It's that time of year again : (

Well it's that time of year again when I have to move my exercizing in doors and today I go to my first spinning class since March. It is now almost dark when I get home from work, and I can't stand not exercising during the week. So it's that sad time of year when I have to get my fix by going to spinning classes a few days a week. No more fresh air, sunshine and wind in my hair...now it's to the dark windowless, basement-level gym and the tiny SMELLY room with no venitilation for spinning classes. My sad bike will have to wait for the occasional free weekend to be ridden...and even then it's almost time for it to be stored in the basement for the winter. :(

I envy all of you who live in areas where you can ride year round!

Emily

hey cyclechic06

If it is any consolation I too will be moving the cycling indoors probably this weekend:( Last year we got to ride into November but this year it has been dang cold out

My bike will go to the LBS for a tune up then move into my living room on the trainer. (I live alone so I can put it anywhere I want to)

One of the cycle club guys wants to get the regulars together in his basement on Wed nite w/ bikes and trainers and do some group spinning - that would be great AND I wouldn't get DROPPED ! ! !

Hopefully the cyclists will get together to do a little x-country skiing when the snow flies

November is the worst - too cold to bike and no snow to ski :(

I am sorry. You are welcome to come visit me. Cycling can be done almost year round here.

While I agree with you that there isn't enough daylight left to ride after work (without leaving early, that is...), my bikes insist that we should still have many weekends of very rideable (and even comfortable) weather this year.

I also switch to alternate forms of week-day exercise for the our shorter days and upcoming colder weather, but I try to get in weekend bike rides through the fall and even in the winter if the roads are dry. I managed to ride in temperatures to the low 30s last winter, and I'm hoping to continue that habit this year. Here's hoping that the weather wizard gives us a reasonable number of days with dry roads through the winter!

I'm in NY state (upstate), and the riding weather is still wonderful!
Starts out about 30-40 in the morning, it's been sunny and windy and highs around 50-60 ....perfect!
We sometimes go out on our bikes early at about 35-40 degreesF and it's quite invigorating in a good way. You have to have some good layers on (we use several thin merino wool layers mostly, and good tights). They need to be easy to add or remove a bit at a time to regulate your temperature comfort zone.

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Originally Posted by Lisa S.H.

I'm in NY state (upstate), and the riding weather is still wonderful!
Starts out about 30-40 in the morning, it's been sunny and windy and highs around 50-60 ....perfect!

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That's what we're seeing here in the Boston area too. I hope it sticks around for a while because you're right - it is good riding weather. My only complaint is the shorter days!

Denise, I agree, the weekend riding is great. Perfect weather for it. Though I'm not much a cold weather rider, I really can't imagine riding on my bike in 30 degree weather. The only reason I'd be outside for an extended period of time is if there's a snowboard strapped to my feet.

Here's to a winter of lots of snow in the mountains, and little snow anywhere else (yeah, right).

Emily

I hope to ride on the weekends through November. I did get outdoors at least once to ride every month last winter, but it was unusually warm, and there was no snow. Since I can get home early, maybe there's 2 weeks left of after work riding. However, right now I am avoiding leaving work to go to the gym to lift. It's gorgeous out. But, I need a rest from riding and lifting is on my schedule. I do much better going before work.
This is the latest in the year I've ever gone without starting spin indoors. I'm fine once it really gets nasty out, but yes, it's dark (don't know why they think having no lights on is nice), but I like the music and it's fun watching the other people cheat (like having no resistance on their bikes).

I hate the gym, so ride outdoors as long as possible...with lights. This is a depressing time of year though - driving to work in the dark and coming home in the dark - YUCK! The good thing for me is that I have great trails nearby where I can mountain bike after dark, as well as a good 'cross loop - strap light to helmet and off I go. I'll probably still be riding into the winter (hopefully)....

Of course, I do resort to the trainer in the deepest darkest part of the winter too, but I hate every minute of it...

SheFly

I also live in NY and its just as Lisa SH described..It is probably my favorite time to ride. This morning, didn't get the early start that I normally do, it was 27 and frost needed to be scraped from the truck windows..I debated, so I waited and went after lunch. ..I actually prefer to ride first thing in the morning., but still enjoyed the ride just the same. I am hoping to get a few more days before looking at the 4 walls of my tiny exercise room..which the more I spend outside riding, the more I hate indoor fitness. All the more reasons to count down until next years biking season can start..I do however, ride off and on in the winter if the roads are dry and not too sandy/salty.

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Originally Posted by Robyn Maislin

it's fun watching the other people cheat (like having no resistance on their bikes).

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I have to wonder why people do that. I'm guilty of it occasionaly at the end of the work out when I'm exhausted. I mean really...who doesn't give the knob a fake turn every once in a while? But it's the people who aren't even breathing hard that I don't understand. Why on earth would you go to a spinning class if you weren't looking for a work out?

Lights & layers will keep you riding outside through the winter, so long as the road/trail conditions are safe (no ice or snow). A good headlight and taillight, and warm clothes are the key. To be honest, I hate the first few really cold rides when the temps are below freezing, but my body eventually acclimates. You might find yourself really enjoying riding after dark, too. Last year, around the Holidays, it was a treat to ride when folks had their houses decorated with lights. Plus, if you ride trails, you'll usually have it all to yourself or you'll share it with the more experienced, trail savvy folks who know and obey the rules. ;)

its the sweat that astonishes me,the amount of liquid that pours out of me when im on my indoor turbo.........i have to do it topless as i just drip,magnificant skin workout,BUT I ALWAYS PUT DO NOT DISTURB ON THE DOOR!!people hear the music and assume im in and able to open the door,not in that disgusting state:D

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Originally Posted by CycleChic06

I have to wonder why people do that. I'm guilty of it occasionaly at the end of the work out when I'm exhausted. I mean really...who doesn't give the knob a fake turn every once in a while? But it's the people who aren't even breathing hard that I don't understand. Why on earth would you go to a spinning class if you weren't looking for a work out?

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now that explains why i was sweating so much more than everyone else! i never even thought of that. then again i've taken one class before i moved here.

even on the trainer here i try to kick my butt with it so i get a good workout, unless i'm so exausted that i can barely move.

i try to ride outside as much as i can even in the winter. i just add some extra layers to help out.

I have a spare bedroom just waiting for guests. Ahhh yes, this is why I moved from rainy nor cal to sunny AZ. It can get cold in the winter, but nothing under about 26 degrees. And even then it still warms to at least the mid 50's during the day.
Of course while you are out enjoying your summer rides I'm sweating it out in 110+ degree temps feeling for sure that my tires are going to explode!! :eek: