Maybe it’s an injury threatening to sideline you, or weather, or various life circumstances that have conspired to do so. Maybe you’re craving an off season or feeling like you’re missing out on other opportunities? Whatever it may be, there’s no reason to dread or fear a break from the bike. As with many facets of life, a little time off can be advantageous despite how frustrated we may feel with the circumstances. As I’ve come to learn, there are a variety of ways that staying off the bike for a while can actually enrich your riding experience and even improve your relationship with this sport we love!
Rest: First and foremost, this is the easiest reason to understand. Riding is physical, and the trees, rocks, and earth we have bounced off of this past few months have not been the most forgiving. As most riders will admit, there’s always something that hurts or just “isn’t quite right”. A little time off to let yourself heal is one of the best investments you can make. Physically, it makes sense, but don’t underestimate the value of a mental break. We mountain bikers can get a little obsessive, so breaking that pit-bull like focus becomes more important with time!
Rebuild: You don’t have to resign to any feelings of stagnation. You can almost do as much off the bike to fuel your progression as you could riding. Use this time to grow and improve with self-assessment and goal setting. This is more than material for a Podcast, it’s a tool we can use to move forward and boost our quality of life! Physically, identify deficiencies and address them. Is your core weak? Do you run out of gas on climbs? What a great time to get stronger! And don’t forget about that poor mistreated machine of yours (other than your body!): bikes need love, so to take care of that maintenance we all put off for too long!
A clean bike is a happy bike…
Mix it Up: Diversify yourself and enhance your dinner conversation material by exploring new activities! This time is a great opportunity to surprise both your brain and body with new ideas and sensations. I for one love to get deeper into my yoga practice, and dabble with some climbing. I find it really boosts my proprioception and body awareness, and then I can feel myself moving and breathing better when I get back on the bike later. Time off the bike is also how I found my passion for trail building. If your body is the reason for your time off, feed your mind. Books are high on my list, as well as continuing education of all sorts. Dive deep into a topic that interests you with articles, videos, or classes. Be creative and try your hand at any arts that interest you- music, editing, drawing, design, etc! You never know what you may enjoy until you give it a shot, so get out there and mix it up!
Hangin in the woods building stunts with Wombat
Reset: What a wonderful opportunity to break old habits! Time off has a wonderful effect of breaking your current patterns and forcing you to think and adapt. It’s not always comfortable, but getting out of that tunnel vision and reevaluating your goals has so much value. This is the process of refreshing your perspective, and if done with mindfulness and intent can set your life on an even better trajectory!
Trail building projects are always a worthwhile effort
Re-entry: Brace yourself, this is the reward for all that time off! The triumphant return is one of the greatest feelings in the world. Renewed focus, stoked passion, and a hunger that can’t be described! You may even feel that giddy sensation of being a beginner again, but with an understanding and enthusiasm that brings a wave of progression! Plan your re-entry and keep it in mind throughout the process. Visualize coming back stronger, more capable, and having even more fun!
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” –Seneca. Whether its been a bit of bad luck that forced some time off or a well planned part of your process, you can use the time and enrich not only your riding experience but your overall quality of life! And after all, isn’t that what this whole bike thing is all about?
Tip-toeing on my comfort zone with some new experiences…
Tao of Scratch 