Training for cycling, without cycling....
 

Yeah, what a conundrum, eh? As I have been out of work since February 6th, a possible job opportunity has come along that is all travel, to any part of the country where I'm needed.....Monday through Friday. Short of bringing my bike in a bike carrier on the plane for each trip (which would get old after awhile.....but, I'm considering it), how can one maintain cycling fitness and actually improve? I was thinking of running, but I had to stop running awhile back because of a persistent shin injury.

The pisser of it is I have close to 2,000 miles under my belt in training for upcoming randonne events, including the BMB if I qualified for it. Now, that is not looking like a possibility anymore.

I really need to win the lottery. Bad.

I have had phenomenol success with an elliptical trainer in the gym. Since December I have worked my endurance up to about 70 minutes, 5 days a week at a pace that varies for cardio and strength building. My hill climbing has improved dramatically, even though I reduced my saddle time from 6 days a week to 2 days a week.

Survey says!: FOLDING BIKE!

i don't have one, nor have I even ridden one, but if I had to travel a lot I surely would get one. other than that, could you stay at places that have a gym with an exercise bike? or join a national chain gym that you could use?

I checked out Bike Fridays, and Holy Christ are they expensive. I'd rather just get a Trek 1200 and a bike case for at LEAST half the price. I really don't feel like killing my 5200.....

The plus side of things, I'll get to ride all over the country :D

I've always found that stairmasters and running help my cycling...

if i were you, I'd try to join one of those gyms that let you visit gyms in their network all over the country... either that or insist on staying at hotels that have good gyms... and hit the stairs, elliptical, running machines, etc.. wherever you are.

Well, you have the option. Get the folder. It's not like you need a top end Bike Friday. Get a basic BF and the samsonite luggage to fold it into when you're travelling. Either that, or just turn the job down and figure out something else.

Koffee

My favorite sport is skate skiing. That's if you are lucky to have the locality/money for this. Other then that there is the gym spin class which is my favorite indoor training routine. Also running and swimming!

With what I do, jobs are few and far between......haven't been any available in CT for awhile now (other than my old job).

a folding bike is the answer. you will have it for life. always ready.

Remember to factor in the cost per flight going that route. A folder will fit in regular luggage, and not have any additional cost. A 1200 with a bike case is going to cost you an oversize fee on every flight.

-D

I can just imagine the hell you will go through "smuggling" a fully metal object in a suitcase onto a plane on a regular basis...

For regular flying a Bike Friday may be too much effort to assemble and pack. BF is a takedown bike, not a folder. Dahon make some quite speedy folders. You could even ride from the airport to your hotel.

As a frequent business traveller myself, I can't imagine hauling more than I have to on a business trip. Between computer bag and clothes for the trip, another bike bag (plus the cycling gear) hardly seems worth it (unless you knew you were going to be in one place for several days). When I travel, efficiency is key. But that's me.

Like Simi, I've found elliptical trainers to be the best to provide conditioning that's similar to cycling. I can't run or use treadmills because they are too hard on the knees. Many hotels have gyms, and most of those now have elliptical trainers (at least in my experience--I'm sure it depends on the hotel chain). As suggested, you could also get a local gym membership that allows you to use any gym in their national chain. Or, once in a city, find a local gym and get a day pass. I also wouldn't rule out the possibility of renting bikes (in some locations).

A final option might be to find a LBS in the city you are travelling to, pretend to be a buying customer, and go on a long test ride (just kidding, of course). ;)