What Is The CycleCoach Collective? (And Why Cyclists Are Joining)
Training alone is hard.
Staying motivated through winter base miles, recovering from setbacks, pushing yourself when no one's watching - it all gets easier when you're not doing it alone. That's the idea behind The CycleCoach Collective: structured training that actually works, expert coaching when you need it, and a community of riders who want you to succeed as much as their own progress.
It's not 1-to-1 coaching (that requires a different level of investment and doesn't suit everyone). It's not a random training plan you buy once and never look at again. And it's definitely not another Facebook group where your question gets buried under 47 posts about someone's new bike.
The Collective is something different: proven training systems, real coaching support, and a community that makes you faster together.
The Problem Most Cyclists Face
If you're over 35, juggling work and family, and trying to stay competitive (or just get fitter), you've probably hit this wall:
Training plans don't answer your questions. You buy a plan, follow it for three weeks, life gets chaotic, and you're left wondering "should I skip this session or double up tomorrow?" No one's there to answer.
1-to-1 coaching requires a significant investment. Custom plans, regular calls, and daily coach access costs £125-895+ per month - which is absolutely worth it if you need that level of personalised attention. But not everyone does. You might want expert guidance without needing someone analysing every single ride you do.
Free internet advice is overwhelming. YouTube videos contradict each other. Reddit threads argue about sweet spot vs polarised. You're more confused than when you started.
Training alone is lonely. You miss sessions because no one notices. You don't celebrate wins because no one cares. Motivation dies quietly over winter.
The Collective solves all of this - and it does it for less than the cost of two fancy dinners per month.
What The Collective Actually Is
The CycleCoach Collective is group coaching for cyclists who want structure, accountability, and expert guidance without the investment required for 1-to-1 coaching.
Here's what that means in practice:
You get structured training plans built by a coach with 27 years of experience - the same systems I've used with world champions, Paralympic medalists, and hundreds of amateur racers. These aren't generic plans pulled from a template library. They're proven progressions that unlock week by week as you move through the programme.
You get monthly live Q&A sessions (second Monday of every month, 7pm GMT) where you can ask anything: training questions, race prep advice, nutrition, recovery, equipment - whatever's on your mind. Can't make it live? The recording's archived so you can watch later.
You get a private community of committed cyclists who actually care about your progress. When you post about a tough training block, people respond. When you nail a breakthrough ride, they celebrate with you. When Paul (one of our members in his 60s) came 4th in a cyclocross race, the whole community cheered him on.
You get free TrainingPeaks Premium (worth $240/year) so you can follow your training properly without paying extra.
And you get all of this for $75 per month (introductory offer - regular price $89/month). That's less than one 1-to-1 coaching session. Less than a new set of tyres. Less than most people spend on coffee in a week.
Who It's For (And Who It's Not)
The Collective is built for riders who are serious about improving but don't need the daily contact that 1-to-1 coaching provides. If you're a masters cyclist (35+) who wants proven training systems without needing daily coach contact, this is for you.
If you're time-crunched - working full-time, managing family responsibilities, squeezing training into early mornings or late evenings - and don't need someone analysing every ride but do want structure and expert guidance when questions arise, this is for you. Plans are available for both <6 hours/week and >6 hours/week, so you're not forced into a training volume that doesn't fit your life.
If you're considering 1-to-1 coaching but want to try a structured program first to see if that level of investment is necessary, this is for you.
If you're preparing for sportives, gran fondos, or local races and want structured progression without the pressure of elite-level coaching, this is for you.
If you're a club rider who wants to drop your mates on the local climb or just stay competitive on group rides, this is for you.
But here's who it's NOT for:
If you're a Cat 3+ racer in your 20s chasing professional contracts, you need custom 1-to-1 coaching. The Collective won't give you the individualised attention required at that level.
If you need daily coach contact - someone analysing every single ride, adjusting your plan in real-time, texting you motivational quotes - that's 1-to-1 coaching, not group coaching.
The Collective is for self-directed riders who want expert systems, community support, and coaching when they need it - not hand-holding every step of the way.
How Training Actually Works
Training is delivered in cycles - progressive blocks that unlock as you move through the program.
