Riding Rollers
Recently I posted a short video of myself riding rollers. Yes, myself! A 49 yr old Grandmother! This post sparked a lot of interest and the questions have been flying..... How do you do that? Is it scary? Is it hard to learn? Why would I want to ride rollers? etc......
First of all I need to express that riding rollers is NOT for everyone. In my opinion, if you have difficulty removing your water bottle from your frame (while riding) or it is a challenge removing items from your jersey pockets (while riding) you may want to rethink this. Balance is key, if you are uncomfortable doing either of the aforementioned moves you may not be a good candidate for the roller experience.
Why ride rollers?
#1. Rollers will definitely help improve your balance and bike handling skills. While it may take a couple of weeks to get the hang of it, don't give up. Keep practicing. Currently I am riding with the kitchen chair within arms length... just in case. Safety first!
#2. Riding on rollers will help you develop a smooth and more efficient pedal stroke. High cadence workouts improve leg speed and help you ride more efficiently. Lots of benefits!
#3. Your training buddies will think you are a badass!
A few years back I got lucky and snagged a set of good rollers rather cheap, including the resistance add on! For weeks they gathered dust in a corner. I was absolutely terrified of them, they even looked scary. One day when no one was home I finally had the nerve to try them out. I set them up in a small hallway, which worked perfectly until it didn't. I was just getting the hang of it and I reached a bit aggressively and opened a door and fell into the bathroom. This experience had me looking for other options.
Using a chair to my left and a small bar to my right I re-learned how to balance and get through a one hour workout. I lost focus several times and had to regroup. Also, had to stop pedaling to get a drink of water but, I'll take it! Progress not perfection. Riding rollers is NOT easy. Do not let anyone tell you that it is.
Below are a few tips to get started. Approach this challenge with a good attitude at a time you can focus. Have a towel and water bottle nearby, you will need both. Set up a fan if needed. Read through all suggestions before beginning.
#1. Set your rollers up near a wall or something stable that you can grab on to or lean on. As I said above, I used a small bar on my right and a kitchen chair on my left. Use whatever set-up makes you feel safe and confident. Keep that set-up until you are ready to progress. Place your wheels in the middle of the cylinders to begin.
#2. Start pedaling while in a low gear so you can spin. A faster cadence will help you keep your balance and stay upright. Wear tennis shoes in case you need to put a foot down or until you feel comfortable clipping in.
#3. Pick a focal point directly in front of you and focus on it. My basement is filled with years of clutter so this was part easy. With so many options I chose the brightest colored object, which was an orange telecom cylinder....don't ask.
#4. RELAX. Being all tensed up will not help. Once you and your bike are situated take a deep breath and let it out. You can begin to ride with one hand on your handlebars, very light pressure on the bars, and place the other hand on the back of a chair or couch. Again, relax.
#5. Progress at your own pace. With practice you will get better and become more comfortable. My plan is to remove the kitchen chair next week and stay set up next to the bar. I hope to progress enough to remove both hands from the handlebars (at the same time) and be able to remove my water bottle from the frame, take a drink, and replace it while pedaling. If I do you will see/hear all about it!
Roll on!
Wendy
First of all I need to express that riding rollers is NOT for everyone. In my opinion, if you have difficulty removing your water bottle from your frame (while riding) or it is a challenge removing items from your jersey pockets (while riding) you may want to rethink this. Balance is key, if you are uncomfortable doing either of the aforementioned moves you may not be a good candidate for the roller experience.
Why ride rollers?
#1. Rollers will definitely help improve your balance and bike handling skills. While it may take a couple of weeks to get the hang of it, don't give up. Keep practicing. Currently I am riding with the kitchen chair within arms length... just in case. Safety first!
#2. Riding on rollers will help you develop a smooth and more efficient pedal stroke. High cadence workouts improve leg speed and help you ride more efficiently. Lots of benefits!
#3. Your training buddies will think you are a badass!
 |
| Try to ride in the middle of the rollers. |
A few years back I got lucky and snagged a set of good rollers rather cheap, including the resistance add on! For weeks they gathered dust in a corner. I was absolutely terrified of them, they even looked scary. One day when no one was home I finally had the nerve to try them out. I set them up in a small hallway, which worked perfectly until it didn't. I was just getting the hang of it and I reached a bit aggressively and opened a door and fell into the bathroom. This experience had me looking for other options.
Using a chair to my left and a small bar to my right I re-learned how to balance and get through a one hour workout. I lost focus several times and had to regroup. Also, had to stop pedaling to get a drink of water but, I'll take it! Progress not perfection. Riding rollers is NOT easy. Do not let anyone tell you that it is.
Below are a few tips to get started. Approach this challenge with a good attitude at a time you can focus. Have a towel and water bottle nearby, you will need both. Set up a fan if needed. Read through all suggestions before beginning.
#1. Set your rollers up near a wall or something stable that you can grab on to or lean on. As I said above, I used a small bar on my right and a kitchen chair on my left. Use whatever set-up makes you feel safe and confident. Keep that set-up until you are ready to progress. Place your wheels in the middle of the cylinders to begin.
#2. Start pedaling while in a low gear so you can spin. A faster cadence will help you keep your balance and stay upright. Wear tennis shoes in case you need to put a foot down or until you feel comfortable clipping in.
#3. Pick a focal point directly in front of you and focus on it. My basement is filled with years of clutter so this was part easy. With so many options I chose the brightest colored object, which was an orange telecom cylinder....don't ask.
#4. RELAX. Being all tensed up will not help. Once you and your bike are situated take a deep breath and let it out. You can begin to ride with one hand on your handlebars, very light pressure on the bars, and place the other hand on the back of a chair or couch. Again, relax.
#5. Progress at your own pace. With practice you will get better and become more comfortable. My plan is to remove the kitchen chair next week and stay set up next to the bar. I hope to progress enough to remove both hands from the handlebars (at the same time) and be able to remove my water bottle from the frame, take a drink, and replace it while pedaling. If I do you will see/hear all about it!
Roll on!
Wendy
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