Motivation to ride

[Danny Tuff]

Motivation plays a massive part in my efforts to get out on the bike in the first 3 months of the year. Mainly down to weather, or poor winter form, my motivation massively dips, and I would choose simply to ignore the bike on some occasions through lack of willing to get suited and out there.

Various things can combat this, mainly for me, music, or reading about inspiring cyclists.

Anybody had motivational issues before? How did you combat this?

 

[jayonabike]

How did you combat this?

The Mrs saying she wants to spend the day in the local shopping centre and do I want to come normally does it for me.

 

[Roadrider48]

Sorry mate, I can't really help.
I have two cars but still everyday, including weekends, I ride my bike. It's something that I love doing so much I don't think about much else.

 

[gavroche]

I just put my cycling gear on and then I feel I have to go, but once I am on the bike , I get this great feeling of freedom . I sometimes get demotivated on my way back if I am tired and struggling, then I can't wait to be back.

 

[screenman]

I do not always enjoy the ride, but I always enjoy the feeling I get afterwards.

 

[Easytigers]

I've found it really difficult the last few weeks but got on the scales this morning and the grim truth has given me a new determination!!!

 

[MarkF]

I admire Roadrider48, wish I was like that, but, I'm not, I don't care how cold it is but I don't like rain & cold and don't enjoy cycling in it at all. I buy a winter 3 month gym membership and cycle every day without fail, I know it's not the same but, I use those 3 months to get my body into shape for the other 9.

Plus, my weight doesn't change much.

 

[derrick]

Stop finding excuses, just get out and ride. H.T.F.U. Rule 5

 

[Brandane]

I admire Roadrider48, wish I was like that, but, I'm not, I don't care how cold it is but I don't like rain & cold and don't enjoy cycling in it at all. I buy a winter 3 month gym membership and cycle every day without fail, I know it's not the same but, I use those 3 months to get my body into shape for the other 9.

Plus, my weight doesn't change much.

+1 ...... Apart from the gym membership part that is!
My mileage drops significantly over winter as I have an aversion to getting wet. No waterproof item I have ever owned has kept the rain out over a long period, and I include motorcycle kit in that category. Just get out when it suits you OP, no point in making it a chore.

 

[ianrauk]

Riding through bad, cold or wet weather is not for everyone. For my commute I have to ride like it or not. I don't drive and I certainly don't want to get public transport. So over the years I have become very accustomed to wet and/or cold weather. However, for leisure rides it does make things harder to motivate oneself to get out and ride.

BUT... it's not really as bad as one thinks it is during British winters. There are some lovely winter cycling days to be had. Yesterday was a fantastic example of that. Bright blue, sunny skies all day. It wasn't really very cold and very little wind. No excuses not to get out on a bike really.

The protracted precipitation and winds we have been having over the past few months make it tough for even the hardened of cyclists meaning that motivation can be lost somewhat.

 

[Longshot]

I don't like riding in the rain but so far, since Xmas, I've managed to get out on the bike for an hour or two every weekend. As Ian said above, it's really not been that cold or unpleasant.

 

[uclown2002]

Riding through bad, cold or wet weather is not for everyone. For my commute I have to ride like it or not. I don't drive and I certainly don't want to get public transport. So over the years I have become very accustomed to wet and/or cold weather. However, for leisure rides it does make things harder to motivate oneself to get out and ride.

BUT... it's not really as bad as one thinks it is during British winters. There are some lovely winter cycling days to be had. Yesterday was a fantastic example of that. Bright blue, sunny skies all day. It wasn't really very cold and very little wind. No excuses not to get out on a bike really.

The protracted precipitation and winds we have been having over the past few months make it tough for even the hardened of cyclists meaning that motivation can be lost somewhat.

So true. When you are accustomed to cycling in all weathers I find those ordinary winter days, which many avoid are so refreshing and welcome. Better than many summer conditions.

 

[Rob3rt]

Andy Tennant made a rather philosophical point at our club dinner re. motivation, drawing on the difference between commitment and motivation! You can remain committed even when you are not motivated.

 

[BSRU]

My motivation is that I enjoy cycling, in almost all types of weather conditions, although I would prefer it to be sunny, +20 degrees, dry and a light breeze

 

[the_mikey]

Cleaning the bike is quite demotivating, especially after the last ride, it looked like I had been cycling laps around a cowshed..