Symptoms
Winter Solstice is passed. So, theoretically, the days are getting longer. There’s more sunlight each day, which — in my head anyway — means that it won’t be long ’til I’m doing early morning rides. And late afternoon rides. And glorious, glorious long weekend rides.
And, theoretically, it won’t be long ’til “suiting up” consists of bibshorts, socks, and a jersey.
Theoretically. But what my head thinks and what my heart knows are two different things.
In my heart, this winter feels like it is going on forever. And I am starting to show some very serious symptoms of Winter Bike Absence Disorder (Winter BAD).
Denial and Substitution
The first — and perhaps most alarming — symptom of Winter BAD is acting like you don’t have it at all. In my case, this has been most painfully evident in some alarming new behavior I have begun to exhibit.
Running.
“I don’t feel as cold when I run as when I ride during the winter,” I tell myself. “And I can’t ride my mountain bike on the trails close to where I live and work anyway.”
“Besides, when the shoulder of the road isn’t covered with ice, it’s covered with sand, salt and debris. That’s not good for riding,” I continue to persuade myself.
“And with running, I get being out in the cold over with a lot more quickly. An hour or two and I am done,” I say, now nearly at the point of believing what I am telling myself.
“Besides, it’s good to get off the bike for a season, so I don’t burn out,” I conclude. “And running will improve my bone density, so they don’t spontaneously crumble into powder, the way Kenny’s do,” I conclude again, but for real this time.
You know what denial by substitution like this is? It’s a cry for help, that’s what it is. How come nobody’s staged an intervention, that’s what I’d like to know.
Jealousy and Self-Justification
Every so often, in spite of the fact that it’s brutally, evil-ly cold out there, I see someone on a road bike. Bundled up with so many layers that they have a hard time bending their legs enough to turn the cranks.
And then I have a bizarre bi-fold reaction: jealousy of that person for getting on his bike and riding, regardless of the conditions. This is liberally mixed with self-justification: “Look how cold and miserable that guy looks. Why get on a bike when you know for sure you’re going to suffer and hate the whole ride, thinking — from the moment you get on the bike — about when you can get off the bike?”
Wistfulness
You know what really makes me miss Summer, though? Photos. A couple days ago, I was just browsing through some pictures I took last Summer and Fall, and I came across this:
Any local will instantly recognize this as Corner Canyon, an incredible singletrack network I can get to riding right from my house.
During the Summertime, anyway.
So I kept looking, and came across this:
That’s Pole Line Pass, and there’s mile upon mile of singletrack just like it. You can ride for hours and hours.
During the Summer, anyway.
Now completely dejected, I went over to pics from my SingleFly photoshoot, taken at the top of Frank:
You know what I miss? I miss the color green.
Feeling all melancholy, I walked out to my garage and patted my bikes. “Don’t worry,” I cooed. “We’ll get through this. Spring’s not that far away.”
I wonder if they heard the desperation in my voice.
Involuntary Shudders, Gag Reflex
But don’t worry, I’m still getting on a bike. It’s just that it’s on the rollers.
No, that’s not true. I just totally lied. I haven’t been on the rollers in more than a week. You see, I’ve developed a new symptom: a Pavlovian gag reflex, combined with general heebie-jeebies, whenever I see rollers.
I suit up, planning to do some roller intervals to keep my power high. Then I walk up to the rollers, calm as you please.
Which is when I start to shudder. And taste bile in the back of my throat. Instinctively, I know that if I don’t look away and get into a different room, pronto, I am going to have a largish mess to clean up.
I think this is a cumulative symptom, based on the crazy amount of time I spent on the rollers last winter. Now that I think of it, it seems probable that for any given human, there is a maximum amount of time that human can spend on rollers in a lifetime without doing serious permanent psychic damage.
If this is true (and since you are reading it on the Internet, it must be true), I believe I am either nearing or have reached that threshold.
Other Symptoms
I cannot believe that I am the only person suffering from Winter BAD. And frankly, I am concerned that as winter progresses, so shall my symptoms. What do I have to look forward to next? Snowshoeing? Simulated sun in tanning salons? Still more running?
I’m scared. So very, very scared.
Comment by socktopus | 01.14.2010 | 10:20 am
Sorry-live on the West Coast. Gets a little wet. Warming up to 60…no wind…nice day and first.
Comment by Den | 01.14.2010 | 10:22 am
You know, to me, green is the color of life. I’m not trying to make some Save-the-Planet type statement here either. Green is good, and I miss seeing it too. I noticed all last spring and summer how green just seemed like life to me.
Although they help with your winter fitness, no matter how you look at it… rollers suck!
Bring on the green!
Comment by evilbanks | 01.14.2010 | 10:22 am
Headed to St. George this weekend—-join us. Winter blows. period.
