Back in the saddle again...

[Athanasius]

It's been a month since I rode my bicycle. A lot of things have happened that have been good excuses not to ride - moving into our new house, taking up a second job which requires me to go from site to site (no commuting on the bike!), some big projects for my new client...

Good news is that I haven't gained way too much weight back.

Anyway, it was so gorgeous this afternoon that I had to go for a ride. A quite hilly 5 mile ride and I can feel my lack of riding, especially in the lung area (does anyone else hiccup/burp after a hard ride?).

I need to ride regularly, but it looks like I'm going to have to transition from riding to commute to riding solely for exercise/enjoyment. I'm afraid that there will be a bit more "discipline" involved in riding it just for exercise.

What are some good motivators?

I do know that being active on this board is a big motivator for me. Hearing others talk about both their successes and failures/obstacles is great. Any other thoughts?

[MMPC]

Hey Athanasius, I'm in a similar boat actually. I used to ride regularly until last season - new house, new job, etc - just like you. Didn't ride more than about a dozen times last summer! :( But now I've got a new bike and plan to get into the best shape I've ever been this cycling season. That's a good motivator right there - along with planning to join some organized rides and then training for them.

Other things that motivate me are: watching cycling on television, pulling up pictures online (webshots.com is a great place) of cyclists and great places to ride, and finally, trying to meet up with other cyclists in the area for a ride. In the past, this forum has been a great place to meet other similarly minded (and physically able) cyclists for group rides; they're a blast!

[Athanasius]

You can watch cycling on television (outside of the Olympics etc)? I had no idea. I'll have to go and search for it on my TV.

I have a few friends who ride, but are way beyond my ability right now. I'm sure they'd take it easy for me, but I guess there is a bit of bashfulness in asking.

I've thought that maybe switching to a road bike might help a little bit (I'm on a hybrid now)...and I do have one thing to "train" for, a double century in August. But August seems forever away. :)

Well, here's to a much better '08 riding season!

[MMPC]

A double century? Wow - that's a goal alright, way to go for it! :) For cycling on TV, check out the Versus network (http://www.versus.com/cyclysm#schedule) - it's fun to watch even if pro cycling has suffered numerous black eyes over the past several years.

A road bike is like getting a sports car. If you enjoy speed, it's the way to go for sure. Just be sure if you go looking to check out a reputable bike shop with knowledgeable employees. They can get you into just the right bike with the right components (strong wheels are important for us big guys) at a good price.

Take care and have a good ride! :)

[Athanasius]

Wait, nix that! Two Centuries in two days. :) I'm not superman, nor am I careful typist!

[Mazama]

Welcome back, "Sausage with Wheels!"

[MMPC]

Wait, nix that! Two Centuries in two days. :) I'm not superman, nor am I careful typist!
That's still a heck of a challenge! I have yet to do even one century - even when I was in much better shape... ;)