RR: Tour de Trainer

[lmnop]

So, I'm trying hard to get in a few more miles before the 12 Hrs of Temecula event this weekend. The weather turned sour today, so I headed for the garage and dusted off the trainer laying in the corner.

The trainer ain't even mine, I borrowed it a couple of months ago to start the rehab from some surgery. I don't do a lot of road riding, mainly just to and from my house and the local trailheads.

After 30 minutes of the trainer I was crying for my mommy! I haven't been that bored in a long time. Had the music, didn't matter. I don't think watching TV or a video would have made one bit of difference. Perhaps if somebody figures out the nuances of virtual cycling, perhaps...

How do people do this on a regular basis? What about those poor folks in the Midwest who ride these things religously through the winter months? I don't get it, but then again I live in So Cal. I'm a bit of a wuss, admittedly so. I'm what my friend calls a "mid-day, mid-week rider". I work at home and for the most part ride when I want; which is real convenient for riding during the winter.

No more trainer! Looks like I'll be riding in the rain tomorrow. Probably a good thing, it will give me a feel for what Saturday might be like as I'm doing laps in the rain in Temecula.

[Jslow]

your comment makes it sound as though mid day riding is not a good thing?? its to cold for me early... I'm a pansy

I also will ride the trainer tomorrow... and yes I did pay for it. I pass the time by watching a soccer game... 45 min then a break then repeat... before you know it you watched a game and spun and if you are a proper english fan you drank a lake full of guiness... to bad I'm not english.

[Rob]

Pop in some MTB vids. That's what J_Sims was doing.

You may also want to try out a local gym. Ask for a week free pass. The spin machines there have more resistance and programs with hill intervals. Bring your Ipod video and load up some MTB vids and watch them there

I would just ride your MTB in the rain, that way if it rains on the day of the races you'll be used to it

[Schecky]

Rode the trainer last night. It sucks eggs, even with the Lakers to listen too and the 'Old School' DVD.
The worst is the last ten minutes.

[Pain Freak]

I couldn't agree more. The trainer has not seen a tire in 2 years, but I got it for a gift and don't want to hurt anyones feelings, so I pretend like I use it.

I'll be riding in the rain again tonight. Last nights ride was downright painful as I thought I could get by without a base layer.WRONG! You think riding without a base layer is a good idea? Just try it, I don't think I've been that cold since I rode up to Baldy one day over two years ago. You have to have something that wicks good, but you also need a good shell that breaths well. I'll try it again tonight, but I'll be better dressed. I stayed fairly dry though.

[northshore]

...and the list continues of why I don't enjoy stationary bikes. Spin classes are a little bit more exciting...

[denmother]

My friend who lives in Mammoth and is a serious roadie has one of these.

CompuTrainer

CompuTrainer provides the most interesting indoor bike experience yet created. It increases your cycling power by 20 to 30% and your speed by 2 to 4 MPH. Whatever your starting point, you’ll improve significantly.

CompuTrainer is best in its class by a wide margin. It sets the industry standard for accuracy (± 2.5%), power (1500 watts), quality, and service lifetime (10+ years). Exclusive performance features like SpinScan™ electronic pedal stroke analysis and Adjustable Aerodynamic Drag Factor are unique to CompuTrainer. Cycling and triathlon coaches worldwide use CompuTrainer as their primary testing instrument. USA Triathlon, USA Cycling, and the Canadian Cycling Association test and train their team athletes with CompuTrainer.

[RidetheRAAM4]

I don't have such a hard time on the trainer. I take a couple magazines, some books to read for school, and keep the remote close by. I figure that if I am going to be sitting on the sofa watching TV, I might as well sit on my bike and spin the pedals a little while watching TV. Although, when I spin, I usually just try to get my HR up to around 130-140 and keep it there. So I don't work really hard, but sometimes I do kick up the gears and do soem "hills."

[dirtmistress]

Originally Posted by RidetheRAAM4

I don't have such a hard time on the trainer. I take a couple magazines, some books to read for school, and keep the remote close by. I figure that if I am going to be sitting on the sofa watching TV, I might as well sit on my bike and spin the pedals a little while watching TV. Although, when I spin, I usually just try to get my HR up to around 130-140 and keep it there. So I don't work really hard, but sometimes I do kick up the gears and do soem "hills."

I'm good at the trainer too. But now I have a Lemond spin bike. Longest I ever did was like 3 hours back when I was racing. I can do 2 hours now but usually 1 1/2 hrs. I don't know why it doesnt bother me. I put in a Tour De France DVD or VHS and get totally lost in it. I keep it at 95 to 102 rpm's and HR at 100 or more. Sometimes I do intervals but then wonder why since I don't race anymore. Guess I miss the pain sometimes!