Now that it’s dark early and the days are getting colder, many cyclists find it hard to ride outside. Hardy riders keep riding all winter. Riders like Jill in Alaska actually look forward to winter and enjoy riding in the snow.
For those that aren’t like Jill, there are indoor bike trainers and rollers. As with most things, some people take indoor cycling to the extreme.
The UMCA Indoor Challenge started November 1 and runs through March 31st. Rides have to be at least 2 hours long to count. No more than one 5 minute break is allowed per hour except every 6 hours an addition 15 minute break can be taken.
Points are awarded per hour of riding and hour 6 of a ride receives more points than the first hour of the ride. The 2009 final Indoor Challenge standings show several rides of 6+ hours including a 24 hour ride.
In December 2007, John Jurczynski and Mike Gallagher rode spinning bikes for 113 hours for a Guinness World Record. That is over 4 and half days with less than 2 hours a day off the bike! I think someone tried breaking the record since then but I couldn’t find the information.
Many years ago I did a 5 hour ride on my trainer and swore I’d never do it again. I broke that when I rode 6 hours and 12 minutes in May for the Fat Cyclist’s 100 Miles of Nowhere.
Between watching the RAAM movie, Bicycle Dreams, and having my kids hang out with me, 6 hours on the trainer wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.
What’s your longest indoor ride and what do you do to stay motivated and focused while riding inside?
– UltraRob
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Tags: cycling, mountain biking
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I carry a loaded weapon with my on my trainer rides. If I get the urge to use it, I quit. The urge usually comes at about minute 58.