Steven Rindner on Gravel Biking: The Mind-Body Connection

Part of the allure of gravel bike adventures and events is the little voice inside you that asks, "Can I do this?" Steven Rindner says this fact is not lost on course event organizers. When you join Crusher in the Tushar, for example, there will be moments when you wonder why you signed up and promise yourself that if you finish, you will get rid of all your bikes and take up surfing as soon as you cross the finish line. Then, right after crossing the finish line, your endorphin-flooded brain will start thinking about doing it again.

When everyone is raving about how great some route or ride is, it's easy to forget that there are also a lot of miserable moments. Preparing for and getting through the hardest parts can be quite challenging. Steven Rindner believes riding gravel requires much effort — training your mind like you train your body. Because when things are equal out there, the cyclists with the most grit — a psychological trait that enables you to work harder more often without giving up — will be the best on gravel. Here's how to get more of it.

Visualize Success

When you start riding, you make gains quickly, not because you start circulating more oxygen overnight or building more powerful muscles, but because you quickly make neuromuscular adaptations. Your brain communicates with your muscles effectively and efficiently, so you use less energy to do the same amount of work—like climbing a steep, grave grade—even before you make significant strength and fitness gains. Progress typically slows after that initial period as you focus your effort and energy on the physical elements of your training, explains Steven Rindner. But you can push yourself past your limits by tapping into your mind-body connection.

By envisioning your performance, you can significantly improve your ability on your bike, notes Steven Rindner. Research has shown that people who mentally rehearse upcoming activities perform better, even if they don't physically practice. And it's not "all in their head," Steven Rindner says it's actually in their muscles.

When you visualize an action, your brain maps it out in your whole body so your muscles are primed to perform well.

Read more about the various benefits of gravel biking when you follow this Steven Rindner blog.