I read recently that a number of Pros like to ride the turbo for an hour or so before having breakfast in the morning to jump start the old metabolic system. Which means that now I ride the trainer for an hour in the morning before breakfast. I think the Pros probably do it to lose weight, and I do it partly for that reason but also to burn off the hangover which comes as a result of my status as a semi-professional drinker.
I used to ride an old Tacx trainer, but I found riding the device only slightly preferable to shoving bamboo shoots under my fingernails. Then I got a LeMond Revolution and now I actually look forward to my morning sessions. I’d been interested in the LeMond Revolution trainers for some time, but it wasn’t until I discovered that the device is based on a direct-drive trainer that Greg’s coach built for him in the 80’s that I decided to embark on my new morning ritual at the mercy of one. After all, if it was good enough to help LeMan become a Tour de France winner, then surly it was good enough to help me get less fat and become less of a weakling.
The first thing you notice about these little numbers that you remove the rear wheel from your bike and mount the Revolution in its place. This means no wheel slippage on the mag and what amounts to a remarkably pleasant ride feel. The second thing you notice about the trainer is that its bloody hard to spin up; I start crossed in a 53×26 and can hardly turn the pedals at first, but there is no way I’m shifting into my little ring on a trainer on account of my not being a giant sissy. The third thing you notice is that it’s actually fun to ride; I turn on some old Cycling movies and before I know it, I find my buzzer going off indicating the hour has already passed. I had no idea riding a trainer didn’t have to suck.
But lets be clear: we are road cyclists, and we ride on the road. A long ride in the cold wind and rain is preferable to even an hour on an indoor trainer. But trainers do represent an important training tool and as such should be a part of every Cyclist’s arsenal. I’m on it every morning, and as the season looms I’m looking to it more and more for intervals and power work. Not to mention that as I prepare for my Hour ride on Festum Prophetae, I’m training Obree Style on my Revolution.
Before we get too carried away with this indoor riding business, let’s review some examples of acceptable reasons to ride a trainer:
Examples of unacceptable reasons to ride a trainer:
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I hear you. I live in Quebec.
The Castelli Nanoflex stuff is very warm. Same fabric as their warmest tights. water resistant to boot.
@Weldertron
Good on ya! The main thing is we're getting the legs going around in circles. Outside is always best, but better inside than not at all - no matter what you have to wear to do it!
@Weldertron
Yes, I like it, too. Where I live, near Seattle, it's only cool and not cold, and their Gabba rain jersey and Nanoflex warmers are good for me for much of the year.
@Chris I really don't give a fuck what you call Frank, or whether he's offended. I'm not Dutch, but sometimes I wear wooden shoes when wanking.
The point I was making is that you used a term derogatory to an entire community, and to a subset of this community. Your logic suggests anything is fair game, as long as your intentions are pure. Does this go for the N-word as well? Would members be too uptight if they objected to me sprinkling that around, all-in-good-fun?
Members have been chastised for using language that conflates triathletes with a pejorative term for persons with developmental disabilities. Rightly so. There have been measures to tone down sexist language and make the site more inclusive to women. Chapeau! If the community cannot see the value in doing the same on this front (members, goodwill, looking fantastic), what does that say about the other part of Rule #43? "Always remember, we're all brothers and sisters on the road."
@JohnB I can't tell if you're being ironic or really don't know much about Fry.
@Chris
[ Mugatu voice ] "I feel like I'm taking crazy pills!"
@andrew
Yep, that's roughly my neighborhood. I live just south of Bainbridge Island.
http://www.strava.com/activities/107871441
The riding is wonderful, but as you suspect... conflating too many of those dangerous ingredients is a recipe for a crap day. I went out for a night ride last night, but I'm lucky to have a 3.2 km residential loop near my house. Little traffic and perfect for throwing down V laps or so. But the major roads can be deadly, and there aren't many cyclists around, so people don't tend to look for them.
@pistard
If I'd have recognized the word in question as a homophobic slur, certainly it would have registered.
@Chris
I'm not offended personally but do feel those things are on the short list of words not to use around here; I'd much prefer you call me something more clever or melodious, like "you dutch fooking useless fooking koont" like Pavé William does.
And to close down our argument, I am truly sorry that you slip into a rage when you see someone wearing clothing that isn't stretched like a condom over a watermelon. I appreciate that you're not afforded that opportunity, and am here to help you with that any time you're ready to talk.
@frank Touché...