When it snows....

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2008-08-22 7:44 PM

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Pro
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The Land of Ice and Snow
Subject: When it snows....
I'm thinking ahead to the off season an trying to make a plan. Last winter I prepared for the cycling season by doing a ton of spinning with a tri group. Don't know if I can face that again this year and was wondering about substituting the spinning with cross country skiing. I would still put in time on the trainer at home as well.

Do you think spinning is decent prep for real cycling or will the cross country skiing suffice? Needless to say I will still be swimming and running as well. I wish the cycling season were longer around here!

2008-08-22 7:53 PM
in reply to: #1622535

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Coach
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Boston, MA
Subject: RE: When it snows....

aquagirl - 2008-08-22 7:44 PM I'm thinking ahead to the off season an trying to make a plan. Last winter I prepared for the cycling season by doing a ton of spinning with a tri group. Don't know if I can face that again this year and was wondering about substituting the spinning with cross country skiing. I would still put in time on the trainer at home as well. Do you think spinning is decent prep for real cycling or will the cross country skiing suffice? Needless to say I will still be swimming and running as well. I wish the cycling season were longer around here!
while x country sking is a killer aerobic workout it is not the same as cycling. You can somewhat sustain your aerobic base and remain in shape but the specifity of cycling power will be diminished and lost.

you could do just a few shorter but hard trainer sessions to work on your cycling fitness/power and suplement your training with the x-country or ride oustide when possible. Living in New England I know about spending time in the trainer and it sucks, because of that I've invested in winter riding gear so I can ride outside as much as possible. (when roads are clear, no/little ice and temp is above 20-25F degrees

2008-08-22 8:14 PM
in reply to: #1622535

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Minnetonka, MN
Subject: RE: When it snows....
aquagirl - 2008-08-22 7:44 PM

I wish the cycling season were longer around here!


Single-speed Bianchi San Jose bike: $600
Illuminite Pants and Jacket Shell: $200
Studded Tires: $120
Good Bike Lights: $150
Fenders: $50
Warm Base Layers: $100

Having a bike path that goes from your back-yard to work and is plowed faster than the roads:

PRICELESS!!!!!
2008-08-23 10:44 PM
in reply to: #1622535

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Subject: RE: When it snows....
Along the lines of riding outside during the winter; is there a temp that is too cold for the bike? I would like to ride outside as much as possible but was wondering if the cold weather is potentially damaging to the bike? Since I am new to tri & cycling I have no idea if the weather will be bad for the bike. Thanks.
2008-08-24 1:21 PM
in reply to: #1622535

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Master
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Harvard, Illinois
Subject: RE: When it snows....
I ride with a guy we call the alien or billy goat. He does two things during the winter to stay in shape. Mountain biking and cross country skiing. He says the ccs has helped him tremendously. I know it has because the guy leaves me in the dust when we are out riding and he isn't even trying. He can climb a hill like it is nothing and keep going. I would incorporate some cycling with the ccs and you should be fine.
2008-08-24 4:09 PM
in reply to: #1622535

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Master
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Portland, Oregon
Subject: RE: When it snows....
And do lunges, squats, plyometrics and isometrics. Don't even need a gym for any of those. 

2008-08-24 4:34 PM
in reply to: #1622535

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Champion
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Subject: RE: When it snows....

I ride outside if is 20 degrees or warmer. Key is to have proper clothing to keep warm and mostly the wind as it makes me the coldest.

Riding you need to be careful of sand and black ice. 

2008-08-24 4:49 PM
in reply to: #1622535

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Subject: RE: When it snows....

I ride my mountain bike during the winters (when i lived in MN).  Now in CA, they don't have winters...or fall, or spring! just summer.

I would look into studded tires and base layers!

 

Ryan

2008-08-24 7:26 PM
in reply to: #1623675

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Minnetonka, MN
Subject: RE: When it snows....
5stones - 2008-08-23 10:44 PM

Along the lines of riding outside during the winter; is there a temp that is too cold for the bike? I would like to ride outside as much as possible but was wondering if the cold weather is potentially damaging to the bike? Since I am new to tri & cycling I have no idea if the weather will be bad for the bike. Thanks.


With a snowboarding helmet, good gloves, ski-goggles, and a facemask, I have ridden to work in below zero temps with no problems. It's 10-miles each way.
2008-08-24 7:38 PM
in reply to: #1622535

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Lakeland, FL
Subject: RE: When it snows....
You could always move to Florida, we never get snow
2008-08-24 8:06 PM
in reply to: #1622535

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Master
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Subject: RE: When it snows....
If you decide to give outdoor cycling a go in the cold, one of the things I learned was that it takes my hands & fingers a good 30 mins. to warm up.  So, don't let yourself quit in the first 15 mins. b/c you're freezing.  You'll warm up, it just takes awhile!

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