Getting back in the saddle-commuter rides

[ttcycle]

Right this is getting ridiculous! I managed to get out on the bike three days last week for piddly rides which for my current cycling hiatus is an achievement- this week have accomplished sod all in the saddle and finding motivation to get out minimal.

Was talking to a friend recently and it seems having a purpose to cycle somewhere is really important - whether that's delivering something, seeing a mate or going to work and commuting.

I think for my sanity I need to get riding more and force myself out and about until my head catches up with me and loves the riding again and get myself into a bit more of a routine and was wondering if there are people (most likely who know me- poor poor people

) who don't have too early a start and commutes through South London that I can join onto for part or all of their commute and mix it up with a couple of different rides with different people in the week. On the off days I will have to see as some days will just physically be too tired to do it.

As a warning- I'm not as fast and certainly not as fit as I used to be so that's something to take into account.

There's the other part of me that's thinking that I just need a break from the cycling and to come back to it when I'm fully ready...I just have a fear that this is not going to happen (most likely irrational I know)

PM or post...

 

[Bornagaincyclist]

Just sell your car - worked for me!

 

[BSRU]

I don't care if I'm fast or fit enough or what other cyclists think, commuting on two wheels is great fun.
I have no purpose, I live less than 2 miles from work but normally cycle between 20 and 30 miles each day just because I enjoy it.
I commuted 20 miles today despite having a stinking cold and feeling like s***, there is no way I was going to take the boring option of using the metal box.
The problem with riding with other cyclists is you may start to judge yourself by the other riders standards, which you should never do.

 

[david1701]

thats so cool, you can commute with me but you need to get down here first

 

[ttcycle]

I don't own a car and I technically don't have a commute to anywhere either.

It's not comparing myself to another cyclist more to my previous fitness levels.
I'm trying to manufacture a commute to get out on the bike and cycling more as the motivation has dropped off considerably and don't seem to be getting the same joy as previously.

I think it will come with time and I should just let it be and let myself rest, an extended break is probably needed.

David I'd take you up on the offer but cycling down to Cornwall is no longer commuting distances!!

 

[jefmcg]

What's "too early"? And "South London"?

I could take my alternative route up CS7, but that would be from Clapham Common around 8am.

 

[Telemark]

Would it work if you did your food shopping a commuting distance away, rather than round the corner?
That might get you out on the bike a few times a week, with a destination ...

Alternatively, if you come up to Edinburgh, you can join me on my commute

T

 

[david1701]

seems fair, how about if I end up in London with my bike you show me around?

 

[ttcycle]

T I'm sort of in the process of getting that going- got a trailer for this purposes and most big supermarkets arent local to me anyway.

David that sounds like a plan, if you're heading to the smoke I'll give you a 'tour'.

Jefmcg-I'll Send you a pm

 

[SLIMKIM]

Just sell your car - worked for me!

exactly. I got rid of my car due to cost and the fact that I didnt really need it. I cycle everywhere now, work, shops, Gym, leisure and cardio rides etc etc. if you have a car, it's obviously easier to take the easy option (the car) when you need to go somewhere. even winter didnt bother me. just had a good set of waterproofs.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I set this thread up on Bike Radar - you might manage to find a co-commuter here...

http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12736730

 

[ttcycle]

Cheers for the replies. The link is really useful DM.

Will have a think and get something going

 

[gaz]

There are loads of us on the CS7 at different times. I'm more than happy to pottle along and chat at any time.

 

[ttcycle]

I haven't gotten any further with this- what time would you say people are on the CS7 Gaz? Been ages since I last saw you on a Sunday ride.

These last three days I've just been knackered for no reason and I'm thinking to just go with that until the energy comes back rather than force it.

 

[gaz]

Anytime for 6.30 to 9. I'm usually on it between 7.45 and 8.45 between colliers wood and stockwell.
You will have to ask individual people as to what time they are on it. Clarion, Origamist, User1314 and sitting duck use it, along with others.