2/6/2012 - 11 mile bike ride

Let me start off by saying that my concept of climbing stairs in lieu of riding does not work. 

Since I didn't have money for a bicycle trainer over the winter, I attempted to use the resources that I had available...a stair case.  I documented my stair climbs here in this blog.  I assumed that even though it didn't perfectly replicate riding, it would use the muscles in much the same way so that I would maintain my cycling fitness over the winter.

This did not work to my advantage.  I was actually taken back when I reviewed the data from my ride.  My last ride, I had an average riding time of 18mph.  Today when I got back, I learned that my average ride time was 15.2mph.  This is a huge drop.  Granted, there was quite a breeze, however there is always a breeze, right? 

Walking stairs for 40 minutes at a time did nothing to keep my muscles tuned.  I felt great for the first 3 miles...but after that, it was just riding to keep riding. 

So here I am.  If I am going to do any major cycling race, I am stuck with getting a trainer.

Aside from that, it was a beautiful day.  The sun was out, and I was not bothered by temperature at all.  It was just a nice ride and I look for many more in the future.

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