Beautiful Day To Ride Outside (NOT Zwift))

It was a beautiful, early spring day. So I could not resist riding outside - rather than on Zwift. My 73km route took me on gravel roads and rail trails. Lots of reasons to smile after this day out on the bike. And now I'm keen to ride again on Zwift when the cold weather returns in a few days.

[@the_fatshark]

Spring and summer incoming 👍 Hope flowers and trees are blooming soon. Nature can be beautiful 🌳 You always use SPD/MTB pedal/shoes?

[@endurancesweat]

I have both Shimano SPD and SPD-SL pedals. I use the SPD pedals for gravel rides and long distance audax rides when they'll be time off the bike walking into cafes, restaurants, etc. I use SPD pedals for dedicated roads rides and on the bike on my trainer. I prefer SPD pedals. They are more versatile, easier to clip-in, and the cleats on cycling shoes almost never need replacing.

[@the_fatshark]

@@endurancesweat yeah spd is more versatile and easier to walk on. So ideal for long rides when you also go for a bit of a walk into a cafe etc. That walking destroys the SL clips. But Spd-sl feels more clipped in and snugged in.

[@Dr.Sheldor]

That looks idyllic - I keep thinking I'm done with riding outside, but it's really I'm done with riding on roads with cars - that looks like paradise.

[@endurancesweat]

I am okay riding on the roads with cars, though the incredibly rapid expansion of subdivsions in once quaint towns is rendering some once quiet rural roads into high traffic boulevard. Rails trails are ideal but there can be a lot of walkers at time. I really like gravel roads. Very little traffic and great countryside.

[@endurancesweat]

BTW. There are a lot of us - like you (?) and me - who enjoy riding on Zwift because we don't have to deal with traffic.

[@bruceperry1408]

Ah, the big question. Am I the only one that is a bit disappointed in the spring after hard riding on zwift? The steady crank turning of zwift is certainly different but there must be more.

[@endurancesweat]

Your observation is consistent with the commonly accepted "rule of thumb" that equates 1h on a trainer to 1.5h riding outdoors. No intersection interruptions, etc. Now that only applies if we don't take Coffee Stops. 😊