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Post Fondo - What’s Next?

Posted: Oct 06 2011 in Commentary, Events, We Ride

So you spent a lot of time preparing for it, had a good ride and now the 2011 Whistler GranFondo has come & gone...what now?

Celebrate - A Little More!

I hope you have celebrated already, but if not, take a few minutes to further bask in the glory of having completed the 120km ride from Vancouver to Whistler! I do a little celebratory dance about once a day. Needless to say my wife is getting a little tired of me recounting WGF tales. She’ll just have to do it herself next year I guess. Whether you completed the ride in 3:32 or 8:32, you did the giro, fondo or medio—you were fit enough, strong enough and brave enough to get on your bike and celebrate a gorgeous day on a beautiful road in a well-organized event and every participant had his or her own individual challenges and victories. You and I, we DID IT!

Rest

Depending on how much training you did leading up to the Fondo you should consider resting. Take a break from training on the road bike. Now is the time for me to reset and find balance in my life again. REST

Set Goals and Pick out Your Next Kedging Event

I am indeed considering doing the event again, registration for next year’s event recently opened. I’ve certainly paused to consider what’s next: some X-country skiing, a randonnée, more mountain biking, running, hiking or something completely off the map, etc… In the book Younger Next Year by Crowley & Lodge, the authors talk about Kedging. Pick a physical event that will keep you fit and motivated over the winter and go for it.  Like the book, I recommend choosing an event that makes you a little nervous and excited—no use doing something you know you can do! Choose something that’s going to keep you engaged with your training and preparation. The event helps keep you motivated and will make sure you aren’t just “going through the paces” when doing your rides, workouts etc… 

Spread the Word about Cycling and How Great it is!

Take a moment and go for a ride with somebody that is interested but perhaps uninitiated. For the curious, share what you’ve learned. Some of my biggest leaps in skill and fitness as a cyclist have happened while instructing others. Don’t believe it? Try riding slower than your usual pace—it takes skill and develops efficiency.

Get training

Once you’re rested and have paused to consider your next source of motivation. There are many great ways to be fit and active, from spinning classes (check out Peak Centre for Performance’s programs), to XC skiing on the local mountains, time with your local trainer, smaller stepping stone events, active charity events, hiking, skiing, etc… In future articles I’ll get more into some of the great ways you can be training in the winter—but, again, pick an event, decide on the path to get there and go for it!

Get a Tune-Up

I mean you, your training and your bike! Talk to the experts and get your aches and pains looked at... Something bothered you on the long ride? There are a range of professionals that can help you determine a plan to address your challenges: from bike fitters, to coaches, to physiotherapists and massage therapists. Not sure about the most effective way to improve on your ride? Talk to fellow riders, a coach, or trainer, consult the range of great cycling websites, books, magazines and consider the multitude of great cross training options for the off season. Consider your bikes’ current condition—what about a bike tune-up or upgrade? Check out your favorite cycling media to do a little research into your next part or bike upgrade.

Celebrate your victory and let's build on your successes! 

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Jason Bond is a passionate cyclist, cycling coach and personal trainer. He is prep’d and ready for the this years Granfondo. Beyond the WGF, he is excited to take his cycling fitness and transition into cyclo cross for the fall. He is available for group and one-on-one coaching in the gym and on the bike. Visit www.bondtraining.ca for details. Jason is also teaching spin classes this fall and winter at the DB West Van Spin Studio.

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