One year ago yesterday was the last time I rode my bike outside, excluding triathlons. Yeah its safe, but the convenience of being able to ride anytime day or night regardless of weather, is amazing. Couple that with the structured workouts of TrainerRoad and I dont see why anyone would ride outside.
Its funny, I originally got into cycling (3 years ago after a running injury) so that I could enjoy being outside for long periods of time. Now, I get up at 3am and ride in the sunroom in total darkness and silence, with only the TR graph in front of me.
That is very impressive. I enjoy the productivity of indoor riding but do not think I could ever give up on the enjoyment of riding outside. 7 hour days in the Vermont/ New Hampshire hills is my favorite part of summer.
Curious though if you have felt a decline in skill and technique when you do ride outside for races. After a winter of indoor training I usually need a few rides before I feel comfortable again, especially on a TT bike.
A full year indoors! I’m amazed, but I’m not sure that I’m envious. Granted that I race ultra-distance gravel races, but I would have two concerns . . . (1) lack of bike handling practice, and (2) lack of exposure to the elements. I’m not sure how well I would perform in races if all my practice were indoors.
But I’m curious . . . what is your equipment setup? How long are your long rides?
Curious though if you have felt a decline in skill and technique when you do ride outside for races. After a winter of indoor training I usually need a few rides before I feel comfortable again, especially on a TT bike.
I feel I have more skill. I have a plan and structured workouts that keep my fitness improving all the time.
A full year indoors! I’m amazed, but I’m not sure that I’m envious. Granted that I race ultra-distance gravel races, but I would have two concerns . . . (1) lack of bike handling practice, and (2) lack of exposure to the elements. I’m not sure how well I would perform in races if all my practice were indoors.
But I’m curious . . . what is your equipment setup? How long are your long rides?
As far as the elements - I ride in a non-temp controlled sun room with the outside door open. So, I am always training in the elements - only without a comforting wind
Setup is a Dumb Trainer. Longest ride is 6 hours, but I do a 3-4 hour ride every Sunday.
One year ago yesterday was the last time I rode my bike outside, excluding triathlons. Yeah its safe, but the convenience of being able to ride anytime day or night regardless of weather, is amazing. Couple that with the structured workouts of TrainerRoad and I dont see why anyone would ride outside.
Do you live somewhere that really sucks to ride outdoors like some suburban sprawl car dependent hot polluted place with lots of intersections and red lights and strip malls? That is about the only kind of environment where I would choose to ride indoors exclusively. I would move if I lived somewhere like that…
It’s not a “sad” or “glad” situation. It’s just a different way to pedal.******
I didn’t mean it as an aspersion. I get the new reality. I have a smart trainer, I do the indoor. I think it helps me, and I appreciate the convenience.
But I would be very, very sad if I, for whatever reason, had to stop riding outdoors regularly. That’s what I was thinking of. For me competing and training is essentially just an excuse to get myself outdoors. And it’s about 90% of my social life. Without a doubt, I would go through some very hard times if that were taken away from me.
Do you live somewhere that really sucks to ride outdoors like some suburban sprawl car dependent hot polluted place with lots of intersections and red lights and strip malls? That is about the only kind of environment where I would choose to ride indoors exclusively. I would move if I lived somewhere like that…
I live in an area with lots of rolling country roads that are not all that busy. But, there have been a couple of car/bike incidents near me in the past 3 years - one fatal 3 miles from my house on a road a once cycled. Its just not worth the risk since I can get a better workout on the trainer. It would be a different story if I didnt have a trainer.
I have gone to about 75% indoors and wishing like hell I would have just gone with only indoor riding. Went down Saturday broke my clavicle, surgery Thursday and no Kona in 2 weeks.
I have gone to about 75% indoors and wishing like hell I would have just gone with only indoor riding. Went down Saturday broke my clavicle, surgery Thursday and no Kona in 2 weeks.
Nooo!!! That sucks. Wishing you a speedy recovery and stronger performances next season.
Must admit, as I went crashing to the ground on a run this week (total klutz move) my only thought was, don’t screw up Kona.
That and being in kona “shape” there’s no cushion left to land on.
It’s all tone and bone.
I get that some people’s situations may push them in this direction.
And that’s very sad.
But - I have personally made decisions re: work and home, that ensure that I can ride outside if and when I want to.
And I pretty much always want to.
It is sad.
13 months ago I was laying on my couch unable to move and in excruciating pain. The hospital released me the day before, i had been brought in by a helicopter after a car hit me from behind at 55mph+.
I’ve done a couple sprints outside this year and the last 2 months I’ve done 3-4hr outside rides on saturdays with friends. But after each Saturday ride, I look at the bike camera footage and shake my head. The last incident was a big Dodge Ram that wouldn’t move over (with no oncoming traffic, so it’s not like he didn’t have a chance to), and his pit bull hanging out the window barking at me and coming pretty close to biting me.
10 days ago another friend was hit and airlifted with broken ribs, pelvis, and 4 fractured vertebra, around the same area. I’m going to cut back on outside rides. A lot. it’s just too much of a gamble. And yes, it is sad.
