Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.sebring
06-18-03, 07:50 AM
Here's my dilemma. I've started commuting to work by bike, and feel that I may be over doing things. I think I ride hard too often and need to put in more recovery rides. I try to ride every day possible, and go hard to get the most out of each ride.
I work as a paramedic, and work two, 12 hour day shifts, two 12 hour nights, and 4 days off.
I commute on my first 2 day shifts. I try to ride hard each way to get the most out of the ride. It's relatively flat. I usually deal with a strong head wind at least one way if there's no wind shift. My rides are 9.5 miles each way and take about 30 minutes.
My first night shift I sleep in and ride into town to get a paper which round trip is about as long as my commute both ways. I'm thinking of making this a longer ride. I also weight lift this day.
Second night depends on if I was able to sleep at work during the first night. I don't nap well, so if it was a busy first night I won't ride.
First day off depends on my night shifts. This day starts at the end of my second night shift.
Second Day off I weight train again. I've stopped doing legs for the summer since I'm riding so much. I usually ride to the gym, if I'm visiting my parents. If I stay at my place, I have a weight set. I think it's just a 5-6 mile ride each way. Again I ride hard, since it's very hilly by my parents I want to get the most out of the ride.
Third day off is usually my trail riding day or long distance ride day depending on weather. I aim for 20 miles or more both types of riding.
Fourth day off is the same as the second.
During the winter I incorporate interval training with my trainer and strength training. I plan to commute during the winter, but may not do as many outdoor rides, just to ride because of the cold.
Any tips to improve my riding? I figure during the commutes with the slight grades, and high winds I'm doing some interval like work, since I try to maintain my speed. Should I stick with the way I currently do things? I've been riding MTB much longer than road so I'm not used to the constant need to pedal vs. steep descents to recover with. Thanks for the advice and sorry this is so long
I work as a paramedic, and work two, 12 hour day shifts, two 12 hour nights, and 4 days off.
I commute on my first 2 day shifts. I try to ride hard each way to get the most out of the ride. It's relatively flat. I usually deal with a strong head wind at least one way if there's no wind shift. My rides are 9.5 miles each way and take about 30 minutes.
My first night shift I sleep in and ride into town to get a paper which round trip is about as long as my commute both ways. I'm thinking of making this a longer ride. I also weight lift this day.
Second night depends on if I was able to sleep at work during the first night. I don't nap well, so if it was a busy first night I won't ride.
First day off depends on my night shifts. This day starts at the end of my second night shift.
Second Day off I weight train again. I've stopped doing legs for the summer since I'm riding so much. I usually ride to the gym, if I'm visiting my parents. If I stay at my place, I have a weight set. I think it's just a 5-6 mile ride each way. Again I ride hard, since it's very hilly by my parents I want to get the most out of the ride.
Third day off is usually my trail riding day or long distance ride day depending on weather. I aim for 20 miles or more both types of riding.
Fourth day off is the same as the second.
During the winter I incorporate interval training with my trainer and strength training. I plan to commute during the winter, but may not do as many outdoor rides, just to ride because of the cold.
Any tips to improve my riding? I figure during the commutes with the slight grades, and high winds I'm doing some interval like work, since I try to maintain my speed. Should I stick with the way I currently do things? I've been riding MTB much longer than road so I'm not used to the constant need to pedal vs. steep descents to recover with. Thanks for the advice and sorry this is so long