Extremely-endurance biking pushes athletes past bodily limits—and into the realm of psychological fortitude. Whether or not you’re coaching for a multi-hour gran fondo, a cross-country race, or a self-supported bikepacking journey, your mindset might be the distinction between ending sturdy and falling brief. On this article, we discover key psychological methods that elite endurance cyclists use to remain targeted, motivated, and resilient throughout essentially the most grueling challenges. Uncover how one can develop the psychological toughness wanted to thrive on the earth of ultra-endurance biking.
Since I obtained into bikepacking again in 2021, yearly has featured a number of massive adventures. They had been all completely different, from solo to driving with a single longtime good friend, to a three-day trip with two guys I’d by no means met however who’ve since turn out to be shut associates. Some had been open-ended in every day schedule, whereas others had been constrained by having to be at a sure place at a sure date (e.g., bikepacking to a gravel race). Some had been bank card journeys near residence with a bailout possibility, whereas in Iceland we introduced every part and something in need of a full disaster was simply going to need to be handled.
My gang of 5 from Iceland 2024 will likely be doing our model of the Tree to Sea loop on the northern tip of Vancouver Island the primary week of June.
I’m positively no Jenny Graham, Lael Wilcox, or Mark Beaumont. However I figured it’d be helpful to jot down some reminders to myself about how one can mentally deal with an ultra-adventure.
It Will Get Higher…and Worse…
No journey took me as far out of my consolation zone as did our Iceland journey in 2024. The surroundings was as gorgeous as you may think.
The terrain and problem was additionally manner past something any of us had skilled earlier than. Holding your fully-laden bike down to forestall it from turning right into a kite as you’re getting buffeted by 80+ kmh crosswinds on uncovered ridges is usually a actual bummer. As can the 20th icy chilly river crossing of the day. This led to a few of the highest of highs, and in addition the bottom of lows mentally.
My favorite nature picture from Iceland.
You’ve possible heard this earlier than, however conserving a good emotional keel is completely vital. It actually was a case of appreciating the splendor round me however not getting overwhelmed by it. And when it turned a grind, I saved telling myself that no low lasts endlessly, and that every part will rebound and even out once more.
Having a way of humour about issues additionally positively helps. Bear in mind, you selected to do that, so embrace the good and the absurd!
How Do You Eat an Elephant?
The reply, after all, is “one chew at a time.”
The identical is true with any trip that’s longer/more durable/stranger than regular. You possibly can drive your self psychological in the event you begin telling your self “24 km down, 298 km to go” or “2 climbs executed, 9 to go.” Don’t do it.
The twentieth icy river crossing and massive uphill of the day can put on on you. Retaining depend simply makes it worse.
Staying within the second is vital. Hold your deal with what you may management and the method. This consists of managing your vitamin and hydration; stretching or altering positions; or simply plain specializing in the surroundings.
Admire the right here and now. Don’t get too forward of your self.
Distress (and enjoyable!) Loves Firm
Some individuals thrive within the solo journey, and there’s actually one thing to be stated for the full freedom and autonomy once you’re by yourself. One man who was driving an identical route as us in Iceland solo is at the moment driving solo from the Yukon right down to BC after which the Tour Divide.
Iain (again in black) is a solo journey hero.
Extra energy to him, however – whereas I do most of my driving at residence solo and like it – I’ve discovered that adventures are way more enjoyable for me once they’re shared with somebody. Apart from the psychological consolation of figuring out that you just’re not alone in case something goes unsuitable, I discover that the shared expertise – and shared exhaustion – brings out deeper conversations and cements friendships.
The one bit of canopy earlier than going through hours of 80+ km/h crosswinds.
And what’s extra enjoyable that chirping your driving buddies for years afterwards about one thing silly that you just did collectively?
What Else Do You Should Do As we speak?
When driving round residence, there’s at all times a time stress or issues that it’s essential get executed again residence. So whereas biking is an escape for many people, it’s by no means a real escape from actual life realities. So whereas I take pleasure in my café stops throughout weekend group rides, there’s at all times part of my mind saying “let’s get going” in order that I can get residence and get on with my day.
In distinction, once you’re out for an extremely or multi-day journey, it’s actually an escape since you actually don’t have anything else to do however get from Level A to Level B (or generally an improvised Level C). It takes a little bit of getting used to, nevertheless it’s additionally fairly releasing once you reorient your self to actually spending a full day doing one factor moderately than fascinated about all of the issues ready again residence.
Our largest day in Iceland was 67 km, with about 8 h of driving time however practically 13 h whole.
Apart from two lengthy lunch stops, we additionally detoured to dry out in a mountain hut for a few hours, brewing espresso and chatting with the volunteer wardens. That was along with snack breaks, stops to admire the surroundings, and so on. Again residence, that quantity of stopping would’ve pushed me loopy. However right here, such diversions had been the complete level.
Settle in. Benefit from the time and expertise.
Abstract
Extremely-rides and bikepacking adventures are actually a unique beast bodily and mentally from rides round residence. For those who haven’t tried it earlier than, there’s no higher time than now!
Trip far and have enjoyable!
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