motivation on early mornings

[Fiona N]

Motivation's what you need to get out on the bike in the early morning when you don't commute to work. Working from home has it's advantages but getting out on the bike everyday isn't one of them If the eather's not perfect it's all to easy to let the day slip past...

 

[BSRU]

One motivation is the virtual empty roads due to lack of traffic. I came in an hour later this morning and the road was packed with metal box drivers in a mad rush to get somewhere.
Also the more cars on the road the slower the traffic, as there were plenty of occasions when the metal box's were getting in my way and slowing me down, the cheek .

 

[lulubel]

Go to bed earlier? If you're struggling to get up because you're tired as well as it being early, the desire for a bit longer in bed becomes even stronger.

(That assumes your cycle commute takes longer than the car, of course. But I would imagine it does early in the morning.)

 

[Willo]

One motivation is the virtual empty roads due to lack of traffic. I came in an hour later this morning and the road was packed with metal box drivers in a mad rush to get somewhere.
Also the more cars on the road the slower the traffic, as there were plenty of occasions when the metal box's were getting in my way and slowing me down, the cheek .

Really good point, a by-product of having to squeeze in early morning rides is just this and it's great, particularly on a nice summer's morning when it's not too hot either.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

hi all

How do you get motivated cycling to work on a early morning? ive had to stat work early all week and had no motivation (ended up going in the car) but by the looks of things ill be starting early again next week.

cheers

stu

Desire!

 

[Shrimp_Stu]

For the last 3 weeks I've been getting up at 5.45am and going for a 15mile loop before going to work on the train.
It helps with the light mornings, dry weather but also helps me adjust into a busy day ahead at work. In fact, I am even contemplating in making this a regular weekly loop during the darker winter mornings, now I got my Crud RoadRacers fitted to my Boardman there's no excuse.......
Oh and I've set myself a monthly target of 500 miles this month - not easy when you've got 3 kids under 6 in the house!

 

[cyberknight]

I forgot to mention the habitual part, the more you do it the easier it gets so less motivation required.


Last year I never di any consecutive all week commuting, this year I am doing it almost all the time.

+1
it starts out as a hard thing to do and then the more you do it the more it becomes the norm.

On days i set out at 6 am , on nights i come home at 5 am ,after 3 years i think of this as normal whereas most of my work mates think i am mad

 

[Evil Rabbit]

I know what it is like, a few things I do:

1. set myself time challenges
2. change bikes (I alternate 3 bikes) - go get yourself something different to ride or swap bikes with someone else at work (which is also fun)
3. occasionally set off 10 mins earlier and stop for coffee on the way
4. play the 'imagine you have shag the 10th person you overtake' game
5. listen to audio books - i find them less distracting than music

 

[Newcyclist]

thanks for the replys,

ill be cycling in from monday

stu

 

[monnet]

Definitely habit for me. I wake up now and never really think about getting to work any other way, I'm on auto pilot. If I'm really tired or on an easy week I consider the bus or the car and then just get on the bike anyway in my head it's just easier. I suppose that means coming at the problem from the opposite point of view to someone who is used to commuting by car (ie: 'but it's easier to drive than cycle').

On days when I have no choice but to leave the bike at home my routine is wrecked and i end up working out if it's possible to cycle.

It sounds hard but motivate yourself with all the ways suggested above and make it a habit.

 

[rus]

I have the answer! First post and i've cracked it! Last weekend my car blew up, turbo went pop took the engine with it. Now i'm cycling 14 miles a day and loving it. (apart from the aches and pains)
So, destroy your car and you'll find all the motivation you'll need.