winter's a-comin'

[Ashgarth]

So....since I live in the cold snowy flat land of Wisconsin....I am curious as to what activities you all do in winter when it's too cold/icy to bike? (I know some people still do it-but that won't be me).
I was thinking cross country skiing....or just joining a gym....

what do others do to not let the muscles get out of shape?

(hopefully this isn't in the wrong forum and hopefully this hasn't been posted already (I'm at work and can't browse))

[betagirl]

shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....

lalalalalalala...I don't hear you.....

I'm in denial, can't you tell? :) I've told myself I'm going to commute all winter here in Chicago. Usually I just slack off for 5 months or so. I have used an indoor trainer with Spinerval DVD's in the past, but riding inside can be quite boring. But that's an option.

[Ashgarth]

yeah, a friend suggested that too--but said the same thing. Bbbboorrriinnggg. hehe

[Cassandra_Cain]

Hmmm, I hope to, gasp, RIDE!

Granted this is NM and not known for harsh winters. Nonetheless, I'm from the tropics (really!) and get cold easier than virtually anyone I know. Plus I like riding in the mountains, and at 2 miles up, it can get seriously cold here.

Anyway, It promises to be very, very challenging this coming winter. As should be obvious, I've never done winter riding before, so yes, I'm soaking up all those cold weather gear threads here on the forum :D

Like the two of you, I'd be bored riding inside honestly - a bit to hampster-on-a-wheel for my tastes!

[7rider]

So....since I live in the cold snowy flat land of Wisconsin....I am curious as to what activities you all do in winter when it's too cold/icy to bike? (I know some people still do it-but that won't be me).
I was thinking cross country skiing....or just joining a gym....

what do others do to not let the muscles get out of shape?

(hopefully this isn't in the wrong forum and hopefully this hasn't been posted already (I'm at work and can't browse))


SKIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D
Got a nifty new pair of K2's at the end of the season and I'm dyin' to strap 'em on and hit the slopes!

[yogabear]

I ride the indoor trainer...I live in Metro Detroit...Hope to be somewhere warmer very soon though :)

Also, I like yoga ;)

I can't ride the trainer longer than 2 hours. So, if I have to do longer as a part of my race season training, I'll do a two-a-day and ride 2x that day :)

I have a TV hooked up in my basement, my stereo kicker box in there, and it's all good...still boring though LOL.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

In the bad snow/ice weather I suppose I will go back to what I was doing before I started biking. That is, fitness walking. BB (before bike) I did 3 miles of brisk walking almost every day. Walk all around my town and one steep hill home.
I like walking when the snow is deep or when it is snowing and only the plows are out. It will be interesting to see how much or how little warm gear I require this year when walking as opposed to last year. I think biking has improved circulation over my whole body- I seem to warm up more easily now and no more cold hand syndrome.

[Veronica]

I actually kind of enjoy doing Spinervals. I have a huge variety of workouts. I know I'll get a great workout in a fairly short amount of time.

V.

[pyxichick]

If you like a sport with gear (and if you're into cycling, then you probably do) then nordic skiing is for you. See if there are any ski trails near Milwaukee (and I'm pretty sure there are) where they make snow. Sadly, even the upper midwest is no longer all that reliable for good snow.

This is sort of like hedging your bets... if it's a warm winter, you can get on the bike, and if it does snow, you can be happy that you can ski.

And if it's 20 degrees outside AND no snow, then you can get a pair of ice blades to snap onto your ski boots and skate on the frozen lakes;)

Embrace winter!

Signed,
Kate, skier for global cooling:D

[Lise]

I ran all winter last year, unless it was below 20 degrees. That's just too painful. Then I went to the Y and swam +/or ran on the treadmill.

This is another fun thing I discovered last year: http://nordicwalker.com/

My family got me the shoes and poles for Christmas. It's good when it's too icy to run safely. The shoes are very good for running in the winter--much more "grippy" on potentially slick sidewalks.

I'm thinking of getting a trainer and putting my bike in the dining room, facing the TV in the living room...it's a pretty small apartment! I could move the bike back down to the basement when company comes over...I just hate the idea of losing the biking fitness I've gained this summer. I also hate the idea of going to the Y all the time. :rolleyes: I really prefer to be outside, and barring that, in my own house.

But I'm like beta...don't want to think about winter! I won't ride outside if it's at all icy. Too scared of wiping out in traffic.

[velogirl]

I'm lucky to be able to ride year-round (I'm not gloating, really). But, some of my clients live in snowy climates or just like to go to the snow from time to time. One of the best cross-training activities for cycling is snow shoeing. You can walk, you can run, you can play games and have contests. The cardio is great and the muscular is very complementary to the cycling action. The folks who are really into it are pretty hard core.

