A Response to Biking in the Great Outdoors…

In response to my blog post on Spinning, Michael posted an article titled Converted Cyclist in his blog, Mknac’s Weblog.  First of all, I want to thank Mike for reading and enjoying my blog post!  Secondly, I want to say that about 2 months ago, I purchased my very first “adult” bike from City Bikes in the Woodley Park area in Washington, D.C. and have been test riding it outdoors ever since, and I really like it!

The employees at City Bikes were so helpful to me.  They patiently answered all of my questions (I had SO many!) and they took the time to discover which style bike would suit my needs best, fit me to a bike, and show me the proper equipment I would need to go with the bike (lock, helmet, etc.).  They were so knowledgeable and friendly, it’s no wonder that they were named Best Bike Shop by Washington City Paper’s Best of D.C. in 2008, as well as ranking in the top ten for the 2007 Consumer’s Choice Award. 

I ended up selecting a dark blue  2008 Jamis Women’s Commuter 1 bike which is perfect for what I need.  I really wasn’t looking for an extremely high-end road bike or racing bike.  I was looking for something comfortable, affordable, convenient, and occasionally, for exercise.  To be honest, I find myself so busy with my full-time job, my part-time job, and with grad school work, that I don’t really have the time (or energy) to be biking outdoors for 25+ miles on a regular basis.  Sure, I could do it.  And, I plan to very soon — but, not on a regular basis, or else when would I get my grad school work done, keep up to date with the latest movies, have time to spend with friends, or basically, have a life? 

Staying healthy is very important to me.  Exercising on a regular basis is a must to stay healthy and strong.  That’s where indoor cycle comes in as a great and refreshing workout for busier than busy people, or even just for those who like to cycle, that fits in just one little hour.  We go fast, we go slow, we do jumps, we hover, we suffer climbs by adding resistance, and taking it off, we have recoveries, we take water breaks, we have great music, and we have moving and stationary fans, and many times, AC    Yes, it is different than being in the great outdoors — but, how “great” are those outdoors when the temperature is upwards of 90º and humid, or even when its pouring rain?

Mike, I have to disagree with you when you say:

Riding indoors is like running on a treadmill; going nowhere fast. Never to enjoy the rush of a downhill or to suffer on a climb! Don’t you yearn to ride free and feel the air as you cut a line through a turn?

You clearly have not been to an indoor cycle class before, and definitely have not been to my cycle class!

I’ve tried it.  I bought a road bike.  I even joined Washington Area Bicyclist Assocation (WABA).  I’ve been riding outside and will continue to do so.  Now, Mike, it’s your turn!  I challenge you to try indoor cycle.  Be sure to go to a class with a recommended instructor, I’d hate for you to experience indoor cycle/spinning for the first time with a beginning instructor.  Or better yet, come take my class, and see what all the hubbub is about!