Miles
07-19-16, 05:55 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Lisle,IL
Posts: 32
Bikes: 2014 Rockhopper 29 2014 crux expert red disk
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Miles
So I usually ride between 20-26 miles 3 times a week. I think that's pretty good for 290 pounds.
I want to get to 30. The problem is I just get bored after a while.
Any advice?
I want to get to 30. The problem is I just get bored after a while.
Any advice?
07-19-16, 06:07 PM
#2
Senior Member
Do you ride the same route or change things up?
Do you ride the same time of day or change things up?
Do you ride solo; with a buddy or two; or in groups?
Do you ride the same bike each time?
Do you ever stop and smell the roses?
Do you ever try to increase you speed or do sprints to a traffic sign? Intervals between telephone poles?
In a nutshell, do something different to keep it from getting boring.
Do you ride the same time of day or change things up?
Do you ride solo; with a buddy or two; or in groups?
Do you ride the same bike each time?
Do you ever stop and smell the roses?
Do you ever try to increase you speed or do sprints to a traffic sign? Intervals between telephone poles?
In a nutshell, do something different to keep it from getting boring.
07-19-16, 06:16 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Decatur Il
Posts: 105
Bikes: TREK 520/ GIANT DEFY 1
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 77 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I do three things that help me.
1. Try to beat my previous time.
2. On my 30+ mile rides I give myself a halfway stop point to refuel.
3. Enjoy the ride and scenery.
1. Try to beat my previous time.
2. On my 30+ mile rides I give myself a halfway stop point to refuel.
3. Enjoy the ride and scenery.
07-19-16, 06:23 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: D'uh... I am a Cutter
Posts: 6,139
Bikes: '17 Access Old Turnpike Gravel bike, '14 Trek 1.1, '13 Cannondale CAAD 10, '98 CAD 2, R300
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1571 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
9 Posts
. That 60 pound weight lost might even make it easier (and more fun) to ride longer.
Last edited by Dave Cutter; 07-19-16 at 06:27 PM.
07-19-16, 07:24 PM
#5
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Lisle,IL
Posts: 32
Bikes: 2014 Rockhopper 29 2014 crux expert red disk
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I meant 30 miles. My goal weight is 240. I was that 2 years ago when I rode London to Paris. I'm not worried about weight since I am sliming down quickly.
07-19-16, 07:29 PM
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Lisle,IL
Posts: 32
Bikes: 2014 Rockhopper 29 2014 crux expert red disk
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Do you ride the same route or change things up?
Do you ride the same time of day or change things up?
Do you ride solo; with a buddy or two; or in groups?
Do you ride the same bike each time?
Do you ever stop and smell the roses?
Do you ever try to increase you speed or do sprints to a traffic sign? Intervals between telephone poles?
In a nutshell, do something different to keep it from getting boring.
Do you ride the same time of day or change things up?
Do you ride solo; with a buddy or two; or in groups?
Do you ride the same bike each time?
Do you ever stop and smell the roses?
Do you ever try to increase you speed or do sprints to a traffic sign? Intervals between telephone poles?
In a nutshell, do something different to keep it from getting boring.
I usually stay consistent in speed and never stand and I'm usually in my hardest gear.
I ride alone mostly if i go with my buddy he likes to just take off super fast and stops after 8 miles.
I have 2 bikes and switch them up. I have a crux and a rockhopper.
I usually only stop at around 20 miles to eat a snack and chug some power aid.
Maybe some more breaks would help.
I did take a different route yesterday and that was nice. When I'm on my Crux it's easy to go from trail to road.
07-19-16, 08:50 PM
#7
got the climbing bug
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,206
Bikes: one for everything
Mentioned: 82 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 632 Post(s)
Liked 912 Times
in
275 Posts
the inner demon we all face at some point.
Switching things up, route, bike, speed, effort, games, groups ect ect
Only you can fix this.
Strava helps motivates some, works for me
Switching things up, route, bike, speed, effort, games, groups ect ect
Only you can fix this.
Strava helps motivates some, works for me
__________________
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
07-20-16, 05:55 AM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: No. CA
Posts: 895
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Go out and find some gravel or dirt roads to explore. You have a CX bike that's perfect for dirt and gravel roads. Mixing up road riding with some fun on dirt and gravel is what keeps me going.
Unfortunately my cross bike is down for some repairs caused by me having too much fun on the dirt a couple days ago on my commute. Riding the road bike last few days on the pavement for my commute is mind numbingly boring.
Unfortunately my cross bike is down for some repairs caused by me having too much fun on the dirt a couple days ago on my commute. Riding the road bike last few days on the pavement for my commute is mind numbingly boring.
07-20-16, 06:57 AM
#10
Watching and waiting.
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mattoon,Ill
Posts: 2,023
Bikes: Trek 7300 Trek Madone 4.5 Surly Cross Check
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
There's nothing wrong with what you're doing. I'd rather go "all In" for 25 than putter around for 100.
