Does a seasonal cyclist lose fitness over a winter break?

[united4ever]

Started commuting by bike last month and it was hard at first but getting easier now. My plan is to carry on until the dark nights and cold come in November and then pick it up again in the spring. Would this mean going almost back to square one in terms of my fitness for next spring? Would 4 or 5 months off make a big difference? Thanks

 

[Markymark]

Not back to square one but you have some options including riding less frequently in the winter with better clothing (if the cold is bothering you), riding at the weekends during daylight (if the darkness is bothering you), buying a turbo.

 

[puffinbilly]

Yes you will lose fitness - but not back to square one - like anything if you don't do it regularly the muscles in your body will not need to function for that area and so will lose movement and strength.

However, do try cycling in the winter - it's usually pretty good with some spectacular days - it can be freezing but if it's still and bright it can be excellent - there are some excellent days over winter for cycling to cancel out those gale force winds and pouring rain.

I have done a lot more cycling over last winter than previous winters and I am certainly feeling the benefits of it this spring.
The saying goes ..... miles in winter equals smiles in spring.

 

[ianrauk]

Some of the best commuting is on nice sunny, crisp winter days.

 

[4F]

There is never the wrong weather, just the wrong clothes.

 

[united4ever]

ok thanks, yes, I think I'll seek out those crisp, clear winter days......it's more the darkness really which is hard to avoid given I finish work after 5 and my route is on an unlit canal towpath, but may try and get some weekend cycling in if i get a good day.

 

[Markymark]

ok thanks, yes, I think I'll seek out those crisp, clear winter days......it's more the darkness really which is hard to avoid given I finish work after 5 and my route is on an unlit canal towpath, but may try and get some weekend cycling in if i get a good day.

Can you try an alternative route? Also, invest in some good lights.

 

[4F]

ok thanks, yes, I think I'll seek out those crisp, clear winter days......it's more the darkness really which is hard to avoid given I finish work after 5 and my route is on an unlit canal towpath, but may try and get some weekend cycling in if i get a good day.

Essential safety equipment for tow path commuting in the dark

 

[Supersuperleeds]

There is never the wrong weather, just the wrong clothes.

Though on some days the right clothing doesn't exist.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

ok thanks, yes, I think I'll seek out those crisp, clear winter days......it's more the darkness really which is hard to avoid given I finish work after 5 and my route is on an unlit canal towpath, but may try and get some weekend cycling in if i get a good day.

I used to commute down an unlit canal towpath in the dark. Good front light and a light on your head is what you need. I only ever fell off once and because it was pitch black nobody saw me come off

 

[4F]

Though on some days the right clothing doesn't exist.

Sometimes you just have to accept that you are going to get , warm and drenched works for me

 

[united4ever]

Ther's a busy A road which is the obvious alternative with a very narrow and intermitent cycle path painted on the road bed .....but really not keen on riding in heavy traffic. I'll see about some decent lighting, got a good few months to think about it. Thanks a lot.

 

[Markymark]

Ther's a busy A road which is the obvious alternative with a very narrow and intermitent cycle path painted on the road bed .....but really not keen on riding in heavy traffic. I'll see about some decent lighting, got a good few months to think about it. Thanks a lot.

The A roads can be daunting for new commuters. I guess it depends on the road itself but I always recommend reading Cyclecraft for great advice on road cycling. You can always give it a go on weekends to see how you get on. But it's also possible it's too nasty a road so if you do;t want to then that's 100% fine.

 

[vickster]

Do some other exercise in the winter to maintain some fitness, like a turbo as suggested (I use an exercise bike and try to drag myself to the gym)

 

[Drago]

In response to the title, yes. To what degree depends on what other physical activity you maintain and how disciplined you are with your diet when not cycling.