Each cycle is a complete training phase (anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks depending on the block). When you join, you start with Cycle 1, which unlocks on Day 2 of your membership. This is your foundation phase: 6 weeks of structured base building designed to establish aerobic fitness and durability.
When you complete Cycle 1, Cycle 2 unlocks automatically on Day 41 (giving you time to add it to TrainingPeaks before your first session). Cycle 2 is your build phase - more intensity, more specificity, building on the foundation you just created.
This continues through multiple cycles over the course of a year. And here's the clever bit: it's a multi-year progression system. Cycle 1 in Year 2 is harder than Cycle 1 in Year 1. You're not repeating the same training forever - you're progressing long-term.
You choose your time commitment: plans are available for <6 hours/week or >6 hours/week. If you're time-crunched, you're not forced into 12-hour training weeks. If you've got more time, you're not stuck with beginner-level volume.
Plans work with power or heart rate - whatever you have. TrainingPeaks lets you switch between the two, so if you're training indoors on Zwift with power but riding outdoors with just heart rate, it adapts.
On top of the main cycles, you also get event-specific plans that unlock on Day 14:
4-week Crit Racing Plan
4-week Time Trial Plan
Return from Injury Protocol
More being added monthly
So if you're following the main progression but suddenly decide to race a local crit series, you can switch to the crit plan for a month, then return to your main progression afterward.
The Monthly Q&A Sessions
Every second Monday of the month at 7pm GMT, we run a live Q&A session on Zoom.
These aren't webinars where I talk at you for an hour. They're real coaching calls where you ask questions and I answer them properly.
You can ask about:
Training questions ("Should I do sweet spot or threshold intervals?")
Race prep ("I've got a hilly sportive in 6 weeks - how do I prepare?")
Nutrition and recovery ("What should I eat after evening sessions?")
Equipment and testing ("Is a power meter worth it for me?")
Injury management ("My knee hurts after long rides - what's going on?")
You can submit questions in advance (post them in the community and I'll make sure to cover them) or ask live during the session.
Can't make it live? The recording is archived in the Learning Lab, so you can watch whenever it suits you.
Between Q&As, if you post a question in the community, I'll answer it there - and then I'll often revisit it on the next Q&A so there's a video recording for everyone to learn from.
The goal is simple: you're never stuck wondering what to do next.
Inside The Community
The Collective runs on Skool - a dedicated platform designed for community learning. It's not a massive Facebook group where your post gets buried. It's not a forum from 2003 with confusing navigation. It's clean, simple, and built specifically for communities like this.
When you log in, here's what you see:
The Learning Lab - a library of educational content that grows every month:
Why MAP Testing Beats the 20-Minute FTP Test
Protein Requirements for Masters Riders
Carbohydrate Timing for Endurance Performance
Sleep & Recovery Basics
New articles, videos, and protocols are added regularly.
Rider's Kit - practical resources you can use immediately:
My Go-To Recovery Shake recipe
Discount codes for nutrition brands
Mobility routine videos
MAP Test Calculator
Core training protocols
Kettlebell strength training guides
The Community Forum - where the magic happens. This is where members post their training, share race results, ask questions, and support each other.
Recent posts include:
Paul celebrating 4th place in his Over-60s Cyclocross race
Matthew sharing how he struggled post-COVID on Saturday but bounced back Sunday
Members encouraging each other through tough training blocks
Riders asking "has anyone else tried this workout?" and getting real answers from people who've done it
You're not obligated to post. Some members lurk and just read. Others are active daily. Both are fine. But what's clear is this: when you do post, people respond. You're not shouting into the void.
Strength Training (Included)
Cycling isn't just about riding your bike. If you're over 35, strength training is the difference between staying competitive and slowly declining.
Right now, the Collective includes:
Video guides showing proper form for key lifts
Core training protocols
Kettlebell programs
Gym-based strength plans
Coming soon full strength training plans delivered via TrainingPeaks, free for Collective members. These will sync with your cycling training so you're not guessing when to lift or how to integrate strength work with your riding.
Nutrition Support
Training without proper nutrition is like filling your car with cheap fuel and expecting it to perform like a race car.
