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

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?

Um, yep. Been there. That spot you are in SUCKS big time.

Cud b worse: Try having a Masters degree (actually just short the oral exams and submitting the already completed dissertation for a PhD) and being unemployed for 5 years. Then see how your desire to be motivated stacks up. Such a person could be called over-educated, over-aged and terminally unemployed - oh, wait. That describes moi!

Think of it this way. I have often -very often - felt that I couldn't be bothered to go out riding. But I have never regretted it when I did.

HTFU and ride.

I HATE this. I WANT to ride...I think about riding, but just can't seem to get on the bike. I wonder if Im depressed.

This is not a sarcastic remark or suggestion, but try to do one thing and turn the TV off. There is nothing on anyway. It is not called a weapon of mass distraction for nothing. Like an earlier poster wrote, you always feel better when you get out. Once you get those first few peddle stokes in you will feel much better. Besides, if you are depressed exercise can get you out of that. The weather should be perfect up in northern GA too.

I HATE this. I WANT to ride...I think about riding, but just can't seem to get on the bike. I wonder if Im depressed.

Oh, FFS. You may be depressed, I don't know. But if you get out onto the bike, you'll be less depressed, I can pretty much guarantee it.

When I started exercising over two years ago I did something different. I held myself back. I didn't go out to see what my new maximum effort was day after day. I took the attitude that showing up was a success. I'm still at it. Get on the bike. Don't decide to attack anything. Try to do that first ride. Even if you only get 100', it's a success.

I would have thought having diabetes and being unemployed because of it would be incentive enough to get up from the couchy and get on the bike to ride.

Oh, FFS. You may be depressed, I don't know. But if you get out onto the bike, you'll be less depressed, I can pretty much guarantee it.


Bingo!

When I'm sad, I get on my bike. It always makes me happier.

Just did 26 miles in the pouring rain. :D

I would have thought having diabetes and being unemployed because of it would be incentive enough to get up from the couchy and get on the bike to ride.

You would think so, huh? I have been exercising and eating right and busting my ass to get my diabetes under control and it still wasn't good enough for them. That makes me almost just not even want to try anymore. I guess I'm just feeling sorry for myself and I guess that this too shall pass...but DAMN!

here is what works for me:

When I am sick or it is nasty outside.... I dont ride.
When I want to ride.... I go ride
When I dont want to ride becasue I would rather be lazy.... I go riding
If I have doubts about going riding... I go riding.

If all else fails, I look at myself in the mirror and realize how fat I am getting. That IS MOTIVIATION to go riding.

...and look back at some of your old posts. That really makes me get my butt on the saddle.

Think of it this way. I have often -very often - felt that I couldn't be bothered to go out riding. But I have never regretted it when I did.

HTFU and ride.

Amen!!!! EXACTLY! Get busy livin' or get busy dyin'!!!

I gots a job for you.
Meet Carlos. The Can Man.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/Carlos%20Richard%20Deer/CarlosandRichardTy005.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/Carlos%20Richard%20Deer/CarlosandRichardTy007.jpg

Mostly what makes people happy is doing something. Don't think that you can relax yourself into being happy. Happiness is the result of doing. Sitting and watching TV is doing something but I am guessing that this is not something that you would be proud of or something that will make you happy.

With my diabetes, I have to severely limit my carb intake if I want to have a prayer of controlling my sugar levels. When the sugar levels get out of whack it will make you feel tired and it does take more determination to get up and exercise. But what are your choices? Are you going to sit there and let diabetes rob you of your life or are you going to spit in its face and go exercise and eat right so that you can enjoy the life that you have? I often tell people that our lives are like a hand of poker. We are dealt a hand and we have to play it the best that we can. We only get dealt the one hand so don't screw it up. Oh yeah sometimes you have to bluff and lie to yourself to make things work out for the best.

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?

Allen, I live South of Atlanta in McDonough. I too am out of work, have been for years since my accident. Depression can be very hard to deal with and will easily suck all the fun out of life and make you think there is nothing you want to do. I find even on the really bad days that just forcing yourself to got out on the bike, pays off within a few miles and just being outside, in the sun, exercising makes a world of difference. Not to mention all the time it eats up. Daytime TV is the worst.
If you are in a position where you can get out to ride, I would gladly meet up with you and help motivate you to put on some miles.

