How do you keep yourself sane on long rides?

[Tasker]

I’m hoping to get back into cycletouring and I think this a very relevant question, to me at least.

My last tour (some years ago) was completely spoiled by simple loneliness and I wonder if this is the root of the problem. I was quite ok going to my chosen destination, cycling all over the place when there, visiting all the places I’d carefully marked out and really enjoying my little adventure.

But coming back, mentally I went to pieces, ringing up my better half each time I came across a phone box. I’ve never felt so alone. Thinking back over this I’ve come to the conclusion that I was physically exhausted. I’d simply over done it and distinctly remember coming home on a grey Sunday afternoon, drizzle starting, miles from anywhere with no other sign of human life. On top of it, getting a severe case of the ’bonk’ – dunno what it’s called it now. To find yourself in such a situation is pure hell and now, being on my own so no one to even phone when I’m down frightens me and really is sapping my courage to start touring again.

But I still want to try again.

 

[roadiewill]

apparently buying some deep section rims makes a nice soundtrack to your ride

 

[Dave5N]

I’m hoping to get back into cycletouring and I think this a very relevant question, to me at least.

My last tour (some years ago) was completely spoiled by simple loneliness and I wonder if this is the root of the problem. I was quite ok going to my chosen destination, cycling all over the place when there, visiting all the places I’d carefully marked out and really enjoying my little adventure.

But coming back, mentally I went to pieces, ringing up my better half each time I came across a phone box. I’ve never felt so alone. Thinking back over this I’ve come to the conclusion that I was physically exhausted. I’d simply over done it and distinctly remember coming home on a grey Sunday afternoon, drizzle starting, miles from anywhere with no other sign of human life. On top of it, getting a severe case of the ’bonk’ – dunno what it’s called it now. To find yourself in such a situation is pure hell and now, being on my own so no one to even phone when I’m down frightens me and really is sapping my courage to start touring again.

But I still want to try again.

It is.

But it's heaven when you're zipping along and feeling good. Sounds to me like you were just going home, mission accomplished. You needed another mission, perhaps?

Stick at it. Think about how good it feels when you're out there, in control.

 

[Dave5N]

And if you're really stuck phone me. I'll help if I'm nearby. If I'm not, I'll ask on here. I know someone will get there for you.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

I hold conversations with people. I'm not sure whether they are really there or not, but I just do.. Ok?

I do this too, or at least I did in the days when I actually rode my bikes. I did a 225Km ride from Stafford to the Lincolnshire coast on 30th December a few years back, starting out at around 2pm and finishing at 1 in the morning. It was a great ride, but very lonely (especially in the lanes in the arse end of nowhere) and I must have had imaginary conversations with most of the people I've ever known.

 

[Wigsie]

Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!

Thats the sucker! Although the backdrop in BC is a touch nicer than the A20 cutting through the South Downs towards the Channel Tunnel!

Did that one mock you Rando? what am I talking about, you are the constant voice of reason with no room for one to mock!

 

[snorri]

being on my own so no one to even phone when I’m down frightens me and really is sapping my courage to start touring again.
But I still want to try again.

You have a freedom that many with commitments would relish. Devise a round tour next time so that you are covering fresh ground for the most part, that way you are not on the homeward leg until the final days of your tour.

 

[Hilldodger]

Bit of axe murdering usually

 

[John the Monkey]

I have never found it a problem and all of my rides are solo and I never ride plugged into anything. I just enjoy being in the countryside and find the distance soon mounts up.

+1, although sometimes I do sing (I generally try to remember the words to "Bravo Eddy" or "De Fiets Van Piet Van Pa" )

 

[RabbitFood]

Ride with a really fit girl that is quicker than you are so that you get to look at her a**e as you are trying to catch up with her

ops im talking in my sleep again, but thats what i think off when i ride lol

 

[shunter]

Ride with a really fit girl that is quicker than you are so that you get to look at her a**e as you are trying to catch up with her

ops im talking in my sleep again, but thats what i think off when i ride lol

Now that you mention it - I have never seen any fit girls clothed in lycra commuting to work. Where are they all ?

 

[RabbitFood]

they down the gym on the cyclying machines im afraid, but you just have to pretend the big fat hairy arse infront of you on the road is that of Megan Fox

 

[shunter]

they down the gym on the cyclying machines im afraid, but you just have to pretend the big fat hairy arse infront of you on the road is that of Megan Fox

Do you think all these 'spinners' will venture on the road when summer arrives. ?

 

[RabbitFood]

I hope so, the ladys in my spin classes are the main reason that I go to them lo

 

[John the Monkey]

Now that you mention it - I have never seen any fit girls clothed in lycra commuting to work. Where are they all ?

Used to be a young lady in "Vlaanderen" shorts on a roadie who I'd see now and then going through Heald Green. Also chatted to a lady on a hybrid about my old bike (she was surprised to see someone riding a bike with downtube shifters). Whilst neither could compare to the radiant Mrs. Monkey, both might be said to be attractive by someone not blind to the charms of ladies other than the radiant Mrs. Monkey.