[annie]

ashgarth,

I live in the cold and occasionally snowy not-so-flatlands of northeast Iowa.... pretty much the same weather/climate as you. I x-country ski, if possible, but snowy winters are few and far between, so you can't plan on this as a dependable option to riding. Snowshoeing is also a fantastic option, but the same limitations as x-c skiing - you need snow! And we don't always have that. I will do a bit of running, but since I HATE running, plus have a bad ankle, that's not my first choice. :rolleyes: I do a huge amount of hiking! We have some beautiful areas here, on or off trails. I think of it as cross-training and a needed break from the bike.

Much as I would prefer to be outside, I WILL ride my bike indoors on a trainer, just to be pedaling. I ride to music, but close my eyes most of the time and imagine myself on my favorite summer routes and try and get into a zone of riding. I wear a heart rate monitor so that I know what level I'm working at....... or I can get waaaaaaaaay to lazy! :eek:

You can join a club - do spin classes. Cross train. Lift weights. The main thing is to continue to be active.

Oh- did I mention cycling outside if there is no snow or ice on the roads?;) :cool: With the right clothing, it is very do-able. :D

annie

[Kano]

SKIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D
Got a nifty new pair of K2's at the end of the season and I'm dyin' to strap 'em on and hit the slopes!


Regina -- EXACTLY!!! We got the bikes to be in better shape for skiing! At least that was the plan at first....

I have K2's also -- Tru Luv, very pretty silvery gray.... This will be my second season on them, and I think you're going to LOVE your new skis!

We're starting to see the pre-season ski sales, and soon our season passes will arrive in the mail, and the excitement is building -- I need to design and sew my new ski jacket too!

Karen in Boise

[Duck on Wheels]

Every year I tell myself I'll ski, but every year I find there's only a day or two when snow conditions are inviting enough for me, clumsy skier that I am ... and with my luck those days I'm locked into lectures or meetings or off to a conference somewhere. Last year I did spin classes at a gym. That took the extra incentives of an affordable gym membership, an inspiring spin instructor, and the Cinderella Classic 30th anniversary ride. The big question this year is will I manage to keep up the momentum. Gym memberships are more costly here. I have less time now that I'm back from sabbatical. And there are no organized rides at my level to look forward to, at least not locally. So now I have to be self-motivated :eek: . Well, there will probably be some peer pressure from the family, and from TE friends. Keep nagging at me, gals. ;) :rolleyes:

[limewave]

I take up running in the winter. I also go to Spin class to keep up the muscle memory--it's fun because a lot of people I ride with in the summer go to the same class. And then I go snowshoeing or snow shoe running. I used to ski, but there was no where really close to us and I didn't want to drive a long way every time I wanted to do something active. Snow shoeing is great. Plus, there's no skill involved in it other than knowing how to walk so its easy to pick up.

[uk elephant]

I would definitely recommend cross country skiing. There are good trails in several places in Wisconsin. I went to Kettle Moraine park when I lived in Madison and they have a lot of prepared trails. Shouldn't be too far from Milwaukee either if I remember correctly.

I of course also rode my bike year round when I lived in WI and in IL and in Norway so I don't see snow as a reason to stop riding, but I can understand people being a bit more cautious about it. If you want to keep riding, but worry about the ice, get studded tyres for your bike.

Another option that I really enjoy is ice skating. I know there is at least one good rink in Milwaukee if that is where you live, and probably many other places in WI too. Or if you find a frozen lake, that will work too.

[Bikingmomof3]

This will be my first autumn and winter riding and I am very much looking forward to it. I do not have any Spinervals or winter clothing-yet. My section of the state does not get much snow. In previous years this bothered me as I missed the snow terribly, but now it will work in my favor and allow me to bike. :)

[DeniseGoldberg]

My commute-to-work-by-bike days are already over for the season, driven by the shrinking daylight as opposed to the cold and ice.

I try to ride year-round, but my riding in the winter months is limited to the weekends. I hate trashing my bike with sand and salt, so in addition to limiting my riding to the weekends, I look for dry days. I ride down into the mid-20s (brrr!), but on days that cold I'm pretty much limited to an hour on the road. My hands and feet just get too cold. Still, it feels good to be on a bike on the road, even for a short jaunt.

My (cardio) exercise in the off season is a combination of walking outside, and using gym equipment (my current choices there are an elliptical trainer and a treadmill). I used to set my bike up on a trainer at home, but within the last couple of years I realized how much I hated that, so I stopped using the trainer. I'd rather not end the off season with no desire to be on my bike!

