7 Lessons From a Gravel Bike Athlete Who would choose to ride a bicycle on a bunch of gravel? A lot of people. Gravel riding, where you ride long stretches of unpaved roads or paths in the middle of nowhere, is now a thing. For Steve Cope, an IT executive who works for a large electric utility, it’s a great way to socialize and decompress while pushing himself physically. I interviewed Steve for an article published in the Fall 2024 issue of Adventure World Magazine after he won his age category at this year’s Gravel Grinder National Championship & Mini G held in Bluemont, Virginia. Listening to Steve describe his experience was a reminder that—like most sports—gravel biking teaches many lessons that apply to business. Here are seven of these lessons. 1) Surround yourself with people who make you better. 2) Assess the situation and pivot when you need to. 3) Leverage your strengths. 4) Pay attention to small details. They matter more than you think. 5) Be willing to try new things. 6) Take care of yourself. 7) Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities. Sometimes they show up unexpectedly. Congratulations to Steve on a great showing. Here’s the Adventure World article for those who might like to read it.
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Last year I learned how NOT to ride a mountain bike (and reinforced a lesson for life and business) Tony Robbins says “where focus goes, energy flows.” NASCAR drivers know NOT to look at the wall, but where they want the car to go. Turns out, it’s the same with mountain biking – if you look where you DON’T want to go…guess what happens? Boulders Bushes Trees Endo Ass Well it’s the same in life and business Where you apply your focus is typically what you produce, attract, manifest…whatever your view. The questions is: will we focus on solutions and potential or the problems and risks? Take my mountain biking advice – keep your eyes 10 feet down the path you want to go Who are my bikers out there?
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Running is the most primal of sports. Just you, your legs, and the distance they can cover. For many, it’s that simplicity that draws them in. When we strip away the smooth roadways, bike paths, and wide sidewalks, we’re left with something even more fundamental, simple, grounding: trail running. #running #trailrunning #sport
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DISCOVERING THE THRILL OF MOUNTAIN BIKING: JOIN A GROUP RIDE Are you reading to discover the thrill of mountain biking? If so, join a group ride, and get ready to explore everything MTB has to offer. NEW HOBBIES Hobbies help you dive deep into a new interest. When you start a new hobby, you need to learn the lingo, manners, and behaviors of fellow enthusiasts. You also aim to improve your skills. Is your latest hobby mountain biking? If so, you’re not alone. Mountain biking goes beyond leisurely rides; it’s about tackling singletrack trails. Anyone can ride a bike, but you’re here to become a mountain biker. THE CHALLENGES OF JOINING A GROUP RIDE The challenge? None of your friends ride bikes. Some might even prefer hiking (yikes). Riding around your neighborhood helps you get comfortable on your bike. However, you have questions: How can I improve? Where do I find trails? How do I navigate roots and rocks? Why do my feet slide off the pedals? These questions are best answered by experienced riders. Watch the full video and read the whole blog at ontrail.ca. Link in the bio.
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I used to run beginner mountain biking clinics. For many, the hardest part of mountain biking is making it to the top of long or steep climbs. Content and social media marketing often feel like lengthy uphill battles, don't they? Each step in the approval process is another root or jagged rock you have to traverse without slicing your tire. The constant back-and-forth that provides little value or actionable next steps leaves you feeling like you're not moving forward. The steepest parts of the climb never seem to get easier. I have one piece of advice for those feeling the deep ruts and relentless slowdowns of the marketing process. Whenever you want to throw up your hands in frustration and hop off your bike, try to get in a few more pedal strokes. If you inch forward each time it gets hard, rather than giving up or giving in to fatigue, you'll eventually find that those last few inches, those last hard-fought pedal strokes have delivered you to the top of the climb. While it's not always a smooth downhill or flowing flat singletrack at the top of that climb, you can still celebrate making it to the top. Slow, steady, small gains work in marketing, mountain biking, and more. Keep pedaling!
