View Full Version : Enjoying cycling
I'm enjoying my cycling these days. :)
I'm just riding. I'm not training for anything. I'm not trying to get fit or lose weight. I don't have to do ultra-distances when I ride on weekends. I don't have to ride at all if I don't want to. I have no time limits when I ride, or speeds I need to maintain. I don't have to ensure that all my rides include a certain number of challenging hills, or that I spend a certain amount of time slogging against the wind, or riding in otherwise inclement conditions. I'm just riding.
It's beautiful out there at this time of year ... the air is crisp and cool, and the leaves are turning into bright golds, yellows, and reds. And I can relax and enjoy it. :)
.
I wish I lived someplace that had more than 2 seasons:mad:
kendall
09-23-07, 07:39 PM
that was me today, was taking a short 3 mile ride to a friends house, weather was so nice and wheels were rolling so well I ended up 50 miles from home before I knew it.
Ken
It's nice to ride without an agenda, no? I've done some of that type of riding this year for the first time in a great while. In fact, your post may have just motivated me to keep my motivation low and just have fun on my ride tomorrow. :)
... Brad
(GREAT pic, BTW!!!!)
Six jours
09-23-07, 10:24 PM
It is supposed to be fun...
banerjek
09-23-07, 10:27 PM
It's nice to ride without an agenda, no? I've done some of that type of riding this year for the first time in a great while. In fact, your post may have just motivated me to keep my motivation low and just have fun on my ride tomorrow. :)
Damn straight. Today, I decided I needed an attitude adjustment. I was on the final climb of the Everest Challenge. I was frozen, in pain, and exhausted. I tried to remember why I was out there. It occurred to me that I ride it's because it's fun, and I wasn't sure that freezing and torturing myself for another 2 hrs and change qualified.
I bailed and visited the ancient bristlecone pine forest instead -- the oldest trees there are over 4000 years old and I've wanted to see them since I was 10. I saw the trees, took a hot shower, and ate a steak dinner. It's been a good day.
I have to drive almost 750 miles home tomorrow, but after that, life will be back to normal. I'm looking forward to getting back to my regular commute.
It is supposed to be fun...
It is ... but sometimes cycling becomes more like work than fun.
It's GREAT when the fun returns. :)
Six jours
09-24-07, 11:46 AM
It is ... but sometimes cycling becomes more like work than fun.
Yeah. When I retired from racing I was pretty bitter. Took a job coaching at the local track because, well, I didn't know how to do anything else. By the time I finished up with that I hated cycling.
So it was something like ten years before the bike started to seem like a good idea again. I tried to ease back into it but got caught up in the whole "performance" deal again and before I knew it, I was "training" so that I could "win" the club ride. Moronic on any number of levels. Ranonneuring helped me come to my senses, although I still have to remind myself not to chase down breakaways and stuff. But then in pushing my mileage, I was going deeply into myself and coming home physically exhausted, literally trembling, and collapsing onto the couch for the rest of the day. Again, it's kind of hard to figure out where the fun is in that sort of thing.
All of which is a long way of saying that it can be hard to find your "happy place" in cycling. :)
I enjoy this time of year for riding too. I've been doing some longish rides, for me, over the last few weeks, but I just take my time. I stop and take pictures, eat lunch, sprint or slowly spin as I desire, etc. The point of my rides is to have fun and enjoy the fitness that I built up earlier in the season. It does not hurt to live in northern Colorado, where there are so many rural and mountain day-routes to do from my driveway!
Have fun out there!
brandenjs
09-24-07, 12:56 PM
It is ... but sometimes cycling becomes more like work than fun.
It's GREAT when the fun returns. :)
That's where I am. I was training for a 250 mile ride this past year and though I was loving getting out on the road it still felt like I had to do it in order to keep my mileage and endurance up. Since then I have gotten on the bike as much as possible just to have the wind in my face and getting the fresh morning air in my lungs. I passed a cyclist on the road yesterday and all I wanted to do is stick my head out the window and feel what he was feeling. I did the Back Roads Tour in Berryville Va. last week and realized there were roads right out my back door that I have never been on and that I need to make part of my riding routes just because I can........ Ain't it great....Jeff
divergence
09-24-07, 02:58 PM
Thanks for the picture; I wish I was out riding that road right now.
