"Testing, one two..."

[davkatreb]

So since there still ain't a goddam fixed forum (not that most of yinz know dick about fixed gear, but you should) I thought I might ask:

Which is more important, riding alot of miles or riding frequently?

As in, say you work for a living. Say you spend several hours a day just commuting; in a car, yet! :(:eek::mad: Say there are family-type obligations that claw away at your so-called "free time", nibbling at it until you wonder why you even get out of bed in the morning. Say you have X number of hours a week available for riding, mayhem and other fun-type activities. Would you be better off riding 30-60 minutes a day(U.S.; haven't a clue as to the Canuckistani equivalent) or should you save up for one weekend epic and blow your wad then?

[phlatlander]

Riding more frequently.

Even the shortest of rides has a lasting bliss to see you through the day. Or into the next.

Like stretching a sixer out over the course of a week as opposed to saving it all for the weekend and getting shitfaced in one sitting...

Though shitfaced has it's place. Can I choose both?

[davkatreb]

Like I could get shitfaced on only six beers. But I see your point.

I don't know as an epic would do me that much long-term good, but I know damned well that if I'm off the bike for more than a couple of days I start feeling like crap. Plays hell with my normally sunny disposition, too.

[K-Man]

I'd go for the 30-60 minutes per day option.

If I felt like it was not keeping me fit enough, I'd kick myself for not riding hard enough, strap on the HR monitor, and make damn sure I wuz peggin the ticker for 30-60 minutes. Wouldn't take long for that program to get me honed and toned.

[davkatreb]

I'd go for the 30-60 minutes per day option.

If I felt like it was not keeping me fit enough, I'd kick myself for not riding hard enough, strap on the HR monitor, and make damn sure I wuz peggin the ticker for 30-60 minutes. Wouldn't take long for that program to get me honed and toned.
I ride SS and FG. Doan' need no steenkin' HR monitor.

[plume_mtb]

I work at a shop where I deal with a lot of racers. What I've heard mostly this year is riding more versus riding for a long time. (The whole base miles thing is getting dated possibly?) If you're concerned with getting faster then it seems that doing shorter more intense workouts is where it's at. I guess there has to be something in those weekend epics (what I prefer myself) but it takes a lot longer (for me) to recover from a longer rider with lower intensity than a shorter ride w/ higher intensity. It's all about recovering as fast as you can and doing it again, or so I'm told. Still I think doing longer rides from time to time really helps, especially mentally to prepare for a longer race. If you're just riding to stay in shape though, I doubt any of this matters really huh?

I can only get one really good off road ride in a week now with my schedule so I make it count. I usually take at least two days off afterwards to recover (I commute to work daily now still mind you, it's only 2 miles so driving is silly). I just did a 50 miler on Thursday and I'm just feeling normal today - I think doing short recovery rides really helps too. Ok, now I'm just spouting off here... just ride when you can. If you can only do one big ride per week, so be it. I'd be trying to sneak in shorter rides during the week if you can though... like, obviously.

And remember, riding fixed is twice (that's 2X) the work out. That's gotta count for something. ;)

[davkatreb]

First off, I ain't a racer, I'm a rider.

Second, I don't ride to stay in shape. I'm a commercial electrician, so my hands, my skill and my sweat get used everyday. Climbing ladders, bending pipe and pulling wire will keep you fit, or else. I ride because when I don't, I feel like crap and I get mean.

But yeah, every day, even for just awhile, seems like it works the best. And if you have time to ride for more than an hour, more power to ya.

[Spalls]

My doc says frequency has more benefit than the once a week epic strictly in terms of general overall fitness. Willing to believe almost anything that a guy in a white coat with a rubber on his finger tells me, I go out for a ride darn near every night, even if it is only for a half hour or so. I hit the hills hard on the weekends, though.

[LeeMcGough]

I think you are better off riding frequently instead of trying to get one good ride in, if you have to pick one. I haven't had much chance to ride lately, aside from commuting to and from work. So I have changed the route of my commute. Now instead of a 6 or 7 k road ride, I detour at 4 kms in, and hop onto some singletrack for a couple k, then back on the way to work. Do it on the way home too. Trouble is, I work until 1:30 in the morning, and don't have a proper light for trails. Just a couple of 1 watt LEDs. Makes it interesting:D

[RepublicanSS]

Frequentily, plus it will keep your sunny disposition in tack.

[FixedandProud]

Frequency over duration, with a caveat. Getting a 90+ minute ride in once a week will help upregulate your fat burning. Endurance exercise favors the ability to use your fuel efficiently and fat is where its at.

[RickB]

So since there still ain't a goddam fixed forum (not that most of yinz know dick about fixed gear, but you should) I thought I might ask:

Which is more important, riding alot of miles or riding frequently?

As in, say you work for a living. Say you spend several hours a day just commuting; in a car, yet! :(:eek::mad: Say there are family-type obligations that claw away at your so-called "free time", nibbling at it until you wonder why you even get out of bed in the morning. Say you have X number of hours a week available for riding, mayhem and other fun-type activities. Would you be better off riding 30-60 minutes a day(U.S.; haven't a clue as to the Canuckistani equivalent) or should you save up for one weekend epic and blow your wad then?

"It Depends".

I would think that if you're going to be riding 6+ hour epics or races every once in a while, you oughta be getting substantial A-I-T-S (a$$ in the saddle) time including one extended session per week, so that your body and behind are used to long rides...

[plume_mtb]

First off, I ain't a racer, I'm a rider.

Second, I don't ride to stay in shape. I'm a commercial electrician, so my hands, my skill and my sweat get used everyday. Climbing ladders, bending pipe and pulling wire will keep you fit, or else. I ride because when I don't, I feel like crap and I get mean.

But yeah, every day, even for just awhile, seems like it works the best. And if you have time to ride for more than an hour, more power to ya.

You might be fit doing your trade but you're not getting an aerobic work out from it either. Hence why you (and we all) feel great after a good ride me thinks.

[plume_mtb]

And for what it's worth, I've been pedalin' that Bianchi Pista we've got in the shop every day in the parking lot. You know just practicing... I would think that clipless + fixed = some crazy moves after you get the hang of it.

I don't want a track bike though. I need a brake of some sort.

[FixedandProud]

You want a brake. My little mishap on my road fixie (sans brake) kept me off the bike for a month this past summer. I'll be putting one on this winter.

Picture Egg Beaters, sneakers (I don't need cleats for a quick errand), steep hill, foot against front tire to slow, foot caught in spokes, OTB, pavement.

[Hand/of/Midas]

You want a brake. My little mishap on my road fixie (sans brake) kept me off the bike for a month this past summer. I'll be putting one on this winter.

Picture Egg Beaters, sneakers (I don't need cleats for a quick errand), steep hill, foot against front tire to slow, foot caught in spokes, OTB, pavement.


a front brake is a good idea, but in this situation you go for the shoe on the back tire.

[FixedandProud]

That was just a practice run. I'll be ready with the rear tire next time. :o