It’s been great working with Charlie over the last year keeping me focused throughout lockdown.
We struck up a good rapport straight away and it has been a great experience. This was my first introduction to coaching and I have learned a lot. Charlie will recommend specific, event focused sessions, explaining why the session is appropriate and how best to execute. He was on hand to provide answers to any questions that arose throughout.
I have seen strong gains throughout and have noticed a vastly improved performance. If you want to take your cycling to the next level, then I cannot think of a better way to do so.
I started looking into a real coaching services and found RideRevolution, the first thing I liked was they do not charge a signup fee. You just pay for one month at a time with no fixed term contract. After a few emails and a phone conversation to discuss if they could help me considering my health condition, I decided to give it a go. After a phone conversation with Charles, my coach, about my goals and what I wanted to achieve, my plan was put in place a month at a time. So, I started to work through the plan, after each effort I Whatsapp message Charlie about my thoughts on how I got on then at the end of the month we have a phone chat to discuss the next month’s training. So far, I’m into my 4th month and progressing pretty well.
When I started I could only ride for around 6 miles. This weekend I will be doing my first 20-mile ride! This is all down to RideRevolution and Charlie. To me it is the structured approach to training that makes the difference – it gives you such a purpose. I now hate it if I cannot get out and do my training and having someone to discuss your training with makes it just fantastic as far as I am concerned. My aim is not to stop with them until I can do a 50 mile ride.
Let’s be clear I’m not a cyclist. I’m 56 and only started cycling when lockdown started. I was doing OK but since getting coaching I have gone to the next level. My max power has doubled. My FTP is up 65%. My heart rate and recovery is a massive improvement (I use a Whoop Band and even they are impressed). It’s all down to Tom and his well thought out structured sessions. They aren’t all easy. They aren’t all hard. They are though almost all spot on. Thoughtful and well designed. Plus he actually gives you feedback and asks you what’s working. Other coaches don’t do that – and without feedback you’re just a number. My advice? Do it. Get a coach. Coaching will do your stats more good than a new £10k bike.
Tom has been coaching me since the 2019/2020 Cyclocross season and it was clear there were improvements being made straight away. I achieved my second cat licence last year, so this year was going to be a big jump in racing. But with little to no racing available we’ve all had to adapt our goals for riding, which Tom has helped me with by giving a clear and concise training plan. The flexibility on this has also been helpful with my work commitments having changed many times throughout the year. I would highly recommend Tom to anyone needing that extra bit of coaching.
I joined RideRevolution last year whilst competing against riders like Jake in National level races. During 2020 it would be easy to think that a coach wouldn’t be required but if anything, I’ve found sticking to a training plan to be more motivational and has kept me focused. Instead of racing we worked on a series of personal best targets which with Jake’s guidance we’ve been able to reach.
The numbers don’t lie, in 2019 I had an FTP of 375. And in 2020 I’m up to an FTP of 407. That’s an almost 10% increase! I also held a 430 watt average during a TT which I wouldn’t have been able to do before joining RideRevolution.
I was at the stage that I didn’t want to train anymore because I didn’t see the point. I came to RideRevolution to put some more structure in what I was doing. And when Jake gave me clear guidance and put into place what I should be doing it all started clicking. It made me want to go out and ride my bike. I rode up to him during a race on Saturday with a big smile on my face to thank him for helping me see it was still a fun sport.
Jake was able to set a personalised, structured training plan around achieving goals we had set for the 2018 race season. Having my training sessions planned out for me to see each week really made sure I was making the most of the time I had available. He was also able to adapt and tailor the training at short notice depending on how I was feeling or if my plans had changed for that week.
Jake personalises his training programmes to fit in around my varied riding and racing goals. He is very knowledgeable and takes the time to explain things and answer questions I have however stupid they are. His extensive experience of racing has been great in helping prepare for races and he shows a genuine interest in how well my races have gone. I had only intended working with a coach for one season, but sort of enjoyed the challenge and have now been working with Jake for about 3 years, and still see an improvement in performance year on year.
After years out the sport, I rediscovered racing after turning 40. I trained hard and got up into the 3rd cats, but just keeping up wasn’t enough for me. A friend recommended RideRevolution, so I took the plunge. With a well laid out training plan, regular communication and support, my fitness and confidence have grown. I am now a competative 2nd cat! The coaching is very flexible and training fits in around family and work commitments. Highly recommended.