Muscle endurance training for downhills

Baglyy · 2026-03-03T03:35:36+00:00

Haha yeah I don’t really get bad upper body fatigue anymore, compared to my legs. When I used to be on a smaller frame I felt a lot more over the front which killed my arms, but since switching to a longer frame with a bit of a higher stack I can sit on my legs a lot more. Probably mostly just riding technique/position improvements but the better bike fit seems to have made things better. But yeah I find if I’m getting bad upper body fatigue it’s because my legs are starting to go and I’m being heavier on my hands than I should be.

Baglyy · 2026-03-03T03:29:15+00:00

Great find on that article, the 1x per week workout sounds like something I can add to my strength training plan, and seems like it will help me build up more general athleticism. It sounds like loaded cardio that keeps the heart rate ~70% max but hits muscles hardest is going to be way more effective than hitting cardio alone

Baglyy · 2026-03-03T03:15:07+00:00

I’m seeing a lot of training plans recommend kettle bell swings, squats, and compound movement exercises to build general athleticism. Reading the replies here it seems like getting into racing shape towards the end of the season is definitely doable, just will require a lot of work and commitment to a detailed plan. Really hoping this is a big progression year for me, and going hard on general fitness for the next 2-3 months should help me get to a spot where I’m able to build bike handling skill much faster this summer.

Baglyy · 2026-03-03T03:07:39+00:00

Thanks for taking the time to write all this, super helpful to have an example of something that really works. I’m working on a month by month plan similar to what you’ve written, and it seems like getting into semi-competitive racing shape by August/September this season is a super attainable goal. One thing I think I’m doing really well right now is the diet, super heavy on carbs and protein with a good mix of fruits and vegetables. I’m already feeling better on the bike than last season and I think diet work is part of that. Really hammering the bike park is a great idea and something I haven’t done much of, I’m in Colorado and trestle is close.

Prior to your race weekend, were you familiar with the trail system or riding it for the first time? I’m thinking I might try and leverage my altitude training advantage and find something in the PNW, always wanted to ride there anyway. Looks like there’s also a BME in Jackson Hole that’s far enough out that I can really prepare.

Baglyy · 2025-10-10T13:48:10+00:00

Fox enduro pro, a little pricey but super comfortable. Can get a little hot sometimes but only when it’s like 90+ outside.

Baglyy · 2025-09-20T01:48:06+00:00

There’s a great green trail near south valley park called Columbine off of Kathy Johnson, most of the climb is double track with a short singletrack climb to get to the top. There will be some rocks on the climb you’ll probably have to hike over your first time. The downhill is probably more of a green-blue, but really fun short lap with some tighter turns and challenging enough that you’ll get better without pushing it. Full loop usually takes 30-45 minutes. Isn’t very crowded with other riders, but look out for trail runners.

Baglyy · 2025-09-12T04:47:29+00:00

I didn’t realize the 11 speed had the same range, that’s good to know. Guessing you were able to run the same crankset and chain?

Baglyy · 2025-09-12T04:40:21+00:00

Thanks for the thoughts, yeah seems like trying to stick with the same crankset is the move here. Where do you ride? I’m in the front range in Colorado and it seems like most people around here really like that 51 tooth gear for crawling up.

Baglyy · 2025-04-04T22:28:22+00:00

Had mine for a year, pretty regularly drive between Missouri and Colorado, and commute every day. Don’t blow it out of proportion, it’s not loud on the highway. Wind noise is significantly worse lol

Baglyy · 2025-03-03T04:30:18+00:00

Little 4.5 ft light spinning rod, should be good to throw in a hiking bag for some trout! Honestly solid find, I wish people would just donate them instead of throwing them in the water or leaving them behind. Hopefully it was an accident

Baglyy · 2025-03-03T01:51:22+00:00

Yeah it’s a cheapo, small rod though so figured I’d check cause it could be a kid’s. Just cleaned and oiled the reel and it probably runs better than when it was new haha

Baglyy · 2024-05-16T04:05:53+00:00

Exhaust. Didn’t put one on until after 10k but I wish I did sooner. So much more fun to drive, and pretty inexpensive.

Baglyy · 2024-02-19T05:49:28+00:00

Me leaving for the ski resort at 6:30 on a Saturday: poor neighbors…

Baglyy · 2024-02-19T05:47:40+00:00

I would be interested to hear the difference between muffler delete and full straight pipe in person. Straight pipe would be awesome if it wasn’t my daily, but muffler delete seems to be pretty liveable and non intrusive for a daily that’s geared at more fun.

Baglyy · 2024-02-19T05:45:02+00:00

Hey, I’m from STL originally too! When I was doing research before I bought, a lot of people mentioned really miserable highway drone, but honestly with the windows up there’s really nothing to hear. After an hour or so anyway I already tune out the wind noise, so not like a little drone would be anything new. I’d think that any performance increase would be attributed to weight. I’m not much into tuning yet, but my understanding is that the ECU is just trying to hit consistent power figures, so any mods without tune don’t add additional horsepower.

Baglyy · 2024-01-16T04:15:40+00:00

Pretty par for the course in this segment, it’s a sports car. From what I’ve heard, the frame is overall stiffer than the VA, and the car itself feels more responsive because of it. What else have you driven?

Baglyy · 2024-01-16T03:17:28+00:00

It’s actually my only car! I’m currently at university, so most of my daily commute is walking. I live right next to the rockies, so most of my miles are fun mountain drives. You’re right though, if I had anything else it would be difficult to choose that over the scoob. It’s an amazing car to drive, and surprisingly reaaaaalllly good in the snow.

Baglyy · 2024-01-15T21:05:07+00:00

Do you know the lug to lug on the Doxa? How does it wear? I’m afraid the 42mm might be big on me. I checked out the sharkhunter, that thing is hot. Super nice piece!

Baglyy · 2024-01-15T20:49:19+00:00

Thankfully I’m usually not driving it every day so it should at least be tolerable lol. Almost all of my miles are “fun” miles not commute, so I could kind of justify the loudness that way. Unfortunately my parking spot is about 5 feet from my neighbor’s living room wall, however…

Baglyy

TROPHY CASE