races under my belt for this year alone and I’ve got a race that I am ready to put my all into. Now all of my races had been enduro races up until this point, and I was going to try racing pumptrack. Practice day goes by and the weather is perfect–no wind, perfectly dry, and no rain to be seen. I wake up race morning and it’s pouring rain. I didn’t want that to affect me, so I got out there and started practice. A couple of hours before the seating runs I have a huge crash, and was advised to go to the hospital.
At this point I’m thinking I’ve just torn my shoulder and I can make it back in time for the race. Six hours go by and I had finally accepted the fact I was out of the race. The doctor gets back to me and says, it’s broken. Oh, here we go again with another broken collarbone. But this one took much longer to heal and meant my season was over.
On the Sidelines…
There’s no other feeling than watching all of your friends race when you have to sit on the side lines. I tried to keep myself busy with work, and light rides that would satiate my bike cravings.
At this point physical pain wasn’t the issue, mentally I was ready for the year to be over. Which in August shouldn’t be the case. But the year didn’t end there, after a couple of weeks on my shoulder and collarbone being strong, I had another crash resulting in a broken rib. Now I could still ride, but it truly put a limiter on the types of rides I could do. It eventually healed and I got back into my stride. I’ve been training solidly for the 2023 race season with big plans for the year.
My skills and attitude towards training are constantly progressing
Over the years of riding I was able to watch myself go from a grom that thought that jumps were the only thing that mattered, to a rider who prides himself in putting in the work every week to become the best rider I can be. My skills and attitude towards training are constantly progressing, and going into my junior years of racing I’m stoked to see how far I can push myself to climb up the ranks.
I’m lucky to have the support and coaching that I’ve had through the years, and it’s always a surprise looking back at what I’ve done and how far I’ve come from the 12 year old just riding his bike for fun with friends. Not to say that I’m not having fun with friends now, it’s just less about being with your mates, and more about trying to prove myself to the world.”
Riding can start from the early ages of 6, 7 or 8, or start at 12 or 20 or 40+. There is always room for progression and learning, no matter when you jump in. We want to see YOUR confidence in your riding abilities grow whether you’re racing or riding for FUN. It is about PROGRESSION, not PERFECTION. What is holding you back? Spring is here and it’s time to get geared up.
Dirt Squad is the ideal program to help young riders build skills and confidence on the bike, as well as learn all about the racing environment, including fueling, hydration and recovery. To learn if Dirt Squad is the right program for your young rider, or to apply to join, check out the info page here.
Follow Bradley on Instagram here:
Top 5 Strategies to a Successful Mountain Bike Racing Season
Mountain biking, RacingWhat’s up mountain bikers? It’s Coach Adam here!
One of the greatest advantages you can have during racing season is to be well prepared. Preparation is KEY to riding your best race and to minimizing potential pitfalls, while you are out there on the track.
So today, I’m going to share with you my top 5 strategies to help you have a successful racing season.
Dirt Squad Youth Team members Rhys Blair and Kai Sargent, racing at the 2023 Sooke Enduro.
1. Check your bike.
Check every bolt, rotor, brake pad, chain link, cog, chain ring, everything. And be sure to check the cleats on your shoes. Cleats only tend to come loose on race day.
You’ve spent all this time training and preparing… make sure your rig is fully ready too!
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen an athlete put hundreds of hours into their preparation spent thousands of dollars on a flight a big chunk of money on an entry fee only to have a mishap in a race from something that was completely preventable, had they checked their bike.
2. Plan your pre-ride.
Know the course profile. Know the amount of elevation and length of each course. Look for videos on Trailforks or YouTube to help you visualize what lies ahead on every corner. Know where you’re going. Know the length and characteristics of each stage.
3. Plan your fueling and hydration.
How you feel on race day will have a lot to do with how you fuel during pre ride. If you go deep into your reserves during practice you won’t have enough gas for race day.
*Remember that for optimal performance, you’re going to require 60-120g of carbs per hour EVERY hour depending on how demanding the transfers will be.
