Out in the cold

[The Moose1]

I traditionally don't venture outside on my bike until at least the first of May (I think we can call 40 years a tradition) and thought I'd try something new.  Today I rode a little over 17k (short, I know, but I was running out of daylight) on the road, on my road bike.  Let me share what I learned:
1) trainers suck.
2) unlike running, my feet get very cold in my bike shoes.
3) the wind in my face was kinda cold, but refreshing.
4) trainers suck.
5) the wind in my face wasn't nearly as cold as I expected.
6) God, I love this.
7) trainers suck.
8) I need to move somewhere I can do this all the time.
9) did I mention trainers suck?

Mike

[Sandy]

While trainers are not as fun as riding on the road, anything below 15 degrees sucks more. 

[Jon]

Um, if you stay on your trainer through the winter, the only thing that won't suck will be you!  Ok, not saying you "suck", but you will be much stronger come spring if stick with it.  Seriously, as hard as a trainer workout can be, come spring when the nice weather is here, you will be loving what the trainer can do for you and riding outdoors will be even better!

Why I love the trainer:
Little preparation - shoes, shorts, ride (less laundry, no cold feet or dirty bike).
Very repeatable/dependle - no weather issues, ride anytime.
Its more efficient - constant pedaling, no coasting/stopping = stronger rider in the spring.
It gets you ahead of the game, so come spring when the outdoor rides start, and people who haven't rode are struggling to do there 30-40km, your just warming up and are itching for more!


Don't get me wrong, I love outdoor riding, but in my opinion you can't replace the benefits of a tough trainer ride, it kicks my a#s 

 

[The Moose1]

Treadmills give all those benefits to, but they suck more.

Mike

[Jeff]

Jon your such a gear head!!   But your right, you can't coast on a trainer

[Newt]

G'day Guys,

I can coast on a trainer though I don't get far. :)

I definately agree with all the benefits Jon mentioned about trainer riding.

I also agree with Mike that I hate trainer riding when compared to outside riding that's why a group of us try to get out on the MTB's with studded tires once a week all winter unless the weather is crazier than us.

I also agree that treadmills are even worse then trainers, though again on the same vein they are a excellant way to do some good solid tempo workouts without the risks of slipping on a patch of ice or trying to run fast with layers of clothes on.

Peace
Peter

[Jeff]

The weather will never be crazier then you Pete!!

[tire guy]

I'm with Sandy, no matter how much the trainer sucks,the cold sucks more....beside I don't want to clean my bike....right Pete

[Sandy]

And I disagree with Pete and Mike, the trainer sucks more then the treadmill.  I do all my speed work on the TM year round and have done an 8 hour run on the TM while trailing for an ultra.  It's great for all the same reasons as a trainer but not as boring.   

[The Moose1]

Hamster wheels.  Nothing but hamster wheels.

 
Mike

[Sandy]

Sometimes it's better to be a hamster on a wheel then a potatoe on a couch.

[Kate]

Good one, Sandy!

[Newt]

Potatoes on the couch...good idea. (thought to self when I get home from work lift up the cushions on the couch to look for the potato chip crumbs), YUM. Now I feel like a hamster or at least a house mouse. :)

Peace
Peter

[Craig]

I haven't been finding it too bad riding the trainer, though it's definitely nice to get out on the road.

I agree with Jon on the pros of the trainer. For myself,  I also find it easier to stay in the lower intensity zones on the trainer than out on the road(except when I ride the Computrainer with Peter and Bob).

I'm onboard with Mike's #8, doesn't need to be real warm, +6 or so would be adequate.

I remember reading about one of the Olympic cycling teams(Russia or Germany) where the coach had them ride the trainers in front of a brick wall. Builds concentration and focus.

Pray for a mild March!

[Janet]

O.k,
  Found the trainer boring, love my computrainer! Don't mind the treadmill, can catch up on all of my t.v watching, but really do like outside. It's winter, cars just don't know how to deal with bikes in winter, they have a hard enough time in the spring  .And I can bike and then switch shoes and jump on the treadmill for my brick with no outfit changing (hmm that would make the brick easier now wouldn't it), and basically I'm lazy and it's all about convenience,  . So, speaking of all that biking and running, I can hear the nasty voice of my coach telling me that I have a ride and run to do right now.