Winter training

  • 28 Sep 2023 4:21 PM
    Message # 13260571

    Fairly new with cycling as a regular activity, wondering if anyone can give advice as to winter training?  How do you maintain and improve your cycling level?

    Thanks

  • 18 Oct 2023 8:07 PM
    Reply # 13269058 on 13260571

    Hello Teresa, 

    TBN organizes virtual rides using the Zwift platform.  Last year we had rides Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 am. There were additional virtual rides a couple of evenings a week.  The newsletter "Chain of Events"  has information on how to participate in this virtual rides.  To use Zwift you need a trainer with bluetooth connectivity to connect with the app through your laptop, tablet or smart TV. 

    Another way to maintain general fitness is to participate in a winter sport that you like, skiing, skating, hockey, etc. HIT training and weight lifting is also a good way to keep and improve fitness levels during the off season. 

    A mid winter or early spring bike trip to California or Arizona can help you get ready for when the cycling season in Ontario starts.  I hope this information was useful. 

    Mercedes



  • 29 Oct 2023 5:23 AM
    Reply # 13272869 on 13260571
    Terry Walsh (Administrator)

    an early spring trip to Florida is also useful as i have booked a spot on the Autotrain March 28, it saves 900 miles of driving & the Clermont area has some rolling landscape. TBN city walks & ice skating program runs all winter as well as hikes. 

  • 30 Oct 2023 9:11 AM
    Reply # 13273158 on 13260571

    Teresa,

    there is life after Zwift and it is called Rouvy. The app is based on real life recordings (not virtual routes like Zwift)  and offers variety of trails around the world as well as a few programs one can join during the winter. Having a smart trainer is also a bonus, since most  apps can connect to it and simulate inclination up to the gradient supported by the trainer.

    My indoor cycling configuration:

    Polar M460 bike computer; communicates via BlueTooth with: Polar heart sensor, Polar Cadence sensor, Polar Speed sensor and TacX swift smart trainer

    Pixel 4 5g smart phone with TaxC USB dongle; communicates from Rouvy app via Ant+ protocol with: TacX swift smart trainer and  Polar heart sensor

    You can also work on interval training since indoor training is safe and you do not have to worry about the traffic. 

    Happy riding!

    Rod



  • 30 Oct 2023 9:20 AM
    Reply # 13273165 on 13260571

    Thanks all, appreciate the info.

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