How I Became an Above Average Cyclist

After training with a cycling coach for over 2 years, I can finally say I'm (slightly) above average. More importantly, I've built the fitness to do some cool stuff on the bike.

They did not sponsor this video, I'm just really pleased with my results!

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[DarrenX]

Those 35, 000 other men in your age group are not "average cyclists", they are people who ride enough to care about using such a program, owning a power meter, and measuring their FTP. They are not a random sample.

[fyrigul]

234 for just starting is really good. 'average' 'below average' for **cyclists as a group** is WAY WAY WAY above average for the group 'general public'. It's something that gets skipped over a lot in these vids and left out completely when people quote studies, can make people feel completely dissuaded from trying. People should understand it could take an actually out of shape, close to or metabolically diseased American couch potato, an entire year of intense training to get close to 234. It may take them another 2years of similarly intense training to get to 300+.

[CamNicholls]

Once again Mitch, I'm extremely grateful for the way you have shared your journey (which includes the RCA). One important thing you missed (although maybe I got distracted by the dude in white cycling shorts 🤣 or maybe you’re too modest) is you did the work! All that base training, all the HIIT sessions, all the long endurance rides etc. Plus, you entrusted in the guidance and program. That is not a given and that needs to be commended. Along with your excellent content! 👏 ❤

[endcensorship]

It's super easy: Ride Lots.
Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk

[thecoffeeblog]

I started commuting by bike when I moved to the US at the end of 2019. Back then my bike was only a method of transportation until I found your channel. I watched one of your first cycling videos where you talked about your favorite cycling channels and during the video, you mentioned words like watts, power meters, FTP, etc. This was unknown to me. Later, you introduced me to Zwift, FTP, power zones, heartbeat drifting, direct drive trainers, electronic shifting, etc. In short, you introduced me to road cycling in general by sharing your passion in a fun and casual way. Today my FTP is 294, I have lost 30 pounds since I started, and race Zwift almost every day in category B. Same, as you I plan to ride my bike as hard as I can for the rest of my life. Thank you very much

[LimitedWard]

I mean technically, the vast majority of amateur cyclists probably never record their data in the first place. So really when you think about it, you were probably above average all along.

[quacker]

I’m sitting, actually laying here, on my couch loving this as my zwift bike stands waiting. Unfortunately I’m in heart failure having a day of severe fatigue but at some point I will pluck up the mental fortitude and pick myself up to go ride at 80w for 32 minutes and be proud and this video has helped me - I love your unstopability and enthusiasm!
Of course if my heart is only working at 28% with an ftp of 134w and a healthy heart pumps 60% of left ventricular volume then my compensated ftp would be 287w and technically above average! Go me!

[MannBazza]

Mark Lewis is hilarious and inspirational. Nice to be here.

[THTGUYGREG]

I'm recovering from a torn quad and this video is wetting my appetite for getting back on the bike after a couple of years being a gym bro - thank you Mitch!

[kodymelo]

Hands down Mitch, you are my favourite cycling YouTuber. I feel like we are very similar in how we got into cycling and how this wacky sport turned into a (healthy 🙃) obsession.

Your editing and storytelling is top notch and really stoked that you’ve been getting the views and recognition you deserve.

Cheers to a solid 2024 😀

[lars]

Impressive development!!

I started riding seriously in 2020 at fourteen. Now I'm approaching eighteen, and I am still learning new things every ride and getting faster. It's tough because almost all of the riders in my area are way older than me, but I make it work. Planning on racing for the first time this season. I hope my diligence now pays off when I'm old and (hopefully) still fit.

[Brainboy]

This is an awesome video. It honestly inspired me to keep training. I want my baseline to go up like yours did, I now know it will take 3 years instead of 3 months. Love the hair too!

[pence]

I’m so shocked by how much people care about progression, I love it and I’m glad they have a focus and goal, I just ride for literal fun and to travel places and be outdoors.

[JJJJ-pt]

I'm 57 and just got into biking last october... absolutely love it... very addicting... especially the I'm actually going for a ride right after I write this... bike

[arthurcutting]

YouTube suggested this video this morning. At age 67 this all meant something quite a few years ago when I was road riding. I switched to almost exclusively mountain biking these days. Strength and balance are huge benefits when you're older. Falling on pavement or getting hit by a stolen Kia are not the best thing over 50. So what I'm saying is, you need more bikes and the trail forks app.😊

[lecherousjester]

Gotta say thanks. I had just gotten done watching your Pittsburgh hills video and about 7-8 mins into this one I closed it out and went out for my first bike ride in 5 months. Right from the couch with my coffee to 15 miles and 600 ft. Felt great.

[bee_whisper]

This is very motivational, I've come out of 2023 from a major depressive state with a drive to be a better person . Fitness aside I know training hard on the bike and riding more helps myental being and makes me more friendly . Mad respect for you and the RCA team

[shimona]

Super inspiring to see this.
Trying to go to 300 as well (from 200), up to 260 right now @ 73kg (or 273 if you believe the ramp test, lol).
Started cycling a little over a year ago.

[mathewrose]

Came back from living at 2000 meters elevation and rode for an hour at 304 watts at the start of this month. It’s been a journey, but it’s given me the confidence to know I can ride the 108 miles of Skyline drive here in VA for my birthday in June and not be cracked by the effort afterwards.

[Souzaphotos]

Congrats, awesome work! I'm going out for my last 17 miles of 1k today!! I started mainly backin August, super overweight, weak and unhealthy...3 to 5 miles was my max and made me want to hurl but I can do 30-40 miles now and have had a blast these last bunch of months. This coach thing sounds like a great idea to keep it pushing.