Sobriety Test: Rollers

Have any of you tried to ride a bike on rollers? I've been riding on rollers during the winter for the last couple of years, mostly because it requires a considerable amount of concentration as well as just turning the pedals. If you're stuck in a rut on an exercise bike or your trainer, I highly recommend trying this, though it does take some amount of practice. You better start out in a doorway! And.....you probably want to get some platform pedals if your bike has clipless pedals. It's way to easy to ride off the side. Which brings me to the point of this post.....

Like I said, I've been doing this for a couple years, but I've never gotten to the point where I can actually get out of the saddle and stand on the pedals or anything complicated like that. I can shift gears and get a pretty good workout, with about 30 minutes being all my butt can stand.

A few days ago, I decided to get a workout after dinner and a couple glasses of wine. If you ever want a real life example of how your coordination is affected by alcohol, get your bike on some rollers after a couple drinks. You may feel perfectly fine, but the balance and concentration it takes for the average person to stay on the rollers is easily overcome by a couple drinks! I know because I rode off the side of the rollers twice in 10 minutes, then gave up for the night!

First, get some rollers, they really aren't that expensive, and they are FUN!! I've got a set of these from Nashbar and they work great. Second, get in the saddle and see if you can stay on for 30 minutes. And last, try it after a couple drinks.... with your helmet on!! Be very careful though, you will be amazed at how much difference it makes. Oh, I should also mention, I take no responsibility for the result!! You're on your own!! Good luck!!