Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - For those who live in wintery areas half the year ...

If you live in an area where it is WINTER (cold, snow, ice, etc.) for a good portion of the year, what do you do to keep in shape throughout the winter? Besides the trainer, and besides getting outside to ride as much as possible ... I think we all do that, right?

What interesting cross-training activities do you participate in?


When I lived in Manitoba, where they had snow in the winter, I did a lot of cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Unfortunately, now that I live in Alberta, the snow either melts or blows away before I have a chance to ski on it.

I've been weightlifting every winter for the past about 17 years, and I've participated in yoga classes 3 winters recently. I'm debating about getting into pilates one of these winters.

I also walk (briskly), and run if I have access to a treadmill.

This year I've done some swimming too. I'm not an accomplished swimmer, my technique isn't very good at all. But I try. :)

Telemark skiing, lots of walking, some time on the trainer, sometimes the rowing ergometer gets some attention (there is no more brutal workout on the planet!) and -- but for this year, so far -- some easy cycling. I'm not worrying too much about it. Of course, with the decrease in activity must come cutting way, way back on the calorie intake. The days of 4 large meals, a freezer full of ice cream, and snacky things adorning the desk at work won't return until the mileage hits 300 miles a week!

I spend a lot of time on the trainer and lift twice a week.

Oh wait, you wanted to know, "What interesting cross-training activities do you participate in?".

How about shoveling my driveway and sidewalk. :eek:

i ride outside everyday regardless of the weather here in boston. every single day. minimum 24 miles (commute) longer on weekends. that's all.:) :) :)

In addition to the CycleOps trainer, I have a Concept II rower and an elliptical machine (along with a Landice L8 treadmill). I try to lift 2X a week, but I've been off since the 12th (gotta get back into it).

Cycle-ops Trainer in the basement, this winter I joined the YMCA to have access to a pool and I am learning to do lap-swimming (hoping to compete in a Triathlon this June), the Y also has other nice pieces of cardio equip and I dabble on those from time to time.

That's pretty much it.

On the trainer 2x per week (Tues and Wed)

I have a Body Craft weight machine that I use 3x per week (Mon, Wed and Fri)

Walk 1 hour everyday at lunch time when at work (about 5km)

Mtb bike (20km), snowshoe (10km) or hike (10km) depending on snow levels and temp on the weekends. When I can't do either of those I sit in front of my computer answering questions trying to put off going down on the trainer.

XC Ski, but we don't really have the snow for it. (I like heading to the woods - sort of BC style)
Telemark, but requires snow.
Snowshoe, but requires snow.
Hiking

Running... 3.25 miles 3-5 times a week (when its not so so cold)

Rollers - I bought a set this year and love them... much more fun than the trainer.
Trainer

Looking at the weather and travel schedule and wondering how to sneak in my Feb century.
I also just built a SS / FG. Waiting for the final parts but I should have it next week.
I haven't taken my main road ride out in the slop recently - but the SS / FG is being built for this. I've got cross tires on it now, but will put some studs on it. Looking forward to riding in the snow / slop. I think my outside mileage will go up after this arrives.

I'm having a hard time dealing with the caloric intake. I rode nearly every other day through January (rollers mainly with a few outside rides and some runs - average was about 1 1/2 hours). I need to shed some weight - but it is coming off soo slowly right now.

Trainer 3x per week, have a weight room at work that I hit 2x a week.....fast walking on the treadmill with atm weights as home.....

What interesting cross-training activities do you participate in?

skiing and rock climbing, mostly. Like brunop, I cycle commute, too, but on weekends if I don't feel like doing long icy rides, I hit a rock gym in a nearby town and try to conquer a few 5.7's.

it's 4 degree f. here right now. 25mph winds with gusts over 40. the windchill is -18. this sucks!

i ride a stationary on bad weather days. as i get bored or stircrazy, i'll venture out when the temp gets into the 30's.

Rollers and rowing machine.

With the windchills down to -35f right now, I spend a lot of time on trainer. I do long slow distance 3 times a week, intervals twice and weights twice. I try to get out for a brisk tramp a few times a week and want to snow shoe but not enough snow right now. Occasionally I do a little Pilates to the Lime channel on tv. What I'd REALLY LOVE is one of those ENDLESS POOLS! I just turned 56 so I can't allow myself to get soft in the off-season!