Originally Posted by
robertv
I have no idea how track cyclists train. But I do imagine they do lots of roadwork for base miles and then probably train for their individual events in ways that mimic those events. I don't think they spend 9 hours a day doing 10 minutes on 10 minutes off. All I'm saying is that messengers are in pretty good shape but that the nature of their work means that they can't condition as well as people who just put in 4 straight hours every morning.
As someone who trains for track racing, I can tell you that it's very different from riding a bicycle to earn a living as you do. I have the luxury of determining when I ride, how long I ride and how hard I ride. I also have days that I don't ride at all, and maybe instead go to the gym. You do not have this luxury, which is why it is so tiring for you. Also, you are right that the constant getting on and off is a problem, because 10 minutes of riding is not long enough to fully warm up, so you shouldn't stand around when you are off the bike and maybe jog in place to avoid cooling down. I believe you would actually get less tired this way. As far as your night leg cramps are concerned that could be a diet thing, insufficient hydrating and loss of electrolytes.