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Enjoy Cold Brewed Iced Tea After Your Ride

May 21, 2018GR_InstituteCycling

The first thing you should know about me is that I love ritual. Have a quick look at my morning routine.

There is a lot of tradition around road cycling. Some of it is cultural, like a double shot of espresso before you head out for your ride.

Others traditions are more personal. Like a post-ride refreshment. Some enjoy a protein smoothie. Others believe in juicing.

I love to continue to enjoy my time outside in an outdoor living space. Iced tea is a light and refreshing reward after a long afternoon in the saddle.
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Early Morning Bike Ride Checklist

Jan 10, 2018GR_InstituteCycling, Cycling Gear, Getting Started Cycling

I love my morning practice!

Every day, I wake up early and I take on an empowering morning routine. I meditate, go for a short early morning bike ride, make some french press coffee, and then write.

I first heard of a morning practice from a social media influencer. As I researched this phenomenon, I soon realized that many of the most successful people engage in a morning practice.

I first started by waking up a few minutes early to write. I wrote down 10 ideas every day. Coffee quickly came into the picture. I went back to my favorite method of coffee brewing, french press.

I came across a 30-day biking challenge online. Instead of hoping to bike after work, I made the 30-day biking challenge a part of my morning routine. From there, I was hooked.…

How To Choose An Indoor Bike Trainer Winter 2018

Dec 12, 2017GR_InstituteCycling, Cycling Gear, Getting Started Cycling

In 2011 I began my weight loss journey by getting back on my bike. I set up an indoor bike trainer in the garage and just began to ride. I rode every day for 30 days. My first 30-day challenge. I did not notice a difference in the mirror nor did I see a difference on the scale. What I did do was create a new habit.

5 years later, I began my morning routine. In my research, I found that some of the most successful people on the planet all had a morning routine. I already began by getting up early to write down 10 ideas. In April 2016 I decided to participate in the 30-Day Bike Challenge. I thought about trying (with the emphasis on “trying”) to ride my bike after work. I would have plenty of sunlight when I got home to ride. I quickly recognized that I did not always have control over my afternoons.

I decided to wake up a little earlier and ride in the morning. I hopped on my cruiser bike and rode for about 5 miles. What started as a 30-day challenge became part of my morning routine. I now call it my Morning Bike Grind.

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The ONLY Upgrade You Need To Make To Your Bike

Oct 25, 2017GR_InstituteCycling, Cycling Gear

New bike day! Shiny new bike! Best day ever!

Purchasing a new (or new to you) bike is a great catalyst for your health and fitness. A new bike can renew your commitment to cycling. It can give you a reason for registering for that organized ride. How about a race at the end of the season? Anything is possible with a new bike.

I remember the first day I got my last new bike. I felt so powerful going up hills. My body felt like a transformed engine that could gracefully move through any stretch of road. I was inspired to make the ride I was on into the best ride of my life.

I felt like I was better on my new bike. And once I got used to my new ride, I began to imagine how I could make my bike better.

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What Cycling Equipment Do I Actually Need?

Oct 25, 2017GR_InstituteCycling, Cycling Gear, Getting Started Cycling

When you are just getting into cycling, it can be difficult to know where to start. After you pick up your first bike, there are so many choices of cycling accessories. Of course, you need a helmet. That is the bare minimum. What activity nowadays does not require a helmet?

Do I need titanium rails on my saddle? Do I need carbon fiber soles for my shoes? I found this upgrade and it is made from ceramic. I couldn’t even tell you what part it replaces!

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