New Years Resolutions: Why Buying Things Can Actually Help
New Year, New You
Section One: Why
If your resolutions revolve around improving your health, reducing stress, or spending more time outdoors, mountain biking is the right way to make it happen. Here’s why:Physical Fitness: Mountain biking delivers a full-body workout that strengthens your core, legs, and cardiovascular system. It’s a fun way to shed winter sluggishness while building stamina and muscle tone.
Mental Health: Riding through scenic trails clears your mind, reduces stress, and boosts endorphins. For many, it’s as much a mental escape as it is physical exercise and a chance to reconnect with yourself and reset.
Easing Aches and Pains: Movement is medicine. If you’ve been dealing with stiffness or discomfort from staying indoors during the colder months, cycling can help alleviate those aches. Consistent activity works wonders for joint mobility and overall well-being. Unless you crash.
Connecting with Nature: There’s something restorative about being outside, touching trees, feeling the wind, and taking in the sights and sounds of nature. Mountain biking provides the perfect excuse to escape the urban grind and immerse yourself in the outdoors.
It's awesome: Go ride some trails, watch the trees fly past and get your adrenal gland doing it's job. Bonus points for a sick skid.
Section Two: Goal Setting
When it comes to improving your mountain biking skills—or any aspect of life—goal-setting is a powerful tool. But vague aspirations like “I want to ride more” won’t get you far. To stay focused, track your progress, and truly level up, you need to set S.M.A.R.T. targets: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Here’s how you can implement this proven framework to achieve your biking goals and foster personal growth:
Be Specific: Define Your Goals Clearly
A general goal like “ride more” lacks direction. Instead, aim for something clear and actionable. Examples include:
Ride 20 miles every weekend.
Lose 5kg over the next three months through cycling and balanced nutrition.
Join one social group ride per week.
By setting a precise goal, you’ll know exactly what you’re working toward.
Make Your Goals Measurable
To track your progress, you need a way to measure success. Write down your goals and define the criteria for completion. For instance:
Use a cycling app to log your miles each week.
Weigh yourself weekly to monitor your fitness progress.
Keep a checklist of social rides or skill sessions attended.
This tangible evidence of improvement will keep you motivated.
Focus on Achievable Targets
While ambition is great, setting unrealistic goals can lead to frustration. For example, if you’re a beginner, committing to ten trips to Dyfi Bike Park in a month might not be feasible. Start with goals that match your current level and build up over time. Remember, you can always adjust your targets upward as you progress.
Keep It Relevant
Your goals should align with your overall purpose. If mountain biking is your focus, center your targets around it. For example, if your primary aim is fitness, combine cycling goals with complementary activities like strength training or healthy eating.
Set Time-Bound Deadlines
A goal without a deadline is just a wish. Establish clear time frames to create a sense of urgency and accountability. For instance:
Complete a 30-mile ride by the end of next month.
Improve your downhill speed on a technical trail within six weeks.
Having a timeline will keep you on track and motivated to hit your targets.
As an example
S: Master bermed corners.
M: Complete 10 bermed corners without braking on a specific trail.
A: Practice twice weekly for 30 minutes.
R: Bermed corners are a key skill for the upcoming trip to Bikepark Wales
T: Achieve this in 6 weeks.
S: Ride a 50-mile endurance trail.
M: Track progress using a GPS app like Strava, aiming to complete it in under 6 hours.
A: Gradually increase distance by 10% per week on training rides.
R: This is preparation for a larger multi-day biking trip.
T: Complete by June 2025.
Section Three: What
Gear and Equipment:
If you’re starting in the winter, make sure you have the right equipment. If it’s cold, wet and uncomfortable you’re going to hate it, it’s going to be a slog during and after the ride. Get yourself some winter clothing to stay comfortable.
Check out our clothing here
Kitting Yourself Out
Do you have what you need? Consider how to make things easier. Do you need a bike rack to get to the trails? Have you got a lock for urban riding? Have you got tools for repairs?