Oh, and read your sig.

If you are in a position where you can get out to ride, I would gladly meet up with you and help motivate you to put on some miles.



That right there is what makes this forum cool.

If you are in a position where you can get out to ride, I would gladly meet up with you and help motivate you to put on some miles.

Oh, and read your sig.

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

My son would LOVE to be able to get out and ride a bicycle. He and I would give just about anything if he had your opportunity to get out of the house and on a bicycle

However, in 1986, - as a junior in college - he fell in a sporting event and broke his neck at C-4; C-5. I don't know if you realize what this means, but it means he is permanently and totally paralyzed from the neck down.

Somehow, he managed to get himself through college with honors in math and economics, and into Stanford Law School and through Stanford Law School - graduating as the President of his class, and having two summer clerkships in Los Angeles and Washington, DC.

He took a job (still totally paralyzed) in Washington, DC, with the top law firm in the country, met and married another lawyer, and now he and his wife have their own internationally known law (http://www.foxrob.com) firm in Denver, CO.

But, he would give about anything to be able to get on a bike and ride it.

How about you?

here is what works for me:

When I am sick or it is nasty outside.... I dont ride.
When I want to ride.... I go ride
When I dont want to ride becasue I would rather be lazy.... I go riding
If I have doubts about going riding... I go riding.



Me too. When it is eight in the morning and it is 40 degrees I don't feel like riding and I don't. But by 10:00 it is 55. I drag myself into the bedroom and change my clothes. I turn off all thought because if I think about it I will go back on the couch. I fill two water bottles. I cut up an apple or put dates in a baggie. I look out the window. Really windy? I pull out the hybrid and bike down to the gravel MUP. Not so windy? Road bike. Not every day, but most days.

Usually the first couple of miles are hard for me and I think about what an fat ass out of shape old lady I am that will never be able to do anything right or fun or good or anything.

Then it starts getting better.

And then I love to ride.

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 dent like mine because it dent 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

Look on Craigslist, maybe you can find her a bike for cheap.

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 dent like mine because it dent 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

Allen,

I am in West Central GA and would love to do the Silver Comet Trail! I am blessed to have a job but I am taking the first week of November off and have that Tuesday and Thursday free. If either of those dates would work then let me know and I will make plans to travel out of my rural wonderland!

BTW, before I was treated for hypothyroidism I suffered from extremely bad bouts of depression. Depression is usually angered turned in on yourself and sitting around feeds that action. You have no reason to be angry at your self but you do have reason to ride a bike!

You are probably depressed but guaranteed there are others in worst scenarios. Get out and ride, take this time off as a motivator to improve yourself, does not cost money to ride a bike. Be proud because you are doing something right, you have a place to live, a wife, internet, food and at least one bike. Daytime tv will depress you, the commercials are downers, mostly those get rich quick type, lawyers for hire, and housewife oriented.

Allen,

I am in West Central GA and would love to do the Silver Comet Trail! I am blessed to have a job but I am taking the first week of November off and have that Tuesday and Thursday free. If either of those dates would work then let me know and I will make plans to travel out of my rural wonderland!

BTW, before I was treated for hypothyroidism I suffered from extremely bad bouts of depression. Depression is usually angered turned in on yourself and sitting around feeds that action. You have no reason to be angry at your self but you do have reason to ride a bike!

We can ride BOTH of those days if you want. The trail is really nice and I love the scenery. I would love to get together and ride. I have to warn you, though, I'm slow and not in great shape so Ill need to stop some. Still wanna? :)

My son would LOVE to be able to get out and ride a bicycle. He and I would give just about anything if he had your opportunity to get out of the house and on a bicycle

However, in 1986, - as a junior in college - he fell in a sporting event and broke his neck at C-4; C-5. I don't know if you realize what this means, but it means he is permanently and totally paralyzed from the neck down.

Somehow, he managed to get himself through college with honors in math and economics, and into Stanford Law School and through Stanford Law School - graduating as the President of his class, and having two summer clerkships in Los Angeles and Washington, DC.

He took a job (still totally paralyzed) in Washington, DC, with the top law firm in the country, met and married another lawyer, and now he and his wife have their own internationally known law (http://www.foxrob.com) firm in Denver, CO.

But, he would give about anything to be able to get on a bike and ride it.

How about you?

