9 foods an athlete would never eat?

Sobering info in this article at Men’s Fitness.

How do you rank on the garbage-eating scale?

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Winter special – group training with Enduro MTB Training


Hi all,

My physical trainer, Dee Tidwell of Enduro MTB Training, is offering a special deal to LLB readers.

Train in a small group at Dee’s facility in Greenwood Village, CO.

Four-month sessions start Jan. 12 and 13.

You get:

• Two physical screens.
• New program every month, tailored to you.
• Soft tissue and recovery. This is key!
• And more.

Since I started training with Dee last year, I’m living with less pain, riding stronger and having more fun.

$199/month for 4 months
(LLB special: save $40 per month)

Sign up for Dee’s group coaching special>>>


Kung fu skills in Simi Park, CA


We’re rocking kung fu skills at Corriganville Park in Simi Valley, CA on Jan. 16, 17 and 18.

SOLD OUT.

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Learn to pedal out of the saddle


This test video from Global Cycling Network says climbing while standing can be just as efficient as sitting.

Cool! Let’s dig in

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Wheel sizes and diminishing marginal utility


In the old days we rode 26x2ish tires, and that was it. There were no other options and nothing to worry about. And we were happy.

26, 27.5, 27.5+, 29, 29+ … the list of mountain bike wheel options keeps growing.

More choices are better, right?

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Build riding skills anywhere with LLB Remote Coaching

Thanks to email, video and other modern marvels, you can get world class MTB skills training anywhere.

What do you want to accomplish?

• Dial in the basics. The key to true mastery.

• Focus on specific skills (cornering, dropping, jumping, etc).

• Get personalized feedback from one of the most effective skills instructors in the world.

• Build on what you’ve learned from a book or in-person clinic.

• Lessons start at $99.

• Gift certificates are available.

Learn more about LLB Remote Coaching>>>


MTB skills in Austin, TX Dec. 15, 2014

Hi all, I’m teaching in Austin, TX this weekend.

Fully booked Fri-Sun, but I can work with individuals or groups on Monday.

Normal coaching rates apply. What a fun way for you and your crew to dial in your skills.

To set up your session please email lee@leelikesbikes.com


Pump track pain cave and other delights


Now that coaching season is slow, it’s time for some fitness training, which means PT/stability/mobility/strength, Pump Up the Base and … drum roll … some pump track mayhem.

Yesterday’s adventure:

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Stem length and handlebar path

Shorter stems usually create a more functional riding position, which is awesome.

Here’s another benefit of shorter stems: A simpler handlebar path.

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LLB socks and t-shirts are here!



Wrap those heavy feet in the best sock out there, and shred the gnar (or get coffee) in this sweet t-shirt.

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That which can be measured …


I love helping riders ride faster/easier with improved technique.

It’s extra gratifying when we track progress.

For example:

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Mountain bikers: pump up your pedaling this winter

This piece was written for TrainingPeaks.com, but I hope LLB readers will dig it.


Man does not live on the trainer alone. If the conditions are nice, pin it outside! Sprint training up the slalom track at Valmont Bike Park in Boulder, CO.

So many mountain bikers do their work in the winter — sitting and spinning, mostly — then they hit real trails and are shocked. Why aren’t I flying up these rocky climbs? Why I am I working so hard? Why am I falling down?

Mountain biking is more complex than road riding. Never mind all the turning, hopping and dropping: The pedaling is more involved too.

This article strives to help your winter pedaling training better prepare you for off-road riding. The physiological concepts come from my pedaling fitness coach, Lester Pardoe at the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine. The technical concepts come from my experience as a busy skills instructor, dad and business owner. I need to wring every gram of benefit out of every minute on the trainer (and I need it to be interesting).

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