MAXIMISE YOUR riding time

many of us, our mountain biking is limited by work, family and home commitments. We dream of monthlong trips away in the Alps or endless summers in Whistler, but in reality we have our local playground where we try to get in a couple of hours’ riding each weekend. All too often, we don’t progress and our performance doesn’t improve. Unfit riders stay unfit, less skilled riders remain unskilled and the dynamic of the group doesn’t change. There’s nothing wrong with this, of course. If the rides are fun, jokes are had and steam is let off, then mountain biking has done its job. But if you’re frustrated at a lack of improvement – even though you push yourself every ride – there are things you can do.

Lifestyle changes are a simple way to make big changes in performance. Many amateur riders feel their diet is good, but have a pack of biscuits always open, eat a takeaway every week and drink a few pints in the evenings and at weekends. It may take keeping a food diary – or just a long, hard look in the cupboards – but cutting out snacking and eating junk food could mean the difference between being at the front or back of the group come the weekend.

Then there’s the daily commute. Could you change this journey by cycling? Or dodge the traffic on a motorbike and use the time saved for exercise? I know of friends who drive to the station with their bike in the boot so they can ride the last (congested) part of the journey and feel so much better for it.

Committing to a weekly exercise class – especially if you pay up front – is another good way to increase your fitness and stick to a routine. Spin classes, yoga, swimming, crossfit, rock climbing – the list is endless.