Can you become addicted to the cycling commute?

[MickeyBlueEyes]

So I'm a guy who commutes everyday, average I think this year is a smidge over 60 miles a day. I had to visit another Factory yesterday which would of given me a 115 mile round trip, which I was really looking forward to. For one reason or another @ 4am I thought actually, do you know what, i'll drive instead. It's only the 2nd day this year that I've been out in the car. For a good proportion of the day I didn't feel motivated like I normally am, I could only think about me missing out on some miles, on my bike, one of the places I love to be the most. A few people commented that I sounded a bit fed up, when I explained that I really missed my morning ride they said I must be addicted in some form! Anyone else ever feel like they've missed out if they miss their ride?

 

[Milkfloat]

If I miss my weekend ride then yes I get a bit grumpy, if I miss my commute then I don't care at all. To be honest with the miles that you put in I would look forward to a few days off the bike a week.

 

[potsy]

I think I was addicted a couple of years ago, got very depressed if I missed a commute.
These days I have gone the other way and cannot get back into cycle commuting no matter how many times I tell myself I will.

 

[blazed]

Not addicted but probably a bit obsessive.

I know my worst days are when I take recovery days. I hate not exercising, whether it be cycling, weights, or anything else.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

I'm a happier bunny on the days I ride into work. I'm trying to find a new volunteer for a project I have at work that necessitates car use (distance v time v not being a sweaty mess at the far end) so I can ride on those days too.

 

[Moodyman]

It soon wears off, especially given the kind of miles you're doing.

I do 14 miles one way and some days, especially in the blackness of winter, I wish I'd driven in.

 

[slowmotion]

I had to take the van to work twice this week. I had forgotten how hateful driving in London is. What an utter waste of time.

 

[mythste]

I feel so lucky that I have 3 possible distances I can cycle. 17 miles full commute, 3 miles, then train, then 5 miles for the lazier days, or I can train all the way to the last 5 miles if im really not feeling it.

Knowing I've got the option sometimes encourages me to go further! But I'm certainly of a lower mood if I gib the whole thing off.

 

[Drago]

It soon wears off, especially given the kind of miles you're doing.

I do 14 miles one way and some days, especially in the blackness of winter, I wish I'd driven in.

i prefer commuting in the dark and dank months of winter.

 

[cyberknight]

Yes
How the heck do you manage to fit it all in around your family life though ? I would love to do the mileage you do but with wife/kids + manual job i dont have the energy or the time.

 

[Hip Priest]

I'm not addicted to the commute. In fact, sometimes it's a total drag. But it's better than the alternatives.

 

[HarryTheDog]

I am not addicted to the commute, but I am addicted to food. without the commute 46 miles a day ( have lengthened and shortened it before but find this is what I can cope with), 4 days a week usually,
If I dont have the rest day I suffer.

In bad weather cut to 22 miles a day, if I dont get the excercise in I turn into Michelin man. At the moment I am yet again on a diet to lose 10lbs as I put the wieght on when I broke my wrist in January and it would not shift.
I cant do @MickeyBlueEyes mileage, I have tried similar ( but still less) , I just get ill the next week.
Also the alternative ie driving or the train can be ruddy awful!

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I must admit that I've been a cycle commuter for that long its just part of lifes routine, its still more enjoyable than driving but its still routine.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

Like @dave r , I've been bicycle commuting for so long, it's just normal. Even getting out of bed at 4am every week day is normal. I'm lucky enough to have nice commuting routes (especially the one heading home), and so I always enjoy the rides, so they're never just 'routine'. I wouldn't even consider using a train or car; the very thought is depressing.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Like @dave r , I've been bicycle commuting for so long, it's just normal. Even getting out of bed at 4am every week day is normal. I'm lucky enough to have nice commuting routes (especially the one heading home), and so I always enjoy the rides, so they're never just 'routine'. I wouldn't even consider using a train or car; the very thought is depressing.

I tend to drive in about once a week, if I'm running errands after work and I can't do them on the bike or if its raining in the morning, I did about 30 years of all weather cycle commuting and recon I've earned the dry drive in when its p****** down.