Now, I just feel bad! Dammit. :(

You made me look at this in a totally different light.

There's nothing wrong with the way you are feeling about cycling- its normal. New riders tend to go through a honeymoon period where the new bike, gear and friends accolades make them wonder just why they had not ridden a bike years ago. They post reports of 50 mile rides at 20mph averages and just cant keep out of the saddle. Two to three months later, the newness wears off on the bike, friends are less impressed, its colder and cycling has suddenly become "work". This is the point where you make the decision to keep going or hide the bike in the garage away from view.
Forget the unrealistic "constant cycling" for now - plan to ride Tues/Thus of a 5 mile local ride and one 10 mile ride at the weekend. Thats it - no more and no less. Take time to learn about yourself as a cyclist and learn more about the bike. So far, you know of a fun-filled couple of months of new gear and goals but its not about that. Its about still riding in the winter months (when you safely can) when most others have disappeared. Its about getting into a routine. Its about just you, the bike and the road.

This is a pivotal time for you as a cyclist. You have reached the point in you cycling evolution where you will either continue riding and stick around the forums as a "regular" or you will simply fade away from cycling.

I hope you stick around but its not up to me - the question is, what do YOU want to do? ;)

My son would LOVE to be able to get out and ride a bicycle. He and I would give just about anything if he had your opportunity to get out of the house and on a bicycle

However, in 1986, - as a junior in college - he fell in a sporting event and broke his neck at C-4; C-5. I don't know if you realize what this means, but it means he is permanently and totally paralyzed from the neck down.

Somehow, he managed to get himself through college with honors in math and economics, and into Stanford Law School and through Stanford Law School - graduating as the President of his class, and having two summer clerkships in Los Angeles and Washington, DC.

He took a job (still totally paralyzed) in Washington, DC, with the top law firm in the country, met and married another lawyer, and now he and his wife have their own internationally known law (http://www.foxrob.com) firm in Denver, CO.

But, he would give about anything to be able to get on a bike and ride it.

How about you?

Wow man. I think there's something in my eye.

:thumb:

Really windy? I pull out the hybrid and bike down to the gravel MUP. Not so windy? Road bike. Not every day, but most days.

I thought the point of a road bike was to be more aero so you can handle the wind better? Or am I incorrect?

1. Back away from the TV. Daytime TV makes me want to gouge my eyes out.

2. Go out, get on your bike, and go around the block. No commitment to a goal, no training, no nothing. I go out and look at anything interesting in the neighborhood. Stop and talk to the old guy down the road. Or heck, be the old guy down the road.

I find when I do this, I wind up miles away from home and feeling great. No expectations, no pressure, I just look for some fun. This always seems to reignite my fire for cycling.

1. Back away from the TV. Daytime TV makes me want to gouge my eyes out.


Seriously. I stopped watching all TV back in June and it's amazing how little I miss it. I used to watch like 3-4 hours a day. Now I can't believe I spent so much time doing that when I could have been cycling instead!



I find when I do this, I wind up miles away from home and feeling great. No expectations, no pressure, I just look for some fun. This always seems to reignite my fire for cycling.

Nothing cooler than biking several towns over.

I thought the point of a road bike was to be more aero so you can handle the wind better? Or am I incorrect?

It has been really windy lately but if I take the MUP it goes through the woods and shields me from the wind. So to avoid the big winds I chose the gravel MUP and the hybrid with knobby tires. About a week ago I did a 32 mile ride on the road with the Madone on a really windy day. The gusty cross winds tossed me around the road. The head winds were so bad I had to pedal to keep going down hill. Part of the time on the flats I slogged along in first gear into the wind. It was my toughest ride ever, and it was a one way drive the "wrong" way. But it probably would have been even worse on the hybrid.

I was rather unmotivated for the past 2 years. This year after gaining quite a bit of weight and being told by my gf that i was getting rather large. :( So I got out on the bike. But what I did was instead of riding the same old same paths that i rode 2 years ago I got on mapmyride.com and looked up others maps in my area and found a few that looked interesting. I dont have mmr premium so I had to jot it down on paper and rembmer a little. Once I kinda got a feel for the new area i was riding I shook it up and started exploring on my bike. Its always fun to find new and exciting roads to ride and change it up every once in a while.

