Not getting any faster, but not really bothered

[Sandra6]

When I first started cycling and discovered cycle chat I thought it was all about the improvements in speed and endurance, getting fitter, going faster, riding longer.
Now I just feel it's about the ride and enjoying every little bit of cycling from the 5 minute pootle to the shop to the 30mile long slog, even if it does take me all day to do!
Surely I'm not the only one who isn't constantly challenging themselves and upping their game?
I'm just happy to be cycling.

 

[coffeejo]

Enjoyment is my priority but I'm also focussing on endurance, hills and techniques such as descents, esp corners, as these are the areas that make or break my rides, not how quickly I get home again.

 

[dan_bo]

I'm just happy to be cycling.

It ain't worth doing if you're not. Good on ya.

 

[ianrauk]

Everyone is different. Some are happy to pootle along at their own pace, others like to challenge themeselves.

 

[HLaB]

My mood varies; I can equally enjoy a 20mph club run and a 13-14mph pootle through the countryside or a 10-11mph commute.

 

[yello]

Join the club sandra6. Challenges come in many different shapes and sizes, and there's no fun in playing someone else's game. Enjoy what YOU do

FWIW, I have gotten quicker just by virtue of riding more. The body adapts and becomes more efficient (for want of a better word), the changes happen naturally over time.

 

[Davidc]

There's a point in life when you realise:

(Mournful solo violin music to be inserted here)

You've already cycled as far as you're ever going to in a day
You've already cycled as fast as you're ever going to

(More mournful solo violin music required here)


You've already achieved the highest average speed you're going to
You're never going to be as slim as you once were



Then you realise:

(Now put on something seriously loud from The Who or The Stones)

You still enjoy getting on your bike
You can still go just as fast downhill as you ever did

(Move on to even louder music from Black Sabbath or Led Zeppelin)

You're fitter and faster than 99% of people your age
You're stronger and slimmer than 99% of people your age

JUST KEEP PEDALLING ON!!!

 

[SquareDaff]

If you stop enjoying cycling then it become a chore and you'll soon be hanging up the bike. Some people get enjoyment from "hitting targets". Others just like the scenery/freedom. I mix both.

If you're enjoying what you're doing then stick, go at your pace and keep cycling!

 

[I like Skol]

Surely I'm not the only one who isn't constantly challenging themselves and upping their game?
I'm just happy to be cycling.

What the hell are you saying? That's just crazy talk

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

There's a point in life when you realise:

(Mournful solo violin music to be inserted here)

You've already cycled as far as you're ever going to in a day
You've already cycled as fast as you're ever going to

(More mournful solo violin music required here)


You've already achieved the highest average speed you're going to
You're never going to be as slim as you once were



Then you realise:

(Now put on something seriously loud from The Who or The Stones)

You still enjoy getting on your bike
You can still go just as fast downhill as you ever did

(Move on to even louder music from Black Sabbath or Led Zeppelin)

You're fitter and faster than 99% of people your age
You're stronger and slimmer than 99% of people your age

JUST KEEP PEDALLING ON!!!

Oi, turn that music down, will you! I'm trying to have a nice peaceful ride.

 

[MaxInc]

I think it's impossible to not be getting any faster as long as you are still pedalling. It may take longer than those who train hard or constantly challenging themselves but your body will adapt nevertheless and will become faster with time.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

It's all about going places for me - and being able to eat more chocolate without putting on weight
Mostly, I get to my destinations around town faster than public transport: I think this is

 

[Nigelnaturist]

I think it's impossible to not be getting any faster as long as you are still pedalling. It may take longer than those who train hard or constantly challenging themselves but your body will adapt nevertheless and will become faster with time.

Not quite true, because if you only do a certain amount of work, whilst your body adapts to that, unless you actually push harder you won't increase, but than it doesn't matter if you enjoy it.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

It's all about going places for me - and being able to eat more chocolate without putting on weight
Mostly, I get to my destinations around town faster than public transport: I think this is

This is it for me, and the reduction in CO2. (not that I believe in such things)

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Not quite true, because if you only do a certain amount of work, whilst your body adapts to that, unless you actually push harder you won't increase, but than it doesn't matter if you enjoy it.

That's where people get disillusioned or start making excuses (age is a popular one). If you don't put the effort in,you don't improve*


*whatever the improvement may be.