Cycling Withdrawl Depression?
 

Ungh, I can totally feel this. It's happened to me after doing consecutive months of frequent gym sessions and then dropping off, too.

All summer long I've been able to ride 3-5 times per week, often riding close to 200 miles in a week. Now between the early sunsets, wet weather, and overall business, I'm getting on the bike 1-2 times per week. After a few weeks of this I just feel...like it's easier to feel down about things. Harder to wake up in the mornings. Sometimes even harder to get motivated to go out for a ride when I can. Just a mild overall feeling of depression.

Anyway, just curious if anyone else experiences this as winter approaches and their activity level involuntarily starts to decrease?

Scott

My activity level doesn't decrease, normally. I ride right through the winter, either outdoors as weather allows or on the Trainer Stand. ;)

I do this about once a quart it seems. Things around me usually take control and I just don't get on the bike like I did the month before. We have had bad weather, work as been just sucking and I have to replace my roof due to nasty leak. Last month I did 400 plus miles, Don't think I broken 200 yet this month. I mentioned this in another thread, this is suppose to be fun and lately it has not been fun, it almost been like work, something I just had to do. I don't want it to feel like that. Take a break, clear the mind and then just on for a fun ride.

My bike is sick for a couple of weeks so I'm feeling it too.

On the other hand, there are part of my body that really need the rest.

I know how you feel, my bike is currently in parts....well some of it....I have two cracked rims, no handlebar tape, and a seat that is no good....I am ordering new parts along with some new cycling clothes as the ones I have now are worn out :D....anyways so I won't have the pleasure of experiencing most of the fall here on Cape Cod dude to the fact I won't be able to order anything until DECEMBER! At that point I think it will be so cold I will chicken out!

My riding has decreased due to the sun going down earlier also. I rode between 6:30 and 8:30 in the spring and summer evenings, usually around 200 miles a week. Now I am lucky to get in 15 miles or so on the weekend. I ride an indoor exercise bike during the week, but it is not even close to being the same. I'm hoping for a short winter.

Yep, it's almost "go to spin class 3-4x a week" time again...

I have a bright light but now it's getting annoyingly cold out so...

I haven't ridden in a couple of weeks, I have started running though as it takes less time to get ready etc. Been busy with work. I'm gonna get a used trainer on my next paycheck so I can ride this winter.

From a certain perspective cutting way back on exercise is dramatically reducing your production of endorphins and such and will definitely cause some depression like feelings.

Don't underestimate the power of endorphins. It's your natural high after exercising and one of the reasons regular cycling seems addictive. Also a reason you feel like your coming down when you stop.

It's also possible that your body just might be tired. Your brain too. Take a break if you have to but don't let it drag on. When I've been like this in the past I've taken almost two weeks off at times and then came back rejuvenated.

first how can you guys use spin class. ive tested out the bikes my gym has... no way i could ride one in spin class the seat is WAY to wide, and the sizing just isnt right... but i love my roadie so im just planning on a trainer...

with that point said my biggest thing is cross training helps... well it helps that my goal is a triathlon more than a bike race, so i just take the crappy days as a sign to swim or run. but i mean i think you just need to find something that you enjoy half as much (nobody could enjoy anything as much as getting on a bike.. i know)

so yeah... crosstrain!!!!

I don't like spin class either. Cross training is where it's at. Spinning is good for meeting women though.

This would be why the forum sponsors have all that gore-tex for us to buy. Last January I rode at 26 above zero with a wind chill of -18 below. Yeah it was cold, and no I don't make a habit out of it.

I'm fairly impervious to the cold but a rain jacket really cuts the wind. That and shorts and I'm good for rides up to an hour or so...after that it starts going through me.