Touring - All things being equal....

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meaculpa
07-26-09, 11:24 PM
I just returned from, what I thought should be, a short ride. Now I am used to pulling in 10 miles/day (3 in 7 out) in hilly terrain 5 days/week, basically my daily commute. And I've done my share of 20-40 mile rides around my hometown, no problem. But today I had my butt kicked by a little 25 mile rural New York ride. There were numerous hills and descents. 650' plus & minus. But it seemed to take forever. I could hardly finish some of the hills.
Now I have a theory: I was alone and this route was very repetitive. So it became boring. Have you delt with this? Because I am convinced that if there were some distraction, I'd have ridden better.
Any thoughts?

Raiden
07-26-09, 11:59 PM
I can understand that- the only centuries Ive ever ridden were with other people. I don't seem to have the motivation to do them solo. Same thing, I think.
stevage
07-27-09, 12:45 AM
I think I'd struggle to get the motivation to a long one day loop. A point-to-point is no problem though. Maybe it's the fact there are no shortcuts.

TheBrick
07-27-09, 02:10 AM
Where you trying to ride the route at the same speed you do your commute?
Neil_B
07-27-09, 04:20 AM
I just returned from, what I thought should be, a short ride. Now I am used to pulling in 10 miles/day (3 in 7 out) in hilly terrain 5 days/week, basically my daily commute. And I've done my share of 20-40 mile rides around my hometown, no problem. But today I had my butt kicked by a little 25 mile rural New York ride. There were numerous hills and descents. 650' plus & minus. But it seemed to take forever. I could hardly finish some of the hills.
Now I have a theory: I was alone and this route was very repetitive. So it became boring. Have you delt with this? Because I am convinced that if there were some distraction, I'd have ridden better.
Any thoughts?

It could be from the boring terrain. But couldn't it also simply be that you were mentally tired before you started? There's a lot to be said for taking a day or three off the bike simply so it becomes fun again.

As for the terrain being boring, I often find my physical condition has a lot to do with my opinion of the scenery. The first time I rode the C & O Canal Towpath, I found it boring. I thought it a lot more interesting the second time, riding it without a fractured rib. :)