Bling Time
This last part doesn't have too much to do with the performance of this winter riding machine, but it did solve an ongoing problem I've had with matching those bright gold PowerCranks to any known paint job currently in existence.
Buying into the old "If you can't beat 'em" philosophy, I embraced the gold flair of these wretched torture devices. With the help of Tiso USA's distributor Cycling Innovations, I retrofitted every possible part with their shiny, gold anodized bolts, including the chain ring bolts, stem bolts, face plate bolts, bottle cage bolts and, as a final touch, a black Tiso derailleur with gold pulleys.
Inspiration
While I certainly don't recommend trying to duplicate this exact riding machine (and not just because I enjoy its one-of-a-kind status), I hope this article inspires you to think outside the box about your winter training. There are a thousand and one options for winter rides, and it doesn't need to be expensive.
More: Why Road Cyclists Should Try Cyclocross in the Offseason
Cyclocross or hybrid frames; full fenders or mini slap-on fenders or no fenders; lights on the bike or on yourself; 'cross levers on the bar tops or not—the main issue remains: durability rather than light weight, then customizing it with your own needs in mind. EBay and other sources of used bikes are your friend!
We are all unique machines and we all respond to stimuli differently. Don't be afraid to get creative with your training. Be intuitive. Dig deep into your training diaries to try to understand what worked for you, what didn't and why. Just because you are not a world-class cycling coach or you don't have a Ph.D. in sports physiology doesn't mean you don't have the instincts to adapt your training from season to season.
Use this example of my crazy winter ride as inspiration to get creative with your diet, your cross training or your lifting. Think imaginatively about your weaknesses and what you might be able to do to strengthen them. Keep a log and fine tune your training until you get the results you are looking for. And most importantly, have fun with it.
More: 7 Reasons to Plan Your Cycling Season Early
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