Ride for the sunrise

The Monday morning ride was greeted with dry and sunny weather which makes Monday feel a little easier. After a rest day on Sunday, my fitness is primed for a hard training session, getting into a fair amount of discomfort... Can’t be avoide. With a riding buddy to train with, we set off for a hilly route to push the intensity and efforts.

I was determined to set a hard pace up the first hill, about a four and a half minute climb with gradients pinching up to 14%. I managed to stay zoned in for 3 quarters of the way with reasonable cadence, manageable breathing and an effort just over my threshold. The last quarter strings out straight and it feels like the road goes on forever… I manage to increase the cadence for the last 50m to sustain the effort. Sometimes, the first effort feels good but this time, it was unpleasant being in my threshold zone. I sure did activate my anaerobic energy systems in the last 20 seconds though.

After some more hilly sections, we reach this really cool spot that looks over the valley and ridges. Nice wide view of nature and a perfect place to glance at the beauty of the sunrise. Unbelievable timing this morning with the warming orange sunrise just above the distant bush green mountains, scattered white clouds overlapped by the blue sky, dense grey fog filling up the valley and a horse feeding on grass for breakfast. This is one of the lesser spoken benefits of being a cyclist but has such a positive benefit in wellness and connection to nature. We are known for waking up early to ride to avoid traffic. However, we rejoice in the incredible sunrises in picturesque places. The radiant sunlight providing Vitamin D, boosting in serotonin, regulating cortisol and being connected with nature.

I showed my wife this amazing moment of the sunrise with the photo I took during breakfast and she’s always envious that I see so many beautiful sunrises. I do wish I could experience them with her so every now and then, we wake up early and drive to these places to see the sunrise together. Not the same experience when you ride towards the place but the memories shared together are just as good.

Oura Stats:

Readiness score: 75. Take it easy
Sleep score: 75. Good
Total sleep 7h 18m
Resting HR: 45 bpm
HRV: 84ms

Cycling Performance Tip — Body

Climb like mountain goat

Hills can feel like a never-ending climb. You can avoid them by finding flat routes or you can train to become better and stronger to tackle them.

Growing your fitness isn’t the only way to become a faster climber — technique and form also play an essential role in your ability to climb efficiently. You can improve your climbing-specific skills with on-the-bike drills that target technique, form, strength, and efficiency.

Check out this article from TrainerRoad that discusses five great drills to help you become more effective and confident at climbing. Drills to Climb Faster.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I love sharing my experiences of cycling and hope you enjoy my journey.