Intentional Weight Handicap... Suggestions?

[Richard G]

Recently my training and fitness has stepped up a few levels, and, current knee injury aside, I've found myself getting a bit frustrated when out with friends who are quite a lot slower than me.

I appreciate that a mental adjustment is partially required, though I also like to feel like I'm getting a reasonable training session in, even on the social rides (because sadly I don't have as much time cycling as I'd like)... so I'm starting to wonder about intentionally carrying additional weight to slow me down. By virtue of starting this bikepacking thing I'm now in the position where I've got quite a bit of luggage available to me, so I'm wondering what might be a good way of packing on some extra weight.

I've got plenty of cast iron weights available to me, but it's going to be hard to put that into my bags in a way that doesn't see the bike poorly balanced or the weights moving around. Water is an option, but obviously that sloshing around is going to cause problems too. I'm thinking some sort of heavy fabric might work better? If I can get 10-15kg or so added across the bike (depending who I'm riding with), that would probably be ideal.

...and I know, it's a bloody strange thing to be doing, but it does make sense to me at least!

[atk]

Maybe sand instead of water?

[Richard G]

I considered sand / rice but I'm not sure it would be great for the bags. Might be a bit too dense too.

Might not be a bad bet in another bag inside a small frame bag though.

[GregMay]

Ride solo. Then the only slow person is you.

[benp1]

10-15kg is quite a bit. That's nearly the weight of the bike again isn't it?

You could pop stuff in your bikepacking bags, and maybe wear a rucksack/bumbag with some stuff in

(Or maybe find some really heavy wheels and tyres)

[Richard G]

That specific weight is intentional. When checking some of my WRT speeds (carrying that much weight) I noticed they weren't far off what I had done on similar sections with my slower friends. I figure that it might be around the right amount to bring me into line with them.

Ideally I'd not add any more to my back. I tend to get backache fairly easily when riding which I'd like to avoid.

It's more the "what" to add to my bikepacking bags. Maybe some old jeans or something. They're pretty heavy but shouldn't wreck the bags.

[Ben98]

Rubble sacks full of sand then put in your bikepacking bags, though not full, that would weigh a lot.

[Richard G]

Can't help thinking that would have a similar problem to the cast iron weights though. Lot of pressure in one place, quite likely to move around in the bag. Only so far I can crush the bags I have down to stop movement.

[benp1]

What about going singlespeed or running a higher gear than normal and grinding?

[Richard G]

I actually did something similar by doing an entire trail stood up, but I don't want to risk doing any further damage to my knee at the moment with the sort of pressure low cadence riding will put on it.

[benp1]

What sort of riding is it?

You could tow a BOB trailer maybe? Carry a picnic with cutlery/plates and mini stools? Would make you a double hero!

[Richard G]

XC mostly. Not sure I'd enjoy a trailer bouncing around behind me on technical descents!

[Matt]

Put some BB7s on and just add a bit of 'drag'

[AdMan]

Ride a DH bike

[Richard G]

Ha, yeah, that would do it. Probably a little more expensive than rice though.

[Justchris]

Weights on your ankles. Or use riding with your mates as a recovery ride. Concentrate on left or right leg revolutions for two mins at a time. Extra heavy back pack to stress your diaphram and intercostals. Just a few suggestions

[fatbikephil]

Ride a Surly Ice cream truck with bud and lou on it at 10 psi. You'll be strong as an ox in no time

[Richard G]

Ankle weights are an interesting one.

[slarge]

Give your mates a head start? That way they might get the first round in

[johnnystorm]

Big downhill tyres and tubes

[Richard G]

Give your mates a head start? That way they might get the first round in

More likely to get eaten by wolves. I tend to do the navigating.

[Justchris]

Ankle weights are an interesting one.

Not actually as difficult as you would think. You get used to it very fast, Its the same work out that you get whenyour shoes are soaked. But it really smooths out your pedal action. Could help your knee, as it makes you think about your feet and knee alignment.

But be careful it could make things much worse.

[Richard G]

Wont actually be doing any of this until I've had some quality time with a physio. For now easing off the gas a bit is quite welcome (especially when I hit the point in the ride when my knee inevitably gives up).

[BreninBeener]

Some soft and sticky DH tyres and DH tubes. That will provide lots of overload without making your bike a badly handling lorry

[ootini]

If you genuinely want to weigh yourself down in a big way, take a look at SCUBA diving shot belts. I may actually have one I can send to you if I can find it. Basically it's a big wide belt with a series of small sealed pockets on the back, you slide a tube or bit of pipe in through a folded flap and pour lead shot in to it. We used them when diving as they're more comfortable than the normal block belt. I think mine could cope with about 8kg of lead shot when it was full to bursting, doesn't sound like a lot but wrapped around your waist you notice it.

Like this: http://www.deepbluedive.com/beaver-pro- ... tAodL2QAMg#