The weather forecast has held steady, and tomorrow looks to be an excellent day for an outside ride.  This will be the first time I will be riding outside this year. I am really looking forward to it.  Riding the trainer all winter is tough.

Some triathletes do most of their bike training indoors on a bike trainer.  This gives a very controlled environment, where you can dial in workouts.  What is missing however, is any kind of training, on how to handle a bike.

Bike handling skills are very important for racing.  They certainly help you go faster.  You can carry speed through corners. Riding outside teaches you how to use your gears effectively.  You learn to pace uphills and how to ride fast, down the hills.

The most important reason for having good bike handling skills however, is safety.   Can you handle your bike sufficiently well to avoid obstacles like pot holes?  Are you able to stop quickly or swerve to avoid another cyclist in front of you?  Can you corner effectively, without drifting into the wrong lane of the road?

These are all great reasons why I encourage you to get off the trainer and hit the open road. Besides, an outside ride, is just way more fun.