fromtrektocolnago wrote:Every ride you do IS NOT at the limit. if you feel the only limiting factor is the bike and not the rider you are misguided if not delusional. the pros surely do not think this way. in my view the most important considerations on a bike are geometry fit and feel.
My suggestion is to sign up for a training camp in some beautiful warm location. Things are just that. Make some memories. In Girona there are fantastic training camps and the city is full of pros who hang out at La Fabarica. Their are races held around the city weekly and anyone can participate.
By "limit", I mean I get dropped on some rides, when my heart rate is pegged to the max, or I almost pass out by the end of the sprints.
Could I train smarter and ride faster with the same bike, sure! I could start by riding less but more intensely, with structured intervals and periodization. I could also get more serious with my stretching to improve my position and ability to produce power in that position, etc.
About making memories, I fully agree. I travel as much as I can.
Tenerife last year was a highlight (Above cloud picture):
Or yearly trip to Crested Butte: