Folks,

Latest article in a series on mental skills for cyclists, here:

https://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fu...30&status=True

Best,
Marvin

Do you feel that the 'Daily Distractions' section on Pez cheapens its value as a reputable sporting magazine, just as the 'Page 3 girl' in The Sun reduces its value as a viable news outlet? Discuss.

(can I have some free socks anyway?)

Wait wait, 'Creative expression' and religion are going to make me a better cyclist? And going to therapy??? For cycling???

No. Sorry.

Sweet mother of Merckx just shut up and ride your bikes. You friggin WEENIES.

So in summary... Use brain - Ride bike

If using your brain was required to ride your bike, half of you would be totally F'd.

Sometimes, in the middle of ride, I pull over and have a good cry.

Is the Sun a real news paper? I always thought it was supposed to be a tabloid. That said, I'd have to say, 'yes' - the page 3 feature does reduce that publication's credibility as a viable news source.

You'll only be fast after you have your dogs "unfettered consciousness" (whatever that is).

It's okay guys, don't worry about visualization, goal setting or relaxation. It's not like they work or anything

Great article.

You just need to focus on your "soul-crushing self".

What a crock. No mention of how much you need to hate your competitors. And how your competitors doubt you. And how once, when you were ten years old, they made fun of your haircut.

It only detracts from its value when the distraction isn't all that hot. Today's distraction adds to the value of Pez in my book. Yesterday's, not so much.

In truth, I never viewed Pez as a real news source. Most of the articles are more tongue in cheek kind of humor than reporting.

Is that ALL that happend when you were 10?

They still make fun of my haircut........maybe I shouldn't cut my own hair anymore.

I followed the link, got distracted, and forgot to read the article !

was I the only one who thought that the article would've been about a candy dispenser riding a bike?

If you continue, use this:

Miyamoto Musashi's "Book of Five Rings" addressed the concept of successful athletic competition far earlier, and far better, than most current thought coaches. Paraphrasing a summary of Musashi's basic concepts from the Art of War website:

Timing
Timing is choosing the moment to make your move and it is understanding the opponents' rhythm. To move in slowly and then speed up will throw off the opponent's timing. Ensuring you are in striking distance when you want to strike is timing. Arriving at the strategically correct time is timing. Knowing when to act on a decision you made is timing. In sword fighting the sword amplifies the subtle movement of breathing. By watching the tip of the sword (kensen), you can attack while the opponent is breathing in. When breathing in, it is almost impossible to attack. Also, for example, if you understand the opponents' rhythm and speed you only need to be slightly faster than them to win. This conserves your energy/resources.

General knowledge
Musashi was skilled in the arts and crafts. His observations of these activities were applied in his techniques. He explains that carpenters find a use for every kind of wood, even the apparently useless. Similarly we can find a use for every person under our control.

Scalability
Musashi frequently says his ideas are scalable to large groups:- explaining in a one to one metaphor and applying it to controlling tens of thousands.

Perception
The power of observation was a primary skill to Musashi. This meant noticing everything, but also observing in an objective manor. This helps explain his interest in Zen and Tibetan Buddhism which concentrate on being able to see the world as it is. Musashi knew our desires and fears colour our perceptions of a situation

Controlling the enemy's mind
He says, keep your mind and body straight and force your opponent to contort their mind and body. This is Musashi's way.

Practice
This should be first and last really. Musashi says again and again:

- You must practice this well.

- This can only be understood by practice.

- Practice this well.

You can't learn this stuff reading a book. Only an opponent can test your understanding. Reality will strip away your erroneous ideas.



It is eay to picture cyclists like Merckx and Armstrong as Samurai. Pcad, not so much...