Pupsocket

If I have another flat tire, I'll be late to work (afternoon shift).
I won't have time to shower afterwards.
My only clean jersey is full of rips.
Left my good sunglasses in the other car.
Water bottle isn't clean.
Can't find the bike computer.
Can't find the bike mirror.
Can't find the bike bag.
Can't find my left shoe.
I'll ride more tomorrow.
It's cloudy today.
I was going to change my front tire.
I spent too much time on BF.
Can't find my cell phone.
Can't find my keys.
Just ate a big meal.
Can't find my wallet.
Patch kit is almost out of patches.
Every time I lube the chain I get Triflow all over the concrete.
Sick of loading/unloading the hatch rack.

Sick and tired of being my own worst enemy. I was planning to load up early this morning and do 30 miles on the Cannon Valley trail. Instead I slept in, spent too much time finding excuses, and almost pissed away another nice morning.

Did go 8.5 miles, though.

Caincando1

Some time it takes baby steps.

There are day or weeks when I don't feel like riding. During those times, I never set goals for miles or time in saddle. I just make sure I ride, no matter how long or short it is. If I ride 4 miles then it's better than 0. I've found that getting on the bike can be hardest part. Once I'm going, I'm usually good to go. Many days, when I felt like I really didn't want to ride and thought I'd just go for a short ride, turned into 25-35 mile rides. There are also days that I only went 8 instead of the 15 I hoped. Either way, it doesn't matter, every mile is better than 0.

waterboy

We have all been there- don't beat yourself up too much- just try to make some adjustments to your routine.

A couple thoughts. Try to simplify your plan, i.e do you really need to computer, wallet, cellphone for every ride? Look for anything else that just adds inertia to getting out the door. Set everything up the night before- one less excuse. I make sure on commute days I have my backpack ready the night before, clothes, work materials, bottles on the counter- shoes, helmet, gloves all together, etc.

When I am lying in bed on a gray morn I try to think ahead to how I will feel later in the day if don't ride. I imagine myself in my car going out to run an errand and seeing a group of cyclists on the road- knowing that I might have ridden, and knowing how pissed off I am when I don't, and see everyone else out having a good time.

For weekend rides I try to commit to riding with at least one friend. More enjoyable, and peer pressure is always a great motivator to get rolling. One guy I ride with regularly will harass me mercilessly (but good natured) if I don't show up for an AM ride. It helps me get moving in the AM.

Finally- dont make it work. You should be riding for your own personal goals. If you make it too dogmatic and overly routine you may lose the joy, and it becomes a burden. Some days I jsut go out and noodle around, other days its all about some mileage or or other goal. But I try to mix it up and keep it fresh. Ride different routes etc.

Terrierman

Stop using tri-flow then and get some Pedro's Syn Lube.

Glad you got out.

v1k1ng1001

I don't understand this thread. My problem is that I always find excuses to ride.

mike

Bicycling might not be your gig. If you are trying to find some activity that will help you lose weight or get in shape, you have to find something that you think is really fun. It should be something that you don't have to talk yourself into doing. Rather, it needs to be something that you wake up early with excitement to do or think about all day at work.

If you have to talk yourself into it and are finding ways to get out of bicycling or whatever, then find something else that is fun. Maybe it is swimming or tennis or Tai Chi or dancing. Keep searching until you find it, but something is out there just perfect for you.

Do stay positive, though. You sound frustrated with yourself. Probably, you are pretty comfortable in your own skin, that is why excersizing for the sake of excersizing just isn't motivating enough. That is actually a good thing. Look for fun. Fun is the best motivator of all.

Pupsocket

The health benefits are not the primary goal, though I'll take them. I'm a life-long procrastinator and a lifelong perfectionist - this means I find it difficult to start something if I think I won't eventually be good at it. Combine procrastination with perfectionism and throw in a gradually fading detail memory and I end up with frustration.

I do like to ride. Biking lets me see lots of scenery. When not pedaling, I like to walk, paddle or XC ski. Walking is nice because it can be done in ANY weather.

I didn't have all of those things listed above happen today, and even when they do I still usually get out anyway. I'm getting better at having everything ready at a moment's notice.

Here's what went right when I finally got myself out the door:
I wore my other sunglasses.
I wore the ratty jersey anyway. What do I care what people think of me?
I cleaned the Camelbak and filled it up with plenty of ice and fresh water.
I found everything I needed, including the new patch kit I bought yesterday.
I got out the door on time.
I enjoyed the scenery, even if it was cloudy and durn near 100% humidity.
I didn't have any flats (thanks to new rim tape.)
I had plenty of time to get ready for work after I got back.
I'll ride again tomorrow, weather & motivation permitting.
I made sure to add the mileage to my log and zero my bike computer.
I plopped my left cleat in cat-yack.
It's already cleaned for next time.

Karl

mike

Boy, Karl, I know what you mean. I have seen the perfectionist curse and a curse it truly is. I have seen very intelligent and talented people implode because they just couldn't get motivated to do something they knew they couldn't get perfect. In the end, they perfectly became underachievers. That might not be you, but you probably know what I mean.

Look at bicycling this way, Karl; if you are riding a bike in any direction and you are feeling the wind on your body, maybe hearing the things around you, seeing things around you, and the wheels are spinning, then you have achieved bicycling perfection.

Neil_B

Whenever I bike commute to work I go through excuses too. I never leave on time. I still make it on time, but I have to hustle and I cut it very close. Preparation is something we both need to work on.

Neil_B

Again I can identify, Karl. I through myself 110 percent into things because I know I'm not going to enjoy them unless I get to a certain level. I've put 1600 miles on my bike since March, and much of that riding wasn't enjoyable. I'm finally getting to the point I like riding.