Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - lack of motivation...

The more variety we offer in our suggestions to break out of the funk the OP finds himself in, the greater the chance that he find's one that will help. It only takes one. I think it's great that he's willing to reach out for help. I can think of so many posters that were real excited to start riding then a month or two later never heard from again. Until the OP finds his key to consistent motivation, Lets keep the ideas flowing.

We haven't decided how far we are going yet though? Are we gonna do 50m, a Century, or a Brevet (200km)? This will be a casual ride with as many stops as you need but I am bringing my Cycling PBJ's just in case it goes long! I can normally ride about 2 hours before needing to refill the water bottle and the stomach.
w00t, I'm excited!

Now dont go frightening him off - how about you guys do a 5 mile ride "meet and greet" - baby steps.... :)

I can definitely get out to ride. Have you ever been on the Silver Comet trail? I would LOVE to find a riding partner. My wife wants (and needs...shes an Athena) to ride as well, but we couldn't afford two bikes. She doesnt like mine because it doesnt fit her well and it hurts her knees. So, I always ride alone. If you are willing to meet up and ride, Im willing to take you up on it. :D

I rode the Comet for the first time just a couple of weeks ago, I went out and did 40 miles. My next couple of days (through Wed) are gone, but perhaps we can meet up on Th to ride? Shoot me a PM and we can discuss some details.

Well Allen55 is going to need to get some ride time in cause we're going to ride the Silver Comet Trail the first Tuesday of November, so long as the Good Lord is willing and gives slightly decent weather.

We haven't decided how far we are going yet though? Are we gonna do 50m, a Century, or a Brevet (200km)? This will be a casual ride with as many stops as you need but I am bringing my Cycling PBJ's just in case it goes long! I can normally ride about 2 hours before needing to refill the water bottle and the stomach.

w00t, I'm excited!

Perhaps I missed a post somewhere, or this was by PM, but I am guessing you are also in the Atl area?
It would be superb to get a group together to meet out at the Comet, or perhaps down at the Arabia Mountain trails...just not the 22nd, lol, there is an event there that day I want no part of....

punkn, allen and I have talked some through PM's.

I have Tuesday November 1 open on my calendar and have long been wanting to do a Silver Comet Trail ride. However, it's at least a 1 1/2 hour ride from the house to the trail via the heavy lifter (ie Car). So I am glad to have made Allen's acquaintance and hope to encourage him some when we meet and ride the Silver Comet Trail. I hope that I'm not being presumptuous in saying the more on the ride the merrier!

We’ll ride as far as Allen is comfortable riding. I’m no roadie, so I can take it slow and enjoy the scenery. However, I hope we get a few more miles than 5. I am confident that having a goal to work towards will give Allen some of the motivation that he needs.

BTW Allen, we’ll take a look at your technique on the hill you mentioned. We don’t have to climb it Tuesday but others have shared some tips that have tremendously helped me so I want to pass it along.

Punkn, what is this Arabia Mountain trail of which you speak? Is it dirt or road? I prefer concrete and asphalt under my tires. The Good Lord knows if I start looking at Mountain Bikes that I’ll have to start looking for another wife!

As usual, DnvrFx

We've done this before? WOW, my memory is getting really bad.


you misunderstand the point you made

I misunderstood my OWN point???????????????????

Err . . it is a lot more likely that YOU misunderstood my point. I don't quite know how I can misunderstand my own point!!


and misunderstand my response.

Well, that is a definite possibility. You would think that after all the times we apparently have done this?? I would, but, hey!!


FDR

FDR bicycled?

Looking at the other responses besides yours, I believe OTHERS DID understand my posts, and you are in the minority. Better check out your own biases, rather than blaming me.

And that is all for this issue.

One of my husband's coworkers had the same issue with diabetes and the DOT card. He went to a few different doctors until he found one who was willing to prescribe pills for the diabetes instead of shots, and then he was able to get his DOT card. I know everyone's different and what worked for him might not work for you, but I thought it might be worth mentioning. Taking chromium picolinate and cinnamon supplements is supposed to help with diabetes too.

Anyhow, I hope you're feeling better and you're out there riding :D

Better check out your own biases, rather than blaming me.

And that is all for this issue.

