The Way Out

6am.

Another morning behind bars.

Handlebars, that is.

At this time of year, I spin indoors. Five or more spin sessions a week.

I’d rather be outside riding but such is life in this part of Canada. Winter tends to limit the use of a road bike outdoors.

Over the years, I have used a lot of support tools for spinning. They were, however, fairly static things. Run a video and pace along.

Something to endure.

All of that changed for me on January 9th.

David McQuillen, founder of The Sufferfest, had sent me the News From Sufferlandria, a newsletter that is really just about suffering. But buried deep within the newsletter was this little nugget:

Pssssst. Our new app is out. It’s a secret – we’re not talking about it until Monday. But we’re telling you right here, right now. Find out more and get a 7 day free trial…

Shut up! A new app? Must check it out now.

And I did.

The minions at The Sufferfest outdid themselves. This app is total suffering.

All 27 videos can be streamed to a compatible device. I use an iPad Pro. The videos can be cached and watched offline as well. Handy for me being out in the country where high-speed Internet is more of an aspiration than a reality.

The app can link to Bluetooth and ANT+ heart rate monitors, power meters and cadence sensors. This allows for interactive training sessions where you can train with specific performance targets.

There is also a Sufferlandrian Passport which keeps track of all the suffering. Every workout can be recorded.

This is a wonderful resource for riders and it is a subscription for only $10 a month.

Fair warning though. These videos are challenging.

Couchlandrians will not enjoy these workouts. They prefer couches. And donuts. Lots of donuts.

Those who love to ride will appreciate the challenge.

It makes indoor riding, dare I say it, almost fun.