The Christmas to New Year Riding Reset
A thoughtful guide to riding, resting, and resetting during cycling’s quietest — and most misunderstood — days.
There’s a strange stillness to the days between Christmas and New Year.
The usual rhythms soften. Work pauses. The roads empty. The inbox stays quiet. Time stretches out in a way it rarely does during the rest of the year.
For cyclists, this can feel oddly uncomfortable. We’re used to structure — training plans, weekly mileage, goals on the horizon. Suddenly, all of that disappears.
The truth is: this short window isn’t a problem to solve. It’s an opportunity — one that most riders rush straight past.
1. Why This Period Matters More Than You Think
From a physiological perspective, the body doesn’t reset on January 1st. It responds to patterns over time — stress, recovery, nutrition, and consistency.
The Christmas-to-New-Year period often becomes a tug-of-war: indulgence on one side, guilt on the other. Riders either stop completely or try to “undo” Christmas with forced rides.
What actually helps is gentle continuity. Not fitness-building. Not discipline. Just movement that keeps the relationship with the bike positive.
2. Let Go of Performance — Embrace Presence
This is not the time to chase numbers. Power, pace, heart rate — all of it can take a quiet back seat.
Riding during this period works best when it’s about:
- ✔ Fresh air
- ✔ Headspace
- ✔ Familiar roads ridden without pressure
- ✔ Getting home feeling lighter, not depleted
The most valuable outcome of these rides isn’t fitness. It’s motivation — and motivation is fragile.
3. The Ideal Ride Length (And Why Less Is Often More)
Most riders overestimate how much riding they “need” during this period.
In reality, a handful of short, relaxed rides does far more good than one big effort. Aim for:
- ✔ 45–60 minutes midweek
- ✔ One slightly longer, social ride if conditions allow
- ✔ At least one full rest day between rides
These rides keep joints moving, circulation flowing, and habits intact — without drawing on energy reserves you’ll want in January.
4. Eating Well Without Turning Food Into a Moral Issue
Food becomes emotionally charged at Christmas. Riders often slip into compensation mode — eating less to “balance” richer meals, or riding harder to justify them.
Neither approach is necessary.
It responds best to consistency and adequacy.
The simplest approach during this period:
- ✔ Eat regularly
- ✔ Drink water between festive drinks
- ✔ Include protein with most meals
- ✔ Enjoy treats without attaching guilt
Riding lightly alongside normal, enjoyable eating keeps energy stable and prevents the crash many riders feel in early January.
5. Small Bike Jobs That Pay Off Big Later
You don’t need to overhaul your bike during Christmas week. But a few small tasks can dramatically improve how January feels.
- ✔ Clean and lubricate your drivetrain
- ✔ Check brake pads for winter wear
- ✔ Inspect tyres for cuts and debris
- ✔ Set tyre pressures correctly for cold weather
- ✔ Tighten anything that’s developed a seasonal creak
These are the jobs riders often skip — and then regret later.
6. Mentally Resetting for the Year Ahead
January doesn’t need a dramatic restart. It needs a gentle return.
Use the quiet days to reflect, not plan obsessively. Ask simple questions:
- ✔ What rides did I enjoy most this year?
- ✔ What felt forced?
- ✔ What would I like more of next year?
The Takeaway
The days between Christmas and New Year are not a gap in your cycling year — they are the bridge between seasons.
Ride gently. Rest properly. Enjoy food and company. Let the bike remain a source of freedom, not obligation.
When January arrives, you won’t feel behind. You’ll feel ready.
From all of us at Saint Piran Service Course — enjoy the quiet miles.