How Effective are spin classes for training for a century?

[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.

[Grits]

Well, EVENTUALLY it is bound to stop raining, if only for a few days here and there! Until that time you just have to do the best you can. As long as you are getting out for that long ride on the weekend and work up the mileage on that to 75 or so if you can, then you'll be fine. My short rides during the week probably aren't always as good a workout as a spin class would be, and I don't do them every day. You do need the outside handling practice, but you are at least getting that on your long ride and as the rain lets up, more often.

[Roo]

Thanks everyone for the advice. That's pretty much what I figured. I have been really trying to push myself at spin and we are doing hill climbs (which are my weakness right now, so hopefully that's good).

I do ride on the weekends with a group and we do climbing so I'm learning all of the ins and outs of group riding and how different that can be. My pace still kinda sucks....but hopefully riding with them will help that. They really push me.

Thanks!!
Joey

2011 Specialized Ruby Elite Apex

[Jiffer]

I disagree that if you can ride 50 you can ride 100. That may be true for some, but it wasn't for me. When I was training for my first century and building up long miles, the day I rode 65 miles miserably was the day I decided I was NOT going to make myself ride 100 in two or three weeks. Instead, I did the metric century and had a much more pleasant ride than I would have had I forced myself to do 100. I DID, however, do a different century just a few weeks later. I was more ready for it by then, plus that 65 mile ride of misery forced me to get a professional bike fit, which helped a LOT.

I do believe spinning classes can be a great benefit to training for a century, especially if you can't get out on the roads just yet. And it sounds like you are getting in some good rides on the weekends, and your long rides on your actual bike are probably the most important part. Even if you could ride your bike all week, you wouldn't be riding super long distances. Maybe an hour or maybe two. So spinning during the week, without killing yourself "every" time, with longer and longer rides on your bike on the weekend sounds reasonable to me. Just make sure you get reasonable recovery in between each. Good luck! I'm sure you'll do great!