PODCAST · sports
Cycling in Alignment with Colby Pearce
by Colby Pearce
Colby has been a Steve Hogg Certified expert bike fitter for the past 10 years and has worked with elite athletes and WorldTour teams, including EF Education First. He is also an elite cycling coach and has been passing along his wisdom to the riders he coaches for decades. Pearce’s repertoire of knowledge spans 30 years, five continents, hundreds of races, and countless miles in the saddle.The minutiae of cycling and riding technique are just part of the story that Colby shares. Alignment with nature, foundational principles of health, and treating the sport as a practice are some of the philosophies he shares. Cycling in Alignment features a diverse guest list, including those who may or may not be familiar names in the cycling world.Prepare to have your belief systems shattered.
Episodes
-
Axioms of Cycling Chapter 3 Second Order Properties - Ep207
Axioms of Cycling Chapter 3 Second Order Properties - Ep207 Off the bike: endless rumination and circular thinking about a future event, power output, or weight will be counter productive In training: perfectionistic mindset will detract from the practice and make training unsustainable In…
more -
Axioms of Cycling: Chapter Two - Belief Systems - Ep206
Axioms of Cycling: Chapter Two - Belief Systems - Ep206 In this dialogue I talk about how a rider’s belief systems can impede their progress or prevent them from expressing their highest potential as an athlete. This is quite a common presentation in my experience. Athletes and coaches often…
more -
Axioms of Cycling, Chapter One - Ep205
Axioms of Cycling, Chapter One - Ep205 Dream, Goal, Objective. In this episode I outline why an athlete must choose a dream, goal, or objective, and some of the parameters in the process of the choice. ***CONTRIBUTE TO THE PODCAST*** If you are so inclined, you can contribute financially to the...
-
Relationship to the Sun - Ep 204
Relationship to the Sun - Ep 204 What is your relationship to the sun? Are you heliophobic? Have you been told that the sun is an evil celestial orb that will give you disease? For me, the sun is a source of life, health, rhythm and balance. To hear more of my thoughts on this topic, check out…
more -
How to Train with a Power Meter - Ep203
How to Train with a Power Meter - Ep203 In this episode I unpack the upside and shadow side of three different ways to use a power meter. As a pacing tool As a motivator To look at retrospective or futurespective data I feel these perspectives are important as I think many riders in the sport are...
-
Assassination of the Perfectionistic Mindset - Ep 202
Assassination of the Perfectionistic Mindset - Ep 202 This is a walking podcast in which I talk about the perfectionistic mindset and make a case to meditate on death. It is perhaps a heavy topic but I endeavor to make the case that when we approach sport as though there is a permanent record of...
-
John Rutherford: Being Forced to Nail Down the Craft - Ep 201
John Rutherford: Being Forced to Nail Down the Craft - Ep 201 Episode number two hundred and one is a discussion with John Rutherford, who grew up bike racing, is now an ultra runner, has served as Foreign Service Officer for the US Department of State, and has flown F/A-18s when he served as a...
-
Posture and Bears - Ep200
Posture and Bears - Ep200 In this walking podcast, #200! I discuss an alternate way to quantify training load. Or not really to quantify it, but to help dictate what proper training load is for a given athlete on a given day. It flies directly in the face of the way every other coach and program...
-
Frankie Hall - Ep199
Frankie Hall - Ep199 This conversations is with one of my colleagues at Team EF Coaching, Frankie Hall. We speak about Blood Flow Restriction Training and the potential training benefits is has for cyclists. Frankie brings a high level of expertise to this discussion as she has a PhD in BFR...
-
Peter Defty and Tony Konvalin: Reclaim your Nutritional Autonomy - Ep198
Peter Defty and Tony Konvalin: Reclaim your Nutritional Autonomy - Ep198 In this episode I have a discussion with Peter Defty and Tony Konvalin from Vespa Power. Peter reached out to me after my rant on carbs a few weeks ago and felt we should have another discussion. This is the second time…
more -
Slam that Stem? - Ep 197
Slam that Stem? - Ep 197 In this PDWT pod, I attempt to provide a useful answer to a question submitted from my audience: “Let's say someone comes to you and gets a perfect bike fit for an endurance road bike and everything is dialed in great. let's say they also followed all your advice on...
