Backpacking Discussions

Recently, I have started to try loosing weight to get in shape ofr the summer, and have purchased a new bike. I am down 50 pounds from my all time high and down 16 pounds in the recent months. But don't get too excited, I still have 50 pounds to go!

I am finding myself doing more than 30 miles on my bicycle when I can get off work and get the chance to go riding. So, now instead of getting out hiking on my short time off from work, I find it easier to get out on the bike.

So my concerns are, am I keeping my legs in shape for hiking by riding a street bike? Does biking work different muscles than hiking? Also, what do you think burns more calories, an hour on the bike or an hour on a trail hiking with twenty pounds on your back?

Thanks.

There may be some nuance that makes the bike suboptimal for hiking training, but damn! 48 lbs? With progress like that I'd say keep doing what you're doing. Other things may be "better" for hiking specifically, but it seems you've found something that's making significant gains for your overall health -- I'd stay with it.

And congrats. It's hard enough to make the decision to lose weight, and harder to actually make it happen. You've done both, and apparently quite well. Good job man!

Biking is a 'cross training' exercise similar to swimming or team sports.

Hiking's closest variable exercise is running/jogging. The bike riding involves different primary muscle groups than the ones that stop your foot/leg as you plant it and supporting as you move forward, and the thrusting muscles that move your leg ahead along with the muscles supporting balance. Walking on rough terrain involves a lot of the muscles and tendon involved in and supporting the joint movement (knee, ankle, hip)

But the aerobic exercise is still good and works the big muscles similarly. And, yeah, keep up the bike work. If it helps break up the monotony and you can keep up a high sustained heart rate, its good.

Congrats on the progress!

When I started backpacking, after many years of riding a road bike, the transition was easy. My quads and calves were (are) strong.

The issue was that when riding my foot is extended, thus compressing the calves. The first hike I did with some serious hill climbing I suffered! Some people climb on their toes, but I don't at least not all steps I am sure some are on my toes. Anyway that flat footed walk up the hill stretched my calves far beyond normal and I could barely walk for about three days.

I learn quickly though and stretching those muscles is a daily routine now!

For carido the bike is great!

I'd say it all depends on the terrain you're working. Biking keeps my cardio value up a lot more htan hiking around here. I can't bike a number of trails because they are so steep, but the ones I do ride on relent slightly, but not for the length of time that hiking gives you in the lower intensity spots(downhill/flat). So, I get a lot more benefit out of my biking sessions, I just get bored. Hiking does work my calves, tibialis, and hip flexors more, because of the uphill stepping.

Weight lifting at the gym does more for you than cardio or calorie burning activities can ever offer though in terms of real strength and cardio ceilings.

Thanks everyone.

I think I found the answers that I was looking for. I'm enjoying biking very much now. I do road biking. At this time mountain biking does not appeal to me.

I will have to continue with some steep hikes in the spring as I prepare for backpacking this summer. I know from past experience that the steep cliffs are tough both up and down. I want to be ready this year.

I will continue to use the bike on my work days and plan some hiking on my days off to keep those muscles in shape as well. I think I can do it!

Thanks again you guys for the replies!