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Used to be that I would ride whatever the conditions; week in week out, but these days, just can't face it, all that cleaning, all the sloppy slow trails, just can't be arsed any more. Did nearly 60 miles on the roadie on the weekend, and within 1/2 hour of getting back home bike was clean, had showered, clothes churning away in the washing machine without filling it with twigs and grit.
Unless it's dry or rock hard with frost, can't see much use of the Cham from now on. Is there a finite tolerance for riding in filth?
Wouldn't beat yourself up about it. You are still getting out on a bike after all.
Somedays I can't face it either but you need to pick your opportunities and get out when you can.
I had great fun sliding round the leaf litter in the local woods on Sunday, was great fun trying to eek out traction on slippy climbs and trying to not wash out on the descents. It was indeed slow but still fun.
Bike got a quick hose when I got home at a wipe with an oily rag and then put in the shed.
But hey, you were still out on the bike think of the thousands sat on their arse at home
It's ok, it will pass. You'll forget it was ever warm, dry, and clean and you'll be back on the mtb again. 🙂
It sounds as though you have other bike options and as you yourself say sometimes it is dry or frozen so you are hardly giving up. I suspect your attitude to mud is about the same as mine.
wot epicyclo said 🙂
Know what you mean.
I still enjoy the actual rides but the motivation to get out there is lacking a bit.
I think it was that ridiculously long summer we enjoyed down south, so I'm not going to complain about it too much.
Variety is the spice of life. Leave it for a while and do something else.
You'll be back .. on a cross bike like the rest of them 😉
I had to put out a MASSIVE FOREST FIRE [small copse really] to today as it was so dry.
Some dickhead kids [mayby a moron adult, who knows] decided to have a fire under a yew tree, next to conifers and super dry leaves.
Went out yesterday, yes it was muddy, wet and slippery, BUT it was fun and it wasn't cold.
I hate being wet and cold.
just imagine what your life would be like, if you could not ever ride again...........makes a bit of mud and rain seem rather welcoming.. 8)
I need to sort the SS out.
Only bike I'll ride during the winter unless heading out somewhere on a 'big' ride.
If I didn't have that winter riding would be a lot more of a chore. Instead it's strangely fun...
I get that feeling around mid January when I start to long for dusty trails and heat. The snow last year was entertaining for a few weeks. But then it snowboarding time. By April trails have usually improved a lot.
Having a hose to wash the bike has been a big help. And having SS even more of a help because it's needs are so few. Mudguards make a big difference to ride comfort too.
I'm never keen at this time of year. Takes a while to get my head round the mud, wet and dark.
frosty winter days...when the temperture stays around 0c...
crispy leaves crunch under your tyres...frozen muddy puddles crunch as you ride over them...
the temperture is cold enough that you dont overheat in winter riding kit and you feel snug and warm...
views are stunning in the low sunny afternoon sun that casts long shadows...you get home as the temperture plummits at sunset to a hot bath and a beer or food, the bike is clean and just needs the chain lubed...
i remmemmber these days instead of the wet,mild,windy days..
we have to put up with the bad days to enjoy the good ones... 😮
or like me if near the coast get a beach bike and ride all year round mud free and er...free 😮
By default, any riding time I get at weekends is when the weather is bad, as any days with good weather are deemed to be "family days"....much as I love my kids.... 🙄
I got out for an hour yesterday, and it was great once I was out, but there is a bike shaped pile of mud in the garage that I can't face just yet. But I'm determined to MTFU and get out when I get the chance this winter
Last year we started using/developing the 'Mendip stealth network' more than the same old muddy trails that everyone just batters through. This mostly involves adopting and clearing badger and deer trails, re-opening some older and over grown trails and increasing the cheek level to maximum.
Some cutting new stuff, and doing some discrete, and at times, less discrete drainage, plus the cheek and the new stuff really made the muddy season whizz by last year. I still fancied a good dry ride come January mind.
I couldnt get enthusiastic about riding a mtb all summuer, so ive got no hope now.
Trail running, at night that's where it's at this winter. No bike to clean, gets you fitter, takes less time and pretty good fun
if its too shit to rode herts i ride bmx indoors 🙂 ridelife