What is cycling to you?

[teeonethousand]

Well, I’m about to bring a bit of a downer to the proceedings: I no longer enjoy cycling. The antisocial behaviour from drivers, pedestrians, and even other cyclists has finally worn me down. The thought of getting on a bike now fills me with anxiety and dread.

I was meant to go out today for a little social ride with some acquaintances, I took one look at the weather and thought, “feck it, I’m not going.” A couple of years ago I’d have gone out regardless of the conditions.

On Monday I did 20 miles on the road bike, and the whole time I kept asking myself, “why am I doing this?” I felt no sense of achievement or satisfaction when I got home.

Three weeks ago I hired a leccy bike and did 30 miles on traffic‑free routes around Canberra. It was fun, it was safe, and I didn’t witness a single bit of negativity. The gorgeous weather helped, of course. I genuinely enjoyed it.

But now that I’m back here, I just can’t face it anymore. For me, cycling in this country is sh!t.

I suppose I should be grateful. I’ve had about 30 years of enjoyment from cycling, with some great adventures and visits to places I’d never have reached otherwise. I’ve been very lucky.

Maybe the love will come back one day. Who knows.

I suspect the weather here does that to all of us….but it is temporary🤞

 

[EltonFrog]

I suspect the weather here does that to all of us….but it is temporary🤞

I’d like it to be true, but I’ve felt like this for about 18 months.

 

[teeonethousand]

I’d like it to be true, but I’ve felt like this for about 18 months.

Have you tried EMTB…I did in summer a couple of times and can definitely see me moving to that when fed up with roads.

 

[EltonFrog]

Have you tried EMTB…I did in summer a couple of times and can definitely see me moving to that when fed up with roads.

No not EMTB, but I do have a MTB, quite a good one. I have six bikes, struggling to even look at them just now. I’m reluctant to sell them just in case I regret it.

 

[ianrauk]

I’d like it to be true, but I’ve felt like this for about 18 months.

I'm actually genuinely sorry you feel that way. I hope your cycling mojo comes back sooner rather then later.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I find it particularly incredulous when I'm out and when stopped for a drink I am asked 'Come far' the person asking is invariably astonished when I say 30 40 miles. People so underestimate how easy it is cycle a good distance with no super fitness, special clothing. Just hop on and go.

People are amazed if you’ve cycled 10 miles. They have no idea, as they drive everywhere that is more than 400m.

 

[EltonFrog]

I'm actually genuinely sorry you feel that way. I hope your cycling mojo comes back sooner rather then later.

Thank you.

 

[Drago]

I used to cycle 12 miles to work, 30 odd at work, and 12 home, day after day, month after month. The Inspector, a Sandhurst graduate, used to say, "Good show!"

 

[Gwylan]

Cycling to me is gently surprising people.

Recently my wife and I survived 50 years together.
We have seen most things possible in that time.

We decided to have a special night away, together. Cheaper than inviting scrounging friends and hangers on

Anyway, little potel about 30 k from home with a reputation. We decided to cycle. Because we can.
Booked the room, set off with pyjamas and clean underwear. Not quite a re-enactment of our wedding night.

Arrived at the potel and check in.
Requires a car registration number.
But we cycled, where can we keep our bikes, locked up safely?
Beautiful, amazed, incredulous looks and glances exchanged between the staff
It was all worth it.

Think we will chose other unsuspecting hotels in the area for this adventure.

 

[Gwylan]

Funny thing

That was what Lockdown was during Covid

Chance meetings was a way of coping with the lack of social interaction. Saved whatever passed for my sanity.
No planing or whatever, just bumping into chums on a route who happened to have the Primus on and be brewing coffee. And, total surprise you had some donuts with you.
What are the odds?

 

[simongt]

Some thing I alluded to a while back, I came across some fella, in his late fifties / early sixties who happily stated that he'd never ridden a bike in his life.
Unusual I thought, but how much 'discovering' had he missed out on during his life I wonder - ?

 

[Gillstay]

Just been to Coventry transport museum for the cars and ended up discussing cycles for hours. Great visit and comes from a love of cycling.

 

[fossyant]

Well, I’m about to bring a bit of a downer to the proceedings: I no longer enjoy cycling. The antisocial behaviour from drivers, pedestrians, and even other cyclists has finally worn me down. The thought of getting on a bike now fills me with anxiety and dread.

I was meant to go out today for a little social ride with some acquaintances, I took one look at the weather and thought, “feck it, I’m not going.” A couple of years ago I’d have gone out regardless of the conditions.

On Monday I did 20 miles on the road bike, and the whole time I kept asking myself, “why am I doing this?” I felt no sense of achievement or satisfaction when I got home.

Three weeks ago I hired a leccy bike and did 30 miles on traffic‑free routes around Canberra. It was fun, it was safe, and I didn’t witness a single bit of negativity. The gorgeous weather helped, of course. I genuinely enjoyed it.

But now that I’m back here, I just can’t face it anymore. For me, cycling in this country is sh!t.

I suppose I should be grateful. I’ve had about 30 years of enjoyment from cycling, with some great adventures and visits to places I’d never have reached otherwise. I’ve been very lucky.

Maybe the love will come back one day. Who knows.

You may need to mix it up, and not think you NEED to go out if the weather is bad. Right, you have an MTB. What about going to a trail centre and riding the green or blue just to get the feel again. Many have a nice cafe. Do not go for red or black - that's for later on, much later one.

I've taken it easy this last 12 months following a big accident - actually tiny slip, slow speed, but huge damage to my hip socket and pelvis. By luck, it didn't get spotted at the time, and I just thought I'd torn all my muscles/tendons and took it easy. 6 weeks later, eventually found alot of big fractures. So glad it was late as I'd have a replacement hip now. I have, fortunately, healed ok, and my hip feels ok, it's working fine on the bike. So I've let it heal and not pushed it. Weather has been bad, I've got the car to work.

12 months on, I am ready to to get back to it. Planning some solo 1 night out and back bike packing trips, although MrsF want's to meet me at the other end (she will drive there), which defeats my goal a little, but might keep her happier. I won't get away with the little tent !

So have a think, plan some off road bridleway routes. Spring is coming.

 

[Mrs M]

E road bike is for head clearing mileage
Mountain bike is for muddy rides and out with the dog
Pashley cruiser is for gentle trundling just going nowhere in particular

 

[fossyant]

Cycling to me is gently surprising people.

Recently my wife and I survived 50 years together.
We have seen most things possible in that time.

We decided to have a special night away, together. Cheaper than inviting scrounging friends and hangers on

Anyway, little potel about 30 k from home with a reputation. We decided to cycle. Because we can.
Booked the room, set off with pyjamas and clean underwear. Not quite a re-enactment of our wedding night.

Arrived at the potel and check in.
Requires a car registration number.
But we cycled, where can we keep our bikes, locked up safely?
Beautiful, amazed, incredulous looks and glances exchanged between the staff
It was all worth it.

Think we will chose other unsuspecting hotels in the area for this adventure.

Congrats, on the 50 years and the hotel shocker ! Love it.