BUSTER BROWN - USA Level 3 Certified Cycling Coach

WHY HIRE A CYCLING COACH. 
There are a number of reasons to hire a USA Certified Cycling Coach. From the novice to the advanced the right coach sees you as an individual. Training programs are prepared based on fitness, background, schedule and restraints, and includes mentoring, coaching, providing feedback, setting goals and selecting events.  A coach knows when to adjust a training plan (avoiding injury), imposes dedication and commitment to each exercise, and challenges the cyclist to be the best he/she can be.  

THE USA CYCLING COACH

Call it accredited or call it certified, Accredited Coach Certification with USA Cycling is a big deal. Just becoming a coach has its challenges.  There are three levels to bicycle coaching; entry, advanced and expert and there are manuals, training packets and exams at each level. Once all three levels are completed you are certified – not so fast, for many this process can extend years into the future.

Levels go from 3-1 with Level 1 being the highest. In order to achieve Level 1, a coach must be a Level 2 coach in good standing for 5 consecutive years and attend a Level 1 Clinic, or be a Level 2 coach for 3 consecutive years, accumulate 200 CEU’s (Continuing Education Unites) following completion of the Level 2 Clinic and attend a Level 1 Clinic. Them comes the Level 1 test.  A compilation of subjects ranging from organizational structure to Role of the Coach, The Cyclist in Traffic, Basic Equipment, Sport Science, Health Issues, Principles of Training, Track Racing, Road Racing, Cyclo-cross Racing, Mountain Bikes and the list goes on.

To be one of the best and become renowned as a coach, specialization is a must. Discipline Specific Certification is to teach coaches to more effectively coach in a specific discipline. Only open to licensed Level 3 coaches, there’s Cyclo-cross Specific Certification, Track Specific Certification, and Mountain Bike Certification.  Specific Certifications are one and a half day pre-scheduled classes the coach is required to attend. Perhaps this explains the certified coaches pricing scale. Certification isn’t easy and it isn’t cheap. There are costs associated at each level, and coaches must “recertify” at each level every two years.

The  team is proud to announce our own Buster Brown has completed USA Cycling Level 3 Coaching Certification.  Training classes are beginning November 5, 2013.  Call Buster Brown at 479-530-9491.

COMMUTING BY BICYCLE

Are you riding your bicycle to work?  People all over the world are changing their methods of transportation. The millenniums and Y Generation have forced us to think differently about a lot of things. Some do it to save the planet, some to save money, others find they are forced economically and financially to find a better way of doing things. Transporting ones-self five days a week, 50 weeks a year is costly. Whether by car, bus or train, getting from point A to point B sustains a cost whereas bicycling is virtually free. True, there are upfront costs, yet once you have the bicycle, the clothing, a couple of spare tires, a wire bottle and a good pair of shoes, your cost free.  There is one factor which remains a challenge for many – the physical requirements. Hoping on a bicycle and riding 6-8 miles to work doesn’t come easy.

Google commuting by bicycle and you’ll find articles referencing exercise, fitness, race training, health benefits and more. There is very little however on how to prepare for the commute. If you don’t exercise at all, jumping on a bicycle and expecting to ride 6-8 miles on day one will led to parking your newly purchased bicycle in the garage or hanging it from a hook in the ceiling never to be touched again. If you don’t know your physical limitations, you will end up hating the experience as much as you hate the bicycle.

Although cycling is a low-impact exercise, any prolonged physically activity (you’re not prepared for) can leave you with injuries.  Back strain, arm pain, shoulder and knee discomfort are problem areas new and many seasoned cyclist experience.  Tiredness, fatigue, a lack of hydration and poor nutrition should be added to the list.  If you are planning to purchase a bicycle, or own one you’re planning to use for commuting prepare yourself for the ride – emotionally and physically. There are rules and regulations when riding in traffic, there are challenges riding up and down hills, bike routes aren’t always available and safety is a major concern.

Group bike rides are a must. Before heading out alone join a local group bike ride. Most have different levels and many offer indoor classes before taking to the road. Bike Shops such as Bixby Bicycles and Accessories can provide maps to lay out safe routes.  They also have coaches who can help you prepare physically, give nutritional advice, ensure equipment fits properly, and teach recovery methods. No one wants to feel great about bicycling to work and arrive unable to put in an eight hour day. Your boss just might have something to say about that. Being aware of the weather conditions, having extra clothing, and having a plan B is crucial. Bicycling is physical exercise and if you’re in a hot climate you’ll need a way to freshen-up once you arrive at the work place. You don’t want to arrive exhausted neither do you want everyone to smell you coming.  Snow, rain and drastic changes in temperature can make the ride home challenging, have a plan B. Preparation is key!

Commuting to work by bicycle is more popular than ever.  You save money, see things you’ve never seen before, avoid rush hour traffic and rush hour crowds, save money, save the planet, get your daily dose of exercise, and let’s not forget the freedom of the ride. If you’re properly trained, physically fit, and properly attired for safety and comfort, know your route and have a plan B for unexpected changes in the weather or that requirement to work overtime, commuting by bicycle can be a truly rewarding experience.