About Us
the story of EliteBikeCoach - by Rachel McKayMy journey has taken me through injury and pain to become a soft tissue therapist (STT) and then a cycling coach. Ultimately, I’ve found that by combining the understanding of the uniqueness of each body, (and important differences between men and women) the principles of biomechanics, plus techniques from professional cycling, I can help other cyclists get the results they want.
EliteBikeCoach is a Learning Hub where you can find the best of my knowledge gleaned from 20 years of training and practice to help you be the very best.
“Women are different to men.” – Chas Roberts (top UK frame builder)
I first got into cycling in the early 90s. After several excruciating and frustratingly slow years on a second-hand Holdsworth (a classic bike from a different era), I was introduced to Chas Roberts, one of the top frame builders in the UK. At a time when racing bikes were made for young fit men, Chas and his team were making bikes unique to the individual and in doing so he had noted that female and male geometries generally differed. I got my first Chas Roberts custom-made racing bike in 1996. Working with Chas and his team was a revelation and showed me that there was a future for women in cycling. Inspired, I then bought the first women’s specific saddle from Georgina Terry and the first women’s specific shorts from Assos. For the first time in my life riding a bike was comfortable – not painful – and I could concentrate on being as fast as I could. Hallelujah!
You don’t know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been.
In the 1999 Isle of Man International Women’s Road Race, Rachel McKay, Did Not Start – apologies. I’d torn my calf muscle two weeks before in training. I went over anyway and watched the race from the roadside instead. Even though I didn’t start that race, it was the start of another very different journey.
Coaching and Soft Tissue Therapy
– two sides of the same coin.
After my injury and knowing that I was going to be out for the rest of the season I told my coach, George Robinson (an ex-pro and national champion), that I wanted to train as a coach. George had pioneered the connection between coaching and bodywork in the 70s. “That’s great to hear,” he said, “but first I want you to do the best massage course you can find., a proper diploma. You can’t be a good coach without being a hands-on therapist”. So in 2002 I enrolled on the Sports & Remedial Massage diploma with the London School of Sports Massage and instantly felt at home.
George was of course right, the bodywork course was a perfect complement for the coaching course that followed. But, as well as learning sports massage I also worked out why I’d got injured in the first place. A combination of biomechanical imbalances and poor core functionality. Basically, my bike was set up badly and my core abdominal muscles were weak. This was my inspiration to help people avoid getting injured and I was soon helping fellow club riders with their training plans.
Bike Fit, biomechanics and performance.
While I no longer practice, my bike fitting methodology is informed by my bodywork background and research into performance biomechanics. It is based on the SICI Cyclefit system pioneered by CycleFit in Covent Garden, London which was brought over from the USA. Since 2012, I have constantly developed it by working with members of my local cycling club. It is now a very special blend of my own experience of how bodies work combined with the science of bike fitting and cycling performance.
Now I am passing on my learning and experience to you so that you can be the very best cyclist or triathlete you want to be.
“Many thanks and by the way, my bike is fab and totally different to ride!”
Victoria A.
“I went out on my bike this morning and what a difference, really. I could feel that I was in a better position as soon as I set off and felt good on the journey.”
Hilary S.
“Thanks very much for all your help. I thought the bike fit was great and the bike certainly feels like it fits! Average 17mph, I think thats a PB for me, so a good start.”
Guy L.
“I had a great ride yesterday through South Beds. Did 80 miles, with no pain in my knees at all, so we must have got something right!!”
Peter M.
