Ohio Riding - New Rider

[b.moe]

Thanks, ladies, for all of your help.

My new road bike arrived a couple days ago and I have gotten shoes - the weather has indeed been unseasonably warm, and I hope to get some rides in before it gets too cold, and all of your suggestions have been helpful. Thanks a lot

Another question for anyone reading - I am taking a spinning class from January through May. Is spinning a good way to prepare myself for longer rides, or just endurance?

Thanks!

[Geonz]

Any riding helps a lot, tho' there's nothing like having your butt on the bike for a long time to prepare you for having your butt on the bike for a long time

[CR400]

They are good to build a general fitness base in the off season. They will help with your aerobic capacity. Some of your higher heart zones with the right instructor.And to hang out with your friends in a music filled fun looking dark enviroment. I did a lot of spinning last year in the off season and it helped in those areas. A problem I have with spinning where I live is for the most part they are made for a person who dosen't actually ride outside much. In fact in my area I know of maybe a handful that actually get out of the gym and ride in the summer. They seem to want you to do things that you would never do on your bike outside . I mean how often do you ride out of the saddle for 10min except on a major hill, or ride with a cadance so fast you almost lose control for a min(sprints are only really about 30seconds). Plus many don't even seem to care about getting a workout that will make them a better cyclist they keep resistance low even though they could go higher after sinning for 3 years. Which leads to the whole thing of resistance you can't change the resistance quickly or often enough to do justice to what you would get on the road.If you want to learn to ride well on the road I am learning that you actually have to ride on the road. Unless of course you can put down major cash to buy the best trainers. However, considering where you live and that winter will be coming soon on really bad days go inside and do something.