07-20-16, 07:03 AM
#11
Galveston County Texas
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: In The Wind
Posts: 33,222
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1350 Post(s)
Liked 1,245 Times
in
623 Posts
Once did 80 laps around the block. 40 miles.
Get Herbie Horn and honk at the neighbors as you ride.
I have met them all.
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
Last edited by 10 Wheels; 07-20-16 at 12:41 PM.
07-20-16, 07:13 AM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: D'uh... I am a Cutter
Posts: 6,139
Bikes: '17 Access Old Turnpike Gravel bike, '14 Trek 1.1, '13 Cannondale CAAD 10, '98 CAD 2, R300
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1571 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
9 Posts
Just my attempt at humor while making my point. The less weight (within reason) the less the effort to move it. Often times the easiest way to increase both distance and speed in merely for the cyclist to pair-down some excessive weight.
When I've found myself wanting a little more variety in my cycling routes I looked for photo ops for selfies... that I post to Facebook.
while making my point. The less weight (within reason) the less the effort to move it. Often times the easiest way to increase both distance and speed in merely for the cyclist to pair-down some excessive weight.When I've found myself wanting a little more variety in my cycling routes I looked for photo ops for selfies... that I post to Facebook.
Last edited by Dave Cutter; 07-20-16 at 07:17 AM.
07-20-16, 09:02 AM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
I replied just recently to this similar situation:
In addition,
Riding a usual route in the reverse direction is always a new route. Also, for the prolific cyclist and photographer on the Regional Northeast Discussion Forum of the 11-mile (only) Minuteman Bike Trail, @rholland1951 comments that the lighting of that particular time of day makes it a new route too.
I've been off of work for the past couple of weeks and I find that I have less motivation to ride in the morning. You know how it is, trying to decide where to go, which bike to use, how far to go, etc. Too much thinking involved, and sometimes I just say, screw it....
I can relate. Nearly all my cycling is my commute, and I have four nice routes routes with many extensions that take me through some of the best cycling in Metro Boston…
Since I have cycled so much In Metro Boston, I’m not motivated by novelty, and I have to overcome the familiarity. ..
I have previously posted about my mental techniques to overcome the sameness of my routes.
and,
Finally,
Since I have cycled so much In Metro Boston, I’m not motivated by novelty, and I have to overcome the familiarity. ..
I have previously posted about my mental techniques to overcome the sameness of my routes.
I'm very motivated by novelty, and stymied by boredom on a bike, but I do have the motivation of commuting to work. I have found that when I drive my frequent, decades-old routes I often notice things I had not seen before. I think it’s because I can look around at more than just the road surface when driving. So when the commute [route] is getting too familiar, I just raise my head higher and look over a wider fieldof view….
One other whimsical technique on familiar roads is to imagine I'm riding with a certain fellow BF subscriber from the Midwest I enjoy reading, and I'm showing him around on my route. I particularly enjoy having visitors to Boston and take them on tours…
One other whimsical technique on familiar roads is to imagine I'm riding with a certain fellow BF subscriber from the Midwest I enjoy reading, and I'm showing him around on my route. I particularly enjoy having visitors to Boston and take them on tours…
Originally Posted by Steven Wright
”I have an imaginary friend, but he won’tplay with me.” 
About two weeks ago I described a new training routine for myself …Another unintended benefit is mental. I find that to honestly maintain my 60% RPE pace I must concentrate on keeping it up…One detraction from training for mileage is sometimes the lack of novelty (boredom)from riding well-trod routes. I find that the mental concentration and enjoyment of keeping on pace occupies my mind enough to displace any thoughtsof boredom....
I have frequently taken note of these two similar taglines when reading posts by these subscribers:
And
@chasm54
There have been many days when I haven't felt like riding, but there has never been a day when I was sorry I rode.
There have been many days when I haven't felt like riding, but there has never been a day when I was sorry I rode.
@Sammy J
I have NEVER regretted going on a ride;
I have often regretted not going when I could have!
I have NEVER regretted going on a ride;
I have often regretted not going when I could have!
Riding a usual route in the reverse direction is always a new route. Also, for the prolific cyclist and photographer on the Regional Northeast Discussion Forum of the 11-mile (only) Minuteman Bike Trail, @rholland1951 comments that the lighting of that particular time of day makes it a new route too.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 07-20-16 at 09:06 AM.
07-20-16, 10:31 AM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 221
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 49 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The other day, I went out on what I was telling myself was going to be a short ride. I talked myself into believing I wasn't feeling well. I think I was bored.
Anyways I went out to do a shorter than normal ride. When I was like two miles in I ran into a group of tweens and followed them. I was laughing my ass off, (Kids do say the funniest things.) Before I knew it I was 14 miles in on a ride.
I did the same thing on the way back, but this time, it was a rather nice pair of bike shorts, I was trying really hard to keep up with and keep within eye sight.
I would also say travel a little bit, I take my bike with me. I went to Atlantic City, that was a interesting ride. I took my bike down to the hudson valley and there were trails all over the place, and so much fun.
