Out of the gym and onto the road - Ideas wanted.

[MightyMitre]

Wow guys - there's some good replies there! I recently switched job roles at work so I haven't been able to post as much as I ususally do.

Now, about spinning... I went to a class on Tuesday with an instructor I haven't had before and while the content of the class was ok I think I'll stick with my usual instructor. To start with ( without wishing to sound too harsh) the guy leading the class looked like he could have done with loosing a few pounds, then 2 of the girls seemed to spend more time watching the TV on the wall than puttting any effort in. At this stage I was sweating buckets and probably looked very red in the face - I like to put some effort in but they'd barely even looked warm. It just makes me wonder why people bother paying for a class and turning up if they aren't going to make any effort, and it kind of put me in a bad mood.

Personally I've found spinning been a great help this winter. When it gets dark at 4pm it doesn't really make you want to ride outside, but spinning has helped no end with my out of the saddle riding and switching between seating and standing. ( I'm a roadie) I've really noticed improvements since I started classes back in January - especially on the road.

I have a home trainer which I use from time to time but I like going to an organised class with pumping music and an instructor to encourage you and who like to make you hurt!!


About shoes - I don't know if it's the same in all gyms in England but the bikes we use don't have cleated pedals at all, just toe clips so I have to tighen them up over my trainers. But the idea of buy a lovely pair of shoes that are never going to go near a bike does seem to be a waste - especailly as you can't get them adjusted properly and could end up hurting your knees. There's no reason why people shouldn't have nice kit but to me it's a bit like having a top racing car and only ever driving it down the shops or in a 30 mph zone. Or am I just jealous because want some nice new kit.....


Goddess1222 - Paris-Roubaix was cool. We took a BBQ and cooked burgers, drank beer and got totally covered in dust as the riders came by . All the Belgians who were already pretty merry went totally nutts when Van Pettegem won. It was excellent!