I don't think there is such a thing as an Easy Spin. I went for an Easy Spin the other day an wound up on a road I've never been on before heading into a tough headwind. It was also a 12 mile "Easy Spin".

Fubar,
It depends on what you consider an easy spin.
If it's too easy, is it worth it?

I don't think so. The reall question is," Would Lance take an Easy Spin?" I don't think he would. So, hard rides here I come!!

Oh, yes, Lance would! You need to incorporate 2-3 "too easy" days if your other days are hard. It's those easy days when the increased strength/conditioning gets built up to compensate for the "damage" from the hard days. That's how you improve whether in cycling, running, or weightlifting - cycles of overstress/damage and rebuilding stronger than before. If you don't take the easy days, the "damage" never gets rebuilt and you run a chronic deficit, ie, overtrained.

When I first started training I fell into the trap of always going hard at it and never taking an easy day. I figured if I am going to go riding then I might as well make it worth my while. I have since found out that those easy days are as important and sometimes more so than the days we go hard. The easy days give your body time to recharge and rebuild the damaged muscles we have used the day before.

Easy days does not mean that you just go for a little spin around the block. It just means you are not going all out and doing intervals and major hill climbs. A nice pace at a reasonable cadence will just be enough to keep the muscles limbered up without doing anymore damage.

Mike

Yeah, I try to fit easy into my schedule. It is just funny how an Easy Spin can quickly turn into a Hard Spin.

Hard rides are more fun! They give you more satisfaction

Chris

I'm not as hard core as you folks.
If I get into an "interesting" area, I'll spin and take in the scenery. I love the benifits of riding , but I started riding to enjoy the outdoors. I have to remind myself at time's. There are so many more things to see on a bike as you all well know.

Pistolwhipped,
Welcome to BikeForums!

You have the essence. I have begun to dabble in "training", but I still slow down to smell the roses or watch the pelicans.

My wife and I may vacation at Sanibel or Siesta Key next year. Maybe we can go for a ride.
Regards,
Raymond

I often find it hard to just take it easy.

Where I ride I constantly see many roadies and take it way too personally when one flys by me.

I don't get to ride as often as I would like and sometimes feel I want the biggest bang for my buck and end up spending every last ounce in the time I have.

This is all good advice here.

Against my will, I'm slowly getting smarter.

:thumbup:

Rainman, my main man!

"Pelicans?" :confused:

[You are now being transported to New Orleans, Louisiana, where pelicans populate the oceanside scenery...]

Buddy-roe, I am "land-locked."



But thanks for the scintillating imagery, suddenly coming on the scene.

"Dogs, big dogs, landing on my face!" ("Good Morning, Vietnam!")

Now, where was that thread, it was around here somewhere...

I have a similar problem with cars. I actually have to take a different, offbeat route sometimes, just to keep from competing...

But today, I had a scrumptious car-meal (car sandwiches, actually.) Rockbridge Road was backed up for at least 2 miles.

Greg, for about 10 - 15 minutes (all uphill) I was telling them all (by my actions, of course), "Cycling is better, see?"

I just kept a-passing 'em and a-passing 'em. NO mercy.

I find those easy days, where I'm just to tired to ride hard are ideal to just spin- low gear/ high cadence.
The result? Lots of quality miles/kilometers where I work hard, finish not too tired and don't find myself burnt out with sore muscles.
These miles/kms are the basis of a better style and being more relaxed on the bike. If you don't believe then try it - do say 10ml/km at 110rpm in a small gear and see how you feel next day. Post back and let us know.

So if you feel like an easy day just take it- you deserve it!