Anyways I went out to do a shorter than normal ride. When I was like two miles in I ran into a group of tweens and followed them. I was laughing my ass off, (Kids do say the funniest things.) Before I knew it I was 14 miles in on a ride.
I did the same thing on the way back, but this time, it was a rather nice pair of bike shorts, I was trying really hard to keep up with and keep within eye sight.
I would also say travel a little bit, I take my bike with me. I went to Atlantic City, that was a interesting ride. I took my bike down to the hudson valley and there were trails all over the place, and so much fun.
07-20-16, 12:33 PM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Ellensburg,WA
Posts: 3,180
Bikes: Schwinn Broadway, Specialized Secteur Sport(crashed) Spec. Roubaix Sport, Spec. Crux
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 179 Post(s)
Liked 169 Times
in
84 Posts
Experiment to find the joy in cycling. The distance or duration no longer matters as #10 Wheels said once you find it. For me it was tracking each ride and using strava to measure my progress. Finding a group to ride with also helps to keep it fresh.
__________________
Sir Mark, Knight of Sufferlandria
Sir Mark, Knight of Sufferlandria
07-21-16, 07:34 AM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,243
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18417 Post(s)
Liked 15,557 Times
in
7,332 Posts
26 to 30 is 4 additional miles. Maybe, what, 15-20 min. more.
07-24-16, 06:51 PM
#18
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Lisle,IL
Posts: 32
Bikes: 2014 Rockhopper 29 2014 crux expert red disk
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
07-24-16, 07:14 PM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Farmington Hills, Mi
Posts: 297
Bikes: 1996 Specialized Hardrock Sport FS, 2011 Fuji Newest 1.0, 2015 GRC-Single Gecko, 2016 Waterford RS-22
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I like to try and go somewhere. It's always nice to get "there" and take a break. Then you have no choice but to bike back. Or... if you are doing a loop, give yourself several places to go. I also like to take pictures of the places I ride, but I don't do a very good job of stopping to actually take the pictures. So... that's kind of dumb on my part. Need to get better at that.
07-24-16, 07:50 PM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SW Ohio
Posts: 3,509
Bikes: 3 good used ones
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 83 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I found having a very nice bike that goes fast helps to make riding more enjoyable. I race against time, sprint up to speed after stops, and try to improve on it from one day to the next. If that fails, I just think about sex...or food. Food always works. "What will I eat when I get home?"
07-24-16, 08:03 PM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: SGV So Cal
Posts: 883
Bikes: 80's Schwinn High Plains, Motobecane Ti Cyclocross
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 108 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 30 Times
in
21 Posts
I'm usually in my hardest gear.
That's a problem right there!
What ever cog you are on, go one or two bigger and take the strain off the joints.
Get on Google maps and start exploring with the satellite view where might be interesting to explore and then go there!
Since you have a CX bike, you have a "go anywhere reasonably fast" machine. So just explore a bit. Make a challenge out of "can I get from point A to point B" on a bike. Or from home to point A and back via route X.
That's a problem right there!
What ever cog you are on, go one or two bigger and take the strain off the joints.
Get on Google maps and start exploring with the satellite view where might be interesting to explore and then go there!
Since you have a CX bike, you have a "go anywhere reasonably fast" machine. So just explore a bit. Make a challenge out of "can I get from point A to point B" on a bike. Or from home to point A and back via route X.
Last edited by TGT1; 07-24-16 at 08:06 PM.
07-24-16, 08:41 PM
#22
Champion of the Low End
Riding on the road is okay, but I realized this winter/fall that dirt and gravel roads capture my attention. There's something about that particular type of suffering that really does it for me. As much as I like to string together as many miles of gravel as I can find, I have found that mixing up gravel with regular road riding is more realistic for me, since gravel is tougher and harder on the body than smoother roads.
I also echo the suggestion of Strava for motivation and encouragement.
07-25-16, 05:39 AM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,243
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18417 Post(s)
Liked 15,557 Times
in
7,332 Posts
smh. I was referring to the boredom assertion, not heat or anything else. You can ride 26 miles without getting bored but cannot manage another 15 min. to get to the 30 miles you covet? That makes no sense to me.
07-25-16, 11:44 AM
#24
Senior Member
I crave the brainless activity that is biking. Well, not brainless, but not filled with all the forms of distractions we have in our lives today. Not having those interruptions for an entire ride is very refreshing to me, not boring. I could ride for days without the need to hear even the voice of another person. Enjoy the silence, and think about being on the bike when you are over stimulated by the techie world we live in now.
07-25-16, 12:21 PM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 165
Bikes: 2014 Trek Shift 4, 2015 Surly Disc Trucker
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I just try not to fall over and go as far as I can. If I get bored, I start thinking how boring it is on my inside bike in the winter time. That usually puts me in a better frame of mind !
If I get bored, I start thinking how boring it is on my inside bike in the winter time. That usually puts me in a better frame of mind !