Ok maybe once in a while.

It has occured to me that I spend too much time on my bike daydreaming. I restarted my cycling life about 6 years ago with the only other guys in town who ride (small town). Two years ago I decided I wanted to ride on my own as these guys were just too competitive for me and every ride became a race. Rides were in the 20-25 mile range. Granted, I became a much better rider, held my own and lost some lbs.

Now, I ride 30-50 miles at a time, throw in some 50-60 mile rides, try to do a century a summer in a mountainous region and enjoy the solitude of solo riding. But I'm not getting faster! People sneak up on me and blow by and I think if I'd known they were coming I could have kept up. So, what I can brag about is I can ride fairly far and can do it slowly. As well, the weight doesn't shed this year like it used to. I'm thinking I have to push it with some consistency.

So today, I did a 35 miler and gave it my all. I was really bushed after 25 and felt that was it but , thankfully, I had a few downhills to recoup. My speed (estimated) was 17-18 mph versus the 14 or so I used to do the ride in. No computers on me.

Do you also struggle to keep pushing during solo rides? Any tricks? Do I have to buy a computer with a cadence alarm? Do I need hypnosis to rid my mind of those old songs from the Youngbloods and Byrds that I sing over and over and that slow me down?
Or, HTFU