(But all those yellow trees are turning your high-vis vest into camouflage!)
oboeguy
09-24-07, 03:55 PM
I kinda did that two weekends ago: went for a short (~40 mile), hard ride where I didn't really look at the HRM, I just put my head down and rode. It was different and nice. This past weekend, I didn't touch a bike -- hiked for two days instead. It felt nice to be back on the bike today but I admit that I'm looking forward to a relaxed off season.
I wimped out because of the rainy weather, which is rare here, this past weekend. Here are some pictures from last weekend's ride, though. It was a 91 mile loop from my house and to Estes Park/Rocky Mountain National Park and back. Like I said, I took my time and enjoyed it. Except for one set of switch-backs, it wasn't that hard at all either.
The entrance to the Big Thompson Canyon, complete with giant water pipe and tourist trap.
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l47/faganj/thompson_bottom_small.jpg
Typical view going up the Big Thompson Canyon (next 14 miles or so).
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l47/faganj/thompson_middle_small.jpg
Some younger big-horn sheep along the side of the road, just before the town of Drake, Colorado.
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l47/faganj/bighorn_sheep_small.jpg
Looking down at switch-backs just above the town of Glen Haven, Colorado (very, very difficult for me after 20 miles of continuous climbing).
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l47/faganj/glen_haven_small.jpg
View of the town of Estes Park, Longs Peak, and surrounding Rocky Mountains from the top of the pass just above the town of Glen Haven.
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l47/faganj/esetes_park_small.jpg
The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, subject of, and where Stephen King began writing the book called "The Shining".
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l47/faganj/stanley_hotel_small.jpg
Lake Estes on the way back home after a bite to eat.
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l47/faganj/estes_lake_small.jpg
Six jours
09-24-07, 05:10 PM
Wow. Got any spare bedrooms to rent me?
banerjek
09-25-07, 05:19 AM
It is ... but sometimes cycling becomes more like work than fun.
It's GREAT when the fun returns. :)
It's easy to get caught up in the performance aspects and forget why you were riding in first place. The problem is that all those extra things people do show up on the stopwatch and the speedometer. Training makes a difference. So does a tightly controlled diet. Ride strategy definitely matters, and even equipment choice is clearly noticeable.
On the ride this weekend, I saw guys flipping out because they didn't have a gel in their hands in literally 2 seconds (on a related note, living off gel for 2 days is as satisfying as it sounds). That's not totally surprising since they were racing, but anyone who was anywhere near me couldn't have been that fast. I thought the support vehicles were a nuisance and detracted from the mountain atmosphere.
People I know think I was disappointed not to complete the ride. I'm not. I left about 15 miles from the end simply because I had already had a nice ride, was tired of freezing, and wanted to enjoy the rest of the day. My legs and knees feel great and it's likely that I'll do the ride again if they hold it. Next time, I'll do it with lower gearing so I don't need to do special preparation for the ride. Having said that, no more endurance recreational rides in freezing cold for me.
BTW, I met merlinextralight at the end of the first day, and the results show him finishing. Being both a clydesdale and from Florida where it is flat, warm and low, that's a huge accomplishment. The EC is a tough ride, and I met a lot of impressive cyclists.
papawizo
09-26-07, 06:25 AM
This IS a great time of year.
Just before PBP I bought a 1978 Custom Glen Erickson road bike that had not worn through it's first set of sew up tires and chain. (Imagine leaving a top of the line custom in the garage for that long)It looks new. I have been riding this perfectly fitting 30 year old bike and really loving it. I am even riding sew ups just for the fun of it (I've never had the pleasure). All the old components are shiny new looking. The paint has pinstriped lugs that have beautiful cutouts in them. The weather in western washington has been awsome, also. I really have not had any motivation to push anything hard lately. Plus, I'm getting a new wheel built for my "new" bike (a flip/flop). Machka, I can relate to the freedom of riding for enjoyment. I'm commuting more and it feels great because I don't race to get to work, 15 miles away. I enjoy the dark and riding into the sunrise. I like riding with people who I can carry a conversation with. I also like riding the 18 miles into Tumwater, on Sunday morning, to a french bakery (yum) just to sit and enjoy. The pleasures of cycling.
