Granturismonut

Lately I've had no modivation to ride. I'm at 917 miles for the year and I'd really like to break 1000 miles. But with the weather getting colder, days getting shorter and the nature of my job my work days are getting much longer.

Does anyone have any tips?

Pakiwi

Ride with somebody and hold each other accountable.
Where do you live? Do you have a trainer?
Allan

Cyril 

Ride your bike...whether you want to or not.

Null66

How's your health and stress?

Berta

I found I've finally internalized a rule I made for myself many years ago. I used to give myself a ten-minute leeway to quit whatever physical activity I was doing; i.e. if it was still utterly hateful after ten minutes, I allowed myself to get off the bike/stop running/get off whatever machine. Outside of an injury I was trying to ignore, this always worked because, as you know, once you've gotten yourself out there, you're hanging in. One thing to remember is that it doesn't matter how long or how hard you're performing out there when you're in these slumps, it's that you got yourself out. The performance concerns will kick right back in when your motivation feels more solid.

One motivator for the bike in particular for me is the idea that if I put it up and do nothing for the duration of the cold months, I'm facing getting used to the saddle and the more challenging climbs every time mid March rolls around. I hate that feeling. Once the weather's warming up, I want to enjoy the rides and not feel that I'm noticeably behind where I was in the fall.

ckFoxTrot

I like this idea! It seems like a good way to encourage yourself to do something even if you don't feel like it, knowing you can stop if you want to (which, as you pointed out, isn't likely once you start ). Sort of a compromise between not doing anything all together and complete commitment (that likely turns into commitment).

Stress and lack of time often battle with my motivation. Sometimes it helps to take a step back, consciously/more actively think it over and why you want to do it, and just force yourself to. Getting a bike trainer might help out some too (probably would have been nice for me during the summer!).

For me, it's basically finally turning into biking weather now that the temperature is dropping, which has boosted my motivation quite a bit. I can't wait until the few weeks I get to wear tights and long sleeves!

GravelMN

My 4-Step Plan:

1) Step away from the keyboard
2) Take the bike out of the garage
3) Get on the bike
4) Ride it

Berta

I don't trust myself to ride outside all winter, so I'm looking at trainers now. I wish tights and long sleeves could cut it around here. Last winter I wore an absurd number of layers and still managed to freeze, especially my hands and feet. Still haven't solved that problem. Otherwise, it's windproof-everything.

ckFoxTrot

Ya, a trainer seems like a great way to still get in some bike time despite the elements. I'm sure it's not as fun or stimulating but it's better than nothing and also lets you just hop on for however long you want at home. Could binge watch TV seasons at the same time too I guess

PhotoJoe 

Being that close to 1,000 miles for the year would be motivation enough for me. I'm the type of person that would be extremely disappointed in myself if I got that close, and just didn't finish.

What's the longest ride you've ever done? Use today to prepare mentally, hydrate, eat well, and go hit it hard tomorrow. I'll bet tomorrow you could add 5% to that longest distance. After that, how many miles closer to 1,000 will you be?

Jarrett2

Go get on that bike! How's that?

Could do the last bit on a trainer I guess. Or wait for warmer days.

Jarrett2

Me too. Getting too close to a nice round number like that would push me to hit it for sure.

Dave Cutter

You have 83 miles to ride. You could ride that today. Or.... ride one mile a day. Six minutes a day and the goal would be made. Maybe something in between the extremes might be more convenient like 8 each 11 mile rides, 4 each 21 mile rides, or 2 each 40 mile rides.
Or... do what I do. If you don't feel like exercising... don't exercise. Just relax and have a little fun today. Of course... I can never think of anything more fun to do [outside] than going for a bicycle ride. Go enjoy yourself. Ride your bike.

SammyJ 

I have NEVER regretted going for a ride, I have often regretted not going.

MikeRides

This time of the year is always hard for me to find the motivation to ride. What usually works for me, all year when the motivation is low, is to choose the bike over the car to run errands (or commute if possible).

Long sleeves, pants, wool socks, and full fingered gloves and you should be warm enough assuming you ride hard enough. Throw on a windbreaker/rain jacket if it looks like it may rain. Acquire some bright headlights, two red blinkies for the rear so that you can ride after dark.

When the snow falls or subzero temperatures arrive, switch to a stationary bike or trainer, pedal while you watch movies or TV. A typical movie is 90 minutes in length, a perfect indoor ride duration.

Null66

THIS IS GREAT! I'll have to try it.

Usualy when motivation fails I feel like crap and after a couple miles I don't...


Only regretted crashing or going farther than prepared for...

baron von trail 

I agree.

dvdslw

That pretty much sums it up!

GravelMN

Oh hell no. Put on some studded tires and find out just how much fun a ride in the snow can be. If you need an N+1, consider a fatbike. Properly clothed and prepared, I have ridden in temps down to -20F (about -30C) and loved it. It has to be blizzard conditions with no travel advised before I'll resign myself to the indoor trainer.

bigfred 

Find a good post ride Cafe with a young asian(insert your preference) barista who enjoys a good flirt:-)

Works for me;-)

Beachgrad05

Last year I was VERY close to 4000 miles for year when I was doing Rapha Festive 500. I had to do over 400 miles that week to reach it. I managed to do the needed miles. It felt great to reach the milestone.

Granturismonut

Thanks for all the great ideas and helping me get back on the bike. After tonight's 9.4 mile ride I'm that much closer to 1000.

Thanks again to everyone.

Jack Lorington

Jack Lorington

Take a hot green tea

Dave Cutter

+1