Mastering the skill set

The family and I just returned from Snowshoe, WV. We went skiing for the week. As much as I would love to fly everyone to Aspen, the eastern United States falls more in my budget.

I haven't skied in 12 or 13 years. And, to reduced the chance of early week injuries, I decided to take ski lessons with everyone else in the family. Our instructor started teaching ski lessons 24 years ago. That in itself is amazing. You could tell that she had developed her ability to communicate the important aspects of the skiing skill set. It's all about technique! As she spoke, I could identify with her as a coach because I was listening to how she was communicating as much as I was listening to the actual information that she was trying to get across. I mentioned that I was a cycling coach and I really appreciated how she used words and imagery in a way that the students could understand. It became very easy to apply the skills that makes skiing successful and fun.

Interestingly enough, one of the students in the group had just started skiing the previous day. He had decided to tighten up a set of boots, click into some skis and take off. Let's just say that he had a bad day and had wisely decided that the expensive lessons might be worth the price after all. However, in an attempt to preserve his life on the first day, he had already developed habits that negatively impacted his ability to be successful. Instead of focusing on a new set of skills, he was having to unlearn bad habits associated with fear before he could learn new ones with confidence.

Regardless of the sport, there is a skill set that has to be considered before success can be achieved. As much as I leave room for new techniques that advance a sport, physics and the laws of gravity continue to prevail. They cannot be discounted...and cycling is no different than any other sport. To get the most out of a cycling experience, there are certain skills that must mastered. The principle skill for cycling is the application of force to the pedals. This act impacts speed, direction, comfort, endurance and safety.

What is the best method to gain effectiveness force producing pedaler?
1) Correct bike size - this determines if an effective position can be achieved
2) Correct bike fit - this sets the best position and offers the potential for effective power delivery
3) Technique training - this trains the rider to coordinate muscle activity in a manner that best matches the way the machine moves. (Pedals only move in a circle!)
4) Mastery of combined skills - develops that ability to be effective under a variety of situations that require cognitive thought in addition to the act of cycling. A good example is "negotiating traffic".
5) Development of fitness - enhancing the metabolic systems that allow you to go further and faster
6) Training for performance - this is a combination of all skills within a competitive experience.

Don't be the guy I met on the slopes. Take time to learn good, effective habits that foster success.