This past winter we had multiple indoor sessions with the club. Now that winter’s over we’re under the assumption you can ride outside all the time. We know we’re not that lucky. Here’s a review for a great indoor alternative:

One Sunday afternoon I finally ripped through the shrinkwrap on this training DVD with measurable skepticism. Race Day. Right. I have spun many times (at the Alpine Shop) to Troy Jacobson and the Spinerval riders. While the workouts are challenging; the music is less than appealing. Coach Troy’s cheery, ambitious and constant encouragement is a rider’s only motivation. This was my point of comparison for Race Day.

As I sat on my couch, laptop in, well, my lap as I worked. I was expecting to let the DVD run in the background, but soon I found myself pulled to edge of the couch cushion. After navigating the opening menu (and skipping the intro) I went straight to the race. There was no music. Only a camera strapped to Robbie Ventura’s bars. He’s miked up and talks through the entire race. It’s an absolute must-see if you want to know what crit racing is like. He gives great tips on how and when to move up.

Toward the end of the race portion, though, you can tell his oxygen deficit is adding up as his explanation goes severely downhill (not literally). The end is flat out confusing and NOT GOOD if you want tips on finishing a crit well. As a viewer, you want your guy, Robbie, to finish well. I hate to be a spoiler, but he doesn’t win.

To fully confess, I never executed the workout suggested by the dials and numbers on the screen that are intended to direct your effort level. I found it much more interesting to ride the race and not pay attention to those distracting things. There’s so much going on already.

My biggest disappointment? There’s only ONE race. Granted, Robbie does a great job making you feel like you’re part of the day: pre-race course survey, warm-up, post-race interviews and other snippets (of the women’s race, too). All in all, I highly recommend watching it and training to it. Heck, I might even dust it off tomorrow and DO the workout if my ride gets rained out.

tags:dvd&bullspinning&bulltraining&bullvideo