Monthly motivation - May
It’s May, and our final monthly motivation blog is all about believing in yourself and having the confidence of knowing that you’ve done (well, almost) all the really hard work. We’ve also peppered the article with some great quotes taken from previous Loopers.
Take comfort from acknowledging how hard you’ve worked to get to this point, and recognise where you can continue to make gains. But most of all, really enjoy these last few weeks of excitement and anticipation. You’re going to have one hell of an adventure on tour and we’ve got your back. It’s officially time to get properly excited!
Niggles – what to do about them
If you notice any niggles – either physically or with your bike, now is the time to deal with them, making any final tweaks. Don’t ignore these details – they can lead to bigger problems, so iron out the final creases now while you still can.
Nerves – how to minimise them
Everyone is nervous – particularly the Grand Loopers who have probably invested the most time, money and energy into this adventure. But get yourself safely to the starting line in good health and sensible shape and the rest will take care of itself. We’ve got a fantastic team ready to support you in every way we can. There will also be plenty of alumni who’ve ridden some or all of the tour before – so search them out on arrival (or before, through your WhatsApp group) or simply observe the cool, calm, collected way they handle themselves. Remember – personal organisation on tour is key (see previous monthly motivation blogs!).
“why oh why did I worry so much before? Everything was relaxed and welcoming from start to finish and I’d like to wind back the clock and chill!”
“I was really surprised by how much I rode into my fitness, even just over my long week”
The best way to avoid nerves is to have a final, solid 6+ weeks of serious training. Not panic-training … sensible, thought-out, well-planned rides (and stretches) that get you safely to the starting line with no injuries or exhaustion but in the best possible condition and raring to go. I
If you could plan out your perfect 6-week build up, what would it look like? Big and bigger miles? Maybe a bit less work (if that’s even possible), particularly if you’ve got a physically demanding job? Investing some time in your family and friendships before you head off (perhaps not so relevant if you’re doing a 3-4 day Loop, but definitely a consideration if you’re joining us for a longer Loop).
Search out opportunities to ride in groups to practice peloton riding if you can (but don’t stress it if you can’t). Ride a sportive or 2 (but don’t take risks racing all-out). Beware of the cough or cold that just won’t go – are you tipping the balance of training hard and recovery? If you are, pull back a bit. Those of you riding longer loops – don’t underestimate the amount of conditioning that continues to take place on tour – the vast, vast majority of riders finish stronger than they’ve ever been … not progressively weaker.
Trust us – everyone feels the same – so don’t feel you’ve got anything to prove to anyone else on tour … you don’t. The more competitive among you might start to forget that this isn’t a race. Let us remind you – there are no prizes. Always ride within your capabilities, particularly on the first few stages if you’re a Grand Looper.
“I genuinely thought I’d be the slowest. Genuinely. And maybe I was but it became apparent very quickly that absolutely nobody cared”
“I guess it’s natural for us to want to ride fast, and to prove to ourselves that we’re as good as we hoped, but if I could offer some advice to a future Le Loop cyclist, it’d be that trying to be fast all day every day completely misses the point and makes you look a bit silly. Sure, enjoy going fast but spend at least a bit of time with slower cyclists too – it’s relaxing, fulfilling and fun and you get to meet so many more people”.
Manage your expectations
Think through all eventualities so that as little as possible comes as a surprise. Let’s be honest here – no matter how prepared you are, you may have days (or just the odd hour) that is not all sunflowers and cow bells! So how will you handle a really tough day that drains you physically and emotionally? What experience of something similar can you draw upon? By thinking through it now, you can anticipate the bad moments, or bad days – this helps you to manage your own expectations, making the challenges easier to deal with and overcome.
What challenges both on the bike and off it have you overcome to reach this point? How much stronger have they made you? Who’s in your ‘Invisible peloton’ as Emily Chappell would call it: her roll-call of brilliant supporters and the people who most inspire her. Or how many stories from the charities have you learned? Will they be the thing that gets you to the top of that gruelling climb when you realise that your tough day probably doesn’t compare to an average day for them?
And finally ...
Not starting in Florence? Look to Alumni (as well as our staff) for guidance and support and if you’re arriving after the Grand Depart, follow the Grand Loopers and get their advice. Observe their routines, even if you’re not riding alongside them every day – by now they’re into a good routine and will be glad of some fresh legs to follow.
Focus on visualisation – sunny roads of France (and Italy). Beautiful scenery, banter and fun surrounded by like-minded cyclists with a shared goal. Great food at beautiful feed stops, cheery ‘can do’ staff whose focus is on helping you to complete your Loop with a smile on your face.
What else can you think of that will help to make you comfortable and well-rested on tour? Is it ear plugs? A silk pillow case? A fantastic Spotify line-up? A food treat? Sudocreme? Or even a daily phone call home? Plan now so that you’re confident that you’ve thought of everything you possibly can and prepared for it.
Then relax and enjoy the anticipation. We can’t wait to see you on tour!!
Vive Le Tour!
You can see last month’s motivation blog here.
Or view all our blogs here.
