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This is going to sound strange, but a fellow rider and I got in to a discussion about getting into bike riding shape. he thinks that riding does nothing to make you stronger, I disagreed.

I am in fairly good shape as far as military standards go, and work out on a regular basis. When I first started to ride my M50 I hade trouble pushing it anytype of distance, back wards on a up slope forget about it. Over the past 5 months 2000 some odd miles I have found I can actually pick up the rear end of the bike. (A car pulled up so close I couldn't get the bike out of the spot so I just hefted it and moved it 2 feet.) The wind at 80 with no windsheild doesn't bother me like it once used to. In fact everything I do when it comes to upperbody strenght is easier. Anyone else agree or disagree? Is it harder to ride durring the first weeks of riding season or the last?

I totaly agreee. When I first started riding my arms would get so tired, and I was actually working out at the gym at the time. There were small muscles that would actually be sore the next day. Now after alot of practice time they don't, plus I can push and handle the stopped weight of my bike alot better.

I feel the same way and im a fat guy that doesnt work out lol. seriously I used to "wobble" when I came to a stop and now can almost hold the bike upright without putting my feet down at a stop. It also feels lighter and easier to Maneuver. I know when I first started riding I had certain muscles that would feel "sore" after riding as well.

Well sure - like any activity done repetitively your body will adjust to it. Getting into 'riding shape' takes a little bit of riding - it's like going for a workout each time.

stomach and back muscles are used lots i notice. my back hurts a lot less since i started riding and i've lost 5 pounds and a dress size.

On vacation Aug. 12-24 we did 2,700 miles on the bikes. I lost eight pounds without really even trying.

8-pounds, impressive...I have gained a uniform size and lost 4 LBS...in the 2000 some odd miles I have riden.

my waist and abs got stronger from all the balancing on my bike while my arms and legs got stronger from pushing it or holding it upright or when i dropped it .

Roadbike magazine had an article on the importance of stretching before and after a ride. many of them can be done in a parking lot using the bike as leverage for some of the stretches.

JC Viper wrote:my waist and abs got stronger from all the balancing on my bike while my arms and legs got stronger from pushing it or holding it upright or when i dropped it .

Roadbike magazine had an article on the importance of stretching before and after a ride. many of them can be done in a parking lot using the bike as leverage for some of the stretches.

when I went on my 400 mile trip everytime we stopped for gas I would stretch before getting back on .

I didnt have room for a bowflex, so I bought a motorcycle instead.

No gals smile when your on a bowflex