General Cycling Discussion - A trainer is not a bike ride, BP

A trainer is not a bike ride.

Did 45 m inutes on the trainer with the Spinerval video this am. Was even joined by my wife on her trainer for 20 minutes (her first time).

Then, the weather got to 50 F and I HAD to get out on the real bike. Since my road is hooked up to the trainer, I took the 60 (?) lb mtn bike - at least that is what it seems, with all the stuff I have on it.

We had an errand to run in the car, so I threw my bike in and rode back - 1.5 hours.

A lot of hills, etc., Man, despite my strongest efforts ever on the trainer - including the Spinerval with extra tension on the trainer, it just is NOT the same as a bike - especially in simulating hills.

But, the very best thing that has happened to me in the past two weeks is my blood pressure zooming DOWN. After I had the neurosurgery 4 weeks ago, I no longer had the intense pain and the awful meds. Just took it a 123/75. It hasn't been that good in a looonnnggg time, and that despite just recently 1/2 ing my BP meds.

Funny thing. My BP is always at its lowest just AFTER a bike ride.

Hmm. Must be a message there someplace!!

Anyway, bike, trainer or whatever, my vow is to stay in shape this winter.

Oh man, 50 degrees! That's great! I think I'm going to be able to get out on the road tomorrow for the first time in about 2 1/2 weeks. It's about time.

Glad you had fun today.

Jack. Nothing equals the outdoors.

Take the deal She gives ya...gotta love it.

(All this from an Atlanta wimp! ;) )

Originally posted by DnvrFox

Then, the weather got to 50 F and I HAD to get out on the real bike.

It's closer to 50C than 50F here at the moment, but I'm still riding in it.

If we had warm rains, I think I might try a ride in the rain.. Most California rains are in winter- that means they are usually from the northwest and cool, & at the very best.. Usually cold.. I do not like that.. So should you get 3-4 days of rain- the trainer is all I have or nothing.. If desperate, I might go out in a cold rain.. Cold rain dripping down the glasses, down your neck and inside the rainproof jacket.. Oh, in California at most we get is two months of chilly weather..?

If we had warm rains, I think I might try a ride in the rain..

Even our summer rains are cold here. Always expect hail with any summer rain.


Oh, in California at most we get is two months of chilly weather..?

How about May Gray and June Gloom? The Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau never mention these.

Although Fallbrook is inland and not so subject to these annual and regular phenomena, the coastal areas certainly are!!

Lots of out-of-state folks see the ads about sunny San Diego, folks playing at the beach, etc., and venture to the beach in May and June and freeze their tushes off.

Lived there 30 years. I know the deep dark secrets.:)

Dnrv.. You are right. If you expect tropical hot beach weather, on the coast- it is not what is advertised.. Probably 4-5 months of the year, the coastal areas have fog until mid morning..
But I live about 15 miles inland. The costal haze is much less intense and shorter duration.. From here, we cyclists have great choices- just ride inland, where we enjoy the hills or when weather is perfect summer like ride to the beach where we ride by the ocean. No, for cyclists- being somewhat inland is among the world's most perfect condition for our sport.
I used to live in Michigan and Florida. OVer Florida, I would rather live in Michigan. I despise hot- clammy stickness- where you need a shower after being out 5 minutes. No for our sport, here in California, about 340 days of perfect cycling weather is not too far from the truth. Since the only time, I become a beach person is when I am wearing a wet suit and am under the water- the fog we get 2-3 months is ok with me. I hate the heat and prefer to have no winter- so life is ok.
Just when you are used to going out on the bike almost every day to get in the 10,000 mile year- you find something to complain about... Because of work schedule changes, looks like I will log just UNDER 9,000 miles- a disappointment.. I am so close..
Almost all my cycling friends love it here. Just too much building going on- tearing out the trees and putting in a parking lot..

Actually, I LIKE San Diego's coastal cloud cover, which provides a modicum of protection for my Celtic hide.

Originally posted by John E
Actually, I LIKE San Diego's coastal cloud cover, which provides a modicum of protection for my Celtic hide.

I don't really mind it either, except that you never see it in those beautiful sunny ads on TV and in the mags.

Truth in advertising and all that.

I would say it is at most 3 months a year that the coastal fog lasts later than 10 am.. In the depths of winter it might last until noon- only on the coastal areas.. Most of the year it is gone by 10 am... Mind you, I live inland.. BY the time we cycle to the coast it is usually gone..
I usually do not mind it, because I tell myself it is what causes us to have our Mediterranean climate, instead of the hot box to the East of us, behind the mountain ranges. That is far worse.. So whenever they say the Pacific here is cool, that is ok with me. I hate the heat.. Where else can you get very little cold and very litte hot.. And 340 days of cycling.. All the pros, I suspect I see about us right now, don't seem to mind.. Know Eddie Mercyx is here now. Think some of the Bonjour team is in these parts also.. I have seen a lot of their uniforms of late, when cycling the coast. I know the Telekom team have been here in past winters...
When you are working up a sweat, who needs it hot..
ps- Don't like the fog, just go inland..

no matter what, nothing- trainer, crosstraining, other sports- can replace the bike

When I think that trainers and spin classes can really be riducules(sp) was when I was at my Dr's office last summer talking to his nurse I had ridden my bike to my apointment and it turns out she rides we chatted a little then I went to read my book. She left while I was waiting to see the doc and she had on her ridding togs I asked her if she was going for a spin nope she was going to a spin class. hmmm lets see it was 70F just a light breeze enough to keep you cool but not to count as a head wind. Now, especially here in Seattle (the rust belt) why would anyone waste a perfectly good day like that to sit inside and ride a bike? Trainers are good if you are in rehab or the weather is really crappy but there are more benifits to a spin outside than just the muscle workout, it is the stress release and the way I relax by communing with nature.

I agree I don't do trainers and spin classes myself I like the benefits of cycling against the elements and having the time to destress and think on my own whilst getting to cycle all over the place and find new routes!!! The mission is to get so out of the way and then get home challenge yourself to something u think u can't do and get out there and prove yourself wrong!! :p