Also like others have said just go out! I have had days when I didnt want to ride and I forced myself to go on a ride. You would be amazed what just getting on the bike will do. I think alot of the problem for some people is all the prep it takes for a ride. (clean bottles, clothes, food, bike in order, ect) I find that If i just get everything out and ready the day before im alot more likely to go on a ride than if i had to hunt it all down.

Good luck! Oh and try some group rides! having someone to talk to/ ride with makes the miles fly by alot faster. I did a 65miler that I swore I could never do, when we returned to the bike store I felt like we had only done 30 it went by so fast and I had so much fun.

Best luck
Sean Scott

My son would LOVE to be able to get out and ride a bicycle. He and I would give just about anything if he had your opportunity to get out of the house and on a bicycle

However, in 1986, - as a junior in college - he fell in a sporting event and broke his neck at C-4; C-5. I don't know if you realize what this means, but it means he is permanently and totally paralyzed from the neck down.

Somehow, he managed to get himself through college with honors in math and economics, and into Stanford Law School and through Stanford Law School - graduating as the President of his class, and having two summer clerkships in Los Angeles and Washington, DC.

He took a job (still totally paralyzed) in Washington, DC, with the top law firm in the country, met and married another lawyer, and now he and his wife have their own internationally known law (http://www.foxrob.com) firm in Denver, CO.

But, he would give about anything to be able to get on a bike and ride it.

How about you?

I think dragging your son's disability into this is tacky, DnvrFox.

There's nothing wrong with the way you are feeling about cycling- its normal. New riders tend to go through a honeymoon period where the new bike, gear and friends accolades make them wonder just why they had not ridden a bike years ago. They post reports of 50 mile rides at 20mph averages and just cant keep out of the saddle. Two to three months later, the newness wears off on the bike, friends are less impressed, its colder and cycling has suddenly become "work". This is the point where you make the decision to keep going or hide the bike in the garage away from view.
Forget the unrealistic "constant cycling" for now - plan to ride Tues/Thus of a 5 mile local ride and one 10 mile ride at the weekend. Thats it - no more and no less. Take time to learn about yourself as a cyclist and learn more about the bike. So far, you know of a fun-filled couple of months of new gear and goals but its not about that. Its about still riding in the winter months (when you safely can) when most others have disappeared. Its about getting into a routine. Its about just you, the bike and the road.

This is a pivotal time for you as a cyclist. You have reached the point in you cycling evolution where you will either continue riding and stick around the forums as a "regular" or you will simply fade away from cycling.

I hope you stick around but its not up to me - the question is, what do YOU want to do? ;)

This is the best advice in the thread.

I'll add that if you decide to make cycling a smaller part of your life, do it without the nagging guilt some people will thrust on you. Also, if you want to spend some time away, do it. Cycling should be fun. If it's not, do something else until it's fun again.

Thanks, Neil. Thats just it, man...i DONT want to make it a smaller part of my life. During the two weeks I was away on the truck headed to orientation, etc., Biking is all that I wanted to do. I missed it every second I was away from it. Once I got the news that I was still going to be unemployed, I think I went into a funk because my thoughts shifted to other things like how in Hell I'm going to put food in my families mouth and how am i going to pay the electric bill. I think the whole thing just screwed me up a bit.

No, making it a SMALLER part is not what I want at ALL! I just gotta get my ass in the seat spin the pedals.

Now, I just feel bad! Dammit. :(

You made me look at this in a totally different light.


Wow man. I think there's something in my eye.
:thumb:

and


I think dragging your son's disability into this is tacky, DnvrFox.

Interesting diversity of responses!!

Thanks, Neil. Thats just it, man...i DONT want to make it a smaller part of my life. During the two weeks I was away on the truck headed to orientation, etc., Biking is all that I wanted to do. I missed it every second I was away from it. Once I got the news that I was still going to be unemployed, I think I went into a funk because my thoughts shifted to other things like how in Hell I'm going to put food in my families mouth and how am i going to pay the electric bill. I think the whole thing just screwed me up a bit.

No, making it a SMALLER part is not what I want at ALL! I just gotta get my ass in the seat spin the pedals.

It will be there for you, when you want it to be. Making yourself ride when you don't want to isn't the best way to find joy.

BTW, I've not ridden in seven weeks myself for various reasons. I'm sure someone will tell me that I have to ride because there are people in the world who can't.....

