indyfabz

If you really do, you have a funny way of showing it.

bruised

I started a business working from home, some 17 years ago now, and got into really bad habits as far as exercise goes. Working 18 hour days at the computer seemed more important than getting outside and enjoying life.

I think many people fall into the trap of working towards a better tomorrow, when what really counts is today. You can't have it back.

So I try hard to get out and ride, even when it's raining or cold or too hot or whatever. When I think back over the last year, some of the most enjoyable moments have centered around cycling.

But I haven't been able to shake off the aversion to 'exercise' that I've developed, so I have to disguise it by having some purpose to my riding. Planning routes, setting challenges, organizing for an overnight camp, identifying a new place on the map to visit..etc. This keeps me motivated. I'm not so into cycling that the turning of the pedals and the whoosh of the asphalt is enough to keep me coming back.
I do like the solitude and the opportunity for contemplation and introspection, but there's only so far you can dig..

So I recommend you resolve your lethargy issues, be they medical or merely a lack of motivation and self-discipline, then find something you like to do that involves elevated heart-rates

If it ain't biking, then find sumptin else.

Dave Cutter

What a great "destination" idea! There is an extensive rails-to-trails network of over 360 miles of paths in my area. Many I have never ridden because it would take me so far from home. Making the round trip well over a century long. But I could easily throw a bike in the truck and drive to the trails end. And in that way ride the near-side of the path one day, and the back-side the next.

That's a great goal (to ride every bit of path in my area) and some new scenery thrown in to boot. I've even seen a picture of an on-the-path outdoor restaurant along the river (and at the far-end of a path). Lots of new fun rides to look forward to.

Pamestique 

I think I am really lucky... I actually like to ride my bike; in fact, look forward to it and get depressed with I can't (like with the rain we are having lately although that hasn't always stopped me). So I don't need motivation but I have friend who do... honestly the best way to get out there is to have "ride dates", make arrangements to ride with others, so you are obligated to go and have something to look forward to. Alot of my "lazier" friends use "meet-up" or other social media. But if you prefer to ride alone, then start thinking about your ride early. Make sure you have a good route; with nice scenary; and just start daydreaming about it. Pretty much if its in your head you are riding, you will get out and ride (at least it works for me).

If you do find it hard to ride; then consider some other form of exercise, say walking, or going to the gym; it's all good.

Wilfred Laurier

I recommend finding a route or destination or style of riding that makes you want to get out and do it. If you have ridden every road within fifty miles of your home then find a dirt trail you can do, or get a bmx cruiser bike and check out the local track. Or pick an ice cream shop thirty miles away that you want to ride to.

Personally, my favourite rides are:

-long meandering country roads (which there are few in my area)
-rides to get an interesting lunch or snack (which there are few in my neighborhood)
-Rides with a trailer or basket to pick up a case of beer
-Rides to discover new trails or riding spots.

The other strategy I can think of is to use your bike to do short grocery runs or for errands. Try to make the bake a more attractive option than the car.

Good luck!

jsigone

I never feel like I HAVE to ride my bike, usually cuz I want to ride my bikes. The only time I need to ride is to maintain fitness during the week so I can shred it on Saturdays.

Cycling is a love & hate relationship. Ride too much and you will hate riding. ride too little and you will forget that love feeling. You have to balance it out and with the challenges life gives. Use strava to track what you do and to follow others that you might not normally ride with. Stop and take pics of things along your ride. Or take them while moving like I do (gopro3 in timed burst mode)

Flatbroke

You owe me for one jelly doughnut!

wbuttry

I really do Love cycling it is all I think about I just got in a rut where I want to go ride but don't I just got off work and it is 617 pm and dark I got to go pick up my wife in another town so I am leaving early and going to the city sports complex and ride the city park it has a 2.5 mile walking trail; that also allows bicycles so I will do that for a hour and see what happens. I just guess I am different than other people I got so many hobbies that fite for my attention I fly radio controlled airplanes do metal detecting play music and also a gamer. So yes I got a lot of choices also . But I do cycling more than any of it .I think I got to many hobbies really.

GravelMN

I can think of only one thing better than riding.

I'm a Clyde at 235# and I love cycling. Once I'm on the bike, I usually have to force myself to go home because I keep finding excuses to ride just a little longer/further.

indyfabz

Excellent!

auldgeunquers

Well, with the rc airplanes and the music you could get a trailer for hauling the plane to the field or the gear to the gig ... not sure how to incorporate gaming with cycling ... with a stationary bike, maybe, but the real thing ???

tarwheel 

Here's what motivates me:

- I bike commute when weather permits, so that gets me riding 3-4 days most weeks. I love bike commuting and it has reinvigorated my cycling. It also saves money on gas, wear and tear on my car, reduces air pollution, etc. I feel much better when I get to work and home at the end of the day. It was also an excuse to buy another bike (or two), altho not necessary.
- I try to plan several bike tours every year, ranging from weekend to weeklong trips. My regular rides and commutes are part of my training for the tours.
- I have several bikes (actually 5) and when I get bored riding one of them, I grab another one. Riding a different bike somehow makes it more appealing.
- We have an extensive network of greenways in my metro area, and I do a lot of weekend rides on them. I can easily ride up to a metric century without ever having to get on roads (altho I don't mind riding roads). Often I plan longer rides with a break at restaurant for brunch, lunch.
- I have a group of friends that I often ride with on the weekends, and that makes riding more of a social event. It also makes it easier to do longer rides.
- Cycling is an integral part of my exercise/diet regime, so I need to ride a certain amount if I want to meet my calorie and exercise budgets.

If you get in the habit of cycling (or any form of rigorous exercise) regularly, you will get to the point where you look forward to it and suffer withdrawal on days when you can't exercise. For me, the hard thing isn't motivating myself to ride, but taking a day off.

wbuttry

I used to ride at night and last night wound up doing 10 miles night riding. I didn't realize how much I liked night riding till last night. I just had a calm peace about me riding in the dark it felt so natural for me. During the spring and summer I don't have much issue getting out that often I guess it all adds up to long hours at work the same rides no one to ride with except my wife and she doesn't want to go but a couple blocks and she is ready to go home. And that's why I spent so much on a night riding setup back during the spring cause I could not handle much heat during the summer.

rpecot

A few ideas come to mind:
- Get a riding partner to help motivate you. Maybe someone in a similar situation. Motivate each other to ride.
- Sign up for a charity/organized ride. Dropping a little cash might incentivize you to train/prepare for the ride.
- Use Strava, MapMyRide, Garmin Connect or whatever to track keep track of your rides. Set goals, try to improve on your segments. Use heatmaps to see where everyone else in your area is riding. Search for "clubs" in your area and join. Seek out locals who ride.

Poonjabby

When I started riding I was 5’10” and weighed 250 lbs. For years I joined gyms only to quit after the first month. The first time I rode a bike I did three miles and almost died. I started tracking my rides on my iPhone and on Map My Ride. One of the first goals I set was I wanted to ride ten miles. I still remember that day and the feeling I felt. That was six months ago. Now I commute almost daily to work. My goal in the next six month is a century ride. The winter is setting in hard now here in Kansas so I’ve set goals of not missing a ride to work in a week no matter the weather, trying to get to work in less than thirty minutes. So my advice is set small goals and check them off one by one.

Poon

nymtber

If you have to "force" yourself to ride, then you need to try a different sport.

I ride because I love it. If I don't feel like riding on a day I planned on it, I will just do whatever I feel like. Hiking, kayaking, showshoeing, walking, tennis, whatever else I might enjoy.