Once in a while, I am wondering during my training rides if cyclists are basically aware of the meaning of 'training'. A 'training' rides is not a disguised race but should rather be a chance to experience camaraderie, train specific aspects of your weakness but also improve on strength like sprinting, climbing, endurance etc.
Here in Taiwan people are training on public roads
- don't have any regards for traffic rules
- don't know the meaning of 'consideration' for other road users or even fellow cyclists
- do even show a certain kind of violence not only towards themselves but also to others riders
- are willing to sacrifice personal (e. g. excessive speed downhill) and public safety (e. g. traffic rules like red light) to gain some seconds on their cycling computer.
Again, here I am not talking about conditions of a race (or competition) but the daily madness on public roads here in Taiwan and, to some extent, in other countries.
According to the Cambridge Dictionary training is 'to exercise a lot and eat particular food in order to prepare yourself for a competition'; the meaning of training is therefore 'to exercise' - n o t to go out and kill each other during a 'disguised' road race!
For the last 2 1/2 years I've stepped up my cycling training and now, at 56 years old, I feel fitter than ever in my life. Even during the 1980's, when I trained before starting my German compulsory military service, I did not feel as fit as I do today. When the weather plays its part I ride at least one hour every day.
Step 1 - to arrive:
Equipment:
A converted 'road' mountain bike with mustache handlebar and bar end shifters.
Motivation:
At the beginning of my 'cycling career', I rode like everyone else - to 'arrive' at the finish or goal of the day. At first, this sounds very simple but when you live in a hilly country like Taiwan with 286 mountain summits over 3,000 meters (9,800 ft) it is not that easy to reach a goal all the time. I've started out with flats on bike paths and even they were not that straightforward to ride as a novice. And remember, you still have to ride back home....
Step 2 - to improve:
Equipment:
A pure road bike with mustache handlebar and bar end shifters.
Motivation:
Not much later I rode on public roads with some hills and was very surprised to find out how my body adapted to these challenges. With every drop of sweat, my satisfaction with my performance grew and my skills on the bike got better. After every trip, my hunger was not only satisfied but grew for the next ride. The rides got further and the hills grew higher; I even left the main road just to conquer higher hills and mountains nearby.
Step 3 - to master:
Equipment:
A pure road bike with drop bars, combined brake/shift levers, clipless pedals.
Motivation:
With my pure road I've hit a 'performance wall' and therefore decided to take the plunge. I've upgraded to clipless pedals, another quantum leap in my performance. They took a learning curve to master but I never leave without them - even on tours.
After 2 1/2 years (riding several thousand kilometers a years) I would say that I came to a level that you can throw any road condition, any hill or any downhill at me and I am still able to ride at a 'very reasonable' speed. I even find the time to check out other rider's style and occasionally teach and encourage younger riders to pursue the beautiful sport of cycling.
Training Ride:
Before each training ride, I decide what I want to train, endurance (strength) or speed and choose the road according to my training goals - flat roads for speed, hilly roads for strength! To spice up I try not to use the same goals for the following days- except when I have a particular objective. To prepare for a bike challenge I wanted to conquer one special mountain. I did not do it on the first but tried also on the 2nd following day and succeeded!
Safety
It's amazing that riders on carbon and steel bikes only wear cool (?) cycling caps ... A helmet and gloves but, more important, a defensive riding style are the best safety measures, why implementing them?
Rules
On my training rides, I try to obey traffic rules, even if others don't. Once, while waiting, a father with his son on this tail, purposely ran over a red traffic light. After the green light, I reminded the father 'that he has responsibilities to teach his son to obey traffic rules' while I overtook them. In shame, he tried to smile...
I also slow down when I see other road users like children, families, and elders. It is not only a courtesy but do I know how they behave? To be prepared is key to avoid accidents...
When I turn from one road to another I signal this with my (left or right) arm clearly for others to see. I don't know why not more people do this.
Training rides are a great way to try out new equipment, new clothes, and different riding positions or styles. I never grow weary to try out new things or see if changes really improve my ride in terms of comfort and efficiency. In case of a challenge, it is important to know what works and tastes good, training is a great way to find out...
A Word of Caution
Always ride with a helmet and in a way that you are in control of the bike and not the other way around. It is senseless to gain some seconds but spend weeks to recover in a hospital and at home! Ride responsible, defensively and safe; I am sure your body, parents, family and friends will appreciate your precautions during a bike ride.
Take care, Gerhard
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