How a Lack of Strength and Fitness Contribute to Injury Risk for Bikers

This week we’re re-sharing one of our favorite podcast episodes, and we’ll be back next week with an all-new show.

Dee Tidwell is a professional coach and the founder of Train to Ride which provides cycling-specific training programs and plans for mountain biking, road, gravel, and moto riding. He’s also a two time Big Mountain Enduro Master’s Champ and has worked with countless professional athletes including members of the Yeti/Fox Factory professional EWS race team.

We ask Dee:

• What is the Performance Pyramid, and how does it work? Walk us through each level.
• Is it OK to skip some of the lower levels and jump right to the top?
• How electric mountain bike riding and racing this differ from more traditional mountain bike training?
• Do you find that people really hate cardio so much that they avoid training altogether? Is equipment cost an excuse people use for not working on getting stronger?
• Is soft tissue therapy something folks can work on at home with foam rollers and massage guns, or is this one area where working with a physical or massage therapist in person is beneficial?
• Have you seen a shift in the mix of your clients over the years between racers and folks who just want to ride for fun?
• What are the risks associated with over training? How do you know if you’re over training?
• Why is full body strength so important for mountain biking?
• How are golf and cycling related in terms of fitness and mobility? Is it true that mountain biking is the new golf?
• How can riders deal with pain and fatigue on long rides?
• How does a lack of strength or fitness contribute to our risk for injury?
• What can we do to have more fun on the mountain bike next season?

Find more information about Dee and learn about training programs at TrainToRide.com.

✏️ A written transcript of this conversation is available to Singletracks Pro supporters: singletracks.com/support

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks