What do you do in the off-season?

Question

Not everyone lives in the tropics! It's cold outside! Even now if you really bundle up you can still ride but in a very short time there will be snow and ice and riding will be impossible. For those of us that ride to stay fit, what do you do in the winter?

There are some hardcore FREAKS in here!! (I mean that in the best way possible) I was thinking about getting an indoor trainer to bolt my bike to and set it in front of the tv with a video of passing scenery playing...

Answer 1

I have OK winter weather to ride in (southern OR), a little wet and cold but mostly tolerable. However there are the times.......

I lift weights Nov, Dec, Jan.
I use rollers and a stationary trainer

rollers for just riding and the stationary trainer for intervals. Both suck so it's nice to mix it up. It's also good to have at least one day a week with a small group where every one rides rollers (quieter than trainers) and B.S. while getting an hour or so in. keeps it interesting.


cross country skiing is a good cardio/muscular mix for cycling.

Answer 2

I live in Denver and have cold and snow to contend with. So, being a skinny guy I take about eight or ten weeks in the winter to lift and build strength and mass for the upcoming cycling season.
I also do these Mito/Lipo rides first thing in the morning - either outdoors or on the trainer. They are intended to increase the use of fat as a fuel and increase the number and efficiency of mitochondria, which are the part of your cells the convert fuel into energy.
It goes like this: Get up first thing in the morning and ride at or just below lactate threshold for a maximum of one hour followed immediately by a recovery drink and then a good breakfast. The trick is that you cannot have any sugar before or during the ride - only water. It doesn't sound difficult, but it sucks. You're already low on fuel and you're riding at a good pace.
If you feel bonkish or smell an odor of acetone on your breath, stop and eat something immediately. Your workout is over.
It is probably a good idea to try it on the trainer the first few times so that you can quit when necessary. If you don't have a trainer, bring a Gu pack or something with you.
Drink a ton of water.
Do this and leg extensions, ham curls, leg press and calf raises and the appropriate core strengthening exercises and you hit the springtime with a huge advantage on the guys in your group.

Answer 3

There really isn't an off season if a person wants to stay in good condition for the spring. I bought some rollers and ride those in my basement. I have to get creative to make the time pass like watch a movie or listen to some sports psychology audios or music. I am also lifting weights and playing pick b-ball to add some variety. I really want to get involved in an aerobics class. It's great cardio and helps with coordination and balance. The winter can be long and trying b/c of the holiday season - keeping off the excess weight. I hope that gives you some good ideas.

Answer 4

Ride in the snow! Who says riding in the snow is impossible? Wind chill is less severe on a mountain bike, and riding in snow will wear you out in a hurry!

On a road bike, find a well-maintained greenbelt, open space park or someplace with a good paved path you can ride. Most of them are plowed off right after it snows, and within a couple days you can get some miles in. Just be sure to cover every inch of exposed skin and wear a good wicking base layer. Under Armour shirts are my personal favorite becaue they feel good, fit tight and don't cost very much.

When it's extraordinarily crappy out, I put the bike on a trainer and use Spinervals videos to keep my cardio and spinning up to snuff. Other than that, a good hike in the mountains is worthwhile cross training, and my dog appreciates the snow!

Answer 5

i still like to ride in the winter, just not as much. dress in thermals underneath. you could also get an indoor trainer for around $150 for a cheap onem but it gets boring unless you watch tv while riding. another fun way for winter riding is to stud your tires.
i use an old set of tires and put very small tacks on the inside, between the tire and the tube. stick the pointy side of the tack through the tire from the inside pointing towards the outside. do this symetrically on both tires, and Voila, you have the ultimate in snow and ice traction.

Answer 6

I ride when its dry just bundle up and when it is wet I have a bicycle trainer that turns any bicycle into a stationary bicycle, so I still ride. I either put a movie in or watch a TV show while riding leisurely or I have a couple Spinerval Fitness DVDs that ensure I get an intense workout.

Answer 7

I live in Chicago and I tell you it gets cold here! I've been riding for 14 years, off and on in the winter. I like to do hi cardiovascular workouts like basketball. Riding the trainer indoors can get very boring. Definetly cover all exposed skin if you head out in the cold, but try and get out and ride if you can take the current temps. Nothing like keeping the riding legs in shape.

Answer 8

I grab my camera and take long hikes in the woods. I stop to take pictures and then I jog up hills. I carry a heavy backpack with a lunch etc.. It's not as boring as my treadmill (which I use on some days) and I still get quite a workout.

Answer 9

You can try lifting weights at home and doing plyometric exercises. Go to a nearby gym to work-out. Play indoor basketball.

Answer 10

Play drums, read a book that has to do with cycling, date babes ( huhhhhuhhhhuhhh.....), do weight training, watch DVDs that has the BEST mt. bike STUNTS featured, have some liquor in moderation, play hoops and SURF the web!!!!