I always listen to the traffic report when I get tired of riding. That gives me a little extra kick in the behind. Also back off on the speed. I burned out physically in my first 2 years because I rode HARD all of the time. Now I ride casually. I'm into my 10th year.

we've all been there. take some time off. start again when you're ready, or just ride less. or whatever.

and buying a new bike might help too!

My answer upthread is a bit glib, but commuting has been a struggle for me this year. My commute changed from 7 easy miles to 17 time-consuming miles. I was commuting most of the time when my commute was shorter, but I'm barely keeping a twice-a-week tempo nowadays. Because of a prevailing southerly wind, mornings are okay becuase I have a tailwind. But in the afternoon most days, the wind kicks my butt; this afternoon I can look forward to 40 mph gusts in my face.

It used to be that riding was my "default" option and driving to work was the exceptional case. That's been flip-flopped. I don't ride nearly as often. I take a little comfort in the fact that even if I'm only commuting half as much, I still put in more miles than previously since my commute is more than twice the distance it used to be.

For me, though, I don't think taking time off is the answer. I have to just slog through it, get used to the longer distance, and try to figure out ways to not get home so late.

No kidding. Yesterday had to drive to pick up my kid. On the way back tried to avoid a major construction zone, so I took a different route only to get caught in a even bigger construction jam. 1 hour for 5 mile trip. That's the problem if you don't drive anymore, you don't know what streets to avoid because of construction etc.
Needless to say, it taught me a lesson. Pick up the kid by bike and take public transportation back.

I think the trick to overcoming burnout is making a change. Whether it's to your route, the bike you ride, your pace... whatever, change it up. There are times when the thought of getting on my fixie and going b***s out for an adrenaline rush on my morning commute just doesn't appeal to me so I pull out the heavy MTB, take a different route to work at a relaxed pace and by the following day I can't wait to get back on the fixie.

looks like the cure for me is going to be antibiotics-- got the scrip last night, but tried to wait another day to see if I could recover on my own. Nope. Picking them up tomorrow.

When I get back to it next week, I won't push so hard. (I'll miss the rush of doing so, though!)

Nice ATK, bassnotbass. That's an '81 Ibanez Roadster 924 in my avatar...

Me too. Two years ago, I rode in anything Mother Nature could throw at me. There were days I arrived at work wet and shivering or frostbitten but I was motivated by personal determination to prove that I could do it. This past winter, I drove a lot more, drawing the line at 20°F or more than an inch of snow on the streets. It just got so unpleasant on some days that I was afraid I'd quit riding completely.

I'm glad I took it easy because this Spring I have enjoyed riding more than past years. On days when I don't feel my best, I just ride more slowly and take an extra 10 minutes to get home. After all, isn't one of the reasons for biking to slow life down a bit?

it's been a nice break for me. now I just joy ride and really enjoying it