Roadie's Ramblings

Winter has arrived to Indianapolis. Sure, according to the calendar, it’s been winter for a couple of months now, but until recently the temperatures have been fairly mild and we’ve still been able to ride outside. Unfortunately, the onslaught of snow and ice means that I’ve had to retreat to the basement and the dreaded trainers. Training sessions are now filled with the the drone of rollers and the same stages of Le Tour I’ve watched a hundred times. Throughout the summer, when 5pm rolls around, the excitement of a good training ride is palpable. Texts and emails start to circulate, all filled with the cruel intentions of a hard ride to come, and by the time people roll up for the ride the adrenaline is flowing. Not so now. 5pm hits and my mind starts wondering how I’m going to survive another session on the rollers. Maybe I need a haircut instead. Do I need to go to the Post Office for anything? Is it time to renew my drivers license yet?

Marian's cycling facility

At the end of the outdoor season I decided that I needed to do something to supplement my dreaded winter training schedule. What better place to train than at the local University that’s won 12 Collegiate Track National Championships. Marian University offers a series of indoor classes on Computrainers focusing on training with power and these twice-weekly class times are a lifesaver. Not only are they a chance to get out of my basement, they are a chance to once again train with others.

It always amazes me how fast the time passes when you’re riding with friends and you’re varying your workouts.

The only thing worse that interval work, is interval work by yourself, in your basement. Doing interval work with other people adds the camaraderie and competition I need to get the most out of my workouts. I also love seeing all the data instantaneously displayed on the screen in front of me. Having my wattage and speed displayed for my friends to see means that I can’t take an interval off because I’m tried or spent. Most importantly, I look forward to 5pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. Once again, the adrenaline begins to flow when I think about the pending workout that awaits.

Not everyone has access to the same facilities and premier coaching as we do, but more and more Local Bike Shops are offering off-season training sessions for their customers. If your winter training has got your down, it might be worth checking around at the shops in your area to see what they offer. Not only do these opportunities help pass the winter months, you’ll get a jump on the competition when the outdoor season begins again.