Cycling - NLC

[woody]

I cycle as i find the gym soul destroyingly dull for cardio......i can't help but think turbo trainers are the same as the gym...just in your garage.

In contrast i've been out on my bike in all conditions, including well below freezing and i still enjoy that.

Have knocked commuting on the head the past month, but not sure if doing it in the 160 instead is actually harder.

[scott_e]

I cycle as i find the gym soul-destroying dull for cardio.......

Have to agree with you there. Cardio at the gym just feels like a BIG waste of time when you can combine a cardio session and a commute.

In contrast i've been out on my bike in all conditions, including well below freezing and i still enjoy that.

Have done many icy cycle commutes in December , its the extra time it takes and the extra concentration levels required that make it more taxing and less enjoyable for me. Cold is not an issue if you have the correct kit. Have fallen twice so far this month (almost ending up in the Tay on one occasion with a buckled wheel) ..... im guessing you haven't if you are still enjoying it so much ?

Have knocked commuting on the head the past month, but not sure if doing it in the 160 instead is actually harder.

[Dominic]

In contrast i've been out on my bike in all conditions, including well below freezing and i still enjoy that.

Have done many icy cycle commutes in December , its the extra time it takes and the extra concentration levels required that make it more taxing and less enjoyable for me. Cold is not an issue if you have the correct kit. Have fallen twice so far this month (almost ending up in the Tay on one occasion with a buckled wheel) ..... im guessing you haven't if you are still enjoying it so much ?

We have had a few moments... not sure if DDtB would describe our (LazyD, DDtB & Moi) last outing as "enjoyable".

[scott_e]

Actually thinking about it , all the lads in our office that cycle to work have fallen off this month !

[scott_e]

We have had a few moments... not sure if DDtB would describe our (LazyD, DDtB & Moi) last outing as "enjoyable".

Do tell ? what happened ?

[Dominic]

We have had a few moments... not sure if DDtB would describe our (LazyD, DDtB & Moi) last outing as "enjoyable".

Do tell ? what happened ?

Ambition over took ability,... on sheet ice.... someone thought they had a special talent, turned out they did not

[Lazydonkey]

Dave decided that the best way to traverse a 40 foot long section of sheet ice was to speed up.....

.....as i was shouting "ice ice ice" and slowing down in front of him.....slowing with my feet as it was too icy for brakes....

On mtb it wouldnt have been too bad but on a CX bike with 70psi in the tyres it was ummm slippy

EDIT : Should say that i dont commute by bike but i go to the gym twice a week (mainly for weights) and 15 mins on a cardio bike feels like torture whereas 60 mins on a pushbike is almost pleasurable by comparison. Yes you get the odd icy patch but you just have to be careful with your routes.

[scott_e]

We have had a few moments... not sure if DDtB would describe our (LazyD, DDtB & Moi) last outing as "enjoyable".

Do tell ? what happened ?

Ambition over took ability,... on sheet ice.... someone thought they had a special talent, turned out they did not

sounds painful. Chatting to fellow cyclist I pass in the morning , explained a few years back when we had snow he was following a bike trail which resulted in a snow angel man sized imprint obviously left by a unfortunate rider. Made me giggle until kept falling off this month There is another chap that travels from East Haven (north of Carnoustie) to St Andrews daily. 50 + miles daily commute sometimes during the night too ! now that's commitment to the cause.

[ryallm]

I cycle as i find the gym soul destroyingly dull for cardio......i can't help but think turbo trainers are the same as the gym...just in your garage.

In contrast i've been out on my bike in all conditions, including well below freezing and i still enjoy that.

Have knocked commuting on the head the past month, but not sure if doing it in the 160 instead is actually harder.

I'm determined to keep commuting by bike at least a couple of days a week through the winter (13 miles each way), although one morning last week did seriously test my resolve. Minus 6 when I left the house and my hands got painfully cold in spite of 3 layers of gloves . Riding home this evening with rain and a howling headwind forecast - oh joy!

[111Robin]

Can anyone recommend me a turbo trainer?
I quite fancied a Tacx Flow. Some decent functions.

Yup, people say they're a waste of cash and I won't use it but I genuinely will. Want to be bike fit come Spring and I aint going out in this cold weather.

I'm spending my first winter on a turbo this year. Was looking at expensive ones with built-in power measurement but opted eventually for a Tacx Sattori. Using a Garmin speed/cadence sensor & HRM, Garmin ANT+ USB stick & TrainerRoad software I am now using "virtual power" measurement, with direct display of power/heart rate and cadence on the laptop as I work out. The software provides all of the structured workouts to follow, you just have to keep the power output in the green zone indicated on screen. I find it a brilliant motivational training tool and easily spend 90-120 minutes per session. You can also download cycling vids like Sufferefest, TrainerRoad has created synchronized workouts for all of them, works a treat. Virtual power isn't as accurate as direct power measurement but it is fine to use to measure your improvement as you build your threshold power. You can also follow one of their structured training plans depending on what your targets are, all of the workouts are laid out for you over a 12 week period. Check out the trainer road site for a demo. Just make sure you get one of the trianers on their list as virtual power relies on using one of the calibration curves they have created. Just about every popular turbo is on the list though so it's not a difficult choice.
http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/rides/130389

[andyc]

Santa is bringing me something similar to help me train through the winter in preparation for the Caledonia E'Tape....81 miles...how hard can that be

[C7Steve]

Santa is bringing me something similar to help me train through the winter in preparation for the Caledonia E'Tape....81 miles...how hard can that be

Always fancied the Caledonia E'Tape too, but I am just going to do the Alford Sportive again.

Steve.

[andyc]

Might see you there if I have recovered enough lol

[scott_e]

"sh*t Cyclists Say"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMCkuqL9IcM

Made me chuckle

"i would totally be a pro if i didnt have to work"

[Gareth]

Here is my new Fri and Sat night in...