| Finding time to ride your bike can be a tough | | | | Make sure that when you do go for a ride that |
| challenge in today's crazy modern world. Family, | | | | you train hard. When time is limited, hills, simulated |
| work, sleep and other hobbies leave very little | | | | time trials and intervals provide an especially good |
| opportunity to spend time on a bike much less | | | | workout. Heart-rate monitors and cyclometers |
| train at a vigorous level. However, it is mostly a | | | | can be used for feedback to ensure that you are |
| matter of being organized and proper planning to | | | | getting maximum results from your training. |
| find the time to train and ride. The following are | | | | You can combine activities. Ride your bike to |
| tips to finding the time to train. | | | | work or use your bike to run errands. If you |
| Set goals for yourself. You should have a | | | | cannot ride all the way, drive part of the route |
| long-term objective like riding a century or | | | | then bicycle the rest. If you do not have time to |
| competing in a race. Short-term goals are vital as | | | | ride outside, use the time spent lounging in front |
| well for gaining an understanding of how you are | | | | of the television to ride a trainer or a stationary |
| progressing. These could be anything from quicker | | | | bike. |
| training times on your favorite route or riding 50 | | | | If you cannot ride your bike find other activities |
| miles without a break. Once the short-term goal is | | | | to take its place. Participate in high-intensity spin |
| achieved, set another until you eventually achieve | | | | classes, lift weights or run. You have to be willing |
| your long-term goal. It is best to keep a training | | | | to compromise some days. 45-minutes in a spin |
| diary so you can evaluate your progress. | | | | class is not as good as a two-hour ride outside, |
| Do not waste time. When you do have time to | | | | but it is better than no training at all. |
| get out and train, do not waste the opportunity. | | | | Try not to put things off. For instance, if you |
| If you plan an early morning ride, make sure your | | | | have a worn tire, make sure to go ahead and |
| bike is ready to go, clothes prepared, water | | | | replace it before you head out on your lunchtime |
| bottles are filled and gear are ready the night | | | | ride. It is far quicker to replace parts at home |
| before. | | | | than have things break down on a ride. |
| If you cannot ride then do not feel guilty or get | | | | The important thing to remember is that riding |
| angry. You may feel inclined to go out the next | | | | should be fun. If you are dreading having to train |
| day and ride double what you normally would ride. | | | | it will be hard to keep with it and stay motivated. |
| This will only lead to over training or injury. Accept | | | | Try to vary your routes, ride with like-minded |
| what you cannot control and realize that some | | | | friends or go mountain biking. |
| days you just will not be able to train. | | | | There is always a way to ride your bike and get |
| If you cannot train during the day, then put a light | | | | in a good workout even if you are busy. You just |
| on your bike and ride at dawn or dusk. Similarly, | | | | have to use a little imagination and be reasonably |
| your can also use your lunch hour for a hearty | | | | flexible with your schedule. |
| ride. | | | | |