 This book is about using the power of your mind to ride your best. The subjects of cycling fitness and nutrition are well documented, but how to train the cycling mind is a less familiar aspect. I found it a fascinating read which gave me lots of tips and advice about mental training.
It's written by two renowned experts. Mark Beaumont, the Scottish cycling legend and Dr Jim Taylor who is a leading authority on sports psychology. This book isn't just for round the world cyclists or serious racing cyclists, it's for everyone who uses a bicycle. This is summed up nicely in this quote from the book: "...it is about getting the most out of yourself and your life...to give you the inspiration, insights, information, and tools to find your own personal greatness, and experience essential meaning, satisfaction, and joy in both your cycling and life journeys." This is a key point- the information in this book can be just as useful in everyday life. It's about using your mind to overcome adversity and become a more positive person. The book has 240 pages with a sharp design that features bold images of Mark on his training runs. There are tips and exercises that can help you to train your mind. It's thought-provoking stuff and it made me think about my rides and how I can apply this knowledge to ride better. Take the chapter on 'attitudes'. It teaches you to have a positive attitude when you go on a ride. If its bad weather you could moan about this and it will have a negative impact on your performance. But if you see bad weather as just a part of the experience of riding a bike you will feel more positive about it. You will see it as something that you take on to achieve your goal. There's so much great content in this book. There's even a chapter about emotions with tips on how to overcome the trauma of a bike crash. I found the most interesting chapter to be the one on 'self-talk' which is about the things you tell yourself when you are riding a bike. Negative self-talk, like saying "I can't do this" when faced with a steep hill will have a negative impact on performance. The book tells you how to train yourself to use positive self-talk, even in challenging situations. The book is filled with real life examples of cycling psychology from Mark Beaumont. These sections are called 'inside Mark's mind'. For anyone who has followed the cycling adventures of Mark this is the highlight of the book. It provides an intimate and personal insight to what was going on in Mark's mind when facing these challenges. For example, he recalls a low point during his around the world cycle. He was in Canada and encountered a herd of bison. He found this experience with nature exhilarating. It helped him to refocus on why he loves adventure cycling, that opportunity to see amazing things. It pulled him out of the mental low point. This book delivers on both the insight into Mark's cycling mind and providing you with practical advice. It's not just for adventure and competitive cyclists, but anyone who wants to improve their mental fitness. The Complete Guide to Cycling Psychology is published by the Global Cycling Network. You can buy a copy from the GCN website.
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Are you in the market for a BMX bike? If so, it's important to choose the right one for your needs. There are many different types of BMX bikes available, and the price can vary greatly depending on the features and specifications. So, how do you know which one is right for you? In this article, we will discuss the different factors you need to consider when choosing a BMX bike. We will also provide some tips on how to find the best deal on a BMX bike price in order to fit your budget. Let's get started!
What to look for when choosing a BMX bike? When choosing a BMX bike, it's important to consider the type of riding you'll be doing. If you're mostly going to be riding street, then you'll want a bike with larger diameter tires and a beefier frame. If you're going to be doing mostly tricks in the park or on dirt trails, then you'll want a bike with smaller tires and a lighter frame. Other things to consider when choosing a BMX bike include the frame material (steel vs aluminum), number of gears (1 gear or 3 gears), and brake type (v-brakes or coaster brakes). It's also important to make sure the bike fits properly, so be sure to get fitted by a professional before making your purchase. What are the different types of BMX bikes available? There are four main types of BMX bikes: racing, street, dirt, and park. Racing bikes are designed for speed and performance on race tracks. They typically have a lightweight frame and low gearing to allow for fast acceleration. Street bikes are built for stunts and tricks on city streets. They typically feature a heavier frame and more robust components to withstand the wear and tear of urban riding. Dirt bikes are designed for off-road riding in rocky terrain or mud pits. They usually have large knobby tires for traction and high ground clearance to help clear obstacles. Park bikes are designed for use in skate parks or bike parks. They typically have a heavy frame and long wheelbase for stability when performing tricks. How to know which BMX bike type is the best for your needs? The best BMX bike for your needs depends on what you'll be using it for. If you're just starting out, a basic model is probably the best choice. But if you're looking for something more advanced, there are a few things to consider. For starters, think about what type of terrain you'll be riding on most often. If you'll mostly be riding on paved roads or in skate parks, then a street or park bike would be best. But if you're planning to ride off-road or through obstacles, you'll need a bike with thicker tires and a more robust frame. Also, consider your height and weight when choosing a BMX bike. Larger riders may prefer a bike with a longer wheelbase, while smaller riders may prefer a bike with a shorter wheelbase. And if you're planning to do any stunts on your BMX bike, be sure to choose one that's designed for that purpose. How to determine the right size BMX bike for you? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best size BMX bike for you will depend on your height, weight, and riding style. That said, here are three tips to help you find the right size BMX bike for you: 1. Consult the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer to find the appropriate frame size for your height. 2. Choose a BMX bike that's proportional to your weight. Heavier riders should choose bikes with thicker frames and vice versa. 3. Test out different sizes and styles of BMX bikes until you find one that feels comfortable and fits your riding style. Where to find the best price deals on BMX bikes? There are a few places you can find good deals on BMX bike price that will fit your budget. One is online, where you can compare prices from different retailers. Another is at bike shops, which often have sales throughout the year. Finally, you can also check classified ads and online auction sites for used BMX bikes. Whatever route you take, be sure to research the bike before buying it to make sure you're getting a good deal. Also, don't forget to factor in the cost of accessories such as helmets and pads when calculating how much you're spending on your bike. |