--- Denise

[Crankin]

I go to spin class, snow shoe, and x country ski. Last winter there was not much snow, so I did a lot of hiking on the trails in local conservation areas. If it's 40 or above I try to get on my bike for an hour. We mountain bike down to about 25, if the trails aren't icy/wet.

Robyn

[bouncybouncy]

First winter here in the mountains...everybody says you can ride year-'round SOOOOO we stocked up on winter sales last year and hopefully we will be able to ride thru the winter!!! I am stoked to ride in the snow (mtb)...

I LOVE SEASONS!!!!!!! Always something new...woooohoooo....

[DebW]

I hike (on snowshoes) and xc ski in the winter. I've never been consistent about indoor exercise, so I really need to get outside. But the hiking and skiing are never as consistent as the bike commute and mostly limited to weekends. I do have a ski/hiking trail in conservation land that leaves from my back door, so I can take a spin on the skis before work if the snow is good. Otherwise it's driving to the mountain on weekends.

[Bicyclette]

I usually lift weights and do cardio on an elliptical trainer - hoping this year to ride for most of the winter.... I'm such a cold weather wimp...

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

OK, so I'm totally clueless about "spinning" and here are my questions:

WHERE does one typically look for "spin classes" to be held? I live in a rural area but there are scattered gyms and a Curves here, nothing much.
What are spin classes like? What is the typical regime?
What is a "spinerval"?
Do you need any special gear for spinning?

[eclectic]

I usually lift weights and do cardio on an elliptical trainer - hoping this year to ride for most of the winter.... I'm such a cold weather wimp...

this is what I do also plus add in swimming (laps) and yoga. I feel it really helps my core and upper body strength that has gone a little by the wayside during cycling season.

I too am planning on adding x-country skiing to the itinerary. The Wednesday night club riders switch over to weekend cross country skiing outtings and I found a couple of other cyclists who x-country ski (AND own a lake cabin)

the main reason I don't ride in the winter besides the ice is I HATE riding in the cold almost as much as in the wind (but I CAN ski when it is -15F :confused: )

[Kimmyt]

Skiing (DH) for me.

I'm feeling alternately smug and jealous that The Boy got a 6 month transfer to Colorado during ski season.

Smug because that means I'll be visiting at least on a monthly basis and jealous because he gets PAID to live about 1.5 hours outside a bunch of major Western resorts. Punk.

[limewave]

OK, so I'm totally clueless about "spinning" and here are my questions:

WHERE does one typically look for "spin classes" to be held? I live in a rural area but there are scattered gyms and a Curves here, nothing much.
What are spin classes like? What is the typical regime?
What is a "spinerval"?
Do you need any special gear for spinning?

hi Lisa,

I take a Spin Class at our local YMCA. It's an aerobic class on stationary bikes that usually lasts 45 min to an hour. Curves will not have a spin class. But, you could call around to your other local gyms to see if they have classes.

Spinervals, I think, are workout tapes or DVD's for riding on your trainer indoors. We used to host our own "spinerval" session in our basement to MST3K--everyone brought their own bike and trainer.

~Heather

[SalsaMTB]

This winter, I plan on doing some winter riding but mainly just riding indoors on the trainer.

Our shop will host a number of trainer nights to keep people on the bike. We're getting a TV, and will play different spinerval DVDs or watch TV (depending on the night) and ride at the store after hours. A lot of shops do that in this area. It could be something worth checking out in your area. Like any other group ride, it's free, you just need to bring your own equipment (bike, trainer, and mat).

It's much more motivation and fun when you ride with people, instead of alone in the basement

[SalsaMTB]

This winter, I plan on doing some winter riding but mainly just riding indoors on the trainer.

Our shop will host a number of trainer nights to keep people on the bike. We're getting a TV, and will play different spinerval DVDs or watch TV (depending on the night) and ride at the store after hours. A lot of shops do that in this area. It could be something worth checking out in your area. Like any other group ride, it's free, you just need to bring your own equipment (bike, trainer, and mat).

It's much more motivating and fun when you ride with people, instead of alone in the basement

[Ashgarth]

great ideas everyone!
I am already looking and skis and snowshoes online to gage what prices will be like...not too bad actually....

[Bron]

My husband and I I xc-ski too. However, you do have to be careful - first we had old skis, the sort that you can use in the park and not worry about scratching, then we decided to enter a citizens race. Obviously if you race then you need new skis....and wax.....and a racing suit.....and then stiffer poles because the first ones were too soft......and a water bottle belt........I think you can see where this is leading!

Enjoy,
Bron

[Bruno28]

I like walking when the snow is deep or when it is snowing and only the plows are out.

