Don\’t go over the mental edge! In its own way, that would be as bad as going over the edge of a cliff!

At the same time, the mental edge has been frequently touted as supremely important; as being as much as 90% of racing, long rides, etcetera.

Sure, the physical aspect of training is still important. In fact, doing the training is a vital aspect of that mental edge that we\’re trying to attain. With adequate physical training we can develop the confidence that \”I can do it\”.

Some people might call it \”mind over matter\”. To some degree that\’s true. During a long ride it can reach the point where it seems like sheer willpower is all that keeps those weary legs turning the cranks.

On the other hand, during training, I find that the mind can push matter only so far before matter shoves back in no uncertain terms. Don\’t take it to such an extent that you develop an overuse injury, or come to dread riding because you\’ve burned  out.

Here is how the pros approach it. Most of us are not, and never will be, pro cyclists; but that doesn\’t mean we can\’t learn from them.