-
Everything is not a Nail - Ep196
Everything is not a Nail - Ep196 In this PDWT podcast I talk about the culture of cycling and how focused it is on one single thing: watts. If a rider only has a hammer in their tool box, everything looks like a nail… An old saying that has some truth to it: “Train your weaknesses, race your...
-
You Don't Eat Grams of Carbohydrates - Ep195
You Don't Eat Grams of Carbohydrates - Ep195 In this walking episode I talk about all the reasons I don’t sign up for carbs carbs carbs and more sugar = better so more more sugar sugar = better better. Didn’t your mom tell you not to eat all that sugar? She was right. Links: Reticence & Reverie...
-
Health is an Ongoing Practice - Ep 194
Health is an Ongoing Practice - Ep 194 Hello there space monkeys. This episode is Post Dinner Walk Thoughts, a bit of a shorter format than I would typically do. A distilled digestion of ideas on health, and a bit of perspective on how it fits into our life and our relationship to sports and...
-
Blood Flow Restriction Training with Dr Mike DeBord - Ep 193
Blood Flow Restriction Training with Dr Mike DeBord - Ep193 In this episode I speak with Dr Mike DeBord about Blood Flow Restriction Training and how it is an extremely effective training method for endurance athletes. BFR simultaneously creates an environment of oxygen scarcity and elevated...
-
Finding Center with Lawrence Van Lingen (Part 2) - Ep192
Finding Center with Lawrence Van Lingen (Part 2) - Ep192 In this episode I sit down for the second half of my conversation with Lawrence Van Lingen. We discuss the magnificent Tadej and look at his position on the bike, how he makes power, and analyze some video of him in action. We also peek at...
-
Finding Center with Lawrence Van Lingen (Part 1) - Ep191
Finding Center with Lawrence Van Lingen (Part 1) - Ep191 In this episode I sit down for another conversation with Lawrence. We discuss the magnificent Tadej and look at his position on the bike, how he makes power, and analyze some video of him in action. We also peek at videos of Bradley…
more -
The Han Solo Effect - Ep190
The Han Solo Effect - Ep190 In this walking podcast, I discuss the spectrum of athletes who are coached prescriptively vs those who are coached descriptively. By examining this spectrum, we can understand how and athlete or coach understand and relates to the metrics they work with, or in many...
-
Acorns and Ice Skating - Ep189
Acorns and Ice Skating - Ep189 In this podcast, I take a walk in Girona and discuss the inspirational athletic arc of Alysa Liu. If you haven’t read about her story, I recommend it, she embodies a child like, joyful athlete, and also jumped straight from the archetype of the child to the queen.
-
3 North Stars - Ep188
3 North Stars - Ep188 As Obi Wan would say, Hello There. In this walking pod, I offer 3 North Stars. Which should maybe be Three North Stars. But who cares, english spells lots of things wrong like the words receipts. Stupidest word ever. I digress. The north stars, of which there are the same...
-
On Meditation - Ep187
On Meditation - Ep187 In this walking podcast, I outline some very basic ideas behind meditation. For some, meditation can be a daunting or challenging task; I offer a simple structure that can help it feel more productive. It is also important to be gentle with ourselves when we are learning...
-
Further Thoughts on Pedaling - Ep 186
Further Thoughts on Pedaling - Ep 186 A walking podcast in which I expand on my percolations about how to pedal a bike. Some offer that you can’t coach this activity. Their position is that by coaching someone on how to pedal a bike, the subject will suffer unintended consequences. I cannot…
more -
Vitality and Generative Capacity - Ep185
Vitality and Generative Capacity - Ep185 This podcast is a blend of walking thoughts, followed by three readings which are appended to support the experience and concepts I talk about. It is based on the experience I had of loosing power at home for almost 5 days just before Christmas this year....
-
Miscellaneous Questions - Part 2 - Ep184
Miscellaneous Questions - Part 2 - Ep184 The completion of a list of questions sent by one of my clients. This is my best attempt to provide answers that are helpful individually and collectively.
-
Miscellaneous Questions - Ep183
Miscellaneous Questions - Ep183 In this walking podcast, I take the opportunity to answer several questions submitted by one of my athletes. The list is pretty solid so I figured I would offer some answers and hopefully more than one person will be helped in this process. The topics are varied in...
-
Power is not a Goal with Nathan Haas - Ep182
Power is not a Goal with Nathan Haas - Ep182 In this episode I recorded a walking podcast with Nathan Haas, in Girona. We discuss Nathan’s coaching philosophy and talk about how power is not a goal of training. This statement flies in the face of just about every conventional paradigm of cycling....
