maximum time off

If anything the 5 days off will do you good. It shouldn't have any negative effect on your cycling whatsoever.
I've just had several weeks off due to some knee-tendon trouble and got on my bike last Saturday. I noticed no difference at all, even on a steep climb.
Just enjoy your Christmas break and forget about training. You'll be fully recharged when you pick up again (provided you don't overdo the alcohol).

ghostpedal said:

What is the maximum time off the bike with no ill effects? I have worked extremely hard, and do not want to lose any of the progress I have made. With that said, this Christmas I will have to travel to see some relatives, and will be unable to ride. I will have access to a Lifecycle for part of the time, but might have a full 5 days where I cannot ride at all. Will I lose any fitness during this time? What can I do? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I have just been given 4-6 weeks off before i start winter training. I went for a ride on sunday (after 3 weeks off), it was 4 hours and i felt fine. There were a few of us, dropped two 1st cats on hills and flat.

So i would say that i have only lost a small amount of form after three weeks. I have been going to the gym to stay fit, but nothing too hard.
As Carrera said enjoy your time off (when else in the season can you have time off!) but don't overdo anything i.e. alcohol and food.

ghostpedal said:

What is the maximum time off the bike with no ill effects? I have worked extremely hard, and do not want to lose any of the progress I have made. With that said, this Christmas I will have to travel to see some relatives, and will be unable to ride. I will have access to a Lifecycle for part of the time, but might have a full 5 days where I cannot ride at all. Will I lose any fitness during this time? What can I do? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

it will depend on your absolute fitness and how long you've been training, along with your age as well, etc. however, detraining occurs fairly rapidly (unfortunately), but with such a short period of detraining (5-days) it shouldn't be serious (and may not be noticeable).

Prior to going away i'd increase your training, and when you return start out gently and take it easy. if you can do some training while away (is a Lifecycle an exercise bike in the gym?) then this will help and (assuming it's cycling related) will help prevent a decline in (cycling) fitness.

Ric

I've had quite some time off and, O.K., I confess I'd be struggling on one of my longer rides. I've gained a little weight as well. But I'd definitely notice no major difference after 5 days and, even now, I'm fine on short rides.
I think there's a lot to be said for breaks. Firstly, you can slip into a rut where you could actually be training a lot harder than the norm. I mean, I've had some weeks off and I'm really looking forward to riding again, so, more enthusiasm should pay off in better quality training time.
I do have these vague memories of jogging in the snow on Christmas day when I was still a student but not anymore.

wardie2000 said:

I have just been given 4-6 weeks off before i start winter training. I went for a ride on sunday (after 3 weeks off), it was 4 hours and i felt fine. There were a few of us, dropped two 1st cats on hills and flat.

So i would say that i have only lost a small amount of form after three weeks. I have been going to the gym to stay fit, but nothing too hard.
As Carrera said enjoy your time off (when else in the season can you have time off!) but don't overdo anything i.e. alcohol and food.

Carrera said:

I've had quite some time off and, O.K., I confess I'd be struggling on one of my longer rides. I've gained a little weight as well. But I'd definitely notice no major difference after 5 days and, even now, I'm fine on short rides.
I think there's a lot to be said for breaks. Firstly, you can slip into a rut where you could actually be training a lot harder than the norm. I mean, I've had some weeks off and I'm really looking forward to riding again, so, more enthusiasm should pay off in better quality training time.
I do have these vague memories of jogging in the snow on Christmas day when I was still a student but not anymore.

within say two to three weeks, there's big changes underway in terms of actual physiological changes. some occur within a week

ric

This is true but it's also true that a lot of people run themselves into the ground. In my case, I was working 12 hour shifts every night and cycling. I was sleeping 5 hours a night or sometimes not at all. I was knackered.
Sure, I've lost some degree of fitness but my knees are getting stronger and I feel physically refreshed.
I have to laugh, though, as I remember how worried I used to get over missing sports training. What really [censored] me off was mechanical problems with my bike and having to leave it in the shop. I got so fed up with it I bought another bike so I'd not be left in the lurch.
I'm also paranoid about people with colds and flu-viruses. I recall one student who'd been sitting slumped on a computer, blowing his nose and coughing. I fled the area. Nothing worse than missing your rides when you're laid up with colds.

ric_stern/RST said:

within say two to three weeks, there's big changes underway in terms of actual physiological changes. some occur within a week

ric

Thanks for your replies. I will get on the Lifecycle (gym type cycle with electronics, etc. and a HUGE seat with springs) when I get the chance. I am not exactly a national competitor or anything, just someone who loves to bike and is looking forward to racing in the Spring. I appreciate the feedback, and would welcome any other comments anyone may have.