Nice cheap shot. You parade around the disabled in a disgraceful way, and I'm the one with biases.

DHM, Arabia is another PATH site over between Stockbridge and Conyers -ish. It is quite a bit shorter, something like 15 miles, but hilly where the Comet is flat.
Assuming I have nothing to do that day, and I don't now, and am invited, I would be more than happy to meet y'all at the Comet if I can. It is a bit over an hour drive for me from Southside of Atl, but worth it to meet some new cyclists. I am not a "roadie" either, but am working my way up in mileage. I have no issue at all riding slow and taking frequent stops, or in making a good workout ride of it.

Nice cheap shot. You parade around the disabled in a disgraceful way, and I'm the one with biases.

Did you see my post with the dude with no legs and arms? Do you know he is a motivational speaker. I wonder if you think he is parading around his disability.

The man was simply making a point to motivate. The OP is not a child eating broccoli, I am sure he is a grown man looking for some suggestions.

Maybe there is a history between you and DnvrFox that I am unaware of, but, I saw nothing negative or downgrading that he said in his post.

Telling people who may be depressed that they should think about how lucky they are compared to others is to misunderstand the nature of depression. Depression is not rational. They will agree with you, and react by simply feeling worse about themselves, because now they are not merely depressed and unmotivated, but also ungrateful and inadequate. Excellent motivational technique - not.

Rather than seeking longhaul you might look for something local. If you are not crossing state lines the DOT physical card requirements may be less stringent. Hard to say though in a post CSA2010 industry. I know there are exceptions made for insulin dependent diabedics in some ases, not sure what they are but my company has one of the first "test cases" in our employ. I really feel for ya driver. I know a handful of drivers that have had their careers interupted due to medical issues. Once I had a Dr. refuse to give me a card until the nurse at his clinic told him he had to.

Not sure if this will work for you but RunKeeper and its ability to interface with Facebook really has given me the motivation to ride on the hard days. I live in a place where we have perma-wind 9+ months out of the year; 15-25 mph with gusts to 35 is a normal average forcast. On days like that it is hard to climb on the bike. Start slow with an acheivable goal a ride at a time. After the first mile or so you might feel better. It seems there will be plenty of support here for you when you get back.

Hey guys...

WOW! Go to bed and get up with things to do and not check the forums and there are 61 posts when i finally do!

Let me first say that I didn't mean this to cause a rift between some members here. It saddens me to read that there are others arguing over a post that I started. Second...i DID go out and ride today. It wasn't far, but the wheels turned and I WAS outside. I rode for about 10 minutes. It felt good to be on my bike again. Didn't get a workout, just a casual ride around my neighborhood.

I came home and just sat in my chair outside under my carport and just reflected on life and on the things that made me happy. My wife, my little girl, cycling, and having a roof over our heads. THOSE things make me happy. Depressed? Probably. I am unemployed as you guys know, but I won't be that way forever. There is a lot of stress being the one who expects a lot from himself and not reaching that potential because of a job situation. There is stress, but it won't last either. And this too shall pass.

I do know this...I believe in God and I honestly believe that God won't put more on us than we can bare. I know that my time right now is in the valley, but as sure as I climbed that hill the other week on my bike, Ill climb this one, too. I have to just believe in myself, in my family, and lean on the ones who mean a lot to me...and that includes the people in this forum!

You guys have encouraged me...someone that you have never laid eyes on. For that, I am thankful!

Perhaps I missed a post somewhere, or this was by PM, but I am guessing you are also in the Atl area?
It would be superb to get a group together to meet out at the Comet, or perhaps down at the Arabia Mountain trails...just not the 22nd, lol, there is an event there that day I want no part of....

As far as Im concerned, the more the merrier...as long as you know that Im going to be slow and probably need to stop more than you normally would.

Yes Allen, it always gets better, no matter the circumstance. I am glad you got on the bike, you either motivated yourself or one of the posts did it.

Hey guys...


I came home and just sat in my chair outside under my carport and just reflected on life and on the things that made me happy. My wife, my little girl, cycling, and having a roof over our heads. THOSE things make me happy. Depressed? Probably. I am unemployed as you guys know, but I won't be that way forever. There is a lot of stress being the one who expects a lot from himself and not reaching that potential because of a job situation. There is stress, but it won't last either. And this too shall pass.



