Evening Ride 1 circuit or laps?

[junkie_ball]

Ok so i have a regular riding partner at weekends and tend to do a 30-60 mile ride (typically 14-15mph average) but am finding it hard to motivate myself for my evening rides on my own. These typically tend to be in the region of 10-20 miles (typically 16-17mph average) a time, mostly enjoyable but sometimes the motivation to ride alone is hard.

I live in a hilly area and love the challenge of some big climbs on my weekend rides. Sometimes i think it would be nice to find a flatish route for the evening ride out on my own where i could work on out right pace.

The only snag in this to find such a route i'd have to ride up and down the local cycle route numerous times (dodging dog walkers and its not really fair on them to be blasting past them continually at nearly 20mph in any case) or find a short 5 mile circuit and run laps. I worry if i run laps on my own i'm not sure i wouldn't be tempted to head back home when passing or loading the car back on the car if not starting at home. After 10 miles or so i do tend to start enjoying the rides so it would be the first couple laps i'd worry about stopping early. How do you guys overcome this as i'm sure i'm not the only on here who has motivation issues when riding alone?

 

[Katherine]

I've done laps before and it is much too easy to go home before doing the original planned number. I have a straight run that's 11 miles each way. Not too boring because the view is different going the other way. I have added some optional side roads as extras depending on time.

 

[junkie_ball]

I've done laps before and it is much too easy to go home before doing the original planned number. I have a straight run that's 11 miles each way. Not too boring because the view is different going the other way. I have added some optional side roads as extras depending on time.

That would be a great idea but i live in the somerset mendips and finding a flatish route more than a mile in length in any straight run would be like winning the lottery.

 

[Katherine]

Oh, I see what you're saying.
Could you ride over a hill to find a straight bit to do laps on and then ride home?

 

[kiriyama]

I live in the peak district. I do love hills but sometimes I do wish there was a flat bit! I'm lucky as i have a good commute that I can vary based on how much time I have, so no need for evening motivation! I find it harder to motivate myself on a weekend after 5 days of commuting.

Laps are tedious and too easy to quit. I much prefer to do a large loop ride (can't quit while half way round) but usualy by that point iv warmed up and feel happy to be on the bike.

The first half hour is always the worst if your feeling un motivated and it easiest time to quit if your doing laps.

 

[nickyboy]

I've never done laps, they sound like the most miserable, soul-destroying cycling I could imagine (apart from hill reps which have been created to make me want to chuck my bike in a hedge)

I also live in a hilly place, at least 45 minutes riding just to get anywhere reasonably flat. If I really wanted to just do a flat hour or two I would stick the bike in the back of the car and drive there. Only take me 15 minutes to get there

 

[Globalti]

To the OP: my son and I had an enjoyable session here last night: http://www.cdpp.org.uk/steven-burke-sports-hub/

Highly entertaining as we are beginners so have been allowed to ride with a kids' group, comprising mostly children from 10 to 16, many of whom are so fast that I can't stay with them! Pity the poor coach as trying to get these over-excited kids to train seriously was like herding cats but nonetheless we did some group riding stuff then had a few blasts around the circuit; I carried on afterwards and completed 17.8 miles in exactly an hour, not bad considering that the early circuits had been at a slower pace. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, got a bit fitter and laughed a lot. As you have guessed, it's a joy to ride on flat, perfect tarmac without needing to worry about traffic.

Can't you find a circuit like this near you?

 

[Milkfloat]

If you want flat - get a Turbo Trainer or some Rollers.

 

[AyJay]

If you want flat - get a Turbo Trainer or some Rollers.

Or move to Suffolk Fairly flat here compared to other areas of the Country although we do have a few bumps!!

 

[adamhearn]

My evening loop has just been ruined by the local council having stone chipped the lanes I use. The loop was exactly what I wanted - having variable lengths (10,12,16 and 18 miles) and isn't a lap which [as many have said before] would be all to easy to give up on.

 

[AyJay]

[QUOTE="adamhearn, post: 3772798, member: 27050 loop has just been ruined by the local council having stone chipped the lanes I use. The loop was exactly what I wanted - having variable lengths (10,12,16 and 18 miles) and isn't a lap which [as many have said before] would be all to easy to give up on.[/QUOTE]

The dreaded stone chipping We have just had to suffer this, although I must say it is a surprise how quick the road settles down again.

 

[screenman]

OP, what is your goal? If it is just to get fitter why not throw another form of exercise in. Being a lifelong cyclist made me very fit for cycling, taking up swimming along with the cycling has given me a far better overall level of fitness.

 

[junkie_ball]

OP, what is your goal? If it is just to get fitter why not throw another form of exercise in. Being a lifelong cyclist made me very fit for cycling, taking up swimming along with the cycling has given me a far better overall level of fitness.

My goal is a mixture of endurance for the longer rides and speed work. I do mix the training as used to me a runner but due to repeated injuries i took to cycling as my main outdoor exercise but do still do a small amount of running and gym work weekly.

 

[screenman]

That is a bit vague for motivation purposes. How about something not too hard like 25 miles in 80 minutes by September, or joining a club and doing the weekly time trials. You will be suprised at the benefits from being a club member can give you in terms of motivation.