Comment by Liberty on Bikes!/bob | 01.14.2010 | 10:25 am
Unlike last winter where I bravely fought snow and ice every day. This winter I convinced myself I’m a bear. That’s the only logical conclusion. I eat like I’m going to hibernate. After work I flop on the couch and load up on TV and snacks, telling myself I’m going to get my years worth of TV now, then not watch it at all during the summer due to all of the riding I’ll be doing (yeah,right). I justify staying indoors so I can work on my photography (haven’t yet, but it sounds like a good idea). Now I’ve convinced myself I’ll publicly announce my weight and intentions, and lose the weight. Worked for you, right? In my case, I think everyone will just know my weight. Past will be present…..
Comment by Andy | 01.14.2010 | 10:30 am
That sounds like my winter described perfectly, and my knees are already so bad I can’t do the running so a just have walking up to the rollers and riding in the basement! I love that concrete wall always in my sight …. not. Maybe I should blow up a summer pic and post it in front of the bike, either that or a 60″ LCD and one of fatties videos looped.
Comment by Sasha | 01.14.2010 | 10:36 am
Hee hee! I SO agree with you. I bought studded tires for my mountain bike this winter, but my riding has consisted of taking the dogs out for 3-4 mile jogs (though our choc. lab can run faster than I can pedal – top end he goes 20mph).
I MISS the outdoor road biking. I miss being able to go home and take off layers to go riding.
However, as a reformed jogger, nothing will make me go outside to jog. I’ll nordic ski, snowshoe, winter hike, ride the bike at the gym (which I’m doing), even use the elliptical machine rather than go jogging indoors or out. I get the same reaction that you do when you look at your rollers when I think about jogging. :) Also, you can build bone density with a good weight training program (which I am also doing). Running is for crazy people. ;-)
However, I do have a solution – go to Hawaii. That is my plan. We have 16 days on the Big Island starting Jan 21 and we are bringing our bikes. I think that will get me over the hump enough that I can make it until April or so when I can ride on the roads again. At least I hope it will!
Comment by bikemike | 01.14.2010 | 10:38 am
so, this is fatrunner.com, now?
Comment by Chris B | 01.14.2010 | 10:50 am
Sorry, I live in California. I am down to only weekend riding, and I have been running more, but my trainer sits in the corner mercifully unused.
Comment by NYCCarlos | 01.14.2010 | 10:51 am
I got out in Central Park last night… fleece lined bib tights, underlayer, wool short sleeve jersey, long sleeve jersey, Wind breaker, winter gloves, hat, kerchief… warm, but not warm enough to be enjoying myself. Still didn’t want to do more than 2 laps. So I didn’t. I hate the winter riding. I feel like a wuss when I only get two laps in and call it a night. (1 lap of central park = 6 miles(ish)) Good thing it’s ski season.
Comment by Frank | 01.14.2010 | 11:00 am
I know what you mean. In a moment of desperation I went on a run 2 days ago and my legs painfully remind me now why they rather be on a bike. The cold doesn’t really stop me from biking, I just don’t want to spend hours afterward getting rid of all the salt spray sticking to the bike.
But you got to tell me, when did you take a photo on top of me? I didn’t know the view is so nice up there.
Comment by rick | 01.14.2010 | 11:02 am
I’ve sworn off the trainer for good this winter and pass the time with trail running/snowshoeing and the occasional road ride/snowmobile trail ride when conditions permit.
I will never, ever ride a trainer again. Unless I do.
Comment by axel in texas | 01.14.2010 | 11:05 am
I am glad to read that you gave up on ‘rollers plus bad tv’ torture plan – you are surrounded by mother natures finest settings. I was going to suggest to embrace xc skiing and snowshoeing but then I saw this:
http://www.gearysnowbikes.com/
Comment by Oliver@Toulouse | 01.14.2010 | 11:07 am
Nature is amazing in any season and what you miss during one season you appreciate more when it is present. I can’t run to save my life (slight exaggeration, but more or less true) so I have a choice, bike or pool. I love training in the pool, I feel great after a good session but nothing beats the connection with nature you feel out in the countryside.
Comment by kenny | 01.14.2010 | 11:14 am
I’ve actually felt very fortunate this winter. The snow came late and when it did come the storms were spaced apart enough to allow for some really great snow biking. I think it’s all that running that’s getting you down. What you need is a good long group ride. Saturday 10 o clock from Racer’s. It looks to be our warmest ride yet. High 30’s. We go around west mountain with a stop at joe’s coffee shop in Payson for a delicious begel sandwich and finish with tour de homes in Mapleton. Bring Runner, I’ve heard she’s got a pretty nice road bike now.
