I am destined for the same I feel. Not been getting out enough of late, which I am trying to change but life gets in the way at times. Find it hard to get motivated if I have too long off, which is what I have done. After last nights pootle, I resolved to remind myself just how good I felt once out and particularly afterwards! But the memory fades too quickly.
Also think that whilst on occasion I enjoy the solitary aspect of riding alone, sometimes it would be nice just to do it with someone else for a change, not a big group or anything. A couple of things happened like the chain offing and falling off myself that scared me into wondering what would happen should I be 20 miles from home, which is why last night I just did lots of loops of my locality. Bloody anxiety!
Getting out the door is definitely the hardest bit! Wonder if it would help to set an alarm and try and do it in "
@Mo1959 time". I like the idea of not much traffic, since I got the new(er) bike, found I prefer roads to tow paths etc and with the dark nights drawing in (sorry, but its noticeable).
I know I
have improved, hills (to me, lumps to many) that I used to fear I can now cruise up, others I still fear! I need to be a little less hard on myself I guess, 4 months ago I was a couch potato who smoked 20 a day, now, I don't smoke (e-cig though
) and have done over 400 miles since starting in June. That's not a lot to some, but it is to me and something I would never have felt possible! I still remember that first 4 mile ride where I thought I was going to die!
Speaking as a cyclist who took up this activity with a major factor being to give up smoking, I can totally tell you it is a big achievement to get out and do any miles, let alone 400 in 2 months. When you smoke as much as we did, exercise is a 2 minute walk round to the shops to buy more cigs. Sometimes here we almost count miles like they are meters, 400 is a lot, its a huge amount! Sure there are people doing more (there always will be, no matter your amateur level!) but 400 MILES is a loooong way, and you should be very proud your riding that, and not sitting watching telly chuffing away on your cigs!
As someone who works shifts, finding the right time to get out is sometimes difficult too. Sometimes you just have to set a time for yourself, and just go out and ride, dont set any kind of mileage target, just ride out and see where the ride takes you. Most of all enjoy it, if you feel its becoming a slog, or your enjoying it less, wind the miles in a little.
Finding someone to head out with makes a big difference too imo. I'm lucky that I live so close to
@themosquitoking who I met thru this very thread, and has become a great cycle buddy. There has been a lot of evenings I wouldn't have normally headed out, but have because he suggested a night ride.
I know a big group isn't what you have in mind, but perhaps you should consider a couple of rides out with a similar level club (or a club with various groups, and one which matches your speeds) just so you could find like minded others in your area that you could hook up with afterwards?
I've had a really bad 3 weeks cyling wise, I felt I was really getting somewhere with my average speed creeping up and found myself climbing a lot better too then I had a severe dose of laziness for a week where I just really didn't feel like going out, then I had back pain for a week which put a stop to me going out, followed by a few days of feeling under the weather. Nothing serious just tired and lacking in energy, anyway I went out and really struggled. I did 9 miles and I really don't know how I got home, even my first ride wasn't that hard.
I've had a couple of short and slow rides since with the family to try and get back into the groove but I am really struggling, not sure if its lack of fitness or I'm still not feeling 100% but its really frustrating, I seem to have lost 3mph off my average speed and I am pushing myself harder!
I'm going to head out for a few short rides over the next couple to days trying to build up for a decent weekend ride and see how it goes.
Sometimes thems the breaks.
@Mo1959 was struggling for quite a while recently, then just posted a ride of 50 miles at 16mph average! Your going to get sluggish days and days where you ride like the wind. Do some small rides (less mileage) than usual, but more often, for a few weeks, and see if that energy, and hunger comes back.
Maybe a stupid question but do you eat before you ride? Weetabix, porridge or just a banana can be great pre ride fuel. Sleep well, eat well before riding, and drink plenty during. If you don't already use them, try High5 Zero tablets in your water, makes a big difference energy wise.
Just trying to throw a few things out to you both, don't want to be Mr Lecturer here.
EDIT: Fantastic ride there
@Nigelnaturist!
