TromboneAl has bought up a point that I can see sense in. Cycling does keep or make you fit--but only for cycling. Same as running will make you fit---For running. I have a knee problem that is not affected by cycling and is one of the reasons I took up the sport. I can and do get myself fit enough to do long hilly rides and it is done by cycling. Cycling requires fitness and technique and that has to be worked at. But how about the rest of the body?

For the last year I have had a niggling back problem. It has been getting worse over the last 6 months and was at the stage that I woke up with back pain that took a couple of hours to ease off. I have only done 4 Gym sessions over the past two weeks and today realised that I no longer have back pain. The bit of gentle exercise that has involved the back has eased it. The knee is still being eased through the Gym work but tonight and there is no pain that I normally feel after a longish ride.

So the gym is doing some good. The variety of exercise that the gym gives me is improving mobility- building strength back into the body where it was lacking and not detracting from the base fitness I need for cycling. Whether I will be saying that tomorrow when I find muscles I never knew I had will be another matter.