Header

Header

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Sharing My Data - What have I been up to?


Hey all. It has been far too long since I last updated my blog. Now is as good a time as ever to begin again. Much has happened and the future is full of change. Let's get caught up.

Cognition Coaching is doing well. I continue to coach individuals towards their training and racing goals. Setting them up with a plan to improve weaknesses and prepare for their big event(s). Riding with my clients as often as possible. I'm still the cycling coach that does house calls. The days spent spent on the bike with my clients are the most rewarding.

I have increased my focus on bike skills instruction. Too many coaches and athletes are ignoring the importance of developing and/or improving bike riding technique and skills. After going through each level of the IMBA Instructor Certification Program (ICP), I was invited to become an IMBA Instructor Trainer. One of just nine people contracted by IMBA to teach the IMBA ICP courses. It is an honor to be associated with these great people.

IMBA Instructor Trainers review teaching methods at the Boulder, CO headquarters.
Due to this program, I have gone through a bit of a metamorphosis myself. Recognizing my own skills deficiency, I have renewed focus to improve my own riding habits. Although I have been on a mountain bike for over 25 years, I have some embedded habits that I am trying to relearn. It has been eye-opening as I continuously bounce from student to teacher. Like many of the people I coach, I commonly experience breakthrough moments when something clicks. Each is very rewarding.

To help me advance those skills, I have been at the summer bike parks often. I'm a regular at Mountain Creek Bike Park in Vernon, NJ. Also traveling all over the east coast and beyond in search of new challenges. I don't just go and ride. I hire instructors or attend clinics to help me to improve at a faster rate.

Downhill clinic with Simon Lawton at Whistler Bike Park, British Columbia.

Air Time!!!
While all this has been happening, I took a part-time position at a new REI retail store location that opened near my home. I work as the Shipper/Receiver a few days a week. Managing a small team to handle incoming inventory and outgoing on-line orders. Also, lending my expertise wherever necessary to strengthen the store's team. I recently celebrated one year with REI and it has been great fun.

Many other things are happening and under development. I look forward to sharing that with you more in the future. Thanks for reading.