Inside the Collective, you get nutrition support including:
Recovery shake recipes (the exact one I use after hard sessions)
Performance smoothie packs (unlock at Level 2 - more on that in a moment)
Meal ideas and race-day fueling strategies
TDEE calculator (coming soon) to estimate your daily calorie needs
As the community grows, we'll be adding enhanced nutrition tools and resources to help you fuel properly for performance and recovery.
Gamification: Levels & Rewards
Here's something fun: inside the Collective, you earn points for being active.
Post a question? Points.
Comment on someone's training? Points.
Help another member with advice? Points.
Stay consistent and show up regularly? Points.
As you earn points, you progress through levels - and each level unlocks rewards.
The levels are themed around cycling progression:
🚴 Level 1 → Domestique (supporting the team)
⚫ Level 2 → Road Captain (unlock: Performance Smoothie recipes)
🏔️ Level 3 → Climber
⚡ Level 4 → Sprinter
🚴 Level 5 → Breakaway
⏱️ Level 6 → TT Rider
🇬🇧 Level 7 → Nat Champ
🏆 Level 8 → GC Rider
🌈 Level 9 → World Champ
Rewards include:
Exclusive PDFs and bonus guides
Invite-only group Q&A calls with me
Early access to new tools and content
Pro-level nutrition support
Special recognition inside the community
Higher levels unlock even bigger rewards - but I'm keeping those secret for now 😉.
The point isn't to turn this into a video game. The point is to reward consistency and engagement. The riders who show up, ask questions, help others, and stay active are the ones who improve fastest. The gamification just makes that visible.
Group Rides (Coming Soon)
One thing that's missing when you train online: the shared suffer of a group ride.
Coming soon:
Online group rides on Rouvy (1-2x per month) where we'll ride together virtually
In-person group rides (location TBD as the community grows) - no-drop, social pace, everyone finishes together
Training alone has its place. But there's something about riding with others - even virtually - that makes hard efforts feel easier and long rides more enjoyable.
How It's Different From Everything Else
You've got options when it comes to training. Here's how the Collective compares:
vs Buying a Training Plan ($95 one-off):
A static plan doesn't adapt when life happens. You can't ask it questions. It doesn't celebrate your wins or support you through setbacks. The Collective gives you ongoing progression, monthly coaching, and community accountability - not just a PDF you follow alone.
vs 1-to-1 Coaching (from £125/month):
Custom coaching is fantastic if you need daily contact, fully personalised plans, and detailed analysis of sessions. That level of service requires significant investment (£125-895/month depending on the tier), and it's absolutely worth it for riders who need that attention. But many riders don't need daily contact - they need proven systems, coaching when questions arise, and community accountability. That's what the Collective provides.
vs Free YouTube/Internet Training:
YouTube gives you random workouts with no structure. Reddit gives you arguments about training methodology. Instagram gives you motivational quotes over sunset photos. None of it adds up to a coherent plan. The Collective gives you proven progression, expert guidance, and accountability.
vs TrainerRoad or Zwift Plans:
These are algorithm-driven programs that look pretty on screen but don't understand YOUR life. They don't know you're recovering from injury, juggling work stress, or training through a heatwave. The Collective has a real coach who adapts guidance to real-world constraints.
vs Other Group Programs:
Programs like 80/20 Endurance and FasCat offer structured training for hundreds or thousands of members, which works for some riders. The Collective is intentionally smaller and more personal - you're not a number in a massive community. You get direct access to a coach who knows your name, monthly Q&As where your questions get answered, and a tight-knit group where people actually care about your progress.
What Members Are Saying
"I've really been enjoying the Collective so far - I can already see how valuable it is, and as the community grows, it's going to be absolutely brilliant."
— Matthew Mccombe
Paul (Over-60s racer) came 4th in a Cyclocross race after joining the Collective. He posted his result in the community and everyone celebrated with him.
Matthew navigated post-COVID fatigue with support from the community - posting his struggles on Saturday, then sharing his bounce-back ride on Sunday. Other members chimed in with their own recovery experiences and encouragement.
These aren't testimonials I asked for. They're just what happens when you put committed riders in a supportive environment.
Pricing & How To Join
Introductory offer: $75/month
Regular price: $89/month
7-day free trial. Cancel anytime, no questions asked.
