Cycling By The Signs

Ok. This is a redo of something I wrote a couple years ago for a news letter. Perhaps I could have titled this 'how to train based on your sign'. But its just for fun and interest.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)
THe Gemini mind wanders. They are a multitasker who needs an MP3 player or a friend to keep your brain busy while training on long miles. Mountain biking is a great sport for them. They need to avoid monotonous workouts. THey should change up their training often and use music if possible to stay motivated. Training with a partner is best for this individual. Gemini people are ingenious, quick-witted communicators. THey are often restless, easily bored and can become frustrated by things moving too slowly. Gemini needs to stay confident. Eddie Merckx is a Gemini.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Cancers are sensitive, they should pay attention to their moods when exercising. When they're calm and happy, a long bike ride session or intervals will be nice. When crabby, go for a hard interval, punching bag for core work or even a run or solo yoga session. Swimming is natural to Cancer. They might let their mood deterimine the finish of a race. Try to find something else to focus on to keep a consistancy in attitude. Cancer hates to feel confined so they probably hate skin suits and even helmets. They are extremely intuitive so it makes sense they can apply this to bike racing. Cancer is Courageous and self assertive and has as abundance of energy. THey will work from sun up to sun down, the Cancerian will run not walk. He is generally forceful by nature and very direct. As for products and food, Less is sometimes more. George Hincapie, RObbie McEwen and Andréas Kloden are Cancers.


Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

The Leo is a born leader, so classes are not for them unless they are the instructor. Their self-esteem might keep them from getting help with fitness strategy or coaching. Anytime Leo can be in the spotlight, they are in their element. They are goal setters and planners even though sometimes they might find themselves leaning too much on their own resources. Leo demonstrates the gratification of what sacrifice and hard work brings. THey tend to be very strong organizers capable of real leadership qualities. Broad minded, Leo will be willing to experiment and try new things. They are open to all kinds of suggestions and get bored rather easily. Try to find new and proven techniques from people you trust and admire. Stuart O'Grady, Ned Overend Erik Dekker, Kirsten Armstrong and Mick Jagger are Leo's. I don't know if Jagger races bikes but he got MOJO filta'.



Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Virgo's are organizers, and their preferences are clear. Avoid setting unrealistic goals because you get down on yourself when you fail. Stick to full-body conditioning that concentrates on your abs, core and relaxation. Virgoans are hard working and practical. They will stand no nonsense and deal sensibly with problems. These personalities will most likely realize their full potential. They are careful and plotting leaving nothing to chance. Lance Armstrong, 'Fast Freddy' Rodriguez, Jens Voigt, Alison Sydor and Gilberto Simoni are Virgo's. say no more


Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

LIbrans grasp concepts and ideas quickly and work through problems. But because they live in their head, they get stressed. Libran's don't like the 'boxing matches' of the sprint pack. They do not like to hurt anyone and will work as hard as they can in a diplomatic way to keep this from happening. Librans find their best work at anything creative and they don’t lack physical or emotional energy. They generally appear to be relaxed when in fact, they are constantly thinking about their next project and ready to get to it. These wonderful people loathe loneliness and are happiest when they have a companion to share in all they do. SO!! GROUP RIDE!! perfect. Librans value fairness above all else. And they expect others to feel the same way. If they have a fault or two, it could be that they give in to others too easily. They do this even when they know that they are right just to prevent upset.
Stretch and do balance work and low-impact cardio to quiet the mind and strengthen your focus and serenity. Chris Horner, Tom Boonen and Floyd Landis are Libra


Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Scorpio does not like being told what to do. Their ideal workout is anything that requires extreme effort, such as ballet, triathlons, cycling or distance running. They are alive with energy that comes from reserves within that can get really intense. The need to excel is very strong in these people and they are determined to do the best they can do. They sometimes think that what they believe is for the best of all. This can be very hard on people involved with them and upon the actual Scorpio as well. They want to leave a legacy behind and are very determined, sometimes taking years to acheive their goal If they have a mind to do it, Scorpio will do it. Scorpio's are dark and secretive and hold grudges for a LONG long time. SO . Don't curb anyone that is born a scorpion. ha!
Chris Carmicheal and Levi Leipheimer are a Scorpio.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Sagottarious are adventurous, and natural athletes. Exercise needs a point to keep them in the game. They are honest and hardworking but need a good challenge to keep them interested. They love open spaces they cannot stand to be closed in. They need challenge to keep them from becoming bored. THey are the worst candidate for a day-in-day-out routine. They love to initiate new projects and have an urge to understand concepts that are presented to them. A sagg needs to know WHY that is important and will carefully research these new concepts before implementing them into their training. They think rapidly, are intuitive and often original. They work best with colleagues of similar character. THey are perhaps the most honest and noble of all the signs. Billy Idol and Stephen Speilburg are famous sag's.I know 3 gals of this sign that are pHd's but I can't find any cyclists!!~ maybe there are some adventure racers. Hmm

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

They are about stature and physical reality, and their entire body is sensitive to stress and strain. Avoid workout plateaus. They need goals. If Capricorn is going to take on a workout buddy, he should make sure the partner is just as serious. These people are very ambitious and disciplined. They will climb the corporate ladder steadily, and with honor. You can count on them to get the job done and to go well above and beyond the call of duty. Capricorn loves endurance sports and are consistant and serious about training. Discipline goes with this sign and they excel at any event that takes long term planning, such as an Ironman. POPOVYCH Yaroslav, David Miller Paola Pezzo, and Bobby Julich are Capricorns.


Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Aquarians do not like to be fenced in and will fight it with very inventive methods. They are complex and often the last to conform. They will need LOTS of cardio to feel grounded. Aquarians are fiercely independant and don’t like changing their lives. Others see Aquarians as detached, unemotional beings, which is far from truth. Friendly and honest, these sweet people try to see the best in others and have an understanding for why others do the things they do. They crave to be in a social setting so biking fits the plan. Aquarians work great on a team, provided that they are recognized as having a leading part in the participation. They are quick, active and persevering without being self-assertive. Aquarius should have people around them who can motivate them to stay on track. Its too easy for this sign to get into a lazy streak. famous aquarian cyclists: Jan Ulrich, Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjå , and Cadel Evans .

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

When you set your mind to do something you can do almost anything as long as your efforts promise a measure of pleasure or reward. Avoid aggressive crowds and crashing music. Swimming is ideal for you. A Piscean will not often take compliments with glee. Instead, they may become a little vague and secretive, taking a backseat to their enormous accomplishments. Emotionally Pisceans can be hurt easily because of their sensitive natures, which can upset their stomachs or give them headaches. Habits are easy for them to take up and hard for them to break. I would think a Pisces is easy to train. They are good counselors, friendly and malleable. Tyler Hamilton is a pisces.



Aries (March 21-April 19)

You're a good sport about your injuries, but you don't always apologize when you cause them to others. Avoid "wussy" sports, people who complain about their injuries, slowpokes and bossy teammates. Cycling, running and hiking are right for you. You have to have the newest technology but only if its been proven and researched to be better. Patience is not an Arian strong suit. You need constant change to keep them attention. Although you loose interest quickly, you cannot stand for another to out do you. Like the racehorse that will not let another pass it, you will adjust to the situation quickly and learn to become the best at what you are doing. YOu would never do just what someone says unless you have seen the results of the plan or technique as proven. Arian’s are ambitious but half the fun of being on top is the getting there for them. Arians need plenty of exercise to stay in tiptop condition. It is as vital as breathing for them.
Mars rules Aries and is responsible for explosive power and energy, assertive behavior and aggressive actions.
Sprinter Mario Cippolinni, Marie Holden, Julia Furtado are Aries

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

You're stubborn, and that means you can be stubbornly lazy. Avoid unpleasant surroundings such as smelly gyms and uber-competitive workouts such as spinning. The Taurean mind is methodical, careful and decisive. Once you have made a decision, it is rare you ever change your mind. Not looking for short cuts, you make your way down the proven path. Their desire to win can become like a possession. And you don't get between a Taurus and his/her possessions! With their natural charm, they endear others to them. Their soft voices give good advice to those who will listen. Tina Pic is a Taurus.