Mountain biking-cardio and weight training?

[TriciaW]

Greetings---I tried to find a thread to tag on to, but there is so much content here I decided to start a new thread. I need some input.... I have been back on this wol since 4/02. I was doing moderate cardio about 3 times a week, stationary bike, tread mill and hiking. I came to a very basic conclusion on my hikes; large people can hike---large people do not mountain bike. So, about a month ago, I got brave and climbed my large you-know-what on my little used mountain bike. Brutal. I have been consistantly biking every week, 4 or 5 times, in the morning before any food. I live in an area that has very excellent biking right out my door. I experienced weight gain due to muscle build. Now I am back down to my pre-mountain bike weight--it took about a month to get the scales back down, but I have lost considerable inches. My question is, does this count as weight training in addition to cardio? Am I doing this too frequently? I eat aprox. 1800-2100 cals/day, with about 20-30 grams of carbs. Also, I have to travel quite a bit for work. Any suggestions on keeping up the work out routine while away from home? I have a hard time with gyms in hotels--embarassed, etc. Thanks for the great info here!

[Doug H]

What you are doing is terrific. Hard biking (I'm assuming it's pretty hilly and the rides are challenging) will build up your quads and calves.
It's not weight training of course. Most of your legs are getting a good workout. When you hit the gym, you would benefit from some leg curls. Upper body workouts are essential. And building abs is terrific for biking.
Remember this about working out in another city. NO ONE will ever see you again! It's nothing to be embarrassed about. You are actually out there doing something for yourself.

[TriciaW]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, it is very hilly (mountainous) and challenging. At first I had to stop about every 1/4 mile feeling like I was about to die. Now I can do over 8 miles without stopping! I am just amazed how every time I go I improve just a little bit. 8 miles might not sound like a lot to someone who bikes on roads, but for me, on the hills I ride on, it is a huge accomplishment. I realize that I work out much harder doing this rather than indoor cardio (stationary bike, treadmill, etc.) and it is much more rewarding for me. Plus with every pound I loose, it's just that much less to have to haul up the mountain and it definitely gets easier. It keeps me going! Regarding working out when I travel---I know it's all in my head. I have always been intimidated by going to gyms. All those people who go for the social scene in their little spandex outfits and full makeup.... I think I'm just jealous and comparing myself to them. I guess for me working out has never been glamorous.