-
Obstinately Intolerant - Ep181
Obstinately Intolerant - Ep181 In this walking podcast, I make the case that cyclists should be completely, totally and unequivocally intolerant of saddle discomfort. It’s your genitals, people. Have higher standards. Now is the off season. It’s time to find a better saddle.
-
What is Your Orientation in Time? - Ep180
What is Your Orientation in Time? - Ep180 In this walking podcast, I talk about the four orientations we can have in time, and how they impact our relationship in sport. Without any plot spoilers, the objective, of course, is to be like Neo. “You are seeing the world without time, Neo. We can…
more -
Lawrence van Lingen: Moving from Center - Ep179
Lawrence van Lingen: Moving from Center - Ep179 This conversation is with running and movement coach Lawrence van Lingen. We talk about how the psychology of athletes impacts their movement patterns, the concept of movement from center, and force transfer through the ankles in pedaling. Amongst...
-
Chris Balser: Your Cranks are Most Likely Too Long - Part B - Ep178
Chris Balser: Your Cranks are Most Likely Too Long - Part B - Ep178 In the continuation of my discussion on crank length with Chris Balser, we talk about factors that may drive a fitter to recommend shorter cranks, pros and cons of shorter cranks, and of course wander off into related topics. I…
more -
Chris Balser: Your Cranks are Most Likely Too Long - Part A - Ep177
Chris Balser: Your Cranks are Most Likely Too Long - Part A - Ep177 In Part A of this podcast I discuss crank length with Chris Balser. We talk about factors that may drive a fitter to recommend shorter cranks, pros and cons of shorter cranks, and of course wander off into related topics. I am…
more -
Tripping over Dollars to Pick up Pennies - Ep176
Tripping over Dollars to Pick up Pennies - Ep176 In this walking podcast I talk about the tension between looking for marginal gains in contrast to focusing on basic principles. Far too often I see athletes putting carts before horses. Or, tripping over dollars to pick up pennies. Choose your...
-
Post Script to Finding Dead Space - Ep175
Post Script to Finding Dead Space - Ep175 A few more thoughts on finding dead space can be found in this podcast, amongst some random movie quotes, poorly delivered jokes and esoteric analogies. Standard Operating Procedure in my universe. I hope this helps expand on the idea of finding “dead...
-
Finding Dead Space – Ep 174
Finding Dead Space – Ep 174 In this walking podcast I discuss the concept of finding dead space in the breath, and in your life. This is also known as equanimity, or being content with the present moment as it is. It’s a concept that has utility for athletes, as they are often rushing from thing…
more -
RPE is Fundamental - Ep173
RPE is Fundamental - Ep173 Riders use P as a goal and think it is an objective. It is not an objective, it is a measure of output. It is an artificial construct, a mathematical calculation. The objective of training is physiological load: SAID principle. It does not matter how many watts you do,...
-
The False Glorification of Suffering - Ep172
The False Glorification of Suffering - Ep172 The culture in our sport often glorifies suffering as though it were a badge of honor or something to aspire towards. This is incorrect. In this walking podcast, I explain why. Thank you for listening. Smash and subscribe!
-
Shame - Ep171
Shame - Ep171 In this walking podcast I talk about the insidious emotion of shame and how it can multiply. I also talk about the lunar cycle and how it is related to our breathing a bit. More to come in future talks no doubt. And I was visited by a frog which is a fortuitous event. Obviously.…
more -
Nathan Hass: SBTGRVLRDX - Ep170
Nathan Hass: SBTGRVLRDX - Ep170 What the heck does NHSBTGRVLRDX stand for? Why, it stands for Nathan Haas Steamboat Gravel Redux of course. I thought that would be obvious. I am sure you will be captivated stupendified by our post race banter on the 2025 Steamboat Gravel race, where vowels are so...
-
Nathan Haas: Cycling is like Fishing - Ep169
Nathan Haas: Cycling is like Fishing - Ep169 In this episode of Cycling in Alignment Nathan Haas and I drive to Steamboat for the SBT GRVL race. As a former World Tour professional and seasoned gravel veteran, Nathan has some great perspectives to offer on the newest addition to the cycling…
more -
A Centered Experience - Ep168
A Centered Experience - Ep168 In this walking podcast I tie together the concept of physical center with energetic center. By understanding this relationship, it helps us keep the perspective that sport is training for life. I hope this collection of thoughts is helpful in your evolution as a...