Comment by MattC | 01.14.2010 | 11:15 am
I spent 7 years on Surveillance ships, dragging my Cateye Cyclosimulator (fork mount trainer) and my Mt bike with me, mission after mission. All over the world, I’d ride that torture device every other day. When weather permitted, out on the ‘backdeck’ where I would watch the water go by, the albatross’s doing their thing…wishing I was on singletrack. Bad weather I’d be in my stateroom, staring at my walls adorned with photos from “Bike”. So I hear ya’ on your aversion to a trainer (rollers or otherwise).
I’m afraid (make that happy!) that I’ve used up my lifetime allowance of trainer time. The Cateye sits in the attic, and I can’t envision a scenario that would make me get back on it. I HATE THAT THING! I’d rather turn into a newt (alviet a chubby, flaccid out–of-shape newt) than use it! I was wondering if I could do some kind of ’sledgehaammer destruction’ derby type-thing on it for my LiveStrong page. I’d gladly toss in the first twenty for a few swings!
Sasha has it right…go warm. Kona or Hilo Sasha? Either way, SWEET! Ride up/over the saddle between Hilo n Kona one day…THATS a good one! (I lived in Hawaii for 10 years…the Big Is. is my FAV!)
Comment by Grizzly Adam | 01.14.2010 | 11:24 am
Fatty, the answer is skis.
Seriously.
And it doesn’t have to be the backcountry dawn patrol kind (although that is certainly fantastic). Try some nordic skiing, it’s like biking but…on skis.
I was once a serious Winter BAD sufferer. But no more. And the difference was that one day I just decided to embrace the occasion. And now, I enjoy winter quite a lot.
Though not so much as I do summer.
Comment by Lucas | 01.14.2010 | 11:25 am
I feel ya… this is the first Winter where I have not felt like that, however. I made a point to get myself outfitted in order to, at the very least, continue to commute during the cold cold New England Winter even if I could not enjoy my long road rides or get on the limited MTB trails available to me in and around the City.
The days are getting longer, though…
Comment by Katie | 01.14.2010 | 11:28 am
I didn’t know I missed green until I looked at that last picture. Dammit. Now I’m depressed.
Comment by Kathy McElhaney | 01.14.2010 | 11:29 am
My thoughts while running this morning, “So Cal is so beautiful the day after it rains…” Sorry, no Winter BAD or SAD going on here.
Comment by Juls | 01.14.2010 | 11:29 am
I don’t like to talk about the “season-that-must-not-be-named”. I avoid it all costs. But, living east of Cleveland, directly in the path of the Lake Erie Sn*w machine…well, it’s hard to avoid.
But, I have found a way!
1) crank the heat up to 75 in your home.
2) put some flip flops on, along with your favorite summer clothes. (it helps to put sunglasses on top of your head – like you may need them later)
3) Make margaritas!
Comment by lowco2 | 01.14.2010 | 11:29 am
Fatty,
Get one of these:
http://www.ktrakcycle.com/
Crazy fun, and you can pedal.
–J
Comment by Kathleen Lisson | 01.14.2010 | 11:40 am
Imagine how much more depressing it is when there is ice on the road and it is too cold to even run. I am on a treadmill most days here in Upstate NY. The only thing that keeps me running is my goals for upcoming spring races.
Kathleen
Comment by Sramtaro | 01.14.2010 | 11:41 am
I’ll buy a raffle ticket when you raffle off your rollers.
Comment by AngieG | 01.14.2010 | 11:43 am
You are not alone. Here in Nor Cal its been ok, but still cold and wet. I too hate riding in the cold. I’m a warm weather girl. I love our dry heat. You walk outside and it feels like you opened the oven door, YEAH!!! To compensate I have been spending time on the trainer and doing more MTBing. I can’t wait for Spring time!!!!!
Comment by AngieG | 01.14.2010 | 11:44 am
Juls- Fantastic Idea!!!!!
Comment by geraldatwork | 01.14.2010 | 11:51 am
I’m sick of the winter already. Here on Long Island, NY I have ridden at least once each weekend, on the road bike 30 miles usually much more for the last 5 years running. However I haven’t gone out in over 3 weeks because of, a bad cold, bronchitis, the flu, sinus inflammation and an inner ear infection in that order. I came off a strong antibiotic and steroids a few days ago and expect to ride this weekend. I am 61 with asthma so you can certainly ride. Oh did I mention I had a total hip replacement 4 months ago.
Comment by dug | 01.14.2010 | 11:52 am
if you’re going to be so very very scared, you have to jam a video camera up under your face, get some snot dripping, and then go get lost in the woods.
i’m just sayin.
