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Hello ma dudes. Long time no speak! I hope you are all keeping well. Is Flashy still about?
Nearly four years ago I got a dog, and then all riding seemed to stop. And then I got another dog. And although I'm feeling sad about the good times I once had on the bike, I can't seem to get myself back in the saddle again. As well as just enjoying some trail riding again I'd love to plan some multi-day road rides in Belgium and the Netherlands, or something like that.
But I just can't seem to get out. I don't know why.
Any tips to help me motivate myself?
I want one of these to help with the doggo riding connundrum (scroll the righter most picture)
A journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step. Just put your riding clothes on, wheel the bike out of the garage and go for a ride. Even if just for 1 mile.
A journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step.
Just put your riding clothes on,wheel the bike out of the garage and go for a ride. Even if just for 1 mile.
removed unnecesary nonsense
It's testament to how long it's been since I've been here that I just tried to 'like' your replies!
Forget speed, forget distance, forget elevation... Set yourself a goal of "I'm going to go riding for x minutes."
Hello, I recognise your username 🙂
Bloody dogs eh? They've got a lot to answer for.
With regards to making yourself get out, you just have to make yourself get out until it becomes a habit - and you start wanting to go out.
Either set yourself a time that you have to do it or, preferably, arrange a ride with someone else so that you are accountable to them and won't bail.
Just occasionally I get the same contradictory feeling about windsurfing (typically on a cold wild day) I want to go but I don't want to go.
My approach is take a step at a time but I'm not committed to anything.
Step 1 - put the stuff in the car - that doesn't commit me to go sailing.
Step 2 - Drive to the spot - that doesn't commit me to go sailing.
Step 3 - Get changed - that doesn't commit me to go sailing.
Step 4 - Rig up - that doesn't commit me to go sailing.
Step 5 - Pick up the kit and go in waist deep - that doesn't commit me to go sailing.
Step 6 - Lift up the sail (that's not too bad) point the board towards the shallows and hop on - Wahey! I'm sailing! Nothing to worry about, this is great!
Oh, and don't say put me back on the bike if you're on Mont Ventoux. They were Tommy Simpson's last words.
Small steps, regularity, forming habits then.
Aye,TAT is the answer Tiny Attainable Tasks
Before you know it you will have reached the 'Tipping Point' then your on the way to the state of 'can't do without it' .
Good luck, it's (almost)the hardest time of the year to start from scratch.👍🙃
What is the riding like from your door? Is it a relaxing start to a ride, or is it a bit hectic?
The small steps sounds sensible, but I'd try and make them enjoyable steps.
Where are you?
All of the above for me too (except replace dogs with kids (and a dog actually))
I'm hoping to get around to charging my lights and getting out soon. its hindered by the fact the last two times I've been out my chain has snapped (on two separate bikes) and I broke a wheel I can't afford to replace yet on another.
my bike was all set up ready to go all weekend but house chores got in the way then i was too tired plus my mtb mates have disappeared into the dark seemingly never to return 🙁
Use the bikee to do something. Ride to a cafe or a pub or a shop. Ride home. Distance can vary.
Can't you take the dogs for walks on the bike?
I do that every day pretty much.
Little half hour to an hour blasts.
It's a good incentive to get out and riding bikes is way more fun than walking.
Harold loves it!
Takes a bit of training. After two years I still can't get Harold to stop barking constantly with excitement.
My current approach is to stop dead every time he starts barking. I stop A LOT.
Knackering 😂
I normally go windsurfing on my own. But I find it ever so hard to summon up the will to go for a ride on my own, and it's even harder to stop myself turning for home. But with somebody else, I'm eager to go and can ride all day.
They who have most fun, win.
Where are you?
South of Bristol.
Lots of opportunities for quiet lanes, bridleways and stuff. I can make time to ride - that's not the issue if I'm being honest - I think it's just...I don't know! Doesn't help that nothing fits anymore, but then riding more will help with that!
Loads of great tips on here - thanks everyone 🙂
Kayak, your dog is gorgeous!
All the usual tips to stop procrastinating about a ride.
- Lay out all your kit and prep the bike the night before
- Plan a ride with a pal you like to ride with and that you wouldn't let down
- Plan an event in about 6-12 weeks, you then need to train for.
- Ride locally and make the rides short, only about an hour.
- Buy some new lights so darkness can't be an excuse
- Join the local cycling club
- Put a post up here about local riding buddies. Or on Facebook.
- Buy yourself some new cycle kit. This helps motivate me.
- Plan your week out with set free times to ride the bike
- Track your rides on Strava so you can see your progress
But if cycling is a chore or you'd rather be doing something else then why not just do that instead, don't beat yourself about it.
At the weekend, I often go out at 6am. I can do a 2-3 hour ride and be back for breakfast with the kids. The time is there, you just need to use it efficiently.
I think a shortish term softish goal is what’s needed
An event would work. Or it could be a cafe. Like I’ll cycle 12 miles to this cafe for lunch in 10 weeks. So you then build towards that ride
Join a group or club
Allow yourself a treat for riding. 10 rides and I can have a take away on a Tuesday
The time of year isn’t ideal though
Stick an electric motor on your bike. It's all the rage.
South of Bristol.
Lots of opportunities for quiet lanes, bridleways and stuff. I can make time to ride – that’s not the issue if I’m being honest – I think it’s just…I don’t know!
Is there nobody local you can ride with?
I find that committing to ride with someone makes me much more certain to get out.
Also, get your kit sorted out (& tyres pumped up, etc.) ready to go so you’re not hunting around for stuff when you do decide to go.
… That’s what I’m trying, anyway.
Is everyone overthinking this a bit. Does the OP just need a step?
Is everyone overthinking this a bit. Does the OP just need a step?
😂
Allow yourself a treat for riding. 10 [s] rides[/s] minutes and I can have a take away on a Tuesday
Ftfy
I find that committing to ride with someone makes me much more certain to get out.
This 100%. Budy up with a mate. Cafe, Coffee, Cake and Craik (I did hesitate to use Crack...)
Solved - Get an E bike.
North side of Bristol for me so not too much in the way of quiet lanes - well there are but currently too far away and just getting myself off the e bike and back to old school “acoustic “ bikes after another visit to cardiology. The issue is the lack of fitness so the mind always finds other things to do instead of the mental “torture” of I’m not as good as I used to be. I sold the car so I now have to ride to get to work … bit extreme but hey, I’m back on the bike I guess !
I go for little potters around the block only 4 or 5 miles but it’s riding 🙂