4. Rest.
Find somewhere, either the day before or two days out to take a rest day. Don’t pre-ride too much. Rest is super important to make sure you have the gas in the tank and muscle recovery that you’ll need to ride your best on race day.
Taking a easy day 2 days before the race is ideal, but don’t go into the race TOO fresh. That can make you feel sluggish.
5. Make a pre-race checklist.
This is a schedule of what you’re going to do every hour for at least 24 to 36 hours before the race. Take a lined piece of paper, start at the bottom with your start time of your race, and work your way backwards up the page. Make note of what you’ll be doing every hour prior to your race, and STICK TO THIS SCHEDULE!
The more things you can control, the less things you leave to chance, the less nervous and anxious you’re going to be before the race. Control the controllables and have a wicked race. And most importantly, have FUN!
Now GO CRUSH IT!
Is your young rider keen to race? Learn about our Dirt Squad Youth Development Program HERE!
Thriving as a Woman in the Male Dominated Sport of Mountain Biking
Mountain bikingHave you ever looked around a MTB trailhead parking lot and wondered where all the girls and women are? Or have you ever noticed the ratio of women to men in the Whistler lift line?
Mountain biking is a male dominated sport, and being a woman in this industry can be challenging. It can be intimidating and lonely. Although the female presence in mountain biking is growing, there are still major inequalities when it comes to the industry and the opportunities that are available to women.
When it comes to learning the basics of mountain biking, it is essential that women learn the fundamental technical skills, rather than just “pulling up” for a jump or “pushing through” a techy section.
Male riders naturally have more brute force and can push themselves out of a hard compression or heavy impact, whereas women typically struggle a little more to absorb harder and imperfect landings. Having the proper techniques for jumps, drops and steep rollers allow us female riders to have the confidence in our abilities to try new and challenging features with less risk and more confidence.
But it is not all about skills and how good we are on the bike. It is also about how we are perceived in the sport. Women and men will always be compared in sports, even when we are not competing against one another.
Being a female rider can be discouraging as we are constantly compared to men, their pace, DH times, and jumping ability. The constant comparison can affect our confidence and enjoyment of the sport. Women can put in the same amount of training as men, but experience different results as opportunities vary, and body structures differ.
As a fairly new member of the MTB community, I value such a positive and inviting environment, where my thoughts, abilities and experiences are heard and celebrated. The Cycling Co. promotes excitement for ALL riders regardless of how they identify, and really highlights the importance of female riders’ improvement and involvement.
Our coaching team looks to share the stoke, and provide ample opportunities to build strong basic skills and techniques and build on already established abilities in a safe and fun space.
As female riders become more prominent, and mountain biking continues to grow as a whole, there is so much potential for equality, encouragement and stoke in such an open and loving sport. Being a female in what is a male dominated sport is challenging at times, however, there are many milestones, achievements and much growth to be celebrated!
Happy International Women’s Day to all you incredible women out there! I can’t wait to see what the future of mountain biking holds for us! See you on the trails!
Join our women only programs to build your skills and confidence on the bike! All women’s programs are open and inclusive of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
Pre-Ride Bike Check Checklist
Mountain bikingIt is always a great idea to do a pre-ride bike check before every ride, even if you rode the day before. You never know when a bolt has come loose, a tire is a little flat or your chain is creaky.
If you’ve ever taken a lesson or clinic with The Cycling Co., or if you ride with one of our weekly groups, you will be familiar with our routine pre-ride bike check. We encourage you to NOT ONLY complete it when you’re with us, but also when you ride on your own. Our pre-ride bike check is as simple as A, B, C. We literally call it our ABCs.
Pre-Ride Bike Check Checklist:
This pre-ride checklist is applicable to bikes in all disciplines, whether you ride a road, gravel or mountain bike.