Comment by skippy | 01.14.2010 | 11:53 am
what i would like to know is how you have 25mins on the “blog/reader” and yet the comments,22 are posted in a period of over 1hr20mins.
solved the bike trainer problem by lending it out thinking i was going to be skitouring all winter.
living at 570m surrounded by ski resorts that should have been the case. a piste even comes down to the valley 250m away but being cautious i was waiting for a 10cm cover to train in the back paddock. well there has been 4cm so far this year so yesterday i started skinning up the black piste, so steep that you have to side step in large parts. time consuming and heavy breathing needed to get anywhere! definitely better to be in the fresh air than sitting on the rollers.
lots of skiing in utah so forget the rollers and strap on the telemarks and skins.
carry a dictaphone with you and you can do work on the books!
Comment by Rsteve | 01.14.2010 | 11:54 am
Love the blog man!!
you have done some great things for the world
You need a greenhouse. Perfect place to feel a little warmth during the winter months.
Just build one on the south facing side of your house
Rsteve
Comment by Moishe | 01.14.2010 | 11:55 am
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: go ahead and embrace running! You know you want to! I look at those pictures you posted and think, “man, those trails look fun to run on.”
I give you 2 years, max, before you decide to do the Leadville 100 bike/run double.
In fact that seems like a good bet to engage you in…
Comment by Moishe | 01.14.2010 | 11:56 am
One other comment: Fat Runner tech-t’s from Twin Six would be fairly awesome.
Comment by Banger | 01.14.2010 | 12:01 pm
Skis are not the answer. The answer is simple. It is the same answer as always, a new bike. In this case a Pugsley. You’d find many of those trails still rideable, and probably find some trails that you can’t even ride in the winter. Feel free to drop by sometime and I’ll show you the way.
Comment by fern | 01.14.2010 | 12:04 pm
I’m committed to riding my bike this winter even if it kills me. Trainers suck.
Comment by bikemike | 01.14.2010 | 12:05 pm
also, there are weird fairy girls undressing on the right hand side of your blog. not a complaint, just an observation.
Comment by Jeff | 01.14.2010 | 12:11 pm
Moishe – Fat Runner shirts from Twin Six WOULD be awesome!
I too suffer from Winter BAD – I run in the winter, and told myself I would ride on the trainer at least once a week. I own three bikes, two trainers and have been on the trainer exactly once this winter (although since it was early December, that was technically Autumn).
Comment by Math. | 01.14.2010 | 12:22 pm
I hear you Fatty!
I’m way up north in Montreal (beautiful Canada) and totally understand what you mean. I still manage to get my self an old beaten up 10 speed frame (lot’s of clearance is what your looking for here), converted it to SS and fitted it with cyclocross tires (that I’ll swap to studded 700cX35 when it gets REALLY cold and snowy) and fenders.
Allright I wont go miles on it and it certainly won’t replace those nice long summer rides, but at least I can commute and put a couple of miles on. But I must admit that even if I like winter in general, bike wise, I still definitely miss the paved road and slick tires!
’till then, well….there ain’t much we can do is it?!
Math.
Comment by brian | 01.14.2010 | 12:52 pm
I really really LOVE mountain biking
I really really really HATE cold
So far my hate of cold is stronger than my love of mountain biking. I definitely have a bad case of BAD (I’ve spent some time on the trainer and in spin classes, but it just isn’t the same.)
Two words:
Saint George
My wife and I were hoping to hit St George next week except it’s raining all next week down there – sigh. We’ve gotta get down there soon before we go crazy!
Comment by Frankenhip | 01.14.2010 | 1:01 pm
My husband actually bought me studded tires for my commuter bike so I could ride year round (the few times in snows at low elevation in Bellingham, WA). I would prefer NOT to ride in the snow, but now I am obligated, as he is so proud of those tires. SIGH.
Comment by Marlys | 01.14.2010 | 1:18 pm
I’m with you, Fatty, in the winter doldrums. I live in Iowa and we have had a brutal winter starting last November. My workouts consist of putting my treadmill on an incline to simulate hiking. I so much prefer to be outside with the warm sunshine on my face while I ride along.
LET’S ALL LOOK FORWARD TO ST. PATRICK’S DAY- a cold beer and WARMER WEATHER! Thanks for the pictures today. They helped.
Comment by highwaymunky | 01.14.2010 | 1:24 pm
I am so suffering from winter BAD, I’m having day dreams about summer, with my eyes open, I’m pedalling in my sleep…. need bike… need bike!!
Winter can suck!
Comment by Anonymous | 01.14.2010 | 1:34 pm
bummer, dude. my prayers and thoughts are with the people of Haiti, their loved ones, the aid workers on the ground and the organizations preparing to help rebuild.
