Great Lakes - Really sick of winter....

This winter is killing me. I just started road biking this summer and absolutely loved it. I thought I could make it through the winter OK since I have other hobbies (ice fishing mostly), but I really am missing my time on the bike, and still have close to 3 months before I can ride again. The trainer is getting old, and certainly does not provide much of a fix. I've never had "cabin fever" like this before. How do you guys cope?

Studded tires on a 'cross bike!

Hey... speaking of ice fishing... fast do those holes you all make freeze over? Or do they leave deep ruts in the ice surface?

Make specific workouts for the trainer rides and set various goals. That will keep you mind away from "clock watching" while on the trainer. It will also let you work on any weaknesses your pedal stroke and form may have. Ride outside at any opportunity even if it's dark. Just keep your fire going.

I've yet to get out on the lakes around Cleveland this winter. Erie is ahead of schedule and has some sheet ice floating in the Western Basin now. Hopefully in two weeks or so, I'm out 5 or 10 miles on the big lake hauling in Eye's. There was a huge hatch 5 years ago and the average fish this winter will be 25" or longer.

Studded tires on a 'cross bike!

Hey... speaking of ice fishing... fast do those holes you all make freeze over? Or do they leave deep ruts in the ice surface?

Once the hole refreezes there will be a 8" circle with about a 1" depression. It doesn't take long for the hole to freeze back over. Depending on how cold it is, usually over night the hole freezes enough that you can't kick thru the new ice.

I LOVE SNOW!!!

Two words skiing & studs. With good studded tires you can ride in the winter and you can ski. you cant ski in the summer.

Now don't get me wrong I am very addicted to road bikes and I love the speed on the open road in the summer, but in the winter you can still ride (just a little slower) and you can ski.

Just bundle up. You can ride if you really want, but c'mon, there are so many other things to do for training (ski, skate, hike, board, lift, snow shoe, run, chop wood, gym). Diversify and when spring really arrives you'll still have the fitness to ride, the roads will still be there for 'ya.

(Oh, I love snow too! :love: )

Skiing is my number one winter diversion. As far as biking I force myself to spend at least one hour a day on the trainer. While I hate the time on the bike I do feel better all day for having done it. A quality trainer and or rollers do make the time more pleasant along with some good movies or videos

"some good movies or videos"

Key point to making it through the winter for me. Netflix (http://www.netflix.com) has become my winter hobby while on the spin bike... Just got done with Generation Kill (HBO seven-part mini series) and that sure helped the time fly past for a few days. I guess the good thing is, we're into the new year which means reasonable riding weather is 10-12 weeks away. Days are getting longer too, right?

IVE C/C ski'ed on the rivers and lakes for years and understand why people dont like it.linda got me snowshoes rigged for steep crusty snow climbing I like them so much for the hilly hard ice trails here C/C SKIng has taken a far back seat.//Kenkayak

I've yet to get out on the lakes around Cleveland this winter. Erie is ahead of schedule and has some sheet ice floating in the Western Basin now. Hopefully in two weeks or so, I'm out 5 or 10 miles on the big lake hauling in Eye's. There was a huge hatch 5 years ago and the average fish this winter will be 25" or longer.

We have about 15" of ice right now, and getting thicker daily. Most lakes in the area are plenty safe for truck traffic. I drove out the first time before Christmas. I have been doing pretty well fishing- my freezer is full of fish, and my wife is sick of the trainer in the living room, so I'm ready for spring. I do believe next year I will be planning a vacation during winter to someplace I can ride. I hope the folks that can ride all year 'round appreciate it.