classics Archives - Tailwind Coaching

The Gravel Guru: Top Training Tips For Your Next Gravel Grinder
The Gravel Guru: Top Training Tips For Your Next Gravel Grinder

Coaching discussion, Dirt roads and gravel grinders, Skills and techniques

The Gravel Guru: Top Training Tips For Your Next Gravel Grinder

Gravel grinders have become one of the most popular types of cycling events out there. From events like Dirty Kanza and Battenkill to the myriad of smaller gravel grinders that happen on a weekly basis, people are learning that it's fun to turn down the road less traveled.

Whether you're riding a dedicated gravel bike or a regular road bike, there are plenty of things you can do to increase your enjoyment of a gravel grinder. In this episode of the Tailwind Coaching Podcast, I'll get into the basics of a solid gravel grinder training program. So click on through the jump and learn what you can do to handle the gravel a little better next time you want to get dirty.

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Tags: classics, Coaching, gravel grinding, training|

Motivation Monday: Monkey Knife Fight For Fun and Fitness Profit
Motivation Monday: Monkey Knife Fight For Fun and Fitness Profit

Dirt roads and gravel grinders, Motivation, Personal narratives

Motivation Monday: Monkey Knife Fight For Fun and Fitness Profit

It's been no secret that last year was a tough year for me when it comes to riding a bike. I spent much of the year planning and executing a plan, but not a typical training plan. No, buying a business (most of you know I'm a chiropractor by trade) was a plan unlike any other that sucked most of the time out of my life. I raced all of four races last year and put in the fewest training hours I've logged in any year in the last half a decade.

Because of that, and because I now have the additional responsibilities of running a practice, it's time for a renaissance of sorts.

“Friends don't let friends get fat”

I had been looking for a little motivation to build my early season on. Sitting on the trainer isn't the most fun, so a fun early season target would be most welcome. What was out there that would be worth doing, though?

This most recent challenge, which I intend to document in a series called “Motivation Monday” is based on a challenge/request from a friend of mine (thanks, Nate!) Nate, much like myself, spent much of last year on the sidelines, albeit for very different reasons. Those reasons don’t really matter, suffice to say he was in the saddle less than I was. Recently, when he texted me and asked if I had any interest in an early season ride, he framed it a little differently then most requests people make:

“Monkey Knife Fight – April 14th. I've been intrigued by this ride for a few years and I should really stop being fat. Any interest?”

How can you say no to that?

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Tags: classics, gravel riding, Motivation, motivation monday, narrative|

Spring Classics Discount Code!
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Spring Classics Discount Code!

Battenkill, Dirt roads and gravel grinders, Motivation

Spring Classics Discount Code!

Spring means a lot of things. It means the end of a long, cold winter. It heralds the end of the trainer season and the arrival of outdoor riding. Roads are clearing, salt is washing away and buds begin to appear on the trees. Spring also means that classics season is on the professional peloton's menu. The world is coming alive and with it, the cycling community begins to emerge from winter hibernation.

Hopefully, you've been building some solid base fitness indoors with Zwift and you're ready to take your training outdoors. To help you do that, and to pay homage to the spring classics, I'm offering you a chance to pick up any of my downloadable training plans at a discount.

Click through the jump for details on how to grab this awesome deal!

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Tags: classics, Coaching, discount code|

Tips To Crush Battenkill (And Other Gravel Grinders)
Tips To Crush Battenkill (And Other Gravel Grinders)

Battenkill, Coaching discussion, Cycling and training tips and tricks, Dirt roads and gravel grinders, Training discussion

Tips To Crush Battenkill (And Other Gravel Grinders)

So you want to enter a gravel grinder event like Tour of the Battenkill, but you're worried that you don't have the skills necessary to compete? Maybe you want to turn down that dirt road that you've passed a hundred times on your rides but you're nervous about staying upright on the gravel? Or perhaps your goal is to tackle some tough, unpaved backroad climbs like those in the Vermont Green Mountains to prove how tough you are?

You're not alone. Gravel grinder events have witnessed a meteoric rise in popularity in the past few years. They have even spawned a completely distinct line of bikes and equipment. The best equipment in the world won't help you if you don't know how to train for a gravel grinder, though. I'll show you what you need to succeed.

Gravel Grinder Success Is In The Preparation

Many people think that success in a gravel grinder race or event like Battenkill comes on race day. In fact, you can lose an event or miss a target goal by not prepping yourself for success along the way. Whether you're nervous about riding on dirt roads or how to handle your nutritional requirements, I've got a few tips to help set your mind at ease and prepare you for the worst dirt roads you can imagine.

Click through the jump and pick up 6 tips to get you gravel grinding with the confidence of an off-road veteran.

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Tags: battenkill, classics, Coaching, tips and tricks, training|

Gravel Grinding (Podcast #26)

Interbike this season has confirmed what I have long advocated: that riding on dirt and gravel is not insane, and can actually be fun! Events like the Dirty Kanza and D2R2 have been exponentially growing in popularity for several years now, and bike manufacturers are starting to build dedicated gravel bikes by the truckload. From the BMC GranFondo GF01 disc to the Giant Revolt, companies are jumping into the newest market segment with both feet.

But do you really need to go out and buy a gravel specific machine just to have fun on your local “road less traveled” or can you have plenty of fun with what you've got in your garage right now? In today's podcast, I'll discuss the differences between road, cyclocross and gravel bikes, what pros and cons each offers, the “ultimate solution to riding on dirt” and some of the tips, tricks and skills necessary to make your gravel grinds safe and fun.

As always, don't forget to rate the Tailwind Coaching Podcast on iTunes, and shoot on over to the Tailwind Coaching Facebook Page to ask any questions you may have.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 47:38 — 43.6MB)

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Tags: classics, podcast|