How to find lost cycling mojo...
mrtuk
Posts: 75
Finding it really hard to get motivated to do my commute by bike more regularly, so looking for some advice on how to get the enjoyment back into what's become a chore.
My commute is approx 30 mile round trip (taking approx 1hr 5 mins in, 1 hr 15 home) ... i started about 5 years ago, and at one point was doing it 3 times per week, but finding it hard to motivate myself to do once per week at the moment (although do force myself to do this, but sometimes it is hard work - especially on the way home). I'm mainly a fair weather cyclist although have enjoyed the odd ride in the rain, but wouldn't plan to cycle if weather looks too wet or windy the following day !
I've also invested in a 'better' bike on c2w scheme, which i thought would improve my times - changed from a low-mid range hybrid (15 year old marin larkspur) to a flat bar road oreinted bike (ridgeback flight - road gearing, lower profile, thinner types etc), but no noticable improvement in times which was disappointing !
When i train it to work, and i'm walking from station to office on a nice morning i always think "wish i'd cycled" as they all whiz past ... but when i get up in the morning i find it hard to motivate myself to ride instead of train. Also, it probably takes about 30 mins longer if i cycle (door to desk), so need to get up earlier if i'm going to cycle!
I think i 'plod' too much, so perhaps getting a 'speedo' or something like that would help?? (I use endomondo to track times etc, but it's in my pocket, so no inspiration while on the ride!)
Any advice??
My commute is approx 30 mile round trip (taking approx 1hr 5 mins in, 1 hr 15 home) ... i started about 5 years ago, and at one point was doing it 3 times per week, but finding it hard to motivate myself to do once per week at the moment (although do force myself to do this, but sometimes it is hard work - especially on the way home). I'm mainly a fair weather cyclist although have enjoyed the odd ride in the rain, but wouldn't plan to cycle if weather looks too wet or windy the following day !
I've also invested in a 'better' bike on c2w scheme, which i thought would improve my times - changed from a low-mid range hybrid (15 year old marin larkspur) to a flat bar road oreinted bike (ridgeback flight - road gearing, lower profile, thinner types etc), but no noticable improvement in times which was disappointing !
When i train it to work, and i'm walking from station to office on a nice morning i always think "wish i'd cycled" as they all whiz past ... but when i get up in the morning i find it hard to motivate myself to ride instead of train. Also, it probably takes about 30 mins longer if i cycle (door to desk), so need to get up earlier if i'm going to cycle!
I think i 'plod' too much, so perhaps getting a 'speedo' or something like that would help?? (I use endomondo to track times etc, but it's in my pocket, so no inspiration while on the ride!)
Any advice??
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Comments
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Run keeper can give audio stats every set period - I had mine on 5 minutes and had a target pace to hit.0
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Commuting by bike is something you have to 'want' to do - if you have to force yourself then one wonders if its worth it. I genuinely look forward to my commutes; 3 times per week generally - but that's me and we're all different I guess.Raymondo
"Let's just all be really careful out there folks!"0 -
I have to admit that sometimes I don't look forward to the commute - I do get the choice of Bike vs Car - but having been forced not to ride in for the last couple of weeks (crap weather + no shower facility) has meant I "struggled" on my return to riding in - and that becomes part of the motivation.
My commute isn't long - it's ~10 miles - but although we're in the country it is mostly down a major road - so all I get is traffic passing me all the time - the views are good - but I've seen them every day for quite a few years - so I need something to occupy my mind ...
Also - I find I have to change my targets -
last year it was a target avg speed over the course - that's ok for a while - but you can't just keep upping it - it gets boring! (not to mention hard work!)
for now I've got a few Strava segments to aim for (not aiming for top - just beat my current score will do) - this is more interesting (for now) as I can target sections and decide if I'm going to go for it or not ..
I'll have to work out what the next target will be ... any ideas?0 -
Tricky one - the best advice I can offer is to force yourself on your bike more - pick days which you'll cycle and stick to the plan. First thing in the morning is the worst time to decide whether to cycle and you'll end up on PT more regularly. Pick the days, get your kit completely ready the night before, and don't think about it in the morning just go.
I used to be a bit part time but decided the only way to increase my riding was to ditch the season pass and just get on with it - after a couple of months it becomes natural to jump on the bike and far less daunting a prospect. fwiw I chucked the season pass at the beginning of this year and haven't used PT once so far - 35mile round trip - as I said - at first was daunting but now I don't give it a second thought.
Also, get Strava.......0 -
+1 for strava.
I've recently started trying the commute to work ~ 20 miles each way and have done it twice a week for three weeks now. Last one was friday just past, in the pouring rain and a bit windy. I didn't mind the rain in the slightest, but the wind is a pain in the butt, especially when it's gusting as it screws with keeping a steady cadence. This summer has been pretty rotten so far, which doesn't help.
There's a few Strava segments on my commute route, and I find this helps to avoid boredom as it gives you something to aim for. Who wouldn't like to be KOM / QOM for part of their commute?
I also find having a couple of different routes helps to keep things fresh.0
