Big Ring Training

Well, for those that have ridden on the road with me in the past this term isn't a new one coming from my mouth. "Big Ring Training" came about some years ago when I decided to start to only train in the biggest chainring on my bike. Usually I would progress up to the big ring and be there easily before the middle of the season. I would grind up long, arduous hills in the 53-25 combo.

Last night I began to do it on my one of my MTBs. I met the Dirt Dads at Cannonsburg Ski Area last night and began by climbing the face of the "bunny hill". Then we entered the main trail... which is a pair of climbs. I started here with the big ring. I actually made it through much of the main trail, even the very new sections until I reached that one steep climb. I took a good running start and hit the hill. But about 8 feet from the crest... I stalled out. I was already putting a high amount of torque on the drivetrain, so I just clamped the breaks. Balanced there for a sec. And then put down a foot. I looked back and I was only in the middle cog. Hmmm... I had a few more gears to go but I didn't risk shifting under that high a load. I can just see cog teeth and chain pieces scattering all over the hill. I finished the rest of the trail still in the big ring except...

... we found the new stunts area. I would need a bit beefier bike to take on the freeride goodies hidden there. So I just swooped through what was fairly tame, ooogled the tough stuff and went on... a few of us decided to do the face again and bomb back down.

... wait, I've gone off track (again). Big ring training is a power exertion builder that gets my legs used to pushing at a higher output over a long period of time. Virtually no resting as torque is continuous and slow to keep momentum. Slowing or stopping means having to overcome the larger gear ratios. All this translates into increased climbing power and explosive acceleration.

I'll pair that up with the SS which works on power but moreso on spinning to increase my overall speed potential. No if I can only stop cramping on the long, arduous rides....