training in the winter?

[craigery]

How do you guys train or stay in shape in the winter? A lot of times there is too much snow to ride safely. What do you do or what should I do?

I'm not training for a race or anything. I love to ride and I'm trying to shed a few pounds and get in better physical shape.

[terrymorse]

I ride my bike in the winter. Fenders and cold weather clothing is all I need to make it bearable. Some folks don't ride in the rain, but I don't mind getting a little wet.

[craigery]

I havent rode in the rain yet but I wouldnt be opposed. I'm just not to sure about winter riding. I am also currently trying to pay for a wedding so I dont think I'll be able to afford cold weather clothing. On top of all of that, I HATE being cold.

[timmhaan]

i think you live in the wrong place, then... ;)

[kuan]

I'm fairly new to Minnesota, and after 2 years of not doing anything in the winter I bought a pair of XC skis. It's pretty fun, but you fall more often than when learning how to use clipless pedals.

This year I plan to run and bike a little as well in the winter. I got a pair of icebug running shoes with studs on the bottom for winter. I'm also planning on putting some Nokian studded tires on my MTB. I've got the clothes, just need the traction!

If you're really hurting for cash, go to the store and get a box of Total cereal with the free 30 day membership to Bally's fitness centers. They're valid deep into '06 so get a few boxes. :D

[craigery]

Thats a good idea(the 30 day membership) but I'm almost positive there arent any around here.

[timmhaan]

you may want to get a trainer. ride indoors on those snowy days.

[FXjohn]

Get rollers and ride inside, it's a good workout.
There's also spin classes. If you are in Metro Detriot there are some good places to go.

[kuan]

Which part of Michigan? You up in the UP? Around here people play Hockey. It's killer for your kick and out of saddle riding.

I bet you can find a gym or a community running track underneath one of those domes.

[Wulfheir]

I put on more layers and ride year round. I don't change tires and I don't invest in pricey sportswear, just put on more layers of your normal clothes and leave a few minutes earlier.

Congratulations on the wedding. I just got married 3 weeks ago and I'm happier than hell, even though we've already shacked up for 5 years.

[IguanaRide]

Hello,

Winter biking is really quite bearable. About 80% of the time, the roads are clear enough that there's not much difference between summer and winter (apart from the temp). I've biked in temperatures worse than -40 degrees with windchill, and all i had on was a base layer, a sweater, and a windbreaker. Let the generated body heat do the rest. I would check out icebike.com if you're thinking about it.

The other suggestions for staying in shape are all great ones; i'd also like to add jogging in the winter. I have trouble jogging in the summer because i overheat too quickly. But in the winter, you stay nice and cool. And it's a great motivator to keep running until you get to your destination; otherwise you get cold ;)

IR

[chrisesposito]

I don't ride much in the winter, because I find riding in the ever-present Seattle drizzle to be a miserable experience. Primarily I switch sports to cross-country skiing, since I live 45 minutes from several ski areas. Since you mention having too much snow (as if there was such a thing :D ), you might try it if you haven't already.

I also continue to swim indoors, and ride a stationary bike on occasion.

[cheebahmunkey]

out of these three which would you guys recommend for winter exercise after a long summer of riding?

Spinning Class/Rollers with Road Bike
Jog/Run
Stationary Bike

I'm asking both for the original poster and for myself :D

[gcasillo]

If you don't have the gear yet, you need:

1. skull cap and/or balaclava
2. winter gloves
3. arm/leg warmers
4. base layer tops/bottoms
5. wind/waterproof jacket

As long as the roads are dry, I'll be out there. There's something in a frozen water bottle that you find in yourself that you can't in August (unless August is Winter for you). :)

[kuan]

out of these three which would you guys recommend for winter exercise after a long summer of riding?

Spinning Class/Rollers with Road Bike
Jog/Run
Stationary Bike


I would jog/run. It's just you against yourself. All you need is a pair of shoes. A great way to cross train.

[rule]

I'll ride every day that I can, for commuting and doing base miles. Trainers and rollers are great for indoors if you do them right. Mostly though I do more cross training over the winter to fill in my workouts. It gives me a nice break from the bike routine and keeps me from getting bored until spring. Texas is a lot different than Michigan during the winter though. You may have to be a little more creative with the indoor riding. It is doable though. Good luck! ;)

[craigery]

Congratulations on the wedding. I just got married 3 weeks ago and I'm happier than hell, even though we've already shacked up for 5 years.


Thanks. We're not married yet. The date is 7-15-06.Her dad is a cheapskate so I'm paying for almost all of it. Its cool though. She'll be done with school and I'll get her into biking too. I'm REALLY excited for the weekend long bike trips.