Tell you what brother... In August I had a little crash, about 40 MPH headfirst into an inbankment. I broke my neck at the base of my skull, destroyed my T9 and damaged my T7, 8, and 10. I am now fused from T7-12. And I broke some ribs and some other stuff. Almost a year ago, I had a knee replaced and getting back on the bike was goal. Mid April to July, my motivation was lacking, but finally got back on and rode some before my wreck. My goal is to ride again. I've been extremely lucky to have full use and feeling everywhere. I do have some issues, and I wear a cervical collar for 6 more weeks AT LEAST. My bike was going to go back on the trainer today, but the rear wheel is too out of true to ride, even on the trainer. I WILL ride that bike. And I will ride it on the streets next summer.

When I was last unemployed, I understand no motivation. My mind was so far away from bikes at the time, I really regret not riding when I had the time to. That was a 3 month period. It was all I could do daily to get out of bed...

It took a couple friends this summer to get me back on my bike and kick me in the butt.Despite the wreck, I'm glad they did. Now I need to get strong enough again so I can kick THEM in the butt!!!!

Good luck with the job search, and take care of the med issues.

Allen

Stress is a huge factor by the sounds of things for you right now. Are you punishing yourself by not riding because you feel like there are more important things to do(worry about a job and family responsibilities)? I know a lot of people do that... deprive themselves of something they like or desire becasue they are to worried about other things. Its totally understandable. However...... If that is the case and you are just watching TV instead of riding then you are thinking wrong. Bicycling will improve your physical and mental health. None of us can make you get on the bike by any means but I would look on Craigslist for a used bike for the wife in the mean time. It may seem silly to spend the money on something that is perceived as a want but it might be one of the best things you can do for both of you. Ultimately its your decision and luckily you have two people + your wife that have offered to be a riding partner for you. I wish I had 1 my wife has no desire to ride with me.

Thanks, Neil. Thats just it, man...i DONT want to make it a smaller part of my life. During the two weeks I was away on the truck headed to orientation, etc., Biking is all that I wanted to do. I missed it every second I was away from it. Once I got the news that I was still going to be unemployed, I think I went into a funk because my thoughts shifted to other things like how in Hell I'm going to put food in my families mouth and how am i going to pay the electric bill. I think the whole thing just screwed me up a bit.

No, making it a SMALLER part is not what I want at ALL! I just gotta get my ass in the seat spin the pedals.

It is OK to try to be happy and do good things for yourself even when you are unemployed. Set aside the worries for a period of time each day and take that time to go for a ride or walk with your wife.

Ok, he hasn't been on for 3 hours, maybe we got to him and he went for a ride. DvnrFox, I understand what you were saying and believe Allen did to, great motivation there.

I gots a job for you.
Meet Carlos. The Can Man.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/Carlos%20Richard%20Deer/CarlosandRichardTy005.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/Carlos%20Richard%20Deer/CarlosandRichardTy007.jpg

We have these guys in Victoria too. They cruise around to all the apartment buildings and pick from the recycling bins all the bottles with a deposit refund.

At 0:36 - "Sorry, I don't have a bike." ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obdd31Q9PqA

Another one I like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PNpIxqqMtQ

This one's got Lance, so it's more cycling-oriented:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHtFixj0cWk&feature=related

Ok, he hasn't been on for 3 hours, maybe we got to him and he went for a ride. DvnrFox, I understand what you were saying and believe Allen did to, great motivation there.

Thanks. As long as someone understood, I don't mind being "tacky" at all!! :)

Someday I will tell you about my other son (now 44 yo), born profoundly mentally handicapped, with CP, seizures and other related conditions, who suffered a spinal cord injury, paralyzing him also, was able to walk again, then broke his femur in a fall (severe osteo), suffered in pain for 6 months with improper treatment from the docs, finally got diagnosed correctly and just these last few months has been able to get himself back on a bike, which he LOVES to ride.

Oops. I just told you. There I go, being "tacky" again. Sorry, Neil_B - I apologize.

But, anyways, here is a "tacky" picture of him riding his Worksman with his caregiver:

http://ourwebs.info/andybike.jpg

Am I proud - you bet!

