As a new year's resolution, I began running regularly -- about 4 miles a day. I loved the increased energy it afforded me throughout the day, and I enjoyed the sense of accomplishment. However, it didn't take long before developing a renewed relationship with an old knee injury. The pain escalated more and more, until I awoke one day in worse condition than the day I hurt it (six years ago).

The decision to turn to road biking has been the best decision I've made for mself in a long time. The exhilirating sensation of speed, the feeling of dynamic balance while leaning in to an aggressive corner, the raw power output of climbing a steep hill, and the finesse in gliding over the road as if on air combine to create an addiction stronger than the brownies I no longer eat -- if only not to hinder my performance on two wheels.

I find that covering so much ground so quickly makes the routine more appealing for long term commitment. The cardio is wonderful, both as steady state and for high intensity interval training, for which I repeatedly climb and descend hills. I'm also finding that my legs are getting stronger more rapidly than they were by running. Best of all, my knee feels better than it has felt in years! It feels loose in the mornings, which is quite a milestone.

So for anybody who hasn't given road biking much consideration, I encourage you to pop into your local bike store and give one a test ride.


Cheers!

Thanks for the story. Sound like your going good. Ever thought about entering some races? There are some other cyclists on the forum you just gotta find them.

I'm a roadie - I love the feel of the open road as well. Welcome!

I'm pretty new here still but I totally agree with you about the road biking. I live in Southern California and got into cycling as a teenager while working at a summer camp in Central California near Bakersfield. Every weekend, my friends and I would ride upwards of 30 miles to a friends house and it was just so rewarding. I hope you stick with it.

Cool. So how long have you been riding now? And how frequently now?

Yea road biking is sweet, i live in scotland and the scenery and the fresh air while cycling out on back roads is priceless.

OR.....are you just drunk in a pub and trippin' out on the CycleBlaster video game again???

I joke.....

i loved road biking. i would see how many different counties i could go through and pick the nicest country roads to go on. now, however, my heart belongs to mountain biking. still love road biking though

Ya road cycling is a fun time. Last year I rode from NYC to Boston WHAT A BLAST