I’ve previously touched on the Velominati and “The Rules” and how in my opinion they have served their time. While I have one simple rule for riding, I often think of the Velominati’s Rule 6:–
Free your mind and your legs will follow
Your mind is your worst enemy. Do all your thinking before you start riding your bike. Once the pedals start to turn, wrap yourself in the sensations of the ride – the smell of the air, the sound of the tires, the feeling of flight as the bicycle rolls over the road.
I love this rule so much it that I’ve mentally assigned this rule it’s own backing track – thanks En Vogue
Over the last decade or so, I’ve ridden some long days with relatively inexperienced riders. We’re talking days between 150 – 200 km with riders whose previous longest ride may have been between 80 – 100km. Time and time again I have seen people achieve things on the bike that they never thought were possible.
Here’s my takeaway message – if you are fit enough to ride 50 km on your own, you can in most cases ride 200 km in a supportive peleton (with a few basic pack skills). If you are fit enough to ride 100 km on your own you can also ride 200km or even 300km in a day. At a certain point, it’s not about your fitness or experience, but more about your mental approach.
Rule #6 is the key. Success comes from believing that it’s possible, keeping up with your hydration and nutrition, and then just letting the km roll along. The distance takes care of itself.
Nowadays, we’d probably say it’s about mindfulness – being present in the turning of the pedals, the sounds of the wheels, and the conversations in the group. A focus on where we are and what we’re doing, and not being overwhelmed or over reacting to what’s happening around us.
When I’m out riding I don’t see hills or winds or distance or fitness as obstacles that will get in my way, they’re conditions that I’ll work with. Every ride I take, I ride to the conditions. I also know that mostly, I can’t control the conditions – so there’s no point worrying about them, either before or during the ride. I just have to accept the conditions and deal with them as best I can. Sometimes the conditions make you faster, sometimes they make you slower.
So free your mind, accept the conditions and work with them. Sit back, enjoy the ride ,and let your legs take you there. Maybe En Vogue were right:-
Free your mind and the rest will follow
