The end of the road?

[yello]

Has anyone made the decision to stop cycling? That is, if it is/was something you do/did for pleasure rather than necessity, i.e. commuting. Because I think I'm maybe close to making that decision. If I wasn't so invested in it, in terms of equipment, I think it'd possibly be a 'no-brainer' and I'd pack it in, but I have a garage and a wardrobe full of cycling stuff.

Now admittedly I've had health issues these last 3 months, and I've had periods in the past where I've taken a break, but it feels different today. Like it's 'not there' anymore. I find myself looking at my cycling gear, not feeling motivation but simply thinking it's time to sell up.

Curious, as it's been such a part of my life.

 

[cyberknight]

I go through phases where i think about packing it all in , i never give up completely as i still commute but sometimes a change or rest reinvigorates me desire to ride.Currently not going out over the weekend with my ongoing knee issue and dreading seeing the consultant if he tells me to pack it in .

 

[Ming the Merciless]

How do you feel when you are out on your bike? Many will not feel the motivation sat at home, but rarely regret it once out riding.

 

[wafter]

Sorry to hear this.

While you might not be feeling it currently, doesn't mean it's the end.

Maybe down-size a bit if this makes you feel better and sit on it for a bit..?

This time of year (and the knowledge of what lies ahead) is hardly conducive to wanting to get outside...

 

[Ming the Merciless]

This time of year (and the knowledge of what lies ahead) is hardly conducive to wanting to get outside...

It’s great outside, autumn colours, that earthly smell, rustling of leaves, nice temps. Autumn is a great time to be riding.

 

[yello]

It’s great outside, autumn colours, that earthly smell, rustling of leaves, nice temps. Autumn is a great time to be riding.

Absolutely! My favourite time in fact, around here is spectacular. I love to be out but happy just to be dog walking.

 

[sevenfourate]

Too many enjoyable things to do in life.

If you’re truly not feeling it; move on and do what you correctly love. Just because you once did is no reason to hang it out….

Good luck whatever !! 😁

 

[yello]

Many will not feel the motivation sat at home, but rarely regret it once out riding.

Yes, that's very true. I've found in the past that all it takes is that initial effort to tog up and get out. From there, it's blue skies again.

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

I went through a low phase during the first two years of my long covid, that began three years ago.

Suddenly I went from challenging and often beating my best segment times during spring/summer '22, having started to do recreational cycling in '17, to struggling to do a gentle 60min ride that wouldn't even get me to the closest 250+ feet hills that I'd loved.

I had my turbo trainer for short rides, but I missed being out in nature, in the middle of nowhere near Old Winchester Hill ridge.

The few times I pushed myself to do a long ride to the hills, I had a fatigue crash called Post Exercise Malaise that lasted weeks.

I then discovered hire ebikes at Longleat Center Parcs could be taken off campus in September '24, enabling me to ride the hills around there, like I used to on my road bike.

Buying my own ebike in April this year has been a massive game changer. It enabled me not only to do ~2 approx two hour rides per week around the South Downs hills, but also do some lungbusting efforts up some of them like I used to.

 

[Evil_Breakfast]

How do you feel when you are out on your bike? Many will not feel the motivation sat at home, but rarely regret it once out riding.

Yes, that's very true. I've found in the past that all it takes is that initial effort to tog up and get out. From there, it's blue skies again.

This. Really wanted to get out last week, but being weighed down by a general sense of torpor, I bailed.
I knew that - once out - I'd be fine, but just that first step proved insurmountable.

 

[yello]

I went through a low phase during the first two years of my long covid, that began three years ago.

I have considered the possibility that I'm still ill. Energy levels have been low for a few months now but no other real symptoms. As I had covid earlier this year I did wonder if there was a long covid-like residual.

 

[Pblakeney]

Try a week of commuting off the bike and see how you feel. Contrast and compare.
I don't just mean while commuting, I mean while at work. I always felt better at work when I cycled in compared to when I drove in.

 

[teeonethousand]

My suggestion is to give yourself an official 3 month break...no guilt, no questioning and definitely no riding. . See how you feel at the end of it.

 

[yello]

Try a week of commuting off the bike and see how you feel

Sorry, I wasn't clear. I don't commute. I ride only for pleasure.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Has anyone made the decision to stop cycling? That is, if it is/was something you do/did for pleasure rather than necessity, i.e. commuting. Because I think I'm maybe close to making that decision. If I wasn't so invested in it, in terms of equipment, I think it'd possibly be a 'no-brainer' and I'd pack it in, but I have a garage and a wardrobe full of cycling stuff.

Now admittedly I've had health issues these last 3 months, and I've had periods in the past where I've taken a break, but it feels different today. Like it's 'not there' anymore. I find myself looking at my cycling gear, not feeling motivation but simply thinking it's time to sell up.

Curious, as it's been such a part of my life.

Literally just finished my last round of chemo' for leukaemia yesterday.

Was sitting here thinking 'will I ever cycle again?' When I saw this thread.

Not from a a will I physically be able to perspective, as I am sure I will, but mentally, can I really be bothered?

Having cycled on and off for 54 years I can honestly say it is one dull pasttime, I have only ever done it for exercise.

My conclusion is to leave it until next Spring and if it happens it happens... if it doesn't I will just move on with my life. It wouldn't be a 'biggie' for me to drop cycling.

So... maybe give yourself a substantial break, don't beat yourself up about it, and just see what happens at the end of your break period?