Hey Cam, good piece and pertinent as for me, in 2025, I'm going to try and get back riding _(think I might have done 15 proper MTB rides in 2024)_ and build my fitness and strength back, in general just get/be more active.
Sorry to say it, but building your going up skills, MOST DEFINITELY helps your going down, because the fitter you are, the more active you can be on your bike and not tire so easily, which then leads to passenger mode.
Absolutely on the core, biggest key and something, again I have to start working on again, but something I think I have always had fairly decent in the past. Shoulder and arm strength now though is abysmal, basically started in 2019 when I broke my kneecap and was less active, then exacerbated by the whole covid lockdown etc and then this year with a long rainy season and no real trail work.
Yeah Marty, trying to ride with your non dominant foot is hard, but well worth it and something you should definitely do. Also, on smoother trails or roads, practice one foot pedalling to help smooth out your pedal stroke - _a smooth pedal stroke and smooth power delivery is key for climbing, especially tech._
Dec. 27, 2024, 3:32 a.m. - Lynx .
Hey Cam, good piece and pertinent as for me, in 2025, I'm going to try and get back riding _(think I might have done 15 proper MTB rides in 2024)_ and build my fitness and strength back, in general just get/be more active. Sorry to say it, but building your going up skills, MOST DEFINITELY helps your going down, because the fitter you are, the more active you can be on your bike and not tire so easily, which then leads to passenger mode. Absolutely on the core, biggest key and something, again I have to start working on again, but something I think I have always had fairly decent in the past. Shoulder and arm strength now though is abysmal, basically started in 2019 when I broke my kneecap and was less active, then exacerbated by the whole covid lockdown etc and then this year with a long rainy season and no real trail work. Yeah Marty, trying to ride with your non dominant foot is hard, but well worth it and something you should definitely do. Also, on smoother trails or roads, practice one foot pedalling to help smooth out your pedal stroke - _a smooth pedal stroke and smooth power delivery is key for climbing, especially tech._