First ride of the season

[Aggie_Ama]

Donna- I have been wondering how you have been! First ride back, 7 hilly miles is good! The weather is gorgeous today, hope you get to ride some this weekend. I am impressed that the clipless pedals didn't give you issues, I feel nervous and rusty on them if I don't ride.

[Starfish]

Women, I know what you mean! I am just getting out on my bike again after about 9 months off it, and after about 8 months of doing nothing. ( no one to blame but myself!)

But, I did get into the gym about 6 weeks ago, and I was astounded at how those few weeks on the elliptical and recumbent exercycle really helped me. My first rides out on my bike (18 flat miles, and another of about 13 miles with 1200' climbing) were a lot easier than I had thought they would be. (Not *easy*, but I wasn't too beat up.)

At least for me, the elliptical trainer hits a lot more of the same muscles as cycling than a regular treadmill does...especially those quads that are kind of high up on the thigh.