-
The Great Illusion: Dr Scott Frey and Brent Bookwalter - Ep167
The Great Illusion: Dr Scott Frey and Brent Bookwalter - Ep167 In this episode my discussion with Dr Frey and former World Tour rider Brent Bookwalter is about training the mind to better handle the demands of sport. Rather than simply leaving race day flow state or a high level of motivation to...
-
The Coin Part 2 - Ep166
The Coin Part 2 - Ep166 In this walking podcast I unpack more about the concept of The Coin and the influence of our emotional state on our riding and racing. In medical QiGong, we understand that the emotions reside in the organ system. If we are unaware of this, it can be problematic. The first...
-
The Coin - Part 1 - Ep165
The Coin - Part 1 - Ep165 In this walking podcast I discuss how the psyche influences riding posture and spiral patterns while cycling. It’s not a topic you will find in your average post about climbing better or improve your FTP. Enjoy.
-
Thoughts on the Teeter Totter of Cadence and Torque - Ep 164
Thoughts on the Teeter Totter of Cadence and Torque - Ep 164 Most often, riders associate making power with pushing harder on the pedals. The sensation of the bottom of the shoe providing resistance against the plantar surface [bottom] of the foot is how the sensation of “going hard” is…
more -
A Conversation with Brendan Housler: Bits and Pieces about Bicycle Practice - Ep163
A Conversation with Brendan Housler: Bits and Pieces about Bicycle Practice - Ep163 This is a conversation with Brendan Housler of EVOQ.BIKE. It’s a friendly game of verbal ping pong in which we discuss many topics that seem to bounce around in cycling at the moment. These include what FTP is…
more -
Austin Einhorn: Thinking Critically - Part 2 - Ep161
Austin Einhorn: Thinking Critically - Part 2 - Ep161 This is part 2 of this discussion. In this episode, Austin and I continue to slay some sacred cows in the fitness world such as “shoulders down and back” and “brace the core”. Austin explains why he doesn’t agree with these platitudes. We also...
-
Austin Einhorn: Thinking Critically - Part 1 - Ep161
Austin Einhorn: Thinking Critically - Part 1 - Ep161 In this discussion with strength coach Austin Einhorn, Along the way, we slay some sacred cows in the fitness world such as “shoulders down and back” and “brace the core”. Austin explains why he doesn’t agree with these platitudes. We also...
-
Pre-50, Post-50 Relationship to Cycling - Ep160
Pre-50, Post-50 Relationship to Cycling - Ep160 In this walking podcast, I unpack my thoughts on training and how it might differ for athletes younger than 50 vs older than 50. On a previous podcast, I spoke to Phil Cavell about his book The Mid Life Cyclist, which also covers this topic. My...
-
Thomas McDaniel: Knowledge is Horizontal (Part 2) - Ep159
Thomas McDaniel: Knowledge is Horizontal (Part 2) - Ep159 This the second part of a conversation is with Thomas McDaniel, who has been in the cycling world for many years. He is currently completing his PhD at CU Boulder in Advanced Biomechanics. In the past, Thomas has been a PT, a bike…
more -
Thomas McDaniel: Knowledge is Horizontal - Ep158
Thomas McDaniel: Knowledge is Horizontal - Ep158 This conversation is with Thomas McDaniel, who has been in the cycling world for many years. He is currently completing his PhD at CU Boulder in Advanced Biomechanics. In the past, Thomas has been a PT, a bike mechanic, a bike fitter, and worked at...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Colby has been a Steve Hogg Certified expert bike fitter for the past 10 years and has worked with elite athletes and WorldTour teams, including EF Education First. He is also an elite cycling coach and has been passing along his wisdom to the riders he coaches for decades. Pearce’s repertoire of knowledge spans 30 years, five continents, hundreds of races, and countless miles in the saddle.The minutiae of cycling and riding technique are just part of the story that Colby shares. Alignment with nature, foundational principles of health, and treating the sport as a practice are some of the philosophies he shares. Cycling in Alignment features a diverse guest list, including those who may or may not be familiar names in the cycling world.Prepare to have your belief systems shattered.
HOSTED BY
Colby Pearce
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...