1. Get your priorities straight
First things first: take a realistic look at your schedule and decide what matters most. Are you trying to maintain peak performance for an early-season race, or are you happy just spinning through the holidays? Having clear goals can prevent the dreaded all-or-nothing mindset.
Holiday strategy
Morning magic: Holiday schedules tend to get chaotic as the day unfolds. Set your alarm a bit earlier and enjoy a peaceful morning ride while the rest of the household sleeps off their holiday feasts. A quiet neighbourhood blanketed in frost—or maybe even snow—is the perfect backdrop for a memorable ride.
Buddy up: Let your loved ones in on your plan. A quick text to your cycling group can hold you accountable, and if family or friends join, it becomes a shared experience!
Festive spin:
Riding doesn’t have to feel like a chore—think of it as a mental reset to prepare you for the day’s festivities. Even a quick coffee stop during your ride can make it feel indulgent.
2. Turbo training during turkey time
Cold, dark days and jam-packed schedules might push you indoors, but the turbo trainer can be your holiday MVP. With indoor cycling apps and on-demand classes, you can keep training exciting and effective from the comfort of home—even with a holiday movie playing in the background.
Holiday hacks for turbo sessions
Mini workouts: Opt for shorter, high-intensity sessions (20-30 minutes) if time is tight. You’ll stay on track without sacrificing too much holiday fun.
Movie marathons: Queue up classics like Elf or Home Alone while you spin. Bonus points for creating intervals during action-packed scenes!
Themed rides: Many apps, like Zwift, offer festive challenges during December. Nothing says “holiday spirit,” like climbing a virtual mountain while wearing a digital Santa suit.
Pro tip:
Set your trainer up near the kitchen if you’re in charge of cooking—pedal while the cookies bake, and you’ll emerge guilt-free!
3. Festive group rides
Use the season to bring your cycling buddies together for a themed ride. Add some holiday flair with costumes, bike lights, and routes that showcase your town’s holiday decorations.
Creative ride themes
Santa dash: Everyone dresses as Santa, elves, or reindeer. Extra points for those who jingle all the way!
Hot chocolate stops: Map out cafes or pop-up markets serving holiday treats. Who says you can’t pause mid-ride for a peppermint mocha?
Charity rides: Turn your group ride into a cause by collecting food, gifts, or donations along the way. You’ll be riding with purpose and spreading cheer as you go!
Why it works:
Festive group rides can help you combine training with holiday fun. Plus, it’s a great way to show non-cycling friends and family why you love the sport.
4. Incorporate micro-rides
Don’t underestimate the power of short, purposeful rides. Even 15-20 minutes on the bike can keep your legs spinning and your spirits high. With the right mindset, you can turn holiday errands into active mini-sessions.
Ride while you errand:
Shopping runs: Swap the car for a bike on your next gift-buying trip. Attach panniers or a bike trailer for extra carrying capacity and burn off those holiday cookies!
Holiday card deliveries: Ride to your local postbox or hand-deliver cards to nearby friends. Bonus: you’ll feel extra festive pedalling through the neighbourhood.
Light tours: Take a short evening ride to check out the best holiday light displays. Bring a thermos of hot cider for post-ride sipping.
Quick wins:
If you’re strapped for time, focus on spinning at a moderate intensity. Even a short ride helps maintain your fitness and clears your mind for the next round of holiday chaos.
5. Stay flexible (and forgive yourself)
Let’s face it—the holidays don’t always go as planned. Sometimes, rides will get cancelled, indulgent meals will be unavoidable, and you might hit snooze instead of hitting the road. And that’s okay!
Cycling during the holidays should add joy, not stress. Missed a session? Adjust your plan without guilt. Overindulged at a family dinner? Think of it as carb-loading!
Mindset matters:
Remember, the holidays are a time to connect with loved ones and recharge. If that means fewer rides but more family movie nights, you’re still winning. A bit of flexibility now can prevent burnout later.
6. Plan for post-holiday recovery
The New Year offers a fresh slate, but you don’t need to start from scratch. Use the holidays to lay a foundation for January’s training—whether that’s by maintaining light activity or fully embracing a recovery phase.
Tips for post-holiday momentum:
Reflect and reset: Use quieter moments during the holidays to review your cycling goals for the upcoming year. What worked this year? What could be improved?
Fuel for success: If you’ve indulged in holiday treats, turn them into energy for your next big training block. Remember, balance is key!
Ease back in: Avoid diving straight into high-intensity training after the holidays. Gradually rebuild your routine to avoid injury.
The holidays are about celebrating, connecting, and creating memories—and cycling can be a part of that. Whether it’s squeezing in turbo sessions, organising festive rides, or simply enjoying the freedom of a micro-ride, there’s always room for two wheels at the most wonderful time of the year.
This season, embrace the chaos, sprinkle in some creativity, and keep pedalling. Now get out there and give Santa a run for his money!
