VeloHeitz

MAD Bike Skills

The goal is to expand the rider’s “Bag of Tricks” with skills and create options for dealing with group rides and race situations. When the body can take over the job of reacting (instinctually), the mind is calm and free to make efficient decisions on the road.

A rider must be aware of the five contact points of the bike, and know how to use them to develop and maintain control. The bike is an extension of our bodies, for example, the rider must learn how to gain leverage over the bike much as we do with a tool, a pair of skis, or a horse. This requires changing pressure and weight over the five contact points of the bike (handlebar, saddle and pedals).

As the bike is an extension of the body, it is critical that the bike’s five contact points fit the body so that proper leverage and feed back is effectively transmitted to the rider for control and balance.

• 1. The rider must be able to hold their head up and use their eyes to scan down the road and through the riders in front to determine the next two or three moves.
• 2. The rider must learn to pedal constantly even with the brakes engaged. By pedaling all of the time, the rider has increased control of both speed and direction gained by maintaining pedal pressure.
• 3. The rider must learn to break the plane formed by the body and bike.
  While we sit directly on top of the saddle during a lot of riding, certain skills require the hips to rotate to either side of the saddle to maintain control of the bike. The riders should learn to move not only the upper body but also the hips in relation to the saddle. For example, the rider must be able to pedal while the pelvis is tilted slightly to either side of the centerline of the bike.

These three principles encourage the athlete to “drive the bike” at all times. This empowers the rider to command control and avoid a sense of helplessness, which can allow “accidents” to happen on the road or race.

To “ride” a bike is somewhat passive by nature. One may characterize “going for a ride” similar to being a passenger in a car. A “ride” might more closely resemble a sub Zone 1 recreational spin through the neighborhood with the wife or kids, a social event that has no real structure, but means a great deal to the wife and kids.

To “drive” the bike is definitely more proactive (taking charge of one’s own destiny).
Practicing and training these concepts has a very specific intent, this structure enhances both cellular and nervous systems. The ability to efficiently maneuver your bicycle will be critical in your cycling performance. I compare driving the bike to driving a motorcycle through the winding mountain canyon roads, constantly using the throttle, brakes and contact points to control the bike.