I went for a bike ride today, not long, just 30 minutes, but it seemed like 15, and it got me thinking that I really enjoy bike riding much more than running. So I was wondering, how long and how hard do you have to bike ride to get the benefits of 30 minutes jogging and so on. I know it'll probably work different muscles, so just in a general sense and if so, are any useful for cricket. Thanks.

Depends on what benefits.

At 120 lbs, 30 mins of:
 
cycling 10-11.9 mph expends approximately 163 calories.

running 10 mph (6 min mile) expends approximately 435 calories.

Being low impact, cycling is easier on the joints.

The main muscle groups used in cycling are, from the "bottom, up": Tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, soleus, quadriceps group, hamstring group, gluteal group, quadratis lumborum and associated muscles, erector spinaeus and associated muscles. There are also loads placed on the muscles of the shoulder, upper arm and neck.The former muscle groups are generally those concentrated on in road cyclists engaged in weight trainig regimes. Other branches of the sport, like track sprinting, often place emphasis on a broader range of muscles. It is worth bearing in mind that all the muscle groups that are required to support the activity of those most closely involved in pedalling need to be trained - so the abdominals, for example, should not be ignored in any weight training regime. Many runners find that a limiting factor in sprinting, for example, is not leg strength, but abdominal and lower back strength.

I Love my bike riding, i try to get out a few times a week. sometimes i cycle to and from work, (4 miles each way) or i go out when i get in from work and do a 10 mile circuit which takes an hour of mixed riding, on and off road! (including a gravle pit with a few drops)

as i'm a wicket keeper i find it really helps the old legs! and i love riding anyway!

A bike is roughly 5 times more efficient than walking. So in effect you have to ride 5 times longer to get the same workout. How I know that? I had to write an essay on bikes for physics.
 Also I have heard that it works different muscles than running (which is the challenge of the triathlon). But I'm in the same boat as you Jonesy. I really like riding my bike, much more than running, so I'm also interested in its advantages, if any, for cricket.

chaps if you like it more then you should fit it in anyway!

Well of course I do, I was just wondering if I could do it instead of running. I really hate running...

i ride alot, but feel i should start running, its just so boring!

where as on my bike atleast i can ride up over or off of stuff!

Yeh bike riding keeps you interested and time flies.

i will quite happily dissapear out on the bike for a day or afternoon! 

Right guys, I'm going on a rugby tour next year with school and they're doing a sponsored bike ride at the end of June. We're riding the coast to coast route, starting in the west and heading east, which is 150 miles over 3 days. It's pretty hilly (lake district, Pennines etc) but all on roads.

The thing is, I've never cycled seriously - the biggest distance I've ever gone is about 6 miles - and I've been on my bike maybe 2 or 3 times in the last couple of years. The bike I've got isn't suitable for longer distance road trips and I have no cycle gear at all (well, I've got a helmet ) I actually managed to fail my cycling proficiency in primary school as well () though that was more down to there being no road markings than anything else.

Firstly, do you think there's a realistic chance of me being able to complete the ride?? My parents are very dubious, especially after seeing how seriously the games teachers cycle, and considering 50 miles a day is many times further than I've ever cycled. And secondly, if so how would you recommend I prepare for it?

Buy a gel saddle 

  you think it's manageable though?? or is it a bit too far for a beginner?

Well... I have to say... I do think you're mad.

However, you're fit 

My worry is not the 150 miles but the little hills you are planning to go over.  If you are not a cyclist, your leg muscles [especially the gastrocnemius] are not going to cope terribly well.  If you had 12 weeks to train I would say it would be easy.

What are the contingency plans?  It may be worth giving it a try.  I am sure there will be a minibus or something similar to help out those who cannot go any further on the day and remember, once you are at the top of these mountains, it's down hill... if you survive  .

Try cycling up hill as much as you can between now and the time you go and pray we don't get a heatwave.

good on you! get out on your bike and ride! its more a case of putting in the miles litterally!

OK thanks guys. I'm gonna give it a go and see how it works out. If I'm dying near the time I might give it a miss and raise money doing something I'm more comfortable doing (ie walking, skiing etc) and I'm already getting sponsored per wicket I take this season