General Cycling Discussion - How much time... really?!

I was talking with another cyclist on our race team today about time... time devoted to cycling. It really got me thinking, how much time do I really devote to cycling...

Cycling has almost taken over my life, life revolves around 3 things, work, school and cycling. I can spend 2 hours on a bike each day but cycling just does not include time on the bike as we know. A two hour ride means 3 hours devoted to prepare, get the bike ready, etc including ride time. On top of riding I can spend an hour of so post ride recovering from the ride, expecially on interval days. I spend at least 1 hour per day on the forums, another 30 minutes or so reading news, highlights, etc. I may spend a few hours at the LBS each week shoting the wind or repairing a part or buy nutritional items. Cycling also requires me to sleep more, I now need 8 hours minimum of sleep. On race days I can spend most of the day racing and recovering.

So how much time does cycling really take? It has been said that a training cyclist focuses their day around cycling, eating, sleeping etc...

Or is it my motivation?

Almost my entire LIFE is devoted to training for triathlons and school. Eating, sleeping and daily schedules are planned out to maximize my training time and still allow for time to study and complete school work.

My day goes like this:

6AM - wake up, eat and shower then ride to school.
8:05AM to 3:20PM - School.
3:30PM to 7PM - running laps, swimming or cycling.
7PM to 11PM - homework.

repeat the next day.

I do go out and do things every once in awhile though.

I don't change or anything...I'll get off work and go ride in my work clothes...I figure my clothes are dirty already, so why not make em sweaty? I do though hate getting ready at home... Getting dressed, shoes, gloves, getting the bike out....bleh sometimes I am so lazy I have to motivate myself

Very strict training regime for me.

1. Wake up, have a coffee, take a dump.
2. Go for a walk with Shogun.
3. Ride to work - between four and five minutes.
4. Work my arse off.
5. Go to the pub.
6. Ride home 9 - 23 minutes depending on route.

On weekends I do extra drinking and cycling.

Very strict training regime for me.

1. Wake up, have a coffee, take a dump.What? Just one?!

I was talking with another cyclist on our race team today about time... time devoted to cycling. It really got me thinking, how much time do I really devote to cycling...

Cycling has almost taken over my life, life revolves around 3 things, work, school and cycling. I can spend 2 hours on a bike each day but cycling just does not include time on the bike as we know. A two hour ride means 3 hours devoted to prepare, get the bike ready, etc including ride time. On top of riding I can spend an hour of so post ride recovering from the ride, expecially on interval days. I spend at least 1 hour per day on the forums, another 30 minutes or so reading news, highlights, etc. I may spend a few hours at the LBS each week shoting the wind or repairing a part or buy nutritional items. Cycling also requires me to sleep more, I now need 8 hours minimum of sleep. On race days I can spend most of the day racing and recovering.

So how much time does cycling really take? It has been said that a training cyclist focuses their day around cycling, eating, sleeping etc...

Or is it my motivation?I've read somewhere that if you can't devote at least 15 hours a week to cycling then you shouldn't consider going pro. Forget who said that. Burke probably.

Sounds like you're doing an excellent job to me. You may feel a little burned out from time to time though. When you start working with that coach, perhaps they'll be able to work out a more forgiving schedule for you. Hell, I got burned out on 10 - 12 hours per week last summer.

By the way, I ordered The Cyclists Training Bible by Friel this morning. Amazon should have it here in the usual 3 months. Hopefully, he'll have some advice on how I can improve. I'm convinced now that just spending TITS is not the answer.

That's Time In The Saddle for you Haagen!! ;)

I do believe someone will pipe up now and say "Too much info". Let it suffice to say that it's one dump, but it is a massive paint peeling caustic dump. I trust that satisfies your curiousity :D :D :D

By the way, I ordered The Cyclists Training Bible by Friel this morning. Amazon should have it here in the usual 3 months. Hopefully, he'll have some advice on how I can improve. I'm convinced now that just spending TITS is not the answer.

That's Time In The Saddle for you Haagen!!

Believe it or not, I was reading that and wondering what it meant. Finally worked it out and then read your next line. I think when I go pro, I'll put you on as my sports phsycologist. :D

I do believe someone will pipe up now and say "Too much info". Let it suffice to say that it's one dump, but it is a massive paint peeling caustic dump. I trust that satisfies your curiousity :D :D :DOh it does. And then some. Thanks for sharing. May I recommend some Renewzit industrial strength foggers for that early morning bog trip.

... I think when I go pro, I'll put you on as my sports phsycologist. :DNot qualified. Is there such a thing as a sports humorist?

I have my first appointment with the coach 8 days (Monday) after Redlands... can not wait!

I have my first appointment with the coach 8 days (Monday) after Redlands... can not wait!You may want to jot down your routine for the past several months and what not. Be sure to explain to him that you're feeling the pressure. He may be interested in some of your fitness stats as well or may have you do some new ones as markers to gauge your progress. You never know, he may even recommend a week off if your starting to burn out a bit.

Good luck with it.

If you let it cycling will consume your every waking moment. Keep us posted on how things go once you start working with your coach.

Doctor Morbius: Let us know how you like Friel's book. I've read his Triathlon Training Bible and Going Long and they're both excellent.

You guys think about how much time people spend sitting in front of the TV.If you choose to spend your time on something positive and healthy wheres the harm?This week I've been out on Sun,Tue,Wed,Thurs, riding trails with my kids.My boss left it up to me to work today or not so I'm going on a long ride in Pisgah by myself.I'm really lucky to live 5 min from Dupnt State forest and 15 from Pisgah so I'm gonna get on that stuff!

What? Just one?!


:roflmao: ......I'll be laughing all day.....

Very strict training regime for me.

1. Wake up, have a coffee, take a dump.


Thanks for sharing. Good to know that you're a regular guy--at least in one sense.
:eek:

I do believe someone will pipe up now and say "Too much info". Let it suffice to say that it's one dump, but it is a massive paint peeling caustic dump. I trust that satisfies your curiousity :D :D :D


Stop it!.....Stop it!!......Stop it!!!............................. :eek: ......Wait......Maybe not....

Very strict training regime for me.

1. Wake up, have a coffee, take a dump.
2. Go for a walk with Shogun.
3. Ride to work - between four and five minutes.
4. Work my arse off.
5. Go to the pub.
6. Ride home 9 - 23 minutes depending on route.

On weekends I do extra drinking and cycling.


and you are able to ride home after being at the pub???? Clearly you are not spending enough time there ;)

That's why I say 9 - 23 minutes. The pub is at the end of my block. :D :D :D Rarely take the same road home twice :D :D :D

I like "cyclist training bible", it is a good start to learning the right way to train, and planning. It is a good book if you can handle self coaching. It does leave you with questions, assuming you have trained before... very good book!