And Allen55 - the best of luck to you. My point was - there are always different ways to look at things - you know, glass half empty vs. glass half full. We have to be careful to try and keep that glass half full. Get out and ride (or walk, or swim, or whatever keeps you moving). The very act and bit of exercise will make you feel oh-so-much better. Have a great day, and I will "bow out" and spread my tacks elsewhere!! This aA.M. I am going to mountain bike on a local trail. :lol:

Another one I like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PNpIxqqMtQ


That song gives me chills. Whenever it comes on my pace increases.

To be honest I've been thinking of unemployment a lot. My company is in turmoil right now and our future is uncertain. The way I look at it though... if I were unemployed I'd take a bike tour to Chicago or something. More free time means more time for cycling!

My point was - there are always different ways to look at things - you know, glass half empty vs. glass half full. We have to be careful to try and keep that glass half full. Get out and ride (or walk, or swim, or whatever keeps you moving). The very act and bit of exercise will make you feel oh-so-much better. Have a great day, and I will "bow out" and spread my tacks elsewhere!! This aA.M. I am going to mountain bike on a local trail. :lol:

Excellent advice. Your story of your children is an inspiration, no matter what, when it comes to making excuses or crying poor me, I do look at those who do not have what I have. Anytime I feel like I can't do anything I watch the following video:

http://youtu.be/yo_24_qTNac

I don't consider myself tacky by doing it, it is a reality that we are all blessed, sometimes we need a good sense of reality to wake us up from our down moments.

You would think so, huh? I have been exercising and eating right and busting my ass to get my diabetes under control and it still wasn't good enough for them. That makes me almost just not even want to try anymore. I guess I'm just feeling sorry for myself and I guess that this too shall pass...but DAMN!

Dude, where you're going wrong is thinking that you should ride for "them" (DOT I guess?). Ride for you.

I always find it helpful when I set a goal (x miles/rides per week/month -- whatever makes sense for you) and set up some kind of accountability. I think you said before you have a wife? I bet she would be willing to help you stick to a goal/schedule. Maybe she also has something she needs to get done that you could help her achieve.

Even better, try to find a riding partner. Partner or very small group is better than a large group or club, because you can get lost in a large group. With just one or two partners, if you have plans to ride, you'll get off your ass and make your appointment because somebody is counting on you. (a) You've got maybe a couple offers right here in this thread, (b) look for the forum for your region, you can probably find people (or maybe even events), (c) again, your wife? Would she ride with you?

Or maybe this is best of all; I can say personally I want you back on the road, because I enjoy reading about your exploits. I want more of your entertaining prose, like your progress from here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/769615-I-fought-the-hill-and-the-hill-won%21)to there (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/770801-TODAY-A-mortal-enemy-hill-met-its-match%21).

Well, that's a lot of words. I hope some of them (plus those from others around here) get you back in the saddle.

Thanks. As long as someone understood, I don't mind being "tacky" at all!! :)

Someday I will tell you about my other son (now 44 yo), born profoundly mentally handicapped, with CP, seizures and other related conditions, who suffered a spinal cord injury, paralyzing him also, was able to walk again, then broke his femur in a fall (severe osteo), suffered in pain for 6 months with improper treatment from the docs, finally got diagnosed correctly and just these last few months has been able to get himself back on a bike, which he LOVES to ride.

Oops. I just told you. There I go, being "tacky" again. Sorry, Neil_B - I apologize.

But, anyways, here is a "tacky" picture of him riding his Worksman with his caregiver:

http://ourwebs.info/andybike.jpg

Am I proud - you bet!

And Allen55 - the best of luck to you. My point was - there are always different ways to look at things - you know, glass half empty vs. glass half full. We have to be careful to try and keep that glass half full. Get out and ride (or walk, or swim, or whatever keeps you moving). The very act and bit of exercise will make you feel oh-so-much better. Have a great day, and I will "bow out" and spread my tacks elsewhere!! This aA.M. I am going to mountain bike on a local trail. :lol:

As usual, DnvrFx, you misunderstand the point you made and misunderstand my response. If the OP has a 'block' of some kind about cycling, telling him there are people in the world not physically able to ride a bike does nothing for him. It's still his choice, and he shouldn't be under an obligation to do it because your son or FDR or whoever couldn't.

To choose an example that doesn't smack of Dickens' Tiny Tim being brought to church to remind people how fortunate they are, think back to your childhood and being told you should eat your cauliflower because there are starving children in India. How effective was that as an argument?

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!