Was selected as a Bloggie panelist which was fun. Your nomination for lifetime achievement was one of my 10 random categories. Good luck.
Meanwhile, would love to share this excellent blog entry from one of Lance’s great friends Chris Sacca @sacca : Six ways you can help in Haiti. http://bit.ly/6Sy3br
Notice the last of the url is “br” Stay warm!
Comment by my middle name is fred | 01.14.2010 | 1:54 pm
Fatty – Nordic Skiing! Hockey!
You will learn to love winter.
Comment by FNEditor | 01.14.2010 | 2:05 pm
I think i’ve hit that threshold too. Just the other day I started seriously craving my bike. Warm sun in just a jersey and shorts. Even if I have to pull my todler in the bike trailer. I don’t care, I gotta get out!
Comment by TomInCO | 01.14.2010 | 2:07 pm
Fatty, Take up skiing. Downhill or nordic, it doens’t matter. Well, actually it does. If you take up nordic you can point your OCD at waxing, there is no end to that obsession. If you take up downhill, well, you live in Utah, so tuning skis is optional. On the other hand, you will need at least 6 pairs of downhill skis (park skis, on-piste, off-piste, powder, really fat powder skis, even fatter reverse camber power skis, and rock skis – aka: last years skis). Or you could take up both, because when it really snows, nordic sucks, and vise versa. What ever you do, don’t take up snowboarding. Next thing you know, you’ll want someone to drive you to the top of the hill before you don more protective garb than most football players and ride a 50lb bike back down said hill.
Good luck.
Comment by cyclingjimbo | 01.14.2010 | 2:18 pm
I vote for warmer climes!
Winter running is only a little less daunting than winter biking – the dreaded cold-induced snipe inversion is something to be feared, indeed, and almost makes the hours on the indoor trainer watching walls go by attractive by comparison.
I hold those who are dedicated to winter conditioning in high esteem, for there are no really good solutions, and it takes considerable commitment to avoid winter fat buildup. Then again, the fat might not be all bad – look how well it works for polar bears. Bring on the chips and dip!
Comment by Bee T | 01.14.2010 | 2:34 pm
Oh, now I knos what I have! I just bought a trainer so I could GET ON my bike, though in my case I’m more rehabbing after a bad crash than anything else. But I sit around trolling job openings for my field in places that are warmer than this frozen wasteland of CT. My hubby promises we will move, but tries to placate me by reminding me that i have at least a month more rehab before I can hit real roads again… How I suffer!
Comment by Tina Z | 01.14.2010 | 2:47 pm
Skiing or boarding is the answer.
Comment by GJ Jackie | 01.14.2010 | 3:21 pm
Extra cold and snowy winters make me so cranky. I have started swimming again after a 10 year hiatus. It’s a good change and I love the core workout. But I still want singletrack! It’s just not the same covered in ice and bundled up like an eskimo, regardless of studded snow tires. Waaah.
Comment by JB | 01.14.2010 | 3:23 pm
Oh Boy, Fatty, This running thing is really warping your mind to new territory. I am like Sasha, a reformed jogger. I base my whole life on your blog about NEVER running again. My feet send a thank-you message everyday to my brain.
But, (and that’s a big butt!) to each their own brand of fun!
Anything to defeat winter BAD
Comment by Mark | 01.14.2010 | 3:33 pm
Here in Puget Sound, green is not a problem; lots of green. Also lots of rain. Fenders and raingear do the trick until it’s just too bad. A great indoor alternative is rowing – big community on the Internet for support, competitions, great workout. See Concept2.com.
Comment by randy | 01.14.2010 | 3:40 pm
Skis. Like a previous poster said, doesn’t have to backcountry or downhill. Skate skiing is a fantastic way to stay in shape for cycling. Trust me, you get into skate skiing, you’ll be begging for 6 months of winter. Get away from your comfort zone,… I dare you,…
Comment by Al | 01.14.2010 | 3:40 pm
You “cooed” to your bikes. eek!
I think Winter BAD is the least of your problems….
Comment by Americanson | 01.14.2010 | 3:58 pm
I thought I was the only one who paid visits to the bikes in the garage. I wonder what that means?
Comment by JamesInPhoenix | 01.14.2010 | 4:20 pm
One word Fatty… VACATION!… head south. I read in Bike or was it some other publication about going to copper canyon; I bet it’s gorgeous right now. Or you could just head down to the LA area you know they have mountains around that place with the occasional trail I’m told. Or come on down to Phoenix. We’ve got great riding weather right now.
Comment by Philly Jen | 01.14.2010 | 4:54 pm
Note: The fatrunner.com domain is already taken.
However, fartrunner.com is still available…
Comment by axel in texas | 01.14.2010 | 4:55 pm
if you need green, how about a good spinach casserole. That, some mashed potatoes and bratwurst should solve this problem. Winter is the season for eating heartily.