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The Joy of Mountain Biking Mountain biking is more than just a sport; it’s a journey through nature’s playground, where every trail is a canvas and every ride is a brushstroke on the masterpiece of life. As you navigate twists and turns, you’ll discover that mountain biking is not just about speed; it’s a dance with the terrain, a rhythmic connection between rider and earth. “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” – Albert Einstein. This quote perfectly captures the essence of mountain biking. Each pedal stroke propels you forward, both physically and mentally, helping to clear the fog of daily stress. The adrenaline rush is invigorating, igniting a fire within that keeps you pushing your limits. But let’s not forget the importance of quality gear. Just as a painter needs the right brushes, a mountain biker needs reliable equipment to navigate the rugged landscape. Quality grips, tires, and helmets not only enhance performance but also ensure safety. Investing in the right gear is like choosing the right shoes for a dance—without it, you risk losing your rhythm. So, gear up, hit the trails, and let the mountains whisper their secrets to you. Embrace the journey, and remember: every ride is a step towards better health, greater joy, and an unbreakable bond with nature.
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Ready to embark on the thrilling adventure of mountain biking? Whether you're young or young at heart, mountain biking offers a perfect escape into nature. But getting started can be daunting. Here’s a quick guide to help you begin your journey safely and enjoyably: 1️⃣ **Choose the Right Bike:** Start with an affordable beginner's mountain bike or look for a good deal on a used one. Ensure it’s the correct size for maximum comfort. Remember, comfort = fun! 2️⃣ **Safety First - Always Wear a Helmet:** A helmet specific for mountain biking is non-negotiable. Protect yourself on the trails! 3️⃣ **Pick the Right Trail:** Don’t overestimate your skills on your first ride. Choose a beginner-friendly trail and gradually work your way up. 4️⃣ **Learn and Improve:** If possible, take an introductory course with a certified instructor. Safe learning ensures progress! No matter your fitness level, there's a trail for your adventure. And always consider riding with an experienced friend. Have questions or want to explore more about mountain biking? Feel free to reach out or share your thoughts. Let's grow this community together! 👉 If you enjoyed this guide, share the thrill and knowledge with your network. Happy biking! 😊
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The New York Times has published an article discussing the growth of gravel biking. According to the article, the sport is slowly gaining popularity among cyclists who are looking for more challenging and adventurous rides. The article also notes that gravel biking has become an attractive option for those who want to get off the beaten path and explore the great outdoors. The article cites several reasons why gravel biking is becoming more popular, including the availability of high-quality bikes and gear, the desire for a more immersive experience, and the appeal of riding in remote and scenic areas. https://rec-law.us/3xR5WSX #Gravel #GravelBiking @RecreationLaw #CylingLaw #CyclistsNotInvisible #RecLaw #RecreationLaw #GetOutdoors
Gravel Biking Is Picking Up Speed
https://www.nytimes.com
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The New York Times has published an article discussing the growth of gravel biking. According to the article, the sport is slowly gaining popularity among cyclists who are looking for more challenging and adventurous rides. The article also notes that gravel biking has become an attractive option for those who want to get off the beaten path and explore the great outdoors. The article cites several reasons why gravel biking is becoming more popular, including the availability of high-quality bikes and gear, the desire for a more immersive experience, and the appeal of riding in remote and scenic areas. https://rec-law.us/3xR5WSX #Gravel #GravelBiking @RecreationLaw #CylingLaw #CyclistsNotInvisible #RecLaw #RecreationLaw #GetOutdoors
Gravel Biking Is Picking Up Speed
https://www.nytimes.com
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The New York Times has published an article discussing the growth of gravel biking. According to the article, the sport is slowly gaining popularity among cyclists who are looking for more challenging and adventurous rides. The article also notes that gravel biking has become an attractive option for those who want to get off the beaten path and explore the great outdoors. The article cites several reasons why gravel biking is becoming more popular, including the availability of high-quality bikes and gear, the desire for a more immersive experience, and the appeal of riding in remote and scenic areas. https://rec-law.us/3xR5WSX #Gravel #GravelBiking @RecreationLaw #CylingLaw #CyclistsNotInvisible #RecLaw #RecreationLaw #GetOutdoors
Gravel Biking Is Picking Up Speed
https://www.nytimes.com
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