Checkout our Trailside tools article for more info
Indoor vs. Outdoor Training:
Turbo trainers were all the rage during the Covid apocalypse but they still have a place. If you have the bike and the space and you can’t get the time to get out riding then consider it as an option. With an App like Zwift, you can game while you ride and keep it interesting. Even if you do one indoor and one outdoor ride a week, you’ll still get all the benefits of both.
Checkout our Elite Turbo Trainers here
Choosing the Right Bike
The bike you’ve got is the right bike most of the time. A new bike can provide a motivating factor and something that feels good and looks good is always going to inspire you to use it.
Is the bike you have suitable for the riding or the mileage you want to do? If you’re not sure then think about making some changes to your bike.
Check out our Mountain Bikes here
Should I buy an Ebike? Is that cheating?
The short answer is no, it’s not. If you’re going from little or nothing then the fitness curve is going to be very steep. An Ebike, though you aren’t putting in anywhere near as much effort will maximise the time you have, get you out and get you moving.
If you’re Ebiking, aim for more downhill-focused targets that maximise your physical effort and dynamic movements.
Check out our Electric Mountain Bikes here
Getting your old bike up and running.
We stock a huge range of tools and spares. If you’re not sure or you need help then give our workshop a message and we’ll help you get back up and running.
You can find our range of components here
Section Four: How
How to Get Yourself Motivated
Motivation often starts with a clear vision of what you want to achieve. Here are some practical tips to stay inspired:
Create a Vision Board or Playlist: Visualize your goals with inspiring images of trails, dream bikes, or athletes you admire. Pair it with a high-energy playlist to get you stoked for every ride.
Write down your targets: On a calendar or a massive white board, get a red pen and cross through the days and the rides as you go.
Track Progress with Fitness Apps: Use tools like Strava or Garmin to monitor your rides, set benchmarks, and celebrate milestones. Seeing your progress will keep you engaged.
Reward Milestones: Treat yourself when you hit major goals—whether it’s new gear, a special meal, or a bike park trip. Rewards reinforce your commitment and add excitement.
Learn from Others: Seek out stories of successful riders who have overcome challenges or adversity. Their journeys can provide the spark you need to keep going.
Join Clubs and Groups to Share the Motivation
Cycling doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Engaging with a community can make the experience even better and help you socialise try new things.
Social Accountability: Riding with a group encourages consistency and makes skipping rides harder and helps you get out of your comfort zone, try new things and keep the riding fresh.
Shared Tips and Encouragement: Learn new skills, discover hidden trails, and celebrate progress together. Ask your friends to check your form and chase the fastest rider or the hill.
How to Find Clubs: Look for biking groups through local community boards, social media, or apps like Facebook. Online forums also connect riders with similar interests. Check in with your local bike shop and see if they have any group rides.
Getting Your Family on Board
Cycling can be a family affair, turning fitness into fun shared experiences.
Plan Family Biking Trips: Choose scenic, beginner-friendly trails and make an adventure of it. Don't forget the snacks and take plenty of breaks.
Invest in Equipment: Options like child seats, trailers, or tandem bikes make it easy to include everyone, no matter their age or skill level.
Shared Fitness Goals: Set group challenges, like riding a specific distance together or exploring new routes. The shared experience keeps everyone motivated.
Section Five: When
Why Buy Gear Now?
The right equipment can make all the difference in your cycling journey.
Start Strong: Acting now helps you maintain the momentum of your goals, whether it’s upgrading your bike or investing in essentials like helmets and lights.
Take Advantage of Discounts: The New Year often brings sales and promotions. Don’t miss out on deals to gear up affordably.
When is the Right Time to Start?
The answer is simple: now.
Make the Most of Every Moment: Start with small steps, like a quick indoor session or a short outdoor ride. What matters is getting moving.
Plan Around the Seasons: Consider the weather in your area. Winter? Try indoor training or warm layers. Spring? Prep for longer rides as days get brighter.