When we check out tires we often feel them with our hands, pressing down on the top of our wheel with our palm (as opposed than pinching the sides). We want our tires to have a firmness similar to an apple or an orange. For a more precise air pressure we can check our PSI, with a digital tire pressure gauge or a pump gauge.
Many riders have specific pressures that they use for different trails and weather conditions (i.e. slick/wet rooty rides would benefit from a lower PSI, while a higher PSI would be better for drier/tacky trails). Tire pressure is all about rider preference, as we all have different bikes, bodies and riding styles.
“B” is for Brakes
It is important to have working brakes, so make sure you do not skip this step.
If there is play in either brake, this could indicate that your brake pads are worn out, or that you need a brake bleed. If your brakes are an area of concern it is best to visit your local shop for a tune up!
To check your chain, stand next to your bike and give your pedals a couple spins backwards. Listen to your chain and cassette to make sure that there are no loud creaks, clanks and crunches. Look at your cassette and chain to ensure that it is lubed up, and be aware of rust and gunk (grass, chunks of mud, etc.).
Having a dirty chain can affect the longevity of your cassette and chain as well as impact the smoothness of gear shifting. After each ride you should rinse your bike with a hose and be sure to clear your chain and cassette of any debris and dirt. To avoid a creaky, rusty chain, be sure to lube it after each wash.
“D” is for Drop Test
Our last step is the “Drop Test”.
Lift your bike a few inches off the ground and lightly drop it so that it gently lands on its wheels within your grasp. Listen for any knocking, or clanking that could indicate a loose bolt or something out of the ordinary on your bike.
If you do notice an unusual sound, repeat the drop test until you can source where on the bike the sound is coming from. The drop test is a quick and easy way to simulate a drop or bump on a trail that would make your bike rattle.
Weekly Bike Check:
Do you ride every day of the week? Or are you more of a weekend warrior? No matter how much you ride, be sure to do bolt checks after every few rides. A frequent rider should check all the bolts on their bike at least once a week. A weekend warrior should check their bolts at least every other week. The more you ride, the more chance your bolts will loosen and compromise your safety, performance, and your bike’s functionality.
What do I mean by “BOLT CHECK”?
Use your multitool or set of allen keys to check that all the bolts on your bike are snug, and do not have any play. Check your front and rear axles, and headset more frequently.
Headsets commonly come loose as they are constantly in use. To check your headset, pull your front brake, and turn your bars the same way (your front brake should be closest to you). Place your free hand lightly around your headset/steer tube and gently rock your bike back and forth. If your headset is loose you will feel a slight knock/movement. Tighten accordingly.
If you have any concerns about your bike and how it is functioning, call our friends at Westshore Bikes in Langford! Having a professional check your bike or do a full tune up at least once a year is always a good idea! THe crew at Westshore Bikes is always happy to answer any questions, and concerns and will get you back on the trails as soon as possible!
Now go check your bike and get out on two wheels!
Happy and safe riding!
What’s In My Mountain Biking Pack?
Mountain bikingAre you looking to be MORE prepared on your mountain bike rides? Do you want to be MORE self-sufficient on the mountain? Let’s get packed and make sure we have everything we need for whatever the trails throw our way. Let’s chat about what’s in my mountain biking pack!
I use a USWE backpack that holds a 3L bladder and has a lot of space for snacks, layers and tools. BUT some days a pack feels like too much, so I also use a Bontrager hip pack that carries sufficient amounts of snacks, tools and an extra bottle.
For really big riding days that are deeper in trail networks I tend to use my backpack, as it fits more gear and holds more water, while my hip pack is great for days where I have access to refill and feed stations or need less layers/gear.
POC, Bontrager, USWE and EVOC have many great options for hip packs and backpacks that hug your body, but don’t restrict your movement or abilities when climbing and descending.
Compact Mountain Bike TOOLS
A multi tool goes a long way when it comes to on-trail bike maintenance. You never know when you’ll need to tighten a bolt, adjust a headset, or check your through axle. Having a packable multitool with a variety of allen key sizes, a phillips head, spoke wrench and a chain tool, you can fix most issues on a bike, or at least get you out of the woods and to the bike shop.
