Getting up and getting out

[double_dd]

Hi all,

New here. I've been riding for a couple of years and every winter I seem to stop riding until it gets a bit lighter. It's not so much the cold as the darkness that stops me.

The last 3 mornings I've woken up at 5.45 to try and get out on the bike before I get ready for work but my body just doesn't feel ready. It's dark and wet and I end up just going back to bed.

I struggle getting up when it's dark at the best of times so I bought one of those alarm clocks that wake you up with light which helps.

Anyone got any suggestions as to how to get me out? I know it's likely just 'get your ass out of bed'...

Another point to note is that this isn't a commute, it's just an 8 mile route I've done before and it's too busy when I get back from work.

Cheers!

 

[BSRU]

One of the joys of early rides is the lack of traffic and therefore the lack of cockwombles. I find the cockwomble count rises in rush hour due to people being in a rush, stressed by too much traffic and they tend to be less patient.
I don't have a alarm clock I just wake up early, plus so far this winter has been very mild(so far).

 

[Scoosh]

It is often said that the toughest part of any bike ride is 'from bed to shed' - and you are finding this to be a harsh reality.

My advice is to try not to beat yourself up about it - I am sure there are plenty enough hassles in your life without adding a full-on guilt trip about how 'lazy' you are.

Why not 'make an agreement' with yourself that, when the days get lighter and you can feel more comfortable about going out, that you start doing it. Once you are in 'the routine' of that, keep riding through the summer , then as we approach the darker mornings/nights, ensure you have some good lights - there are always a few threads on lights at that time of year and these days, one is getting much more 'bang for your buck' from lights than ever before.

With a well-established routine and decent lights, the keen cyclist in you will be able to keep the morning riding going - which is much easier than starting from scratch.

Alternatively, see if there is anyone else from CC who is near to you and who is also daft keen, willing and able enough to go cycling with you in the early mornings. Having an arrangement is a big motivator, as you don't want to let the other party down, so the incentive is stronger to get up and at it !

Also, to assist you with your darkness riding, ask around for any night rides that may be taking place near you over the summer; go on some and you'll not only gain confidence, experience and knowledge but you will get the joy of night riding , making the early mornings that bit easier next time around.

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

I feel like its a habit. Just gotta get into the habit of the whole thing, maintaining it is easy.
Get your kit laid out ready the night before, military fashion, and get your breakfast stuff out ready to serve/eat/cook whatever it is, it will help trust me. Before you know it you'll be up, kitted out, fed and watered and reaching for the door handle before you have time to think about going back to bed.
Try it..... just once......go on...... know you want to.......

 

[colly]

As above, plan it and set your stuff out, sort your bike so you can get on and just ride. No last minute pumping/tinkering etc. Before you get to bed think about all the good reasons for getting out, why you enjoy cycling, how good the rest of the day will be once you have 'got up and out'.
Forget about any downsides like the cold the wet and so on, drift off to sleep anticipating all the benefits.
It works for me. (well most of the time) In fact it works so well I will often wake just before the alarm already looking forward to getting out.

 

[John Shingler]

As above and above above. I'm struggling too but getting your stuff out ready night before and have the bike ready. The initial out of bed onto the bike is the worst bit so cutting all the faffing about before you get on the bike is key.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Don't look out of the window when you get out of bed, go downstairs and make a brew, by the time you have drunk it, you will be awake and you will just jump on the bike and go.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Sometimes your body is telling you the truth, other times it is telling you a lie. You are the one that has to work out which. Don't beat yourself up about it. It won't help



Currently mine is telling me the truth - I need the rest & sleep... not sure why but sometimes it happens....

 

[Jon George]

Could be a mild case of Seasonal Affective Disorder, or just that the bed seems that much comfier in Winter. If you're feeling down when you wake, it might be the former; if you're feeling guilty, it's most probably the latter. All of the above suggestions look good to me.

 

[nickyboy]

I must admit that at this time of year it is quite easy to find some excuse not to go out. Too wet, too windy, too busy, need to stay in for a delivery etc etc

But as soon as I'm off the driveway, I wonder what all the reluctance was about

 

[cyberknight]

Sometimes your body is telling you the truth, other times it is telling you a lie. You are the one that has to work out which. Don't beat yourself up about it. It won't help



Currently mine is telling me the truth - I need the rest & sleep... not sure why but sometimes it happens....

My bodies telling me to go by car tonight, pissing it down and knackered from not enough sleep today before i even contemplate lifting steel about all night.

 

[uclown2002]

My bodies telling me to go by car tonight, ****ing it down and knackered from not enough sleep today before i even contemplate lifting steel about all night.

And did you?

 

[Peteaud]

Sometimes your body is telling you the truth, other times it is telling you a lie. You are the one that has to work out which. Don't beat yourself up about it. It won't help


..

This ^^^^

Winter, dark, cold and wet is always difficult.

We have not had any crisp clear days this year that i can think of, its just cold and damp.

Once we get into March things will change.

 

[MarkF]

I give up in December, I get the winter blues badly, the lack of light drives me crazy. I am not ashamed to say that I buy a 3 month gym membership and I cycle an hour every day, then take a hot room for half an hour, lay down with my mp3 player on and pretend I am in Malibu.

 

[double_dd]

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll give it another shot next week when I've had a good run out at the weekend. The dark doesn't bother me as I'm a confident rider.

I just struggle to feel awake some days. I know when it's light it makes me feel more awake. And yes, can't wait for March

I agreed regards to the SAD. That's the reason I got my light up alarm clock thing as I've always struggled getting up in the dark, bike ride or no bike ride.