realskiers

Mike, climbing on trails has a lot to do with technique (you will like this) its also a function of your bikes geometry (which you will also like). Some bikes are much better than others at climbing. Tires have an effect as well. Try not to spin too fast, coming from road work, you will likely try to climb sustained steeps too fast, slow way down, just keep seated (never stand up) and keep your weight forward on the front wheel, don't pull so hard as to lift the front tire off the dirt. A speed of 1-2mph is just fine. BREATHE! you have to breathe and keep O2 flowing...  If your front shock is too soft, it will aslo suck up a lot of energy.  Cross training is essential, even if you are doing vertical leaps or intervals on stairs its a big help. Wall sits are also good. And of course, work on your core, its so important.  Sounds like you are on it.  PS- correct, There's no reason not to ride unless is like 20 degrees (and that's not too cold) or icy.  You ski in much worse.....

"If you can't be with the one you love, love the one your with" - CSNY

In the NJ/Pa area, it's not shoulder season, more like early fall. Still riding, still dreaming about skiing. I'll ride as long as there is no snow or extreme cold.

Don't know about all the spatial awareness thing, but, putting in the miles is the single best activity I can do to keep in shape for skiing. That's an opinion folks - in no way an absolute! For me the aerobic benefit rules! Emphasis now is more on climbing, which I suck at literally and figuratively ! Note tongue hanging out!

Supershapes are tuned and ready to go! These are the ones I bought from Greg and he did some very nice work on them. Just needed polishing plus wax. My best guess is that I may head to So. Vt. early in Dec for 2 mid-week days.

But, gotta agree.....skiing or biking, well, duuuh, no brainer in winter, no brainer in summer!