REMEMBER THE FUN AND COFFEE

For Pendrel, the old saw that says “chamois time is training time” isn’t exactly true. “Nah,” she said, “coffee rides have their place.”

“My No. 1 is have fun,” said Garrigan. “It was first verbalized to me when I asked Geoff Kabush for any wisdom or hard-earned lessons – due in part because of his impressive list of achievements, but also his longevity in the sport. His advice: have fun.”

“Keep it fun. Cycling is hard enough without throwing yourself into an isolation chamber of perfect wattage zones,” warned Trew. “As such, it’s a good idea to mix up the precise training with the occasional fun ride with sign sprints and riveting conversation. And a good old coffee shop stop from time to time won’t kill you either (but only when it’s appropriate).”

Smith said the best training advice she’s been given is to make it fun and interesting. “If you’re excited to get on your bike, and you’re having fun training, then you will keep training,” she said. “If it’s a dreary chore, you will stagnate, procrastinate and probably quit.”