Now your sounding like a true Clyde - keep 'em rolling ! ;)

Allen, now your seeing a little more clearly. Don't fret if the fog tries to set in again just keep fighting the enemy and you aren't the enemy! You are a champ so long as you keep fighting. I am so looking forward to meeting you in person and riding the Silver Comet.

Punkn, I'm going to be in Locust Grove on Halloween but won't have time to hit the trail. Let's talk when you ride with Allen and I. Then we'll see what your Thursday of that week looks like for the Arabia trail. I might sound like an asthmatic breathing his last breath through a straw while climbing but climbing I shall. I've had some hills slow me almost to a dead stop but I fought back like a mad man and made it.

You all know anything about Spewell Bluff? A cat 5 climb with a lead-up hill with a 17% grade. Been there, got the shirt (as soon as I have it printed :D )!

I'll go and attempt the other trail as well. You guys my have to wait at the top for me though. Lol

Allen: You are doing great bro. There is a lot of physological stuff happening when you ride (or work out). The endofens (sp?) start getting happy and you start to crave that feeling. Thats why you loved to cycle. Then when you stopped, the endorfens went to sleep (I dont know exactly what happens but thats what I think) and need to be woken up again....hence your ride today. Now go out tomorrow and do the same if you want. It will feel that much better.

How did you feel from todays ride?

i DID go out and ride today. It wasn't far, but the wheels turned and I WAS outside. I rode for about 10 minutes. It felt good to be on my bike again. Didn't get a workout, just a casual ride around my neighborhood.


Good man! That's all it takes.

Keep doing just 10 minutes a day... until suddenly your body screams "I WANT MORE!"

Then do more :)

Felt ok, Chef. Like I said, it was nice and leisurely. Like a stroll around the block.

Did you see my post with the dude with no legs and arms? Do you know he is a motivational speaker. I wonder if you think he is parading around his disability.

The man was simply making a point to motivate. The OP is not a child eating broccoli, I am sure he is a grown man looking for some suggestions.

Maybe there is a history between you and DnvrFox that I am unaware of, but, I saw nothing negative or downgrading that he said in his post.

"Telling people who may be depressed that they should think about how lucky they are compared to others is to misunderstand the nature of depression. Depression is not rational. They will agree with you, and react by simply feeling worse about themselves, because now they are not merely depressed and unmotivated, but also ungrateful and inadequate. Excellent motivational technique - not. " - chasm54.

Your example of the motivational speaker is a man who is speaking to a group who have paid him to talk on that topic. He's not being cited as an example of why a person who is tired of riding his bike has to ride.

There's little else for me to add to this thread. As it stands the irony of me, a disabled person, being accused of "bias" against other disabled people by an able-bodied person is simply mind-boggling.

Hey guys...

WOW! Go to bed and get up with things to do and not check the forums and there are 61 posts when i finally do!

Let me first say that I didn't mean this to cause a rift between some members here. It saddens me to read that there are others arguing over a post that I started. Second...i DID go out and ride today. It wasn't far, but the wheels turned and I WAS outside. I rode for about 10 minutes. It felt good to be on my bike again. Didn't get a workout, just a casual ride around my neighborhood.

I came home and just sat in my chair outside under my carport and just reflected on life and on the things that made me happy. My wife, my little girl, cycling, and having a roof over our heads. THOSE things make me happy. Depressed? Probably. I am unemployed as you guys know, but I won't be that way forever. There is a lot of stress being the one who expects a lot from himself and not reaching that potential because of a job situation. There is stress, but it won't last either. And this too shall pass.

I do know this...I believe in God and I honestly believe that God won't put more on us than we can bare. I know that my time right now is in the valley, but as sure as I climbed that hill the other week on my bike, Ill climb this one, too. I have to just believe in myself, in my family, and lean on the ones who mean a lot to me...and that includes the people in this forum!

You guys have encouraged me...someone that you have never laid eyes on. For that, I am thankful!

God makes people strong, as you know. He doesn't make junk. I'll pray he gives you a bit more help, Allen55.

