Cycling Training Motivation
 

The problem I have is not the actual training part, but rather the
motivation to actually get on my bike. Im comfortable in my kit and
on
the bike I can't get enough. I just need that push to start getting
ready for the ride, to wake up early. Its easy to get the drive when
there's a big race coming up, so its easy for me to be consistant in
my training because everyone's training and I wouldn't wanna fall
behind or get dropped on the weekend ride. Im just looking for that
thing that i need that would make me jump up and start riding instead
of thinking up reasons why I don't have to. I started a blog where I
listed some of the stuff I could think of, but I still haven't found
"the thing" that would give me drive and push me to be better. If
anyone's interested, my blog is at cycleright.wordpress.com. I
have some cool training tips on there that have worked for me in the
past. Any advice would be appreciated

why bother riding if you don't enjoy it? you say you enjoy it when you're on the bike but you can't get motivated to actually get ON the bike? you want some motivation? go poke around the commuter forum a bit... dedication is getting up in the dark for a ride to work in whatever weather mother nature throws at you, day after day after day.

it's nice to be training for some specific end goal but why limit yourself in that manner?

Cycling is like life. Some days suck, some days you kick ass... but you always get out of bed.

You already mentioned that you like it once you get going. That's half the battle.

Instead of fighting the way you feel, stop struggling and go with whatever the ride presents you.

It might help if you could identify why you have a hard time getting started: are you sick of doing the same route over and over again? Are you dreading the pain of a hard interval session? Does the weather suck? Are you just tired?

Race more. In winter take up cyclocross. I rarely have issues getting on a bike but I do find my motivation increases with having events to aim for.
My 2 cents.

Having somebody to cycle with would help. I actually cycle by myself but know that meeting up with somebody would increase motivation.

Sorry, I don't have words of wisdom to offer, but know that you are not alone.

My big problem is the gearing up. Sunscreen, a twenty seven item list of things to bring (don't ask but it is all stuff that I have used on rides), checking tire pressure... etc. Takes me 45min just to get out of the house.

Once on my bike, I have no problems and actually love riding. But what a hassle getting out the door. I envy runners for their lack of gear.

You've put voice to a really big "downer" issue. It really is the deciding factor (against riding) when one's give-a-hoot is broken and it's raining and there's a deadline somewhere in your life. It's important to (as you say) "gear up" the evening before.

I like your list idea.

I find the biggest thing is actually getting out of bed in the morning. Just throw the covers off and roll out. Once yopu are on the bike you will enjoy it more (yes, even the hill repeats and intervals!).
I'm lucky in that I'm part of a team that has organised training sessions with a coach so I feel I have to go so as not to let the coach and the rest of the team down.

I do find it hard to go out on my own though, especially for an early morning (5.30-6am) ride in the winter frost. Sometimes I will just incorporate solo 'training' into my commute to work and leave early and go the long/hilly way.

I think I like this advice the best...

Don't ride. You just aren't that into it.

koffee

In all seriousness if you don't get motivated to ride then don't do it. If you want to get motivated set your self goals,
When I work with riders I get them to set a series of goals, both long tern and short term.
The long term goal can be something like ride a 150k sportive in September and the short term goals can be to ride shorter events, do a specific training route, climb a specific hill, join a club anything.
But the goals all need to be achievable or else you're wasting your time. Sit down and look at how much time you have to ride, what your other life commitments are and what goals you could realistically accomplish. The big goals should be something you have to stretch for, that way you get a great sense of achievement, the small goals should be easily achievable and regular so you get a boost from them, but also cos you'll see a progression and see how they act as a stepping stone to the big goal(s).
Also I sometimes suggest a 'reward' for each goal or for the big one, maybe treat yourself to something you'd like. Also get your family and friends involved, let them know what your big goal is, let them know what your short term goals are. That adds a little pressure on you to prove you can do it, but also helps with support and encouragement, especially if you don't feel like going out on the bike.
Keep focused, keep you goals in mind and work to a plan that will see you hit those goals and feel good about doing so.
Hope that helps. Good luck.
:):)

I practice the self reward for goal achievement as well. It serves the dual purpose of limiting my expenditures. :p
For instance after I finished a 120 mile ride with 10,000 feet of climbing I purchased myself a LG jersey.
After I hit my goal weight I will pick up a new set of spd carbon clipless shoes to replace my ailing pair.

Some people are more goal oriented than others. Some riders have a need to do high performance and love to go beyond themselves like in a race. Some find great satisfaction in the evening before preparations that include laying out all their stuff in a neat order, lube the chain, drinks in the refrigerator, blinkies with fully charged batteries, and even turn on the computer to migrate ride data into their software.

Some know that the big picture is about knowing yourself and why you do what you do.

The goals achievement idea sounds good. The point I was trying to get across is the motivation to start the ride, not the actual riding. I can ride for miles and miles, for hours, the steeper the hill the better, i enjoy it, thats not the problem. Its like rodrigaj, Billy Bones and others said, the gearing up, the sunscreen, the 'Have to do' stuff that comes before the fun. When there's a race coming up, I tell myself exactly that... "There's a race soon, stand up, get ready." So thats my motivation, thats the factor. In the off season its harder to do so. I might be sounding like a baby to all those who find this easy, but thats how i feel and im sure many others too. Maybe i need a negative factor to motivate me like losing fitness or something, but at the moment that aint working.