Comment by Mike P | 01.14.2010 | 4:56 pm
Running… *struggles not to create a ‘largish’ mess on and around the keyboard*
I’ve fought through Winter BAD by building/rebuilding new/different bicycles. It’s easier to look forward to riding on the trainer when I can think “ooo, I wonder how that new stem is going to work out.” Later I get to flip the stem for the rush of excitement all over again. Try this with things as extravagantly-useful-on-the-trainer as: new colors of bar tape, different colored tires, fancy seatposts, and perhaps even new brake cables!
Please let spring come soon.
Comment by Betsy | 01.14.2010 | 5:39 pm
I haven’t been on my bike for months. everytime it’s sunny here in Seattle, I’m working! When I’m off, there is a downpour of rain, rain, rain. Spin class is good, but not like being out doors with the wind in my hair, feeling all powerful and free, screaming down the trail!!! Trying to plan the up coming Tri season and lacking the motivation to start training. I feel ya Brother! Winter BAD has got me too.
Comment by Marilyn | 01.14.2010 | 6:15 pm
Here in PA is has been really cold and the other day with the wind chill it was 18 degrees but I was out there. It is just the first 3 or 4 miles when you get started and than I find it great just to be out there getting some base miles in so I will be ready for the hills of Philly livestrong. If anyone would like me to take there top of the line bike out for a spin for them I will volunteer to put myself out. Coming up on a big 200 miles for the year so far. Wish I was not such a sugar addict than I could be at home where it is warm instead of petaling cookies off.
Comment by Doug | 01.14.2010 | 6:29 pm
I guess I’m the odd one out, green to mean means winter … rain, cold mornings and lots of time spent cleaning bikes, especially the MTB which usually spends more time being washed than actual time ridden :(
Brown on the other hand is the glorious colour of summer (well in Australia anyway) you can ride anytime anywhere and it’s fantastic. A couple of days ago it was 110f .. no problem you just get up early and ride then. Yesterday was 70f so I rode in the afternoon.
Ahh good times … :)
Comment by Jill2 | 01.14.2010 | 6:33 pm
No Winter BAD here in Las Vegas. Summer totally sucks though.
Comment by Kermitsgirl | 01.14.2010 | 6:55 pm
I miss the green too…(heavy sigh)
I have several LARGE photos from the trails I ride and I keep them in front of my bike-on-a-trainer to “fool” myself into thinking I’m out there riding. I’ve also promised myself a new bike this Spring…that kinda helps!
Yes…I have BAD…
Comment by Bogusboy | 01.14.2010 | 7:06 pm
There’s a solution to this problem. DON’T LIVE IN A PLACE THAT HAS WINTER!!!!!!!
I promise you that being able to ride during the winter is worth every minute of 100+ degree heat during the summer. Seriously.
Comment by Big Mike In Oz | 01.14.2010 | 7:11 pm
But we did stage an intervention. The only problem was you were out running at the time. Kinda ruined the whole effect.
Comment by Kala | 01.14.2010 | 7:23 pm
Fatty, go to Spinning class! It’s a blast and a great workout that can be true to life ;)
Comment by Doug (Way up State NY) | 01.14.2010 | 7:49 pm
I’m off to Florida in a week for a week. Going to rent a bike while I am down there. Can’t wait…..
Comment by Joel P. | 01.14.2010 | 8:27 pm
First, Philly Jen you crack me up. Second maybe we should form a support group for us sufferers of Winter BAD. Maybe cookies and pie will be involved.
Joel P.
Comment by Mike P CT | 01.14.2010 | 10:01 pm
Sorry – you enjoy the Spring/Summer so much more when you’ve done the hard stuff at 10 degrees in the Winter. It’s bad out there but nowhere near as bad as riding in your basement.
Comment by Shawn | 01.14.2010 | 10:22 pm
Got out today-37 felt balmy…got winter BAD
Comment by Kevin | 01.14.2010 | 10:33 pm
So does this mean no 100 Miles of Nowhere ride this year?
Comment by Sasha | 01.14.2010 | 10:45 pm
1st: Geraldatwork Get well soon! My goodness, that’s horrible!
2nd: MattC we are going to Kona (dry side) but will venture over to Hilo to do a little volcano park visit. Big Island is my fav and we haven’t been back in a few years. Each time we go back, the lava has covered Chain of Craters road where we were previously! Is that saddle gain a lot in elevation cause I’m a sealevel girl meaning I get out of breath easily on hills so any elevation and I’m super sucking wind and sucking in general. Any other ride suggestions are appreciated! :) You can drop me an email at caribcrazy at gci dot net.
