I’ve read some spirited pro cycling comments (and banter) from fans. One recently lamented how pros often describe getting good “sensations” in their legs, while mortals experience races or rides in which the quads, calves and hamstrings are filled with a heavy feeling of dread. Heh. Haven’t we all been there? Usually–I might add–we’re there when we’d do anything (yes, anything) for good “sensations” during a competitive climb among pals, or before winding it up for the final spint to the line in crit. Knowing when your body will deliver the type of good sensations you can transform into a winning legs is among the hardest things to time. Many of us don’t train enough, due to injuries and other circumstances beyond our control. On the flipside, others overtrain, and burn a few too many matches before it’s time to light the perfect fire.
Good sensations might be out of reach for some. But I like to think the opposite: they’re a few hundred well-planned training miles and a jar of embrocation away. Before the Death Valley Double Century just outside a week ago, I tapered. Seriously tapered for my taste. Spinning in the garage used to frighten me into thinking I wouldn’t have the legs for a big event. Well, I’ve learned that resting (including active recovery) makes a difference. Oh, and the embrocation? Mad Alchemy is top-shelf. Mellow Warming provides good sensations for sub-50 or sub-60 degree mornings. And the summer flavor (minimal warming) works great for anything over 60. Does it make me ride better? So far, yes. Through rain, fog, low-40s-frosty-mornings, and warm summer days to come. I’m sold. Can’t wait to try Mango Love. The scent makes me think it’s worth it.
Related posts:
- Belgium knee warmers The mercury hit 50 degrees (10 C) as I finished an afternoon ride today, according to the National Weather Service. A shocker. With steady raindrops and a few well-timed gusts, the wind chill had to be in the high 40s. I am not making this up. Perfect conditions for testing embrocation. Yes,...
- Playing poker You’re spinning along in the big ring on the flats. But things could unravel. You’re not sure. You ignore the sensations. You’re wearing sunglasses like those whack jobs in Vegas who play poker for big money and hide under their ball caps. Yet no bets are being made here out on...
- Ride forever There comes a time during the year when your legs, mind and soul want to ride forever. For most of us, the magic happens sometime in July — right around Le Tour, when long days and sunshine for miles (or kilometers) invite you to savor all that is well and...
- It’s the little things I’m convinced that a love for cycling begins with dozens of sensations both real and imagined. Turning the cranks to power yourself forward is a mere act preceded by a series of things that must occur — sometimes consciously and often times not. Here’s why: I find that too much...
- Pain cave Pain. There are so many variations. Pain in the ass. Painful memory. Growing pains. Emotional pain. Busted teeth pain. Broken skin pain. Ruptured Achilles tendon pain. Snapped collar bone pain. Post surgery pain. Lost a great companion pain. Lost a loved one pain. Excruciating pain. Inconsolable pain. Subsiding pain. And...