Not sure if you remember, but I had to go back out on the truck last week and had to leave the bike behind. I haven't ridden in about two weeks now. That driving job didn't turn out good because of my diabetes keeping me from getting a DOT medical card so I am now back home and unemployed.

I now have no motivation to get out and ride! I mean, i LOVE riding, but I just sit here and watch TV. I really have no motivation to do much of anything.

Any of you guys ever get it a rut where you just have no desire?

getting back into the groove always requires that first step. if you love riding all you will need is a small spark to reignite your passion again. after dinner (pick a night, like tonight) and take your bike out and ride it just once up/down your street. do the same the next day, just once up/down your street. if you need to give yourself a reason for the quick ride, you're just checking to make sure all of your gears/brakes are in adjustment ;)

As the thread is yet again moving towards "go riding tonight and then do it again tomorrow and before you know it you will be riding everyday!", I will state my 2c again.

Do not go riding everyday. 3 to 4 times a week is more than enough. If its not - extend your rides. There are very few riders who ride everyday (other than commuting to work) and you will be setting yourself up for a psychological fall. The day will come again when you lack the motivation to ride day after day. Your body and mind needs a break. Again, twice during the week and once at weekend is more than enough. That way, when your "not feeling like riding" - a rest day is always a day away.

This pattern has worked for me for over 18 months. Can the daily warriors honestly state the same? :)

As the thread is yet again moving towards "go riding tonight and then do it again tomorrow and before you know it you will be riding everyday!", I will state my 2c again.

Do not go riding everyday. 3 to 4 times a week is more than enough. If its not - extend your rides. There are very few riders who ride everyday (other than commuting to work) and you will be setting yourself up for a psychological fall. The day will come again when you lack the motivation to ride day after day. Your body and mind needs a break. Again, twice during the week and once at weekend is more than enough. That way, when your "not feeling like riding" - a rest day is always a day away.

This pattern has worked for me for over 18 months. Can the daily warriors honestly state the same? :)

Good advice. The advice to go riding every day even when you don't want to rivals the 'think about parapalegic lawyers when you ride' nonsense for counter-productiveness.

magohn and Neil_B your advice against riding every day makes about as much sense as those that would recommend riding every day. Better advice is we are all different and there is no set answer as to what works. One should think about ones reasons to ride when determing how often to ride, and how far each time. For me it has been riding nearly every day and since I commute it is several times a day. However I would never advise others do exactly as I do because their circumstances are likey much different than mine. Today it was 34°F on my ride in and I'm not sure how much longer I'll be raising a finger to the weather even though I'd like to make it until snow flies. Since my health is one of the main reasons for my cycling I may just switch to walking to work soon.

But hey this thread is about Allen55 and his motivation for riding. I'd like to help give him the support he needs to get back on the bike and keep returning so that his health can improve. Hopefully by Allen gaining motivation he can help to motivate and inspire others and the circle of this forum continues.

magohn and Neil_B your advice against riding every day makes about as much sense as those that would recommend riding every day. Better advice is we are all different and there is no set answer as to what works. One should think about ones reasons to ride when determing how often to ride, and how far each time. For me it has been riding nearly every day and since I commute it is several times a day. However I would never advise others do exactly as I do because their circumstances are likey much different than mine. Today it was 34°F on my ride in and I'm not sure how much longer I'll be raising a finger to the weather even though I'd like to make it until snow flies. Since my health is one of the main reasons for my cycling I may just switch to walking to work soon.

But hey this thread is about Allen55 and his motivation for riding. I'd like to help give him the support he needs to get back on the bike and keep returning so that his health can improve. Hopefully by Allen gaining motivation he can help to motivate and inspire others and the circle of this forum continues.

I suggest cutting back because it would be nice to have Allen stick around. I cant tell you, over the last 18 months, the dozens and dozens of new members that I have seen "disappear" after the first flush of cycling wears off. Its the same pattern - attack the bike like crazy for the first few months - it becomes work - they disappear. They have bitten off more than they can ride day after day after day.

I can also guarantee that the majority of those suggesting "getting out there everyday" will follow the same pattern - its human nature.

When I was a newb I read a lot of good advice from Neils posts - there's a reason he's still around...

