Everything to help you ride stronger and better.

I’m in great shape, should I skip base training?

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Lee,
It’s getting time for me to begin the Pump Up the Base/Prepare to Pin It workout programs again.

This year, I put about twice as much time in the saddle as last year, and I think overall, my basic cardio/threshold endurance is still in good shape. I’m finding, though, that where I get gassed riding on the trails is riding up steep, technical terrain, where I have to really crank out multiple series of short bursts of pretty high-effort pedaling. Little efforts where you really have to red line it to clear rocks and roots, etc., while pedaling uphill.

So I was wondering what you think of this: Since my aerobic/threshold endurance has held pretty well over the last year, I was thinking that maybe I could double up on Prepare to Pin It. I was thinking I would do each week twice. (e.g., Do the first week, then do it again the following week; do week two, then do it again the next week, and so on, through week 12 for a total of 24 weeks.)

I know P2PI gets really intense, and that last four weeks have the potential to be miserable. Would I be hurting myself more than helping with this plan? Just wondering what your thoughts were on this.

Jim

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Like a red thread

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Lee, I only flew over the “Riding over things kung fu master style” lessons in your llbmtb.com online mountain bike school, but I like how your Push-Pull philosophy just goes through all your lessons like a red thread. Due to this I have spent a lot of time getting stronger off the bike, to get this hip drive movement in. I’m not quite there yet to consistently use this movement while on the bike, but it is definitely a motivation to see how it all hangs together in the end.
Jan

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Wheelie dropping made simple

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I just posted a “How to wheelie drop” lesson on the LLB online MTB school.

This lesson should come after you’re consistent on larger drops, and after you’ve dialed in your “kung fu power wheelie” — the crucial explosion that lifts your front wheel as you leave the precipice.

Here’s an animation from the wheelie drop lesson:

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Going down … but make it awesome

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How many of you practice crashing? Not many, I’ll bet.

With a little fun practice your next crash can be a cool story instead of a major injury.

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Is cornering unique on a sketchy CX course?

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Lee,

One quick question: Cyclocross is starting up, and my CX skills are better than ever because of our work with the MTB! But I was wondering, in deep mud or sand, should I just corner the same way that I do under good conditions (for example, screwing the bike), or is there a different technique for mud or sand?

Karl

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Activating your core while climbing a mountain

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I’ve heard it said that cycling requires core strength, but it doesn’t develop core strength.

Based on the dead cores I see on many clients, as well as my own issues with a soft underbelly, that seems awfully true.

What if you can ride in a way that both uses and strengthens your core?

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Kung fu MTB skills classes in Frisco, CO

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We are stoked to teach classed at the excellent Frisco Bike Park in Frisco, CO

Sept. 10 – Two Level 1 classes with coach Kevin Stiffler.

Sept. 17 – One Level 2 class with Kevin and Lee McCormack.

Learn more and sign up at the Town of Frisco’s site >>>

Level 2 skills class at Sunset East trails, in Erie, CO

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On my 47th birthday a couple days ago, The Wife and I explored the trails at Sunset East in Erie, CO.

What fun! An easy climb with green, blue and black descents, all flowy and lovely. It’s the perfect layout for riders of different levels to enjoy mountain biking. Go slow, go fast, go little or go big. It’s all there. I, for one, plan to nab the blue KOM.

On Oct. 1, 2016 I’m teaching a Level 2 skills class. Learn to ride these trails (and others) with style!

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Are you in danger or just being a wimp? Ask yourself these four questions

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When you’re Riding (with a capital R), you roll over most trail features without a care. You’re Flowing in the moment, and your body is executing trained patterns in a fluid and, I might add, awesome way. But sometimes you encounter a thing. That thing could be a drop, a jump — anything that makes you stop and have to decide whether to go for it.

In my classes (and with myself) I ask these questions:

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Where should I put my foot on the pedal?

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Lee,
Where is the ideal place to put the pedal under my foot? Should it be more under the ball of my foot or in the middle of my arch?
Chris

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Pinning it on narrow, grass-lined trails

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Hi Lee,

I am enjoying your advice on your website. Any advice on how to focus and go fast on narrow trails with grass growing along them (ie Colorado Roaring Judy in Crested Butte)? I feel very confident on rooty, technical trails but as soon as enter into a narrow, foliage-lined trail I get concerned on hitting the front wheel on the trail’s edge then flip. Any advice?
All the best

Daniel

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Help my switchbacks! – Quickie answer

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Hi Lee,

Hope all is well. As I am pinning down my XTERRA training for this upcoming season in May, I’m still at a loss with cornering going downhill on tight switchbacks. Right now, I don’t have the confidence to lay off the brakes when I’m in the apex of the turn. Granted, I don’t death-grab the brakes in the middle of the apex, but right now, I have to lightly/feather it in the middle of the apex. I know you said (at Moab and in your book) to lay off the brakes in the middle of the apex and to trust (as well as low, look, lean, turn).

Any advice and parking lot/grass field drills would be greatly appreciated. I feel that cornering is one of the things that is limiting my mountain bike skills.

By the way, XTERRA training is going well. Pump the base, F6 and strength/functional fitness (with a good coach) has been keeping my fitness sharp for the trails as well as with my road biking buddies. I will take you up on Prepare to Pin It later this season.

Thank you!

Neil

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