The Cycling Warrior

07
Apr
2015

Cycling WarriorBack around 2005, I felt like I had gotten myself into the groove of being a road biker and I started to venture out on longer and longer rides.  This was around the time I was living in Austin, Texas and with great cycling roads and the aura of cycling glory oozing all around me it was the perfect time to take it to the next level.

I started out by making Friday’s my “Big Ride” day.  Thursday night I would gather my gear, load my bike in the van (yeah, we actually drove a mini van for a period of time, and I just gotta start erasing that memory) and on Friday morning I would be ready to start riding right after dropping my wife off at work.  I would liken it to a ritual, and even now I can still feel the warrior type atmosphere I created when I think about it.

Just before taking off on the ride, my next warrior move would be to wrap a bandanna around my head….not to catch sweat, but to show myself that this would not be just an ordinary ride.  I would only use the bandanna on Friday’s.  It was my day to be a cycling warrior.  Each and every Friday that I went out there, I would have one incredible ride.  Coincidence?

We watch these football players and fighters with their tribal marking and pre-event rituals and I absolutely see the purpose for all of this.  Sure the black lines below their eyes may help with the glare of the lights….but I know that they put it there more so to bring out the warrior within.

It’s the same thing for pro riders. The outfits, the glasses, and all the accessories assist their riding performance, but it does so much more.   It brings them to a better place in their mind….and we all know that is a big chunk of the battle.

When I switched to a new helmet in 2007, the bandanna didn’t quite fit as well as it did before so I gave it up. In my riding today, I may not have the same pre-ride rituals and tribal markings as I did in the past….but the warrior still remains.

Do you bring out the warrior for certain rides?  What is your ritual?

Enjoy Your Ride
Pin It

8 Responses to “ The Cycling Warrior ”

  1. bleui on April 7, 2015 at 10:11 pm

    I always ride with my cycling cap, no matter the weather. I just feel naked without it.

  2. A. McConnell on April 7, 2015 at 12:16 pm

    I listen to “Super Bad” by James Brown while I’m checking my bike out and gearing up “I love, I love to do my thing
    Ha, and I, and I don’t need no one else/ Sometimes I feels so nice, good god, I jump back…” Puts me in just the right mood to tear down the driveway feeling invincible!

    • Darryl on April 7, 2015 at 7:05 pm

      Hahaha, that’s awesome. You’ve totally got my grooving in my mind to JB right now.

  3. Anello Grande on April 7, 2015 at 10:11 am

    I totally agree. For me being “fully kitted” is one such thing. It’s putting on the “uniform” of a bike racer. I can take my mountain bike out with regular shorts and a t-shirt and ride about, or I can “kit up” on the same bike and do a hammerfest on gravel or singletrack.

    • Darryl on April 7, 2015 at 7:06 pm

      Exactly….thanks for adding your comments, Anello.

  4. Bethel Strong on April 7, 2015 at 10:04 am

    I carry a small bag on the front of my bike. On the long endurance road rides I put most everything I could possibly need during the day. Tylenol, allergy pills, sun and lip cream. Band aides, extra air cartridges, money, snacks. Plus, I always wear a bandana due to lack of hair.
    Plus, most of the time I’m wearing my “Loving the Bike Jersey”
    Bethel Strong

    • Darryl on April 7, 2015 at 7:06 pm

      Yes…..and you look so good in that Loving the Bike jersey.

Calendar

    March 2024
    M T W T F S S
     123
    45678910
    11121314151617
    18192021222324
    25262728293031

Archives

Sugar Alternatives for Energy and Hydration

Question: I am using the homebrew sugar formulations (sometimes added to green tea).  I am also trying to wean myself off 1/2 dose adrenalean “lip tonic delivery system” (biorhythm brand- caffeine, hoodia g, synephrine, yohimbe) capsule for energy.

My question is other than juice, can you suggest modifications in lieu of table sugar for energy and hydration.

Answer:

Both raw/organic honey or agave can work great in the homebrew (substitute in the same quantities for the sugar, or to taste), but you do have to shake well in order to make sure they don’t settle out.  Have you tried either of these?  Also, make sure to use at least the minimum amount of salt recommended in the homebrew as the temps rise, you need the sodium replacement if you’re sweating.

Sports Drink Homebrew

Please send us your questions for our Expert Sports Nutritionist, Kelli Jennings to “Ask the Sports Nutritionist“. Kelli Jennings is a Registered Dietitian with a passion for healthy eating, wellness, & sports nutrition. For more information go to www.apexnutritionllc.com.

Nutrition Tips