During your trial, you get:
Immediate access to Cycle 1 training (unlocks Day 2)
Free TrainingPeaks Premium account
Full community access
All Learning Lab content
All Rider's Kit resources
If you cancel, your membership terminates at the end of the month you've paid for (no mid-month refunds, but you're free to leave whenever it's not working for you).
Annual pricing coming soon - estimated 40-50% savings compared to monthly. I'm still finalising the exact price point, but if you're interested in paying upfront for a year, drop me an email and I'll let you know when it's available.
Getting Started Is Simple
Step 1: Sign up at www.cyclecoach.com/collective75 (introductory pricing)
Or: skool.com/cyclecoach-collective-3465 (regular pricing)
Step 2: Set up your Skool profile - add a photo, introduce yourself in the community
Step 3: Watch the welcome video and read the pinned posts (they explain how everything works)
Step 4: Message me in Skool to request your free TrainingPeaks Premium account (I'll set it up for you)
Step 5: Access Cycle 1 training (it unlocks on Day 2) and start your first session
Step 6: Join the next live Q&A
Next session: Monday, November 10, 7pm GMT
If you can use Facebook, you'll be fine on Skool. It's simpler, cleaner, and less distracting.
Why I Created The Collective
I've been coaching cyclists for 27 years. I've worked with world champions, Paralympic medalists, the two-time winner of the Transcontinental Race, and hundreds of amateur riders chasing personal bests.
But here's what I kept seeing: talented riders who wanted expert guidance but didn't need the daily contact that 1-to-1 coaching provides.
They'd buy random training plans off the internet. They'd follow YouTube videos. They'd ask questions in massive Facebook groups and get 12 different answers, none of them helpful. They'd train alone, lose motivation, and wonder why they weren't improving.
The Collective solves that problem.
It's not 1-to-1 coaching - I can't build custom plans for 100 people and analyze every ride they do. But it IS proven training systems, real coaching support when you need it, and a community of riders who genuinely want each other to succeed.
My vision for the Collective:
100 members by Month 12
1,000+ members long-term
A caring community where faster together isn't just a tagline - it's how we operate
Riders taking real action to get healthier, faster, and enjoy cycling more
New content added every month (articles, videos, protocols, plans)
More live sessions as we grow
This isn't just another online program you sign up for and forget about. It's a proper community with a coach who gives a damn about your progress.
Common Questions
Q: Do I need a power meter?
A: Helpful but not required. Plans work with heart rate or RPE if that's what you have.
Q: Do I need TrainingPeaks?
A: You get a free Premium account as part of your membership, so no additional cost.
Q: What if I miss a live Q&A?
A: Recordings are archived in the Learning Lab. You can also post questions in the community anytime and I'll answer them there.
Q: Can I cancel anytime?
A: Yes. No long-term commitment. Your membership just terminates at the end of your current paid month.
Q: Is this beginner-friendly?
A: Yes, but you should have basic cycling fitness. It's not for complete beginners who've never ridden a bike before.
Q: What if I'm training for a specific event?
A: Event-specific plans (crits, time trials, etc.) unlock on Day 14. More being added regularly based on what members need.
Q: How is this different from TrainerRoad or Zwift plans?
A: You get a real coach with 27 years of experience, not just an algorithm. Monthly Q&As, community support, and training that adapts to YOUR life - not a rigid plan that ignores real-world constraints.
Q: Can I upgrade to 1-to-1 coaching later?
A: Yes. There's a section inside the Collective called "The Inside Track" that explains custom coaching options if you decide you want more personalised attention.
Q: Will this work if I'm time-crunched?
A: Absolutely. Plans are available for <6 hours/week or >6 hours/week. Most members are juggling work, family, and training - the plans are built for real life, not full-time athletes.
Q: Do you offer refunds?
A: 7-day free trial means you can try everything risk-free before paying. After that, no mid-month refunds, but you're free to cancel anytime.
Join The Collective
Currently: 8 members (and growing)
Next live Q&A: Monday, November 10, 7pm GMT
7-day free trial. Cancel anytime.
Training alone is hard. Training with a community that wants you to succeed is easier - and faster.
Questions? Email ric@cyclecoach.com