J
cyclezealot
09-26-07, 06:31 AM
Training to me is just always about enjoying cycling and always being ready to go long distances when called to. So enjoying you might say is a part of my training.
+1.
Last Sunday, it was a gorgeous day here in north San Diego. It had rained the day before, and the air was clear, crisp, and cool. I went 76 miles and didn't even really notice it the length of the ride -- just one beautiful vista after another.
cyclezealot
09-26-07, 08:26 AM
^ did you do a coastal ride or inland towards the hills. I love the hills about Valley Center as long as the motorists are sane that day. I love those hills after a little rain and on a clear day.
Coastal. I love riding by the ocean and smelling the salt air.
Spin Cycle
09-26-07, 10:38 PM
Nice to see it's not just me :-) Just goofed around on my last 2 rides, playing around with difference rings and cadences, watching the hot air balloons and not caring that I wasn't maintaining a pace of 20mph+. It's that nice quiet time of the season when events are pretty well done, and there's the last bit of nice weather before the winter crap settles in.
I have less time this time of year and have to limit myself to 90 minute rides except on the weekends. In a way this is really fun because I concentrate more on going fast for a short period of time instead of grinding out longer miles. Then I realize that I ride for fun and don't have to push myself at all if I don't want to. The fun comes back in the cool fall weather.
Road Fan
09-29-07, 05:12 AM
I'm enjoying my cycling these days. :)
I'm just riding. I'm not training for anything. I'm not trying to get fit or lose weight. I don't have to do ultra-distances when I ride on weekends. I don't have to ride at all if I don't want to. I have no time limits when I ride, or speeds I need to maintain. I don't have to ensure that all my rides include a certain number of challenging hills, or that I spend a certain amount of time slogging against the wind, or riding in otherwise inclement conditions. I'm just riding.
It's beautiful out there at this time of year ... the air is crisp and cool, and the leaves are turning into bright golds, yellows, and reds. And I can relax and enjoy it. :)
.
Big sky, indeed! Here in Michigan we have all these pesky trees in the way of the view!!! lol
Road Fan
I used to live in Masonville up Masonville Rd. Right off hwy 34, Big Thompson. My favorite ride was climbing up to Estes then the park. The only thing I didn't like was my hands cramping on the brake levers on the long descent to home. One of the most stunningly beautiful rides anywhere! Fun!
Richard
I lost my computer, and it is wonderful without it it.
I actually am sort of training for 'cross races here and there this season, but I have no delusions of being competetive. If it stops being fun, I'll stop doing it.
I will replace the computer eventually, but today I'm going to head down this highway I haven't ridden on until I feel like turning around. The leaves are just starting to turn here as well, though it's less noticable as most of the trees are pine.
I've got no further speed or distance goals this year. I'm just cruising around enjoying the crisp fall weather before the snow flies. I'll start thinking seriously about my bike again in February. Until then any rides will be 100% fun without any training agenda.
http://bp1.blogger.com/_vUEhS0lU3eU/Rv6mXi7_ndI/AAAAAAAADBQ/kegz3xCobao/s400/lht+shadow.jpg
Crash716
09-29-07, 02:02 PM
i just wanted to say i am jealous....i wish every ride didn't have an agenda...
ohhh well...breaks of training..
i just wanted to say i am jealous....i wish every ride didn't have an agenda...
ohhh well...breaks of training..
