Besides pulling stunts you probably never knew were possible on a bike, like riding one-legged down a handrail, professional trials rider Ryan Leech is also a yoga instructor and coach who trains MTBers in the physical and mental aspects of riding. He believes daily meditation not only improves your cycling, but also makes each ride more fun. – By Gloria Liu

“I do a lot of cross-country mountain biking and road riding, and it’s easy to lose concentration, especially if you’re solo,” Leech says. “Meditation has helped me to stay more present, so I’m keeping up my cadence, and more aware of my heart rate, not solely relying on technology. And I find my ability to take it all in – the raw experience of the moment, being out in nature, with friends – is bigger.”

Start building your mental muscle with Leech’s five-minute meditation for cyclists.

HOW TO MEDITATE

Try this meditation five to six times a week at the same time each day, gradually building up to longer periods. Leech does about 20 minutes a day.

– Set a timer for five minutes.
– Sit on a chair with your sit bones on the front edge and your back straight.
– With your eyes open, and without bending your neck, look down about 45 degrees. Keep your gaze soft.
– Focus on your breath and body, paying attention to how they feel in the moment, without using words or judgments to describe them.
– When you notice yourself being lost in thought, bring your awareness back to the moment and your body – think of this as the ‘rep’ in this mental workout.
– Repeat until the time is up.

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