I started out very slow. Literally, doing 20 min rides in successive days. I rode indoors in my pain cave as the weather is Seattle area is crap for riding in winter and this year spring, too. My set up is:

• a Wahoo Kickr which by the way is fantastic

• a 35 inch flat screen,that a buddy was getting rid of, tied into my wifi for streaming via Amazon Fire Stick

• a large fan

• my phone for running a cycling app

• a cycling app, Rouvy, that I love for it’s variations for rides, terrain, video and has variable training like intervals. Very good companion! Lots of people like Zwift. Not a gamer, so the Xbox approach isn’t for me. I like the video to see places that are real.

Expect to spend many hours. For me, over the course of 7 months, I slowly increased time, distance and elevation of terrain. All simulated. Good news is it is very predictable conditions, well duh! Bad news, there is only so much TV binging you can do before you want to pull all your hair out. Not sure good or bad, but you sweat like crazy…so be prepared for cool down chill and area mop up!

Because of the weather, rain and more rain, I didn’t ride outside until May. I know most cyclists would say are “you kidding me?” Alas, no I stayed inside cranking hours in the saddle. I eventually was doing 4 hr rides.

Once outside, the rides were quite easy. Had to adjust to having my head on a swivel to be mindful of cars, other bikers, walkers, animals and most of all, the debris field that is the road shoulder. I can’t believe how much crap there is on the side of the road. Nuts and bolts, trash, hand tools, massive tree limbs, pot hole residue – ya, you name it, it’s there. All of which can cause the dreaded puncture and ruin the day! Lucky me, no flats this season! I think I just jinxed the rest of my prep rides!

Outdoor rides are about picking routes that provide variety, have low traffic, challenge in terrain and allowing you to ride at a pace that suits you. Again, time in saddle, distance and terrain to prep for what you will encounter. Best things about outdoor rides are the air around you, the smells and that sense of accomplishment when you drive the route and talk about every up and down to whoever is with you….every time you take that route!!!!!