Pedal & Pose: Yoga Returns to BASC
By Ryan Biddix
As the wheels of excitement start turning for this year’s BASC event, riders have more than just the open road to look forward to. Thanks to the thoughtful integration of yoga sessions into this event, riders are in for a holistic treat. Imagine winding down after a long bike ride across the picturesque countryside, surrounded by fire pits and friends, feeling the serenity of a well-deserved yoga session embracing your tired muscles. The marriage of yoga and cycling isn’t just about recovery; it’s about preventing injuries, enhancing performance, and nurturing your overall well-being. To further our understanding of the importance of integrating yoga into cycling, we talked to yoga instructor, Carol Ross, who will return this year to lead yoga sessions after each ride.
In an interview with The Post and Courier, Ross covers everything from a typical session to specific poses for long-distance cycling:
Can you share how integrating yoga with cycling can benefit participants during BASC?
After a long day on the bike, many riders will experience muscle fatigue/tightness in the hamstrings, calves, thighs, lower back, and shoulders. Yoga is a great tool for post-ride recovery and can help with injury prevention. The stretches can help increase flexibility and range of motion and the inversion poses will improve blood circulation.
What inspired you to bring yoga into the BASC event, and what do you hope participants will gain from these sessions?
Paul and Chris Zoeller invited me to BASC! I’ve enjoyed volunteering at BASC – I think it’s a great event! Yoga has been part of my health and wellness routine for a long time and I think many people could benefit from a regular practice; I hope participants gain a sense of well-being and calm and a deep appreciation for their bodies.
Could you describe the typical yoga session participants can expect at BASC?
A typical session will be lighthearted and fun and leave you feeling calm! We will breathe and flow through some rejuvenating stretches to uncoil any kinks and leave your body ready for a refreshing beverage, a bite to eat, and a chance to visit with friends.
Are specific yoga poses or techniques particularly beneficial for cyclists, and why?
After spending hours leaning over a bike, most cyclists need to stretch their calves, thighs, hamstrings, quadriceps, hip flexors, glutes, lower back, and shoulders – pretty much their entire body! A nice yoga flow will address all of these areas and more.
In your experience, how does practicing yoga complement the physical and mental demands of long-distance cycling?
Practicing yoga is all about the breath, so using the breath to enhance movement is a great way to train mental focus. A regular yoga practice has helped me learn how to tune in to my body and the mindful aspect of the practice has enhanced my mental clarity. We are all more capable than we give ourselves credit for – we can do hard things!!
As riders gear up for another year at BASC, the integration of yoga brings a new dimension to the event’s ethos of health and camaraderie. With each breath and stretch, riders will rejuvenate their bodies and minds, finding moments of tranquility after a physically demanding day. Whether unwinding after a long ride or preparing for the day ahead, yoga stands ready to enrich the BASC experience. So, as you pedal through scenic routes and rolling terrain, remember BASC is not just about the destination it is about the journey—inside and out.