I'm with Lisa - walking in the snow is great exercise. Also our winter days when they are not freezing or snowy can be reasonably mild but wet and I hope to get out on the bike at least ocassionally during the winter. The biggest problem is it's dark when I leave for work and dark when I get home.

I plan to do some road running or power walking around residential areas in the dark evenings and have purchased a pair of new Nike trainers for this purpose. We'll see how my resolve holds out in the middle of a miserable winter :rolleyes:

[Lise]

OK, so I'm totally clueless about "spinning"
Lisa, there's a whole board for Spinning, down in "other sports".

[short cut sally]

i usually do either treadmill or eliptical during the winter time. bought some x-country skis last year, and that was a lot of fun. was nice to get outside for some fresh air instead of being inside. have considered snoshoes but haven't ventured there yet.

[emily_in_nc]

I ride outside when it's mild in the winter, ride the trainer after work, lift, jog on the treadmill some, and HIKE on weekends - a great winter activity when it just feels too chilly for a ride (and feeling wind).

Emily

[Kano]

Skiing (DH) for me.

I'm feeling alternately smug and jealous that The Boy got a 6 month transfer to Colorado during ski season.

Smug because that means I'll be visiting at least on a monthly basis and jealous because he gets PAID to live about 1.5 hours outside a bunch of major Western resorts. Punk.


Oh yes, you MUST, darn it, visit. We know you're not looking forward to it, but....

I can look out the window and see "our" ski resort. We try to get up there at least one day a week!

Karen in Boise

[Dogmama]

Ice? What's that?

Skiing - I'm terrified of high places. If God had wanted me to ski, She would have given me size 14 narrow feet.

I'm a cold weather whimp. 40 degrees is too cold (been in Tucson 45 years). I will do more weight training, especially leg work, to get ready for hills. I also do HIIT on the treadmill (high intensity interval training) to keep my cardio good.

Spinning - I'll do it but wish I enjoyed it more. After being outside on a bike, spinning is just....boring. But, it's better than nothing.

[Kimmyt]

Oh yes, you MUST, darn it, visit. We know you're not looking forward to it, but....



Heheh... oh, no worries, I'm TOTALLY looking forward to the visitation rights. :) I figure, I'm taking care of HIS house while he's living it up and skiing (a house that I just moved into with him a month or so ago) so that means I deserve star treatment. Heh. Well, I'll probably be doing several weekends, but he's already commited to buying me a plane ticket out for Christmas. Now the biggest decision I have is whether I want to go to Vail or Telluride for Christmas... oh, tough decisions when you're used to skiing on PA ice!

:)

K.

[Kano]

Ice? What's that?

Skiing - I'm terrified of high places. If God had wanted me to ski, She would have given me size 14 narrow feet.

Here's the thing: it's not high! you're on the ground the whole time!

Yup, I was terrified too. HATED skiing the first few times. DH decided that the family would ski, I was out of town when he bought me the lesson package, and I missed the first lesson. So, I came in late, no clue, and got on things I shouldn't have, maybe. Anyway, I was not delighted with skiing at first, then came September, and season pass sales, and commercials on the radio (season pass came with the lessons, so no, I didn't want to buy one) but I discovered that it EXCITED me to hear that ski season was coming! So much so that I stopped on the side of the road, dug my phone out of my purse, and called DH. Said to him "SKI SEASON'S COMING!!!" His response? "Yeah, so?"

He's still much more a terror on skis than I am, but he unwittingly unleashed a monster....

Karen in Boise

[Kano]

he's already commited to buying me a plane ticket out for Christmas. Now the biggest decision I have is whether I want to go to Vail or Telluride for Christmas... oh, tough decisions when you're used to skiing on PA ice!:)

K.

Kimmy -- no decisions needed. You said he lives close to both? So go to both!

The hard part is going to be what to wear! You can't wear PA ice clothes to ski on the Colorado snow, right? And you can't start thinking about that too soon....

Karen in Boise (who's playing with fabric and patterns for a new ski jacket!)

[yellow]

Skate skiing. :D :D :D I think I'm gonna bag the tele skiing this year (for the most part anyhow) and just skate. It is fabulous cross training for cycling. You will get buns of steel if you skate a lot! And you get a great workout in a short period of time.

And and and and and...it's quiet, and you can let your mind wander, and other folks out skating always say hi, and you always talk about how far you went in kilometers, so it sounds really far to those of us used to measuring distance in miles! :D

Unlike Bron, I do not own a race suit and my poles aren't really all that stiff. I do have a water bottle belt, though! :rolleyes:

[Kimmyt]

I have always always ALWAYS wanted to learn to telemark. There is something about watching a good teleskiier that is like watching a ballet... so beautiful and rhythmic. It's on my list for future things to try once I get better at the regular DH skiing!

K.