The weather we have had to put with has certainly not made it easy to get on the bike of late.When its gray, miserable, windy etc then I have an issue with motivation. Having said that - today is the day. Warm temperature, no wind. Will you have time to get out on the bike tonight ? Just plan a gentle potter, 10 miles or so. Enjoy a glorious evening and come back with a smile and renewed love of cycling.
Keeping motivated when cycling on your own is also a challenge. Do you have anyone you can buddy up with ?
True, the weather hasnt been great here either. 10 miles is still a long enduring ride to me! lol And unfortunately not, nobody else would be committed to cycling now that I know of.
Could you drive to somewhere scenic? Ride nice quiet lanes then ride back to the car and drive home?
Countryside, glorious views and weather are motivation enough for me! Can't get enough of it.
I need to get my car bike rack sorted. Perhaps that could be the solution. Avoid the deadly roads and that's my biggest problem solved.
Can you find something that you always cycle to? For me it's commuting, I only ever commute by bike so therefore I don't give myself the option of an alternative. I'm not brilliant at just going for a ride, though I enjoy it the minute I'm out the door. Even if it was you always cycled to get the paper, or visit a friend, the gym.... Set yourself the aim that you always cycle to do that particular thing?
I did try commuting, it was the deadly roads which to be fair I had a good crack at that put me off. Even the good drivers are scarily close.
Agree with
@rugby bloke
Ditch Strava/cyclecomputer/training goals/mileage. Just go for a bike ride somewhere nice avoiding main/busy roads, have a coffee/beer, read the paper and pootle back.
Finding a like-minded riding buddy or group to ride with also helps.
Reading 'Cyclecraft' by Franklin also gives you better road-craft to be able to ride more safely and positively.
I've stolen the tagline from Alpkit as my new personal mantra - 'Go nice places, do nice things ....'
A few people have mentioned ditch Strava, I dont try to beat segments etc or race anyone, I just love going over the statistics afterwards to be honest. Good motto :-)
So, you're 20, and in three months of CC membership you've gone from considering an ebike to being 'new to serious cycling' to considering restricting your cycling to a turbo trainer because you cba to go out? Are you sure this is the right forum for you?
I know, I know. And I deserve the criticism. I just can't rid myself of the car, even when I wanted to. I wish I lived in a city but I'm outside of it.
Or even the right forum name..
Well, we are chatting about cycling so yes ;-)
Well, he has joined those other people on here who don't ride bikes but who do hang around in SC&P bugging people who are trying to have an interesting conversation ...
I regret going near those threads, but I did have more fun when I took them less serious and I dont plan on joining more :P
Have you tried planning in a set time to go out every day/week come hell or high water.
Even if it's pouring down and blowing a gale I go out, to my mind they make he best rides me vs nature.
Nature wins ☹️
Nature always wins. But it pays us back in scenery!
It never ceases to amaze me why people go to a doctor just to ignore their advice, maybe that is why the NHS is over worked.
Set yourself a goal of getting a 15 minute ride on the bike daily, anything longer and you may not do it. A 15 minute ride is seldom that as once you are out you may not want to go back in, also if you do only do a 15 at least you have the satisfaction of achieving a personal goal.
I'm trying to listen to his advice and break a sweat sufficiently to stay healthy!
I reckon he's split up with the cyclist girlfriend.
Thankfully not, but please note: I got her into cycling haha
Cycling is supposed to be fun. If you don't enjoy it, don't do it. Personally I love cycling down the quiet lanes.we have here, and I enjoy finding out about the area I live in.
If you don't like main roads, buy a cheap folder, drive to a quiet lane and have a wander around. It's a fantastic way to spend a couple of hours.
If you really don't want to go out then perhaps you need to find another hobby. Good luck.
May need a bike rack for the car, perhaps that'd work for what you say?
Commute !!!
I think someone else said this.
Motivation is a fickle mistress, it comes and goes, habit and necessity however stick about.
When I leave work I can't be arsed cycle home, quite often I can't be arsed to ride to work. I have no choice .... Yet once I am out the door, I freaking love it, adrenalin, racing, sprints between lights, the long drag uphill followed by the full on power down hill .... And at the end I feel awesom !!!!
Do it .. commute !!
Meh.
If you cant get motivated to go cycling out in the fresh air you wont last long on a turbo trainer, it takes
boredom to another level.
Can't say I disagree, it doesnt sound that fun. But I didnt mind the exercise machines at the gym, just the fact I had to pay for the gym!
My mojo goes up and down to do with family, kids, work etc etc, I think that's pretty normal. As others have said try and ride with others or join a club and do the social rides, I'm sure you'll enjoy them more and the miles fly by without you "dwelling" on them.
Might consider a club now .. good idea
