Introductions - Looking for a motivational breakthrough

My first post here is an appeal for suggestions to help me restart the passion for biking.

I've been a bicyclist for many years, and have always loved the physical challenge and fitness benefits, loved experiencing my surroundings (wherever I am) from the saddle, enjoyed the social side of our sport. And, I just enjoy bikes and all the equipment, the accessories, the tools, the stuff we acquire as 'necessary' to fulfill our commitment to the sport. In short, bicycling has been a big part of my long life.

My passion has been waning for a couple of years. I haven't been on the bike for months, and I can't explain why. I have gained unwanted weight. My zest for life has declined. My energy level has dropped considerably. I'm kind of in a fog that affects every aspect of my daily life.

I believe drifting away from biking has been my downfall, and I need to get fired up to get back on track. Every day I have this conversation with myself, and each day I find distractions and excuses to block my recovery. My overall health is good, so the issue must be lack of motivation. That's why I'm here.

Has anyone else experienced this condition? Any suggestions for getting back to the avid bicyclist I want to be? I'm willing to buy a new bike, see a shrink, join a club; I'll do whatever it takes. My life depends on it!

Wellllllllllllllllllllllll.....sounds like depression in general, any other issues affecting you? Marriage, age, work, life, money....etc? Not riding your bike could be a possible explanation but it sounds like you are deeper than that.

Depression can cause lack of motivation for everything. Joining a riding club might work, IF you find the motivation to go to the rides, ya know? I hope it gets better for you, sincerely.

Every day I have this conversation with myself, and each day I find distractions and excuses to block my recovery.

Don't analyze, don't think, don't process. Air up your tires and go ride.

Every day.

Wellllllllllllllllllllllll.....sounds like depression in general, any other issues affecting you? Marriage, age, work, life, money....etc? Not riding your bike could be a possible explanation but it sounds like you are deeper than that.

Depression can cause lack of motivation for everything. Joining a riding club might work, IF you find the motivation to go to the rides, ya know? I hope it gets better for you, sincerely.

I don't think of myself as depressed, but we don't always see ourselves clearly. I don't feel anxious, angry, lonely, disconnected or any of those other typical depression symptoms. What I feel is lazy, distracted. My bike has been replaced by an iPad. I'm comfortably retired in Florida after a 40+ year business career. I've replaced energy drinks with red wine in the evenings.

Thanks for your input, MP. Depression is probably not out of the question.

Maybe somebody just needs to kick me in the butt.

I don't think of myself as depressed, but we don't always see ourselves clearly. I don't feel anxious, angry, lonely, disconnected or any of those other typical depression symptoms. What I feel is lazy, distracted. My bike has been replaced by an iPad. I'm comfortably retired in Florida after a 40+ year business career. I've replaced energy drinks with red wine in the evenings.

Thanks for your input, MP. Depression is probably not out of the question.

Maybe somebody just needs to kick me in the butt.

No problemo. I felt the same way a few years back, but I didn't think it was depression. Went to a Dr for something else and after talking to him a bit, he said, you sound depressed. I had no idea. Nothing to be ashamed of, happens to most everyone. It's hard to make a life change after being comfortable.

And hey, if you live near the beach and let me stay on the couch for free, I'll kick your butt ;)

Don't analyze, don't think, don't process. Air up your tires and go ride.

Every day.

I just went out to the garage to feel the bike tires, and they are way low on air. My last ride had to be sometime in March. I am going to air up today, whether I ride or not.

Try to emagine how many people can not go out and ride! You still can, it's a gift. And for what ever reason a new bike always sparks interest for me. Maybe your passion with the same old thing is fizzled, try MTN biking if you don't, or something else you always liked.

Myself in order, skateboarded, concert goer, mtn biking, offroad racing, gun clubs & fun matches, sno ski. Now back into mtn biking with new bike. YEEEEEEEEEEHAWWWWYOWYYOWYYUUHOOOOOO!!! Sorry

I sometimes like doing nothing. Wife, what are you doing today? Nothing! What do you mean nothing? I mean absolutely nothing. Wife, ok but can you at least brush your teeth? OK but that's as far as I'm going.

Hope this helped, now snap out of it.

No problemo. I felt the same way a few years back, but I didn't think it was depression. Went to a Dr for something else and after talking to him a bit, he said, you sound depressed. I had no idea. Nothing to be ashamed of, happens to most everyone. It's hard to make a life change after being comfortable.

And hey, if you live near the beach and let me stay on the couch for free, I'll kick your butt ;)

I'm a safe, easy 7 miles from the beach, and one of my fav outings is to ride to the Gulf. I like to take a snack and sit by the beach in awe of that beautiful view. I'm talkin' about georgeous sand, dolphin sightings and everything a beach lover could hope for. Go ahead, kick me.

Depression can cause lack of motivation for everything. Joining a riding club might work, IF you find the motivation to go to the rides, ya know? I hope it gets better for you, sincerely.
That is usually a biggie for me. Associating with others that share the interest keeps me enthusiastic about it.

Try to emagine how many people can not go out and ride! You still can, it's a gift. And for what ever reason a new bike always sparks interest for me. Maybe your passion with the same old thing is fizzled, try MTN biking if you don't, or something else you always liked.

Myself in order, skateboarded, concert goer, mtn biking, offroad racing, gun clubs & fun matches, sno ski. Now back into mtn biking with new bike. YEEEEEEEEEEHAWWWWYOWYYOWYYUUHOOOOOO!!! Sorry

I sometimes like doing nothing. Wife, what are you doing today? Nothing! What do you mean nothing? I mean absolutely nothing. Wife, ok but can you at least brush your teeth? OK but that's as far as I'm going.

Hope this helped, now snap out of it.

It does help, and I can relate to your approach to life. Yes, my good health is a blessing that must not be taken for granted. My entire life situation is very good, even enviable. Hanging out here with folks like you will undoubtedly help. I've been spending far too much time on firearm forums lately, and it hasn't been what I'd call 'action oriented'. Thanks.

It does help, and I can relate to your approach to life. Yes, my good health is a blessing that must not be taken for granted. My entire life situation is very good, even enviable. Hanging out here with folks like you will undoubtedly help. I've been spending far too much time on firearm forums lately, and it hasn't been what I'd call 'action oriented'. Thanks.

Hay Swamp. I forgot to mention I burned out on all the stuff I did eventually, and it was normal. I drift back to Mtn bike and offroad. Firearm forums! Now that's funny, guys in gun shops are always a hoot (Sarcasm).
Been tinkering with black powder, but don't want to get off track here. Sounds like you just need a cold shower.

I have found that riding clears my minds and recharges me a bit, good luck getting back in the saddle again!

Thanks for your responses, all of which were helpful. I tuned in here for a couple of hours yesterday, and the effect was...well...invigorating. Guess I had just slipped too far away from the magnetic force of ride talk, bike talk, wrench talk and all the other stuff you guys/gals jaw about. I'm thinkin' Memorial Weekend might have extra meaning for me this year: firin' up my Trek for a 'renewal' ride to the beach or somewhere else in this paradise called SW Florida.

I'm making a comeback, for sure. Realistic goals and lifestyle changes. Maybe a new bike. Giving thanks every day for having the physical ability to enjoy a great sport.

Hope you all have a great Memorial Day weekend. Mine is shaping up to be mighty special.