Solo Woman Cyclist: Training

Well it’s that time of year—to either go on a diet or let yourself go. This year I turned 59. Not only am I solo woman cyclist, I’m an out-of-shape middle-aged solo woman cyclist. But I have a plan!

After the New Year.

Yadda, yadda, yadda. We’ve heard it all before, but this time I’m for real. I’m joining a bootcamp run out of the Chicago Park District. Three times a week for one hour. I can already feel my muscles ache. Every time I stuff another cookie in my mouth I say to myself after the new year: bootcamp.

Yet, how do we assure ourselves before taking off on a long-distance cycling tour that we have what it takes?

I’m not sure if we have what it takes, meaning you don’t know until you go.

The biggest part of conditioning for a LD ride is. . .  your fanny. This is super important and why it is important to have miles in the bank. If your butt gets blistered within the first 12 hours then you will have to take time off the bike—and might not ever get down the road. A blistered butt is serious. The wounds open up and can get infected. So this is the first part of the body you have to get in shape. And, the only way to do this is to be in the saddle. You have to put in the hours.

It’s not about speed or how well you eat, though those things do impact the overall trip, but you first have to have a happy butt.

Secondly, knees. Many a trip has been brought to a halt because of sore knees. Not just sore, but unable to take the torque. Unable to propel you uphill or across the intersection. Again this is all about time in the saddle. Suddenly thrusting your knees into handling so much pressure can ruin them. You have to do this months, years in advance. They have to know that when called upon that you are the boss.

Most of the time it is mind over matter.

Of course, the obvious losing weight and cardio is also important. There are people who are toned and fit yet haven’t had enough practice. I know people who decide to tour and buy all the right equipment yet nothing can save them from the eventual pain if they haven’t simply done the time.

So this winter I’ll still be on my bike—riding to bootcamp in the cold.

My best advice is not to psych yourself out about your upcoming trip or goal to cycle tour. Try taking a spin class during the winter months. This will help your fanny to get used to the saddle. During spin class set your levels to mimic hill climbs. Put some tension or resistance on the pedals so that you have to push.

Then if planning a spring trip, plan in extra days so that you can slowly build up. Look over your itinerary and make sure you are not starting right off on epic hill climbs—unless you don’t mind walking up.

See you out on the road—after the New Year!