Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Focusing on the Little Things

Biking is happening. This has been fun and as we approach race season, focusing on the little things becomes more and more important. Remember people, the decisions we make today play a big factor in how we race come, uh, three weeks from now. Little things: awesome. I'd like to share one of the things that I've been focusing on to try and make the 2014 season my best one yet.

I've been thinking about parts in bike races that are hard for me. Certain moments in races that stand out are those pesky mountainous terrains where little people pretend that the road didn't change gradient, when really it did. So what little things apply here? Food choices? Equipment? Gearing selection? All of these are relevant, sure, but I've pinpointed something better, something different, to help me make it over lumpy terrains a bit easier. I've discovered how to simply... eliminate those climbs from bicycle tournaments. Proof!

I was experimenting here, and although I did the same climb eight times, I only did FOUR climbs. 

Getting more precise with my calculations. Same climb, six times, or WAS IT??!?!?!

How'd I do it?!?! A Lake WA loop basically flat?
I've been experimenting with this technology for awhile now. Check out stage two from Joe Martin Stage Race last year!



Unless Steve did 4,500 feet of climbing during his three-mile cooldown, you can tell that I had some excellent line choices as well as a successful trial of my new anti-uphill technologies. As you can see by the 2,288 feet of elevation gain, my technology still wasn't perfected.

After nine months of practice, I feel better about my "climbing".

Look out Tour of the Gila, I've figured out how to essentially ride through the center of hills. You know how a mole just kind of burrows its way through bumpy terrain? That's basically what I've been doing on the road, but to a more extended degree.

I'll sell you the technology behind this skill for 100 trillion million dollars.