3rd: PhillyJen oh my was I cracking up. FARTRUNNER! Hahaha I love it!
4th: Shawn your weather is colder than most places in Alaska right now!
Comment by Juan | 01.15.2010 | 4:07 am
You could always move to guam. where there are road races year round and tonights low is a freezing 78.
Comment by Classy | 01.15.2010 | 4:48 am
Down here in Australia is the place to be! Summer sun, surf and the Tour Down Under :D
Comment by CK | 01.15.2010 | 6:38 am
Finally theres a name to what I’ve been feeling…but can anyone explain the rash?
Comment by Mike Roadie | 01.15.2010 | 7:08 am
One word……”Florida”. My home.
Hey, I wonder why I’m not riding??????
FLS
RLF
Comment by Terry | 01.15.2010 | 8:37 am
I am a runner but my husband is the cyclist, and his answer to the winter-riding problem (we live in Maine) is hiking and ice-climbing. Climbing is his favorite part of riding, so it is not suprising that he loves doing it on foot as well. Unfortunately, the price tag on a hiking/ice-climbing “kit” is orders of magnitude different from what you need to run. Also unfortunately, I think you have to be a little bit mentally ill to enjoy some of the winter conditions you are subjected to when you hike and ice-climb in the winter in Northern New England.
Comment by Debbie Sanders | 01.15.2010 | 8:57 am
As long as you keep moving, you shouldn’t worry too much. Some options to get you back motivated for riding is having something to train for (fill in that race calender with new and interesting rides), or just find a companion to prevent you getting a Lonely Winter Disorder.
Comment by SuomiTri | 01.15.2010 | 9:37 am
I have the same question as Kevin. What’s the status of a 100 Miles of Nowhere?
Comment by Daddystyle | 01.15.2010 | 9:55 am
Sooo… whats wrong with snow shoes and xc sking, great crosstraining.
I like a winter break from riding, allows me to get all excited as the weather improves.
That said, we started training Jan 3 for the season ahead. That training includes, cross training , that includes, xc skiing and snoe shoeing for base building
Stay positive, spring is on the way
Comment by Martn | 01.15.2010 | 10:05 am
The diagnosis is quite simple:
A severe case of weekend-warriorism
weekend-warriorism: An incurable disease; person thinking he or she is a cyclist but find excuses (such as rain, snow, etc.) not to ride.
Comment by Nick | 01.15.2010 | 10:11 am
Ha just as I thought(and Kenny confirmed) you are a fair-weather biker. It sounds as though you have plenty of opportunity to suffer with the local mountain biking crew and you are wimping out. They are out there riding those trails in the cold and snow and having a great time doing it I might add. But you are huddled up in your house surrounded by your rollers and running shoes complaining about how tough winter is. It’s time for you to get out and ride my friend. Join Kenny and friends on Saturday and log some miles. It might not be as fast and flashy as summer riding but it is just as fun. After it’s all said and done you’ll feel better for having gone and feel better because you got to ride.
Comment by George | 01.15.2010 | 10:50 am
Fatty- you gotta do the 100 miles of Nowhere! I have been telling my daughter about it since last March. She has been asking so that she can participate. She said she would even do a Marathon to Nowhere on the treadmill.
Comment by John | 01.15.2010 | 10:53 am
Of course, there’s always Tucson…
Comment by Charise | 01.15.2010 | 11:10 am
I’m with George – where’s the 100 miles to nowhere??? Well, not so much with him on the marathon on the treadmill idea, that sounds terrible.
Or you could start swimming. And finish the last point of the triad and admit you’re secretly a Tri-ath-alete.
Comment by KillBillVelo | 01.15.2010 | 11:51 am
Fatty –
Take up Nordic skiing or Telemark Skiing, backcountry etc.
See JHK & Heather’s blog… Great training!
Comment by Claire | 01.15.2010 | 12:31 pm
Snowboarding is the answer…Love the white stuff!
I think we should have a fatcyclist.com virtual margarita party a’la Juls suggestion above to banish the Winter BAD. We could set a date and time log on in our 75 degree summer clothes and sunglasses together. Post pictures of the merriment.
Comment by Ubergoober | 01.15.2010 | 12:49 pm
Paint your rollers green. Done.
Comment by Clydesteve | 01.15.2010 | 1:03 pm
crap, you are just making me feel bad about MY BAD.
I am rebuilding a 25-year old road bike into a CX / rigid 29′r with 700C wheels & tires. I was going to commute on it this winter, but motivation has waned.
I just need to go ride.
Comment by Fuzzy | 01.15.2010 | 1:11 pm
Fatty ya great big Wuss!