But cycling doesn't have to be about training for anything. :)
I'm enjoying my cycling these days. :)
I'm just riding. I'm not training for anything. I'm not trying to get fit or lose weight. I don't have to do ultra-distances when I ride on weekends. I don't have to ride at all if I don't want to. I have no time limits when I ride, or speeds I need to maintain. I don't have to ensure that all my rides include a certain number of challenging hills, or that I spend a certain amount of time slogging against the wind, or riding in otherwise inclement conditions. I'm just riding.
It's beautiful out there at this time of year ... the air is crisp and cool, and the leaves are turning into bright golds, yellows, and reds. And I can relax and enjoy it. :)
.
Machka,
As a long time forum member and a long time reader of your posts/threads etc., I read this with a great deal of interest. I am not going to claim to know what motivates you or doesn't but I will speak for myself.
I have a tendency to obsess over cycling and I am certain that I am the only one who does. ;) I have made it a personal goal to learn to not ride. Yeah, i know that sounds weird but I think i have to learn to not ride to appreciate riding.
I used to never miss a day of riding and basically for most of the last several years i have ridden at least every day. I am so addicted (whoops i said it) that i stress when i am not able to ride. But I am forcing myself to learn how to ride when i can and not worry about it when i can't.
It is only a part of my life, and I think that it is important to keep everything in perspective. I think you will discover a lot about yourself by changing your perspective on cycling. Cycling is a lot of different things to a lot of different people. And people change over time, so it is natural that their cycling habits and/or attitudes toward riding will change accordingly.
How fast? How far? How often? Does it matter? Perhaps at some point, but not likely at all points in life. Continue the journey and ride. Let your conscience be your guide.
Machka,
It is only a part of my life, and I think that it is important to keep everything in perspective. I think you will discover a lot about yourself by changing your perspective on cycling. Cycling is a lot of different things to a lot of different people. And people change over time, so it is natural that their cycling habits and/or attitudes toward riding will change accordingly.
How fast? How far? How often? Does it matter? Perhaps at some point, but not likely at all points in life. Continue the journey and ride. Let your conscience be your guide.
My priorities are definitely changing ... they have to. Right now, there are things in my life that matter more to me than my cycling. :)
And ... I had another very enjoyable ride today!! :D http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=348616
Tom Stormcrowe
09-30-07, 12:35 PM
My priorities are definitely changing ... they have to. Right now, there are things in my life that matter more to me than my cycling. :)
And ... I had another very enjoyable ride today!! :D http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=348616
Good to see you having fun again! :D That's the gateway, just enjoy yourself again......;)
I'm enjoying my cycling these days. :)
I'm just riding. I'm not training for anything. I'm not trying to get fit or lose weight. I don't have to do ultra-distances when I ride on weekends. I don't have to ride at all if I don't want to. I have no time limits when I ride, or speeds I need to maintain. I don't have to ensure that all my rides include a certain number of challenging hills, or that I spend a certain amount of time slogging against the wind, or riding in otherwise inclement conditions. I'm just riding.
It's beautiful out there at this time of year ... the air is crisp and cool, and the leaves are turning into bright golds, yellows, and reds. And I can relax and enjoy it. :)
.
September is typically great riding in Seattle - nice days, crisp nights, etc.
This year it's been wet (our group doesn't ride in the rain), so I've been missing the riding.
But yeah, I like the "no real training, no real goal" riding...
vicjane
10-08-07, 03:54 AM
It is becoming warmer in Melbourne and sunny 20C days more common. On days like this I love taking the bike path into the city for a coffee and then heading out on the light rail path to see the bay. These rides remind me why I love cycling. The pace is slower and more relaxed. Can you see my smile!
Suburban Rider
10-12-07, 07:35 PM
I love your attitude. I truly enjoy being on my bike. I love a good century and often do my own self supported century rides, but that is me. Though I enjoy spending 8 hours on a bike I share your attitude. Just get out and ride for the fun of it. I was once at a cycling event where I saw a cyclist with a jersey that had a one phrase on it.... Bicycling is fun. No matter how far or fast we ride. No matter how much gear we get, if we can keep it there, then all is well on our bikes.:)
vBulletin® v3.7.3, Copyright ©2000-2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.