beginner Archives - Tailwind Coaching

Lost Art of the Group Ride – Podcast #45
Lost Art of the Group Ride – Podcast #45

beginner training resources, Coaching discussion, group riding skills and tips, Motivation, Skills and techniques, Tailwind Coaching Podcast, Training discussion

Lost Art of the Group Ride – Podcast #45

Everyone loves a group ride, right? Group rides are chances to catch up with friends, get in a good workout, chase a few stronger riders or tear the legs off your riding buddies. But a group ride is as much a dance as it is a ride, and there are a number of things you SHOULD have learned along your journey as a cyclist. Whether you are a group riding sage or a newly minted rookie, you should observe the rules, the etiquette and the sanctity of the holiest of Sunday cycling practices (aside from watching the pros on Eurosport, of course…)

In today's episode of the Tailwind Coaching Podcast, I'll wax poetic on those things that you need to have learned in order to execute the perfect group ride, and I'll cover a couple of things in the cycling news sphere that caught my attention.

That said, today's podcast will include:

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Tags: beginner, Coaching, group riding, podcast, training|

2014 Holiday Gift Guide

[dc]T[/dc]he holiday gift giving season is nearly upon us, and many of us are creating our own "wish lists" for loved ones to peruse. Others may be on the hunt for the perfect gift for "that crazy bike guy" in their life. In the spirit of the season, I'm listing some of my favorite gifts for beginners, some gifts for the hardcore racing crowd, and a few items that will suit anyone who appreciates the two wheel lifestyle. Without further ado, let's look at some gifts for:

For The Beginner Cyclist

Chamois Butt'r

Beginners to the sport are often somewhat squeamish about the idea of wearing lycra shorts with a chamois in them in the first place. Introducing them to the process of smearing chamois lube (in this case Chamois Butt'r) on their rear end may sound like a huge step, but once they get a couple of lubed up rides in, they'll wonder how they ever did without. Not only does Chamois Butt'r help to prevent chafing during long days in the saddle (and thusly prevent saddle sores) the proprietary non-greasy blend is gentle on sensitive skin and easily washes off both skin and clothing. And if the recipient does tend to suffer from saddle sores, try the Eurostyle which adds a cooling element to cut down on the soreness of long days and weeks in the saddle. Forget the awkwardness of giving your cycling obsessed loved one some bit Butt'r, and dump a tube of lube in their stocking.

$16/8 oz. tube or $20/8 oz. Eurostyle tube.

http://chamoisbuttr.com/

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Tags: beginner, coffee, components, power|

Beginners Group Ride Skills (Podcast #17)
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Beginners Group Ride Skills (Podcast #17)

beginner training resources, group riding skills and tips, Tailwind Coaching Podcast

Beginners Group Ride Skills (Podcast #17)

With the arrival of warm temperatures and sunshine, many people begin to get the itch for company on their rides. Beginners and long time solo riders alike will begin to start searching out group rides. But honestly, how many actually attend one of the gatherings? Why don't more people try them out?

In today's podcast, we'll talk about some of the obstacles beginners (or advanced riders new to the group riding scene) face, and ways to overcome them. We'll also learn some ways to keep ourselves and our fellow group riders safe and happy on their rides.

We'll talk about:

Information you should know before the ride (speed, length, terrain, drop/no drop)
How to endear yourself to a new group (show up EARLY!)
Finding out information from the group before you leave the meeting area.
Learning the importance of communicating with the group.
Safe and predictable riding
Being able to take criticism if you make mistakes.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:05 — 37.6MB)

Subscribe: RSS

Questions and comments are always welcome. Remember to rate this podcast on iTunes.

Tags: beginner, podcast|

Getting Back On The Bike For Spring

With the arrival of daylight savings time, sunshine and warmth comes the itch to get on the bike and get outside again. You see, many cyclists spend the winter taking a break from their bikes; snowshoeing, hiking, skiing, and the dreaded gym often take up many dreary winter hours, keeping us fit and strong, ready to ride again in the spring.

But not so fast, and especially not if you're only a beginner (someone who's only been riding for 3 years or less.) There are a few things you'll want to keep in mind as you begin to dust off your bike and head back out on the open road (or trail, if that's the case.) After the jump, you'll learn just what you should be doing to get yourself moving safely and effectively after a winter layoff.

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Tags: beginner, Coaching, Motivation|