The Anatomy of Satisfaction

Unlike the seasons at its shoulders, the winter may seem less a herald of change than a bleak terminus. But that’s not how we see it. It is a time for recollection and refinement. A time for reflection.

Inspired by the life’s work of Dr. Marco Pierfederici, also known as The Maestro. Pierfederici was a trainer to the legendary Eddy Merckx, a trainer with an impressive resumé – and a knack for understatement. When providing the lecture that inspired our film, he began by saying:

While Dr. Pierfederici’s work was aimed at the nascent pro rider, we believe it applies to anyone on the bike, no matter the ambition. Whether you’re a committed racer with specific ambitions for the new year or if you’re simply looking to lay the foundations that will allow you to enjoy your best year ever. The Maestro’s advice is simple, repeated by Eddy himself: Ride as much or as little or as long or as short as you feel. But ride.

This advice is especially pertinent in these days of increasing demand on individuals’ time and our ceaseless quest for optimisation. In a way it is saying: take some time for yourself. Forget the intricacies, turn the pedals and clear your head. What follows is how we see this advice expanded.

Don’t overthink it. Ride your bike. Nothing more. Build form. Because the best way to get better at riding your bike is to ride your bike. There are supplementary exercises you can perform that may aid your performance in some way, but it cannot be argued that the best way to get better at a specific activity is to perform that activity. Fortunately, riding a bike is a joyful pastime – and whenever it is not, we have more often made it that way for ourselves.

So here is a way to take the pressure off and find that joy: we prescribe riding the next 2,500km easy. No efforts. Low cadence – do not spin or you start to float. You must feel the pedals without pushing. Doing this will prepare the body with a solid foundation on which your training, conditioning, and future form can be built.

Practise listening. Listen to yourself. Listen to your body. Search. Accumulate. Live. So often we pit minds against bodies, using intellect – and whatever tricks we can muster – to overcome physical discomfort. We have been told we must suffer for success. This is not the time for that. Allow your mind to connect to each part of the body in turn. Are you feeling something in particular? Explore the sensation. Tune in to your body, your ride, your surroundings.

Explore each of the physical components with intention. Be purposeful, be mindful. Don’t be afraid to build these mind-body connections now, their strength will not be a hindrance later – they will serve you well when you want to focus effort or diagnose a problem. You will become a more complete rider as a result.

Find the simplest expression. Choose a single goal. Write it down. It deserves your singular attention. Turn the pedals. There are things we may never fathom. Do not worry about the things you cannot control, the things you do not yet understand, the big picture takes time to comprehend. Understanding will come. Optimise only the things you can control. Turn the pedals. Focus on the smallest parts.

The details deserve your attention and this is your time to get to know them intimately. Pick them up, turn them over just like your pedals. Look at all sides. Your perception will expand as your perspective evolves. Let things be what they are. Take the things you know, find the furthest point, and diligently expand. Be out there.

Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Until desired outcome is reached. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.