There are many different options out there for tools, but here are a few favorites that fit in your stem, pocket or bag: OneUp EDC Tool, PRO Minitool 8, Crankbrothers
M17.
We all know flats are annoying, however, they are less so when you are prepared and have the tools to fix them. Whether I am coaching or out on a solo ride, my pack will be supplied with a tube, tire levers and an air pump/CO₂canister. A major part to being self-sufficient on the trails is having the tools and pieces to fix your bike. Even if you don’t know how to repair a flat, or struggle to fix a broken chain, having your own tools and parts will allow others to help you repair your bike trailside.
SNACKS to Fuel Your Mountain Bike Adventures
Some of my favorite snacks to have on hand are Honey Stinger Gummies, Hornby Organic Bars, a classic PB & Jam sandwich, a banana and pickles! It can be easy to slam back energy GUs and gummies all day but having a variety of real food (homemade and prepackaged) will bring your mid-ride snacking and energy levels to new heights.
Recommended Wearable Mountain Bike Gear
Cold weather brings a whole new set of challenges. Mechanicals and crashes bring the risk of hypothermia. Skin exposed to the cold declines power output, and the perfect set of layers are hard to come by.
Here at The Cycling Co. we always highlight the importance of packing extra gloves, but we also always make sure we as coaches and our riders have a jacket packed. Jackets are essential as they protect riders from the rain, mud and cold when shredding up and down the mountain, but also keeps riders warm when they’re taking a break or dealing with on-trail maintenance and slow-moving circumstances.
Check out 7mesh’s Copilot and Skypilot jackets or Fox’s wide variety performance jackets for lightweight, warm, moisture wicking and packable options.
HYDRATION Options for Mountain Bikers
If you know you’re riding somewhere you can refill this is less of a stressor, but if you’re in the backcountry trails, make sure you plan accordingly and know your water consumption tendencies. Not sure which electrolytes are good? Check out nuun, Scratch Labs and XACT!
Which FIRST AID Supplies to Pack for Any Mountain Bike Ride
It never hurts to be over prepared. Whether it’s a little cut, or a big bleed, having a First Aid kit with you is always a great idea.
Big days on the bike aren’t easy on the body and can lead to fatigue, brain fog and mistakes – so being prepared with band aids, gauze, slings, tensors, a splint and emergency blankets can make a huge difference.
Having a full on first aid kit in your pack is not realistic but having a few of the essentials can make a bad situation a lot less detrimental.
Check out High Above for packable First Aid Kit options, or DIY your own first aid kit into a watertight ziplock baggie!
In Summary
Whether you’re going for an all-day adventure or just a couple of laps at your local mountain, make sure you and your pack are ready for whatever the ride has in store for you. If you use single use supplies from your pack make sure to replace them (preferably before your next ride) or set a weekly or monthly schedule for a full on pack check to ensure its complete with all the necessities.
Now get packed up and go ride your bike!
Mountain Biking Gift Guide: Winter Edition
Mountain bikingDo you have a rider in your family or a friend in your riding group that is always complaining about being cold on their rides? Or is it you, who comes home as a human popsicle after each shred sesh?
Tis the season of gifts and giving!
So here is a guide to help warm up that year round mountain biker you’re shopping for.
Stocking Stuffers & Smaller Gifts:
An extra pair of gloves always goes a long way. Whether it is snowing, raining or just plain cold, packing extra gloves (in a ziplock baggie) will make someone’s ride that much better. The Cycling Co.’s coaches all live by the 100% Brisker Gloves; insulated padding across the back of the hand keeps in heat, while the thick but moveable palm keeps riders one with their bike. A pair of Briskers and a couple hot hand packets are a great duo for any rider who rips, no matter the temperature.
What pairs great with gloves? SOCKS!
Cold feet are hard to get away from when the trails are full of mud and slush. Pull on a pair of Rocky Gortex waterproof socks on top of your everyday riding socks and your feet will stay warm and dry throughout an entire ride.
