Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

TexasProgresive

(12,285 posts)
Mon Mar 30, 2020, 07:06 AM Mar 2020

Riding in place during pandemic and heavy oilfield traffic

I feel fortunate that I am retired and live in a rural place. I like to ride solo every morning in the spring, summer and fall. Winter I tend to ride midday or afternoon. Once a week I load my bike up to ride with my friends in town. Because the traffic on my usual routes became so heavy with oilfield, chicken trucks and dump trucks I splurged on myself buying a direct drive smart trainer and rebuilding one of my old bike frames to mount on it. A year ago we got unlimited data internet so I subscribed to Zwift.

Doing workouts using a trainer or stationary bike in the past was mind-numbing boredom. The most I could stand was 45 minutes with half of that having me grind my teeth. I am actually having fun on this machine with this app. Zwift is a game that allows racing or workouts that can be in a fictional place, Watopia or several places around the world. My group is starting up a Zwift team where we can ride together virtually. There is even a way to communicate with one another. What's a group ride without gossip and trash talk?

Physically my set up is perfect for me. The bike is fitted just like my road bike. It has a Brooks B17 Imperial saddle which is nice because riding on a trainer tends to be hard on the butt. Besides that the trainer moves a bit side to side which is more comfortable. For I mounted two small fans on a handlebar extender with a box fan that cools feet, legs and lower torso.

I haven't done 2 hours yet, but 1 hour + and only quite because of spousal nagging.

3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Riding in place during pandemic and heavy oilfield traffic (Original Post) TexasProgresive Mar 2020 OP
Don't let her nag you... N_E_1 for Tennis Mar 2020 #1
That is awesome! hermetic Mar 2020 #2
Made good use of that bike TexasProgresive Mar 2020 #3

TexasProgresive

(12,285 posts)
3. Made good use of that bike
Mon Mar 30, 2020, 01:37 PM
Mar 2020

I took all the parts off to upgrade my son’s bike. Most of what’s on it now were his old parts. The major cost was the trainer, and this way I don’t have mount and unmount my other bike. I think they are about through with the oil well. I may be able to get a few rides on the road.

Latest Discussions»Retired Forums»Bicycling»Riding in place during pa...