winter's a-comin'

[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?

[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

[Lise]

OK, so I'm totally clueless about "spinning"

Lisa, there's a whole board for Spinning, down in "other sports".

[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 )