Rocky socks not for you? Check out Giro’s Xtenic H20 sock! Wrap these up in a new water bottle with a couple ride snacks and call it a day!
Looking to really fill those stockings with some goodies? Mountain bikers can never have too many snacks on hand. LaraBars, Hornby Organics, Honey Stingers waffles/chews, GUs, and CLIF Bars all make for a quick and easy snack to throw into a pocket or bag for each ride.
Staple Pieces:
Looking for a bigger gift? Here are some of the coaches’ favorite staples:
Coach Adam never leaves for a winter ride without his 7mesh Copilot jacket. It’s great to have on hand when it’s already wet out or the forecast is calling for rain. This Gortex jacket is water and windproof, has big pockets, an over the helmet hood AND packs down into a small, easily packable pouch. Any rider would luck out to have this under the tree with their name on it.
The 7mesh Anorak thermal hoodie is a staple layer for Coach Jules. The Anorak can be worn as a base layer for
extra cold days or used as a thermal top layer. It keeps you feeling cozy and protected with its thick fabrics, soft waffle lining and hood. The quarter zip allows for ventilation once you get climbing, and provides ample protection from wind when shredding down the mountain. This hoodie will become a staple in any rider’s cold weather attire as well as everyday style.
Tired of cold legs? Check out Ride NF DP4 Team ride pants. They are thicker than a light summer ride pant, but still have the stretch and breathability that riders need. If those don’t catch your eye, check out the Fox Defend Pant. These pants will keep riders warm by shedding moisture, dirt and mud as they shred down the mountain. Both of these pant choices have color options and sizes to suit every rider on your gift list.
Do you know a rider who never fails to hit every mud puddle in their path or a rider who can never get enough wet, sloppy, Prevost laps? Well, waterproof mountain bike pants might be a great gift idea. 7mesh’s Thunder Pant keep riders dry, even on the wettest days! These Gortex pants protect from the rain, mud, and wind. They make changing after a wet ride easy, as they keep base layers feeling untouched and they can be easily hosed off and put away for the next ride.
5 Things I Learned in My First Year of Bike Racing
Enduro, RacingAfter a solid season learning fundamentals, crashing in the mud, slipping on roots, lapping dusty, rutted parks, long pedaling adventures in many of this island’s great trail networks and generally getting comfortable on my mountain bike, I thought it was time to take it a step further and try some RACING. I love a good climb and getting that solid cardio workout. But boy, oh boy, I am here for that fast, blood pumping, heart racing descent. Enduro racing was the choice for me.
In spring and summer 2022, I competed in 9 different enduros, ranging from The Island Cup Series, Women’s only enduros, to the National Norco Canadian Enduro Series, and I even raced in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Over the last six months I have learned so much from these events – from a racer’s perspective as well as from a community mountain biker’s standpoint.
The Island Cup’s Enduro Series at Hammerfest. (Mountain Made Digital, Sean Power)
Goal setting can change the way you ride and train
After signing up for my first race (Island Cup Enduro at Mt. Tzouhalem) my old varsity athlete brain kicked into high gear, and I jumped headfirst into training. Mt. Tzouhalem was the place I fell in love with mountain biking and is still one of my favorite trail networks – which meant I wanted to absolutely CRUSH this race. To do so I had to set some goals. What did I want to take away from this racing season? Podiums and Medals? Well obviously, who doesn’t! But more importantly, I wanted to see how I could improve my riding on different terrain and how much I could push myself on my bike to be stronger, faster, and more agile.
I found that this goal setting changed the way I rode on a daily basis, whether it was hitting a new drop, climbing a techy trail with no dabs or getting that beloved QOM/KOM on everyone’s favorite trail. These goals pushed me to pedal harder, even when my legs wanted to stop and trying trails that were outside of my wheelhouse and comfort zone.
