Indoor Cycling

Monday of this week was absolutely gorgeous: sunny and 84 degrees in the afternoon. I was set to head down to the Delaware Canal State Park and try cycling along the canal path on way, and then on the road on the return. I was in the park over the weekend, volunteering with a spring clean-up effort, and I became instantly smitten with the area. The drive alone is beautiful, flowing from rolling hills and farms to forest to cliffs overlooking the Delaware River and its canal path (http://scenicbuckscounty.com/Canal/Canal.html) . The same trail I’ve cycled in Bethlehem continues down in Upper Black Eddy, PA; the whole route is some 60 miles long. I didn’t quite make it out to the river roads this time; instead, I spent an hour installing my new bike computer and then headed to the barn to ride the mare. So, not so great on the cycling front, but I had an excellent ride on my horse, and started my suntan. J

It rained today, and is supposed to again tomorrow; I didn’t want to lose whatever, if any, progress I’ve made, even if only in keeping my seat bones adjusted to a bicycle saddle. I’m surprised as to how quickly my rear end did adjust to the bike seat, and I’m attributing it to spending hours in an equine saddle. Although much wider, that saddle still makes your butt bones sore until you’ve become accustomed, and I think it’s definitely given me a slight edge over the discomfort I anticipated. Still, I don’t want to give myself an entire week off due to weather.

So off I went to the gym to try out the spinning bikes they have. I used to do the classes until my favorite instructor left and was replaced by one who shrieked and had her music way too loud. I’ve seen women doing their own workouts, and I figured, “Why not me, too?” I warmed up for a few minutes and then started with some sprints, a hill climb, got up and out of the saddle, and then did sixty seconds solo on with each leg. I was drenched within minutes, and I’m pretty sure it wasn’t entirely because I was in a stuffy back room. I’m surprised as to how different my body handled the two forms of cycling; if anything, I thought it would have been easier inside and harder outside. I haven’t been as winded on the trail as I was in the gym; not sure if this is due to the general flatness of the trails versus the varied routine I set for myself. My ride at the gym was half the time that I’ve ridden outside, and I feel vastly more out of shape than I anticipated. Maybe I can attribute it to a lack of fresh air and no breeze on my face?

Regardless, I think supplementing my outdoor rides with indoor cycling is a decent plan; maybe not as fun, but it certainly can’t hurt improve my cardio and stamina, at least on rainy days. It definitely intrigues me to try my hand at cycling classes again, especially as a supplement for those rainy days when car versus bike on slippery surface seems less than awesome. Gold's Gym offers classes, and if I can avoid that instructor I didn't care for, I'm totally game; at least until I become comfortable cycling outdoors in the rain. But baby steps to start with; I’m still getting used to riding on dry surfaces.

On another note, I find myself immensely fascinated with other cyclists I see on the road now. Instead of grumbling as I pass them in my truck, I do so with care as I observe their technique, their jerseys, their straight lines, and their killer legs. I’ve never seen a cyclist without stellar calf muscles. I need to practice a bit more on my own before I’ll feel comfortable enough to join a group, even if it’s a beginner’s or social group. I’m anxious to get back out and hit the trails and venture out onto the long, open roads that weave across the Pennsylvania countryside. I’m intrigued by this inside versus outside difference in my body’s cycling ability; and I’m inspired by my discovery of the Bucks County roads to keep on searching for others. Not sure if I’ll get out this week, as I’m switching it up with some cross-training, including jogging, weight lifting, and boxing. I also get to ride almost every day, so at least I’m still getting out and about, rain or shine.