Level One NICA coaching complete, let's see how the season rolls

Just finished my courses for a Level One Mountain Bike coach over the weekend.  This will be the second year in helping my son and his team.  I am optimistic as to how the season will go with stay in place and other restrictions due to COVID-19.  I myself have been out on the mountain bike trail getting some much needed mental and physical miles in.  I have even done a few virtual challenges/races.  My son’s season is five races, spread out over every other weekend staring in September.  It is fun to get out and practice with the team and help them achieve their goals. It is also fun to travel around getting to ride other courses around the state. 

A great weekend

Over this past weekend I took part in the NICA On the Bike Training 101 clinic for coaches. I learned a lot. During the four hour course was able to listen and watch demonstration of skills and drills and then repeat them on my own bike. 

I took the class, wanting to up my coaches certifications, but also wanted to see about improving my own skills on the bike. 

I am wanting to keep the students I am coaching improving and getting better on the bike themselves. The skills and drills can apply to any or all the of the students I ride along with. 

Sunday I was able to get out and take my third ride on a new bike. Still getting used to it. I need to replace the factory seat it came with but other than that I am really liking it. A blog is in the works showing what new ride I chose. 

Ameo PowerBreather

Ameo PowerBreather

The Ameo PowerBreather, a type of snorkel/breathing device that allows you to keep your head down while swimming laps. No need to tilt your head to the side to take a breathe. My first go at wearing the Ameo PowerBreather, swimming snorkel, I was totally blown away at how easy it was to learn and use. The first couple breathes I was bringing in a little water in through my mouth.  After a quick adjustment to the two up tubes, it was working just fine. It might take awhile to get used to breathing in just the mouth and not wanting to bring air in your through your nose. For myself, my normal swimming breathing is, in through the mouth and out the nose as I am under water. The two snorkel tubes run up long each side of the head. It also took a little bit of time to assemble from the case it came it and fit correctly over the head. From the mouthpiece, the side tubes pivot from there. There is an adjustment dial on the back of the unit so it fits perfectly.  

Using this snorkel will allow for time to focus on good stroke and body alignment in the water. It comes disassembled in a carrying case. I had a little bit of the difficult time attaching the pieces together with the vents. I probably will end up just leaving it assembled as it was time consuming to put it together and take it apart after each use. I wish the case would have been bigger then to carry it fully put together. Other traditional snorkels on the market mix Co2, what you are expelling, with fresh air trying to make it down the same tube, allowing you to get oxygen. 

With the Ameo PowerBreather is designed to pull in fresh air w/oxygen, not mixed with exhaling Co2, to enter from the top tubes and the air you expel leaves through a vent on the bottom, close to your mouth. The air is expelled underwater, of course creating bubbles. I have yet to try using it to perform flip turns, but I am super impressed with its design and function.  In my Twitter feed and blog you will see more of this device as I begin to incorporate this to improve me swimming. 

Check it out at

Ameo PowerBreather