My goals made me want to ride more, at a harder pace and drop into gnarlier and gnarlier trails to push to see how much more I could handle. It changed my goals in the gym as well with a focus on my power output and my body’s resilience to mountain biking’s unforgiving and spectacular crashes. Racing has helped me define goals to improve my overall riding so I could compete at different races on all types of terrain and difficulties.
Coal Town Throwdown Women’s Enduro in Cumberland, BC.
2. The Racing Community ROCKS!
A spring and summer of racing has left me with a tired body, happy heart, and a whole lot of new friends. The enduro racing community has enhanced my riding experience tenfold as I have met so many rad people who not only want to see each other succeed while competing against one another, but also genuinely help and care for everyone.
My 1st racing season has shown me what the mountain biking community is all about– shredding sick trails, pushing yourself to the limit, hyping each other up and having a whole lot of fun. I finished this season with A LOT of new riding buddies all over the province, and so much appreciation for the support and stoke that has been shown by everyone. I cannot wait for next season to see what more it has to offer.
3. It is a MENTAL game just as much a PHYSICAL one
Yes, mountain biking and racing can be extremely exhausting and hard on the body (especially when you hit the ground a few times), but it is just as hard on your mental capacity. Racing is a mental game, as you must be in a mindset ready to push yourself to your limits. Even on the days you are tired and sore, or days you feel stressed, fatigued, anxious or just plain nervous for the trails you’re about to send it down you have to push those thoughts back, believe in your capabilities, and trust your bike, then put your head down and drop in. The races that I was overthinking or was in my own head were the ones where I rode the worst and felt the most drained after.
Mental mindset and battling thoughts is exhausting and is something that needs practice. It doesn’t always come naturally–it improves over time and with deliberate effort. Racing has taught me that I need to be kinder to myself, have more trust in my own abilities, and also remember I am there to have FUN on my bike.
4. There are more than just your 4 favorite trails
Let’s face it, we all have those trails we ride repeatedly with our friends every time we hit the mountain. Every berm, rock, roll and root is ingrained in our brains, and we can ride it in our sleep. Well, I hate to break it to you, but there are so many more fun trails than just the four local favorites. Racing has sent me down many new trails that I would probably not have explored if I was out on my own or even with pals. Race routes have you trying something new, testing new lines and challenging your skills and fitness with different terrain, stage length and varying difficulty. Racing opens trail networks as you push to pedal further, navigate different zones and veer away from what you’re comfortable on.
Norco Canadian Enduro Series Championship weekend in Whistler, BC. (OisinMchughPhoto, Oisin McHugh)
5. If you’re not having fun… you’re doing it WRONG.
Bikes are supposed to be fun. That’s why we ride them right? Well, racing is supposed to be fun too. Yes, competition adds another level of adrenaline and stress to the mix, but if you’re racing and not having fun, you’re doing it wrong. I like winning and proving that my handwork has paid off. But if that’s the only reason you’re showing up on race day, there is something missing. You could be racing in a small local event or for a national title, either way you’ve got to have some fun along the way or else why are you doing it? Racing is just another day on the bike, but with timed efforts, and maybe a little bit of added stress–so why not make it FUN.
This past racing season has made me a better and more confident rider. It made me part of a new community that I don’t think I will ever want to leave. Racing, and competing may not be for everyone, but the community and the support that comes with it should be experienced and shared by everyone.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Montana Enduro Series. (Fletcher Ouren)
Dirt Squad – 2022 Island Cup Enduro Series Final
EnduroWhat a day! What a race! What a season!
(Author: Julia Gallant)
The Island Cup Island Enduro Series Final at Maple Mountain in Duncan, BC was hot, gruelling and a test to all riders competing. After a dry hot summer, riders were sent up to the top of Maple Mountain, to come back down some of the favourite local and very dusty trails (Upper and lower Maple Syrup, Phloem, Upper Story Trail, and Tony’s Arbutus). Each stage had riders pedalling, breathing hard and focusing on where they were putting their wheels next.
