It seems absolutely crazy to me that this was my first ride of 2024. However, I did not return from Antarctica until mid January, and we’ve had a solid snow year, so the main trail network has been a total bog until recently. I tried to ride yesterday, but when I woke to see 25mph winds and a frosty, little 22 degrees staring back at me, well, I decide a Plan B was in order.
Today, however, I said “Riding no matter what.”
One thing I have going for me is my Salsa. This damn thing is so nice, and the quality and functionality becomes apparent on the first pedal stroke. I was so out of practice, I accidentally began my ride still in my Birkenstocks. Oops. After I returned for my proper shoes, I clipped in and began climbing out of the neighborhood, and this is where things got interesting.
Several months ago, I was in Texas visiting family. I was in serious pain. Something was wrong with my neck and back. My brother was helping me address the situation, and one of the things he suggested was hitting the gym next to his office. He walked me through, and filmed me, doing a twenty sequence routine, one designed to help my specific pains. It had been decades since I visited a gym. I am not a gym guy. I love working out, but don’t love men who go to gyms. To put it mildly, many of them are total cretins.
Men are pigs. We all know this. You ladies out there, ever accidentally walked into the men’s room? Ya, you know what I mean. The ripped tank tops and mirror posing are just icing on the cretin cake. And now, you throw in hours wasted between sets while surfing Instagram and the modern gym experience feels like intellectual torture.
I left Texas and ventured back to New Mexico. The residue of working out was still ripe, so I began the great gym search. And…it…did…not…go…well. Long story short, I bought a rucking pack instead. I am going to do a post specific to what I bought and why I think this might be a good solution for some of you, so I’m just going to cut to the chase on this post.
I’ve been rucking for about one month. When I left on this morning’s ride, I had a question percolating around in my tiny brain. “I wonder if rucking will have any impact on my cycling?” I hit my Garmin and took off. Twenty five miles later I hit stop and the Garmin started making noises I’ve never heard before. “Fastest accent,” and “Fastest 40k.” And people, it was cold, windy, and this was my first ride of the year. Also remember, I’m at 7,000 feet in the hills. And the Salsa is a single-speed. So ya, I would say rucking has had an impact.
Comments 12
Was that on tarmac or gravel. Only runing the conversion to km in my head makes me want to crawl in a hole. That is good for me on tarmac with a road bike at sea level…
Frank
Author
It’s about 60% dirt and 40% road. We are fortunate here to have a lot of both, and a lot of good. And climbs up to 10,000+
Dan how many pounds were in the pack?
Author
30lbs. I think I will keep it there. The pack can hold another 20lb but I don’t need it.
I love walking as much as rucking, it’s a great form of exercise for me. Just 30 minutes a day at a fairly intense pace is enough. Sometimes my wife comes home from work in the evening and I tell her that I’m leaving the kids and going out. It’s a moment for me mentally and physically, it refreshes my body, it refreshes my head, it’s great. Unfortunately, I rarely have time for a bike ride.
Author
Walking is fantastic, and a wonderful fat burn as well. Just forcing yourself to really breath, as you learn in yoga, is life-changing.
Hell YES. I might have to get in on this rucking business. I’ve been chomping at the bit, desperately wanting to get out on the bike but injury will have me sidelined for at least another two weeks so I’ll have to live vicariously through you, you animal.
Author
It’s very simple, has been around forever, and it provides more caloric burn than walking and less stress than running.
I started rucking a few years ago. No fancy pack, just my old backpack and a couple of bags of rice. Watch out for your ankles. I strained my right one after finally upping the weight too much. Took about 6 months to get back to normal.
Author
I’m at 30lbs with no plans to go further. Good shoes are critical. But, I also feel like my feet are getting stronger. Heck, I know they are.
Hi Dan. What kind of shoes are you using while rucking??
Author
At the moment, Altra waterproof, mid Lone Peak. They are OKAY, but I will find something new when these wear out. I think Altra changed over the past few years. And I have narrow feet. What I might try, based on having a more civilian model of their shoes, is KURA Trail.