Chi Riding- Tip 1 – Riding Position

I am the very lucky owner of a new bike.  A purchase that was well overdue.  I can say that my new bike has already bought me so much joy that I am now wondering why I ummed and arrhed for so long…

My new bike has me in a drastically different riding position than I am used to, but for all the right reasons.  I am now in an “A” position.  Although this is deemed the ideal position for efficiency and control, all sorts of body parts have been shouting at me.  It has emphasised that while the set up of your bike needs to be correct, of equal importance is how your body works (your form) in this riding position.

The big contributor to my discomfort is my form or how my body is working (performing) in this new position.  I also need to get stronger in my new “A” position.

Chi Riding – a goRide SERIES to develop or enhance an understanding of your position and form on your bike. 

CHI RIDING. Have you heard of Chi Running? It is a running technique that emanates from the principles of pilates, yoga, and tai chi. We are going to piggyback on that concept and introduce you to Chi Riding – a riding form that emanates from some of those same principles of being relaxed, having less tension and stress when you ride, efficiency, ease, engaging the senses and core control (control from your mid region). All things that will make time on your bike more enjoyable, easier, will give you less discomfort and will have positive effects and influences on other aspects of your life.

RIDING POSITION. When riding you are in contact with your bike at 3 different points.

1. Bottom on the seat
2. Hands on the handle bars
3. Feet on the pedals

goRide will cover each of these bike components the seat, handle bars, and pedals in separate stories so that you will have an understanding of the importance of each of these contact points.

FORM IN YOUR RIDING POSITION.

The first step to good form is being aware.  When you are out riding I want you to be aware of those contact points, the seat, the pedals, the handlebars and think about your position on and between them.  You are working towards the “A” position. Your back and arms are the 2 sides of the A.  The top of the “A” is flat – that is your shoulders are relaxed and down (not up around your ears) See the yellow lines of the “A” in the photo.

The most common incorrect riding position is where:

1. Both the upper and lower back is rounded.

2. The shoulders are elevated and too close to your ears.

Acheiving THE “A” POSITION.  I want you to work towards getting both your upper and lower back straighter like one side of an A. Think of the sternum or breast bone and the lower back as the horizontal line in the A that connects with both sides. Think of the breast bone and lower back moving slightly towards the arms (the opposite side of the “A”). See the red lines of the “A” in the photo. Doing this will reduce the risk of getting into the rounded back position. Also drop your shoulders so they are down and relaxed.

Improving your form takes patience, time and practice. goRide will have more stories in the Chi Riding series to help you improve your form and strength when you ride. Remember the first positive step is to become aware. You will be amazed by just being aware what you will notice and the small changes you will start to make.

Thanks for reading Chi Riding – Tip One – Riding Position.  Used together our stories and resources support you to achieve and develop as a rider.  Do it, at your own pace, in your own time, in a fun, supported way – the goRide way.

goRide is a shared journey, so we would like you to assist in guiding it along the way.  Contact us with your thoughts, comments or feedback. Thank you for being a