Loose corners, dusty chutes and a hot sun didn’t deter our Dirt Squad. They were in it for the long haul, and a summer full of riding paid off. The Dirt Squad riders pushed the pace and it showed in the results. After a day of technical descents, punchy climbs and strong efforts, we found many of our athletes on the podium and with Top 10 finishes!
But that’s not all!
Not only did The Dirt Squad have strong finishes over weekend, but also throughout the entire series. Their consistency and determination were seen across the eight races of the series. This all being said, The Dirt Squad had 2 take the podium with very strong overall standings.
Now it’s time for some rest, off season riding and hopefully a little rain!
The Cycling Co. is beyond proud of all its athletes and can not wait to see what next season has in store!
Mountain Biking Safely During a Pandemic
Mountain biking, UncategorizedSpring Is Here!
…oh, wait, what’s THIS?
But, there’s this little thing…a microscopic thing. This coronavirus. The little thing that no one can see that has messed with the world beyond anything we have ever experienced.
The world has slowed down. Many of us are off work. We’ve got all this time to ride. For some, it’s the most free time they have ever had. So it’s tempting to call your crew and hit the trails. But it’s so important that you don’t!
While here on Vancouver Island, we have not seen the same tragic effects that Covid-19 is having elsewhere, it is imperative that we do not become complacent. We all need to ride alone or only with those we live with.
Sadly, over the past week, I have seen many disregard the instructions from the government, health agencies, our local trail organizations, and Cycling BC. I’ve been passed by groups on the trails and seen people gathering for group rides with those who are clearly not family or house mates.
Is Two Meters Really Enough?
Experts have recommended that we keep a 2-meter buffer between us and those around us. But what about when we are riding? On your bike, 2m is not enough. And here’s why…
Even if you are the recommended 2m apart, on a bike you are moving, and your “respiratory signature” follows you with a comet-like, cone shaped path, rather than the sphere-like shape when we are stationary or walking.
This comet-cone of snot, sweat, and frothy-mouthed respiratory spew is following you in your wake. And the faster you are moving, the farther this cloud of “you” hangs in the air behind you.
Now, unless you have been living under a rock, you know that it’s possible to be infected with Covid-19 and show no symptoms for up to 14 days. Do you really want to go riding with your buddies and share spew trails?
I didn’t think so.
Exercise for Mental Health
We also know that exercise is good for our mental health and for our immune system. Personally, I become an anxious headcase if I can’t get on my bike. But it might be best to take it relatively easy. If we head out on epic full day missions that can be very taxing on the body and actually SUPPRESSES immune function. Certainly, we can all agree that immune function is very important right now.
And then there’s the safety concerns…
We have heard that the hospitals, at least locally here in Victoria, are still relatively vacant, but that’s not an invitation to go full-send and risk an injury that will land you in the ER. Do you really want to be in a place where infection is a risk?
Ok, ok, I’ve heard the rebuttal that you might be more likely to slip in the shower than crash your bike. And there’s also the argument that riding slow is more dangerous than riding fast. (I’ve actually had my worst crashes from hitting something too slow). But I think the really important takeaway here is simply this:
Use your head.
Be smart.
Ride alone.
Keep the wheels close to the ground.
And finish your ride with something left in the tank.
So what should you do?
Get out and do some rides where you are simply riding for the pure enjoyment of being on your bicycle. If all you normally do is ride your mountain bike, go for a road ride. Hit up some gravel riding. If you normally smash endro laps, go for some xc. Even go for a hike. The change will benefit you in more ways than you might expect and you might even notice that you really enjoy other types of exercise and movement.
If we can all chill out a bit, keep our distance, and be responsible, this will likely pass.
So when your buddy calls and asks you to head for a rip with a bunch of your endurbros, be responsible and just say no. Deal with the FOMO – You’ll live, I promise. There will be more rides. As long as we ALL just chill for now.
Let’s all get through this together, but apart from each other. #apartnotalone
See you on Instagram!