Training at Vision Quest’s Cycling Studio

This blog was previously written in 2021 by Todd Walbert, Swim Coach at Grit Endurance, as part of a series with Chicago Athlete Magazine

Don’t get me wrong. I like talking about FTP and max effort intervals as a measure of human worth as much as the next cyclist. Recently, however, I had the opportunity to try bike training in a new way at Vision Quest (1750 N Kingsbury) in Chicago. When I was greeted by Dave Noda, Vision Quest’s “Director of Good News,” I immediately knew this would be a different cycling experience. Dave set me up in their spacious, well-lit, and well-ventilated studio. After a few basic questions about my training and fitness level, he put my bike on a trainer, and fired up their amazing software. For the first 30 minutes, I experienced a sampler platter of workouts typical of an eight-week training block. While I am used to intervals where I must achieve certain power levels, the goal of these efforts was to stay as close to the power level targets as possible under a variety of conditions. Dave walked me through intervals using different hand positions on the bars, uphill and downhill simulations, very specific cadence targets and a few more. Managing these variables required a level of mental focus that I have rarely been subject to during bike training. Vision Quest’s software displays the relevant data in a way that helps with this focus. “Just keep it in the green,” Dave told me more than once. Of course, the software also gave me a score for each interval- validating my worth as a human. The score provided immediate feedback to let me know how close I was to hitting my targets, while Dave suggested techniques for getting even closer. This score also allows Vision Quest coaches to adjust the range of the targets as wide or narrow as an individual athlete may require.

Dave was eager to let me sample a condensed “Stage Event” that Vision Quest athletes use to test their progress and skill development, as well as compete against each other. The stage event is a road simulation that includes various inclines and declines; and integrates segments that challenge athletes to perform all of the tricks they learned in training. My goals for his event included holding a specific power target over simulated undulating terrain, a sharp climb and descent, two sprints, and a sustained attack on level ground. As the only rider, I swept the “jerseys” for all the challenges. I can easily understand how motivating and fun competing for them would be with a group of teammates.

“Pedal first, shift last,” Dave exhorted- one of the many nuggets of “professional advice from an amateur.” This was based on his observations of my riding during the workout and segment ride. While riding, especially on my tri-bike, I often find myself between gears for efficient, powerful pedaling. Dave’s advice was exactly the mental note I need to correct this issue both on the trainer and in races. My hour of training at Vision Quest probably hasn’t made me 1% stronger. However, I am confident it has made me 1% better at riding bikes.