Riding indoors has changed from a dreaded activity to something more enjoyable. Gone are the days of indoor trainers that make you feel like you’re pedalling in squares, watching old Tour de France videos in your basement. Training apps like Zwift have changed everything. You’re not counting down the minutes until your ride is over.

Of course, riding inside isn’t quite the same as outdoors. You aren’t steering or changing position as much. You’re not coasting or cornering. It just feels different. Bike trainer platforms help with that, in an effort to simulate outdoor training, but you may not have the space for one.

Thankfully, there’s another way to achieve the benefits of outdoor training: outdoor training. Try and ride once or twice a week outside to augment your indoor training. Even though riding inside is way more bearable, it’s still nice to mix it up and get out in the cold weather and enjoy the outdoors. Plus, it’s smart to hit the roads and keep your technical skills sharp. Go up some hills, go down some hills, fly through some corners.