There is absolutely no reason why a bit of cold weather and/ or snow should put you off riding. Layering right means that you can be comfortable when exerting yourself. I am sure you can get some great snow tyres for the SingleFly. A look here- http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=28222.0 will reveal some other lunacy to help you get grip on packed snow.
I am also sure a blogger of your calibre and world renown could also persuade the good folk at Surly to loan you a fully built Surly with nice fat snow tyres to go ballistic on the singltrack on.
Go on Fatty, you know you want to.
Luv ‘n Stuff
Fuzzy from the UK
Comment by Fuzzy | 01.15.2010 | 1:13 pm
Doh!
My last should have suggested contacting Surly about a PUGSLEY…..
Note to self- read posts before hitting the magic button.
Luv ‘n Stuff
Fuzzy from the UK
Comment by Jason Dannettel | 01.15.2010 | 1:24 pm
I feel your pain. Down here in Tucson the weather has been in the low 70’s during the day and do you have any idea how cold that is? LOL. Don’t worry, spring isn’t that far away.
Comment by Kathleen@ForgingAhead | 01.15.2010 | 2:22 pm
I feel like a super wimp now…no snow for miles and I’m still whining about the cold. Guess it’s all relative.
Comment by Big Mike In Oz | 01.15.2010 | 2:49 pm
… and as Johan Bruyneel reads this you’ve just totally sealed your fate. No last minute offer to ride the Tour Down Under for Radio Shack.
Comment by Minh Nguyen | 01.15.2010 | 3:37 pm
Hey Fatty
You should head over to southern california. it’s summer here 350 days of the year! Maybe there should be a “Fatty’s Training Camp!”
Comment by Charisa | 01.15.2010 | 6:55 pm
Winter BAD is rough. I live in Cali so I have no idea what you’re talking about. Sorry.
Comment by leroy | 01.15.2010 | 9:08 pm
Is it just me or does anyone else think FC is sandbagging on the whole can’t ride the rollers anymore thing?
I think it’s a ploy so he can dominate the next 100 Miles of Nowhere race.
I better start training. Next week. Or maybe the week after that.
Comment by Matt | 01.15.2010 | 11:26 pm
THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer cyclist and the sunshine biker will, in this weather, shrink from the service of their sport; but he that stands it now, deserves the mocking and scorn of man and woman. Winter, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.
That being said, the windchill was -25 degrees last week. I don’t ride in my car when it’s that cold, let alone on a bicycle. I did get on the trainer, however, but each time I do that, I cry a little bit inside.
Comment by Kris G | 01.16.2010 | 10:38 am
Living in Michigan can be depressing for biking. In central michigan, the snow is not predictable for consistent xc skiing. So, we bike when the roads are not iced. Like a few weekends ago. This weekend I plan to go out for a ride, and it is 30 degrees warmer than last time I went out! Its all in the attitude. And the layering. And the self-pep talks.
Comment by Steve | 01.16.2010 | 11:47 pm
What is the “winter” you speak of? Tomorrow I will be going out to do my first metric century…ever…hopefully. Great bicycling weather in San Diego right now. Of course, we only get about 345 days of good weather each year, so one must take advantage.
Comment by Jason | 01.17.2010 | 1:16 am
Great blog you have here. Very inspirational. I have a site as well which I hope will be a top resource for those looking for the motivation they need in order to lose weight. There are very little sites like ours out there.
I’d like to exchange links with you. Please let me know if this is possible under the “Best Weight Loss Websites” page. Until then, keep up the good work.
Jason
4Weight2Lose.com
Comment by yellowJersey | 01.17.2010 | 2:02 pm
You speak so eloquently for all of us. I have often found myself saying the same things to my bikes and I look at their sad puppy-dog faces. (My road bike is behind me on the trainer just sobbing . . .)
We’re all in this together! I’ll be prayin’ for ya!
Comment by Sasha | 01.17.2010 | 9:47 pm
I am now suffering from FAD – Fatty Absence Disorder. I miss the more frequent posts. I’m suffering withdrawals. Of course, I shall survive without the almost daily posts…somehow. :)
Comment by Carl | 01.18.2010 | 11:35 am
I am sick in the head, I am going out to ride right now and it is 34 degrees… but it is sunny!!! To fight the Winter BAD I finally broke down and bought a spinning bike, but I haven’t sunk so low yet as to “run”.
Comment by Bruce E | 01.19.2010 | 5:54 pm
Winter is not so bad. I grew up in Northern Wisconsin. We trained and went to whine in hot baths as our limbs regained feeling.
It’s the air that totally F******* sucks.
The air is killing us, along with our kids.
Cough, cough….
Comment by Terracotta Journeys | 01.24.2010 | 9:39 am
Winter? Come cycling in Portugal. Other than a few days of rain, it has been perfect for bike riding.