How Effective are spin classes for training for a century?

[Roo]

Hi everyone!!

So I have an issue, I signed up for a century and should be out riding just about every day to train for it (I am VERY new to riding). Problem is, it has been raining non-stop for about a month. So, I have been riding on the trainer (which, okay I admit it has been pretty boring) so I decided to take spinning classes instead. They definitely get my heart rate up and feel like I'm improving my endurance. But, am not completely sure this is the best way to indoor train.

Any thoughts, advice or just a "yep, that sounds like exactly what you should be doing right now" would be awesome! I'm starting to get nervous that I'm not going to be ready for the ride with all of this indoor training. Oh, BTW I have been going to the spinning classes every day and have been able to get longer rides 50 miles in on the weekends.

Thanks in advance for the advice!!
Joey

2011 Specialized Ruby Elite Apex

[maillotpois]

My work schedule and kid make it not feasible for me to ride outdoors during the week. I have two VERY high quality (90 minutes each) spin classes during the week instead, and a long ride on weekends. This has generally been my practice for 6 - 7 years (though the spin classes have been much better in the last 3 years). I have been very successful doing this. And I train for double centuries (200 miles plus in a day, not back to back centuries).

And - if you can do 50 miles, you can do 100. Really. Just work the mileage up over the weeks before your century.

And have fun.

[Kiwi Stoker]

It depends on what the century is like. If it's flat and easy OK, but if it isn't you might need to re-think.

IN NZ one of the local gym chains did a "Train for Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge". This is a 160km ride that is very hilly as well as lots of descents, some technical.

The gym offered a package which was 3 spin classes a week plus one on road ride in the weekend, plus one practice ride on the course a month beforehand.

I am sorry but this is NOT how to train for a for what is for most people a 6 hour+ bike race/challenge. I meet a few people doing this and their bike handling skills and ability WAS lacking big time. I feel the gym was very irresponsible in how they promoted it and sold it. The gym said they had 50% turn up at the race in the end and was proud of that. I think it means they didn't sell or design the package right.

Being on the road in all weathers is part and parcel of an event. Sometimes you have to just get out there (if it is safe to do so of course) and ride in windy or damp conditions.

Are you also riding in a group when you do get out on the road? It's really important to learn to draft, signal and communicate with the people riding with you otherwise accidents happen. Yes spin classes will build strength and fitness but on the road saddle time is the most important thing. Do try and get outside rides as much as possible.

[ny biker]

When is the century?

Riding indoors is better than nothing, but cannot simulate actual road conditions, not to mention the whole uphill/gravity thing. Also for such a long ride you need to be figuring out the types and quantities of food and beverages you should be consuming.

[OakLeaf]

KiwiStoker is right that handling skills are extra important when you're riding in a group. Is there a Smart Cycling course near you between now and the time of your ride? Do you ride in a group on your weekend rides? Is there a club in your area that sponsors rides or programs for beginning riders?

Sometimes indoors is the only place/time you have to ride, and people can and do make do. But you need to develop real-world riding skills and habits, too, and that's extra important for a new rider.

Also, recovery is just as important in building strength and endurance, as your workout days. If you're young you recover more quickly and can get away with more, but do be sure to take at least one day a week for recovery - this is a good day to do extra self myofascial release and stretching, get a massage and/or go to the chiropractor.

[ivorygorgon]

Roo, I did almost that exact thing (spinning plus 1 or two rides on the weekend) training for my first century, and I did just fine. The caveat is, REALLY push it in spin. No freewheeling!! Also, make sure you do lots of hills on your weekend rides. You should be fine. A century is certainly a challenge, but is really doable for someone in decent shape.