In my last post I noted that we only mentioned the tip of the iceberg as it relates to bringing the “Indoor Only” crowd outside to experience the sport of cycling.  The iceberg analogy works in two ways – it reflects just how cold the zealots can be towards each other (I’ve seen, heard and read some pretty nasty trash talking back and forth), and it works in it’s normal usage, as just showing a little bit of what is really there.

The last post was the seed that will be planted in a dedicated page for making our case to our spinning/indoor cycling brethren.  I hope you will submit your own reasons there, and if you were once an indoor only person, please consider sending us your “first time out” story, or just how you became active in both worlds. Having made my journey full circle (see previous post) ,  I can readily relate to both types of conversions.  If you share your experience, perhaps someone like you will take the plunge, and you’ll have “spread the joy” ☺.  When was the last time you helped enrich someone’s life?

For this blog entry though, I want to list just a few of the reasons why the passionate outdoor rider should come and give Indoor Cycling / Spinning a try.   And just so you don’t think this is coming from just me, (a zealot for both environments through and through), the following has been taken and summarized from an article written by Darcie Murphy (), a serious cyclist and coach for Chris Charmichael.  The full article can be found here:

In General:

• It’s a lot more fun than working out by yourself
• Being with the group will push you harder and farther
• Steady state heart rate work is best done in a controlled environment
• It will provide opportunities to meet new people, maybe meet new riding buddies
• You don’t have to invest in a trainer and other related equipment

Why Indoor Riders Should Invite Cyclists to Come Spinning®:

The following text (except for the formatting and headings) were taken from Chris Charmichael’s newsletter archives:

Pedal Stroke Mechanics
Many are also equipped with a variety of clipless pedals so you can use the same shoes indoors that you use when it is warm outdoors. This is great news for the seasoned cyclist who trains year-round since the bike fit and equipment will be familiar. Also, because of the fixed-gear system, your pedaling mechanics should improve significantly.

Hit The Ground Running Next Spring
Because the workouts are so intense, if you are looking to improve your fitness on the fast track, attend regularly. If you can fit 4 to 6 spin classes into your workout routine each week, within a month you will notice a marked improvement in your fitness level.

Virtual Rides Are The Bomb!
Also, some gyms are set up to offer even more interactive settings. Riders treated to these classes will experience road or trail simulation videos displayed largely at the front of the workout room, with actual road or single-track sound accompaniment. This experience is nearly event worthy in itself. This type of interaction can also develop neurological pathways that can actually enhance trail riding and road riding skills. Just a word to the wise: you may forget you’re inside suffering alongside a handful of other innocent gym members who were expecting just a great workout.

Enjoy The Camaraderie
They are also quite entertaining. For the cyclist enthusiast to the professional, spin classes are also a great way to refine your technique, enjoy some camaraderie (vs. training solo in the garage) and push yourself harder than most people can on their own. Enjoy!

We will also be creating a dedicated page to provide as many reasons as possible to get our cycling friends and team mates to give the indoor group environment a try.  If you’ve read the list above and didn’t see the one reason that convinced you to start training indoors, please give us a post on that page.  We will increase our numbers, in both realms… on rider at a time!