Originally Posted by
beavertoof
thanks for the replies everyone. I guess to totally understand it I would have to race some, (which will never happen as I am 46 now!), but this has helped me for sure.
I think you are right! But to totally understand for any rider you have to be that rider.
NO ONE totally understands. Some just know and understand more than others.
I do think it helps to have competed in some sport, pretty much any sport where the body is really pushed (and where yuo really pushed at least once).
For cycling it helps to have done a few of the things the racers do. Try riding close to someones wheel. Try climbing all out. Not that these and other things are needed, they just help. The drafting part really helps for me. I have it as a gut feel and realize how it can effect your mindset even more than your body.
Oh and I never raced. I did compete in Swimming, Water Polo and Rugby at a fairly high level.