So today was my first ride outside in 2014, put in 40mi and an easy pace with a couple surges to get up short hills
No KOM attempts I have busted my ass on the trainer this winter and as far as RPE goes riding indoor pales in comparison to real road riding. For the most part it’s the dynamics of climbing that seem to be tougher even though my FTP is up ~20watta from Fall.
In all of your experience how long does it take to readjust to outdoor riding? Do you to an outdoor FTP test to base outside workouts off of?
Here is So Cal we may get rain for the first time. I may have to ride indoors next weekend for the first time.
To answer your question, it shouldn’t take any time to get used to outdoor riding. What are you using to measure your FTP indoors? Have you measured your FTP on a outdoor course before? If yes, use that course again.
If no, find a course that you can do a good 20 minute to an hour on. Just do it.
Just did my first outdoor ride today since october… i don’t know if it was the 12 mile run yesterday or not but I wasn’t on point today. I likely won’t get back outside for another couple weeks… plenty of time to wallow in my misery.
The joys of living on the Gulf Coast - I’ve already ridden 1000+ miles outdoors since 2014 started. Nice 83 miler today in 65-75 degree weather. How long does it take to adjust? During the first ride is all the adjustment you need.
I am in the same boat as you… Lots of trainer miles during the winter and I definitely notice the transition you’re referring to. I think all it takes is your body remembering that it’s supposed to balance and that surges due to traffic, hills, lights etc will start occurring again. I did two rides yesterday one on the tri and the other on the road… Both felt a bit awkward initially but I got into the groove pretty quick. Cannot wait for more days like that!! I definitely started getting cabin fever.
I also did my first outdoor ride in 3+ months this weekend, did it on the TT bike and had no difficulty riding at my z3 / HIM pace for 3 hours. I just had to get used to riding in aero continuously for that long, I feel I was moving around a bit more than I usually do. It also doesn’t help riding with thick gloves etc.
Besides that, nothing special observed. I think I’d easily get back into a rhythm after a few consecutive rides. Even this weekend, I thought the second half of the ride was better than the first (which already was pretty good).
It’s looking like I may go the full month of Feb. without riding outside. That will be over 800 miles or about 37 hours on the trainer. I have to say, I’ve gotten in some solid rides, that in cooler or crappy weather might have been a challenge. I think some of the Sufferfest videos push my harder than I can outside solo other than a race.
I find it interesting that it’s always some Florida guy that brags how they can ride year round. Based on my travels to Florida and New Orleans… I suspect they are jealous and deep down realize that that’s about one of the ONLY benefits to living there. Sorry, but not my cup of tea. I’ll take 4 seasons over the alternative.
I got out Tuesday and Wednesday for the first time on the 2014 set up. I had to fight 30 mph winds, but it was great to be out. Then we got hit with a blizzard again on Wednesday night. I was literally racing the blizzard on my ride, my Garmin kept telling me I was in a blizzard warning during the ride! Thursdays ride back on the indoor trainer was very difficult to get through mentally. Now we are back to below zero temps and high winds so it looks like I won’t be getting out again any time soon. Still, last year I didn’t get out until April.
Saturday was my first outside ride since October as well nothing hard just felt good to ride outside, unfortunately forecast calling for snow this weekend
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I have busted my ass on the trainer this winter and as far as RPE goes riding indoor pales in comparison to real road riding. For the most part it’s the dynamics of climbing that seem to be tougher even though my FTP is up ~20watta from Fall.