Jeeze guys..this thread has really taken a turn that I didn't want. I hate to know that you guys are infighting because of it. NeilB was one of the first people on here to welcome me to the forums and has given me great advice. In fact everyone on here has given me great advice. Let's just all try to get along. Huh?

lets all hug it out....ok??!!!!Rule number one: ride when you want to ride. Try having fun doing it. And keep that in your mind all the time.

I suggest cutting back because it would be nice to have Allen stick around. I cant tell you, over the last 18 months, the dozens and dozens of new members that I have seen "disappear" after the first flush of cycling wears off. Its the same pattern - attack the bike like crazy for the first few months - it becomes work - they disappear. They have bitten off more than they can ride day after day after day.

I can also guarantee that the majority of those suggesting "getting out there everyday" will follow the same pattern - its human nature.

When I was a newb I read a lot of good advice from Neils posts - there's a reason he's still around...

Leaving aside my alleged value to the forum for the moment....

It's not just bicycling that you can overdo at first. Statistics nuts might want to ponder what happened to this guy:

http://main.uschess.org/msa/MbrDtlTnmtHst.php?12672893

http://main.uschess.org/datapage/ratings_graph.php?memid=12672893

http://main.uschess.org/datapage/ratings_graphR.php?memid=12672893

Burnout can happen at any time. Even if you've been active for a while, you can overdo it. 100 chess tournaments in 3 years or riding every day, doesn't matter.

But for a newbie the problem isn't usually burnout, it's the law of diminishing returns. It's much the same reason so many weight loss routines end in the first month. Once you get past the fun of the water-weight loss in the first week, and see 1 pound, or less, for your effort.....

Jeeze guys..this thread has really taken a turn that I didn't want. I hate to know that you guys are infighting because of it. NeilB was one of the first people on here to welcome me to the forums and has given me great advice. In fact everyone on here has given me great advice. Let's just all try to get along. Huh?

Allen55, I accept that simply for being who I am and doing what I do I'll have people criticize me on Bike Forums. I'm sorry one of them crawled on his six legs into the thread.

this is true. I was riding everyday and loved it but then got tired of it for a little while (a week or so).

this is true. I was riding everyday and loved it but then got tired of it for a little while (a week or so).

Guy in my neighborhood rides Three Times a day for 5 miles each. Now in his fifth year.

I believe you should just take Neils_B's advice. He is a fine poster, and a great contributor of Bike Forums.

I believe you should just take Neils_B's advice. He is a fine poster, and a great contributor of Bike Forums.

You deleted the phrase calling people "stupid" who disagreed with me. You might as well have left it in. The intended sarcasm isn't any less wooden without it.

You deleted the phrase calling people "stupid" who disagreed with me. You might as well have left it in. The intended sarcasm isn't any less wooden without it.

And I agave a reason in my edit: Reason: It is not Christian to be negative against those who are negative.

And It is not sarcasm, you are a great person, and you should stop being so negative and hateful inside. This is not your thread, why hijack it?

I lurk more then anything on these boards, and I notice you do this in the majority of the issues you disagree with, I should have not even posted in favor of Dnv, I knew you would have come back in a hateful way.

God Bless you Neil, I hope you find happiness in your life, and I am done posting on this thread, so, you may have the last word,

Are we talking about riding for the sake of riding (or "percolating salt", as I've heard jokingly elsewhere), or are we talking about riding to do other things?

For me, the least motivation I can muster is when I'm going to ride just to be on the bike. But, if I'm planning to really hammer it, or go with other people, or go somewhere by bike instead of driving or taking the subway, it's going to be more fun. If I can ride to the Pentagon City Mall or up to downtown Bethesda, not only am I requiring myself to get some reasonable mileage, I've got something else to look forward to at the end. The biking itself, then, becomes an enhancement to the overall journey.

Does that kinda make sense?

.... you should stop being so negative and hateful inside...

Someone with a whopping dozen posts can allegedly see inside my soul. Un-freaking-believeable.

You deleted the phrase calling people "stupid" who disagreed with me. You might as well have left it in. The intended sarcasm isn't any less wooden without it.

He also deleted it b/c it's against forum policy. If he hadn't, most likely one of us would have.;)

This thread has run its course. Closed per OP request. Thank you for posting.