Our History in Cycling
Athletic Mentors made Michigan cycling history when it spearheaded what became Michigan's only pro-cycling team through an initial partnership with Priority Health, a collection of community sponsors and Bissell. Today, we form an integral part of the Priority Health Cycling program, of which health and wellness outreach is a core mission. We train cyclists for pleasure, passion, or professional prowess, and are happy to create programs for small groups of individuals. Here are samples of some of the services we offer. Please contact us to discuss what kind of program you or your group would like developed.
Coaching for Endurance Athletes ($150 - $300 per month)
Our coaches are experienced, educated and formerly professional athletes. We have coaches who specialize in cycling, mountain bike, ultra distance and multi-sport. Rates are based on the experience level of the coach and that of the athlete. Contact us to be paired with a coach that suits your needs and budget.
Mountain Bike Instruction (Price based on group size)
We offer both individual and small group instruction. Classes can be customized to suit the skill level and goals of the attendees and are typically conducted on one of the local mountain bike trails. Instruction can be designed for single or multi-day packages. You must have your own bike and helmet. This class will be instructed by a highly experienced, competitive cyclist. Contact us to schedule a session.
Professional Bike Fitting ( $275)
Work with an experienced coach to have your bike properly adjusted so that you can train without injury and maximize performance. This package includes 1 meeting for an initial fitting and 2 follow-up sessions within the next year. This allows the coach to make gradual adjustments, monitor impact on performance and avoid possible injury that could result from drastic fit changes in a single session.
Bike Maintenance Class for Everyone
Learn the basics to ensure you are not stuck in the woods (or the side of the road) this summer! This class will teach how to properly care for your bike, how to change a flat, repair a tube and repair you chain. This is a "hands on" class where you will practice what you learn.
Fun Facts About Cycling
Types of races
Bicycle road races include multi-day stage races such as the famous Tour de France to Criteriums, which are races based on a circuit - usually less than a mile in length - and run for a set period of time. Criteriums, like the Priority Health Grand Cycling Classic, are the most popular form of road racing in North America. Typically the race runs through a closed-off city center.
Professional vs. amateur - what the rankings mean:
Cyclists are ranked through the U.S. Cycling Federation (USCF) based on race results calculated using the USCF Results and Rankings Program. "Category 1" refers to professional cyclists, and Categories 2 through 5 are amateur rankings. Masters cyclists are age 35 and above. For a complete explanation, see www.usacycling.org.
Watching the race:
The Priority Health Grand Cycling Classic is a criterium: Cyclists circle a looped race for a set period of time. The cyclist who rides the longest distance during the specified time wins the race. Competition requires technical skills - especially the ability to take corners quickly and sharply, and riding safely with a large group in order to avoid crashing. In most Criteriums, cyclists reach speeds of up to 40 mph.
Cycling terminology:
Like most sports, cycling has its own lingo. Here's a list of common terms to help you understand the race.
- Attack. A sudden attempt to get away from another rider.
- Blocking. When a rider tries to get in other riders' way. This is a part of a team strategy to slow down other cyclists to allow other team members to get ahead in a breakaway.
- Bridge the Gap. When a rider - or group of riders - tries to reach a group farther ahead.
- Breakaway. When a group of riders get ahead of the pack (or peloton)
- Cadence. Pedaling rate.
- Chasers. Riders who are attempting to "bridge the gap" in attempting to catch the lead group.
- Circuit. A track that is ridden more than one time during a race.
- Criterium. A bike race in which cyclists ride on a circuit for a specified length of time or distance.
- Drafting. Riding closely behind another rider in order to get into their slipstream. The lead rider expends up to 30 percent more energy than the following rider.
- Drop. Getting left behind or losing contact with the group of riders.
- Field. The main group of riders - also called the pack or peloton.
- Force the Pace. When a rider goes harder than the rest of the pack to increase the pace.
- Gap. The distance between groups or individuals.
- Hammering. Steady, strenuous pedaling.
- Hook. When riders use their wheels to hit rider(s) behind them - may be intentional or accidental.
- Jump. A sudden acceleration, most often at the start of a sprint.
- Kick. The final burst of speed in a race.
- Mass Start. When all racers begin at the same time.
- Pack. The main group of riders - also called the. field or peloton.
- Peloton. The main group of racers - also called the field or the pack.
- Prime (pronounced "preem"). This "race within a race" gives cyclists the chance to win a prize for being the first to complete a specific lap.
- Slipstream. The air pocket created by a moving rider. Other riders "draft" in the slipstream to conserve energy.
- Sprint. A burst of speed to finish the race - usually involving more than one rider.
- Take a flyer. When a rider heads out in front of the pack, usually alone.