That is definitely a no go. I enjoy my time cycling, but it is not the be all and end all. Good fitness should encompass not only cardio fitness, but strength and flexbility. Biking only addresses the first, and only partially so at that. Because it is not a weight bearing exercise, one should cross train with running, weights, and stretching/yoga for optimal fitness.

I don't know where you live, but here in Wisconsin, so there is definitely a season and off season for bike riding. It gets quite cold here in the winter. Most local road bike clubs do group rides only through October.

Commuting is not practical since I am a lawyer, have court appearances most mornings, and need to show up in court wearing a suit. I also have to make sure my child gets on his school bus during the school year, so there isn't enough time to commute by bike, shower, change clothes and get to court. In late fall and winter, it gets dark early, so riding home after work from mid-October through March is also not practical or safe.


Finally, I struggled with weight issues for years. I work out at the gym almost every day at noon or after work to maintain my present fitness level. My outdoor riding this season is in addition to my regular lunchtime workouts. I have no intention of letting myself get out of shape during the off season.