Toolbox: Cycle sport is intricately mythologized with the heroism and agony of suffering. We watch and marvel not just at the speed and power of the pros, but for the thrill (for us) and suffering (for them) inherent in racing over cobbles, high mountains rain, extreme heat, and even snow. Does being fitter also make you tougher? Does improved fitness actually alter pain tolerance?

Toolbox: We know that exercise and an active lifestyle provides huge benefits to our overall health. But even something as positive as exercise can become addictive and take over our lives for the worse. What are the risk and risk factors for exercise addiction in recreational cyclists?

TOOLBOX: If you love cycling, then you may have come to love many of the behaviors, habits, and goals that come along with enjoying and improving in the sport. Better. Optimal. Perfect? Is that drive always the best thing for performance or happiness?

TOOLBOX: After the first few years of cycling, we learn that the best gear, the fanciest supplements, and the most favorable weather will only get us so far. In order to take performance from good to great, the resources, skills, and extra juice we need to improve comes from the inside, not out. 

Do you ever get the feeling you “don’t have the motivation”? Ever tell yourself you’ve “lost your drive”? As Vizzini advised Inigo Montoya in “The Princess Bride,” when this happens it’s time to go back to the beginning. We break down 3 key steps to keep your drive alive during tough times.

TOOLBOX: The loss of events due to the pandemic can have a big impact on our motivation to train. You may have noticed changes in your motivation to put in mileage, strength train, get on your trainer, eat right, or even get off the couch and go to bed on time. Here's how to use exercise to bust out of that de-motivational funk.

Many serious cyclists dream of their children finding fame and fortune on a bike, following in the footsteps of other great young riders including Mathieu van der Poel and Remco Evenepoel. But the question to ask is what does it take to become a great cyclist? There are three components (pun intended)…

TOOLBOX: Prior to the pandemic, many of us may not have described ourselves as being “resilient” – or have even thought about our own resilience, for that matter. Regardless of whether or not this character strength and its corresponding coping skills were on your radar before early 2020, its definitely on your mind now… Or at least, it should be. 

TOOLBOX: Goals and outcomes from our hard work in training are great, but an over-reliance on the end result can make for an all-or-nothing experience for some competitive cyclists. Focusing on the process to get there can be even more important. Here's how to break down the steps to make your process a more effective way to reach your long term goals.