Motivation
09-15-11, 09:45 AM
#51
Banned.
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: somewhere, over the sea
Posts: 81
Bikes: 50s era Raliegh 3 speed
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
09-15-11, 09:48 AM
#52
Banned.
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: somewhere, over the sea
Posts: 81
Bikes: 50s era Raliegh 3 speed
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think there is a certain degree of motivation that comes from talking about cycle commuting. If nothing else it is a feeling or sense of connection with other people with a common goal. I'm not saying I wouldn't do it without bike forums, but many of you certainly inspire me (especially to ride in bad weather). I figure I can't be that crazy if other people are doing it. Otherwise I may never have even considered it. Although I can't be certain, I think it was bike forums that originally had me considering a bicycle commute, so that when we bought our first home one of the most important criteria was whether or not I would be able to commute the whole distance on bike. Through college I always rode everywhere on my bike, but back then things were close and I was poor and didn't have a car for most of it anyways. I think I do owe (at least initially) some of my motivation and commitment to bicycle commuting to everyone on these forums. I don't depend on it, but it helps.
09-15-11, 11:13 AM
#53
Senior Member
Well, you can always go commando (I've had to do that once or twice) but, forgetting that you took home the week before the pants that you planned on wearing is a bit more noticeable - had to make a call home to have them delivered (so much for saving gas although home->work is only 4km).
09-15-11, 11:24 AM
#54
Senior Member
I have 2 counter-motivations.
1) My father had his heart attack at 54, I'm 51 and there's no damn way that I am going to copy him. +1 for riding my bike (commuting and for fun, not mutually exclusive)
2) I'm carrying inches around the middle that I want to lose. +1 for riding my bike
3) My wife's workplace is half-way and on the same road as my workplace but her workplace charges $6/day for parking whereas mine is free so if I drive, parking is free and if I ride, parking is $6. She currently has health issues which currently prevent her from biking or walking to work but hopefully that will go away in a year or two. However, parking costs is a -1 for bike riding.
1) My father had his heart attack at 54, I'm 51 and there's no damn way that I am going to copy him. +1 for riding my bike (commuting and for fun, not mutually exclusive)
2) I'm carrying inches around the middle that I want to lose. +1 for riding my bike
3) My wife's workplace is half-way and on the same road as my workplace but her workplace charges $6/day for parking whereas mine is free so if I drive, parking is free and if I ride, parking is $6. She currently has health issues which currently prevent her from biking or walking to work but hopefully that will go away in a year or two. However, parking costs is a -1 for bike riding.
09-15-11, 12:13 PM
#55
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Westlake Village, CA
Posts: 415
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Like some others here, I don't think too much about riding to work. Cycling is how I get to work, and I no longer give it any special thought. What motivates me to cycle to work, is the same thing that motivates me to go to work, I like my job, and they pay me.
For me at least, the key was a decision to ride every day, no matter what*. All year, all weather. Once you do that, there really is nothing to think about.
Paul
*The only exception I make is if my wife absolutely needs me to have a car for some reason, and that comes up a few times a year at most.
For me at least, the key was a decision to ride every day, no matter what*. All year, all weather. Once you do that, there really is nothing to think about.
Paul
*The only exception I make is if my wife absolutely needs me to have a car for some reason, and that comes up a few times a year at most.
09-20-11, 05:26 PM
#56
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Boston, MA US
Posts: 127
Bikes: 2011 Globe Daily 2 men's small
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Bike commuting needs to be your regular routine, so you don't even think about it. If you decide in the morning while you are lying in bed, you will choose driving most of the time. That's human nature. When my alarm goes off in the morning, I get up and don't lay there thinking about whether I want to bike to work or not. Once I get up, if I find that it's pouring cats and dogs, I'll drive but I make that decision after getting up.
As far as motivations, I have a long list:
- Commuting means more time to ride my bike, and I like to ride.
- Helps me burn calories, control my weight.
- Makes me fitter and healthier.
- I feel better when I commute -- that is, I'm in a better mood all day long.
- I save about 1 gallon of gas each time I bike commute. That saves me money and conserves energy.
- Conserving energy/gas helps reduce our dependence on foreign oil, dictators and terrorists.
- Cycling is much more environmental friendly than driving. Eg, less air pollution.
- My insurance company gives me a better rate because I bike commute most of the time.
- Don't have to worry about parking at work when I bike commute.
- My actual commute is much more pleasant on a bike than riding a car in traffic.
- Commuting gave me an excuse to buy another bike -- the old N+1 phenomenum.
As far as motivations, I have a long list:
- Commuting means more time to ride my bike, and I like to ride.
- Helps me burn calories, control my weight.
- Makes me fitter and healthier.
- I feel better when I commute -- that is, I'm in a better mood all day long.
- I save about 1 gallon of gas each time I bike commute. That saves me money and conserves energy.
- Conserving energy/gas helps reduce our dependence on foreign oil, dictators and terrorists.
- Cycling is much more environmental friendly than driving. Eg, less air pollution.
- My insurance company gives me a better rate because I bike commute most of the time.
- Don't have to worry about parking at work when I bike commute.
- My actual commute is much more pleasant on a bike than riding a car in traffic.
- Commuting gave me an excuse to buy another bike -- the old N+1 phenomenum.
I like this list. I bought a bike for my husband, not me...but I can always try to "borrow" it when he visits his family. It's only been a month of commuting, but already I love it. I ride 5 miles now, but am looking forward to the point where I am conditioned and riding all 30 miles roundtrip 5 days a week. I give 2 years or so.
09-20-11, 08:37 PM
#58
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Virginia/DC
Posts: 1,454
Bikes: quite a few
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
1. Fun - indulging my love of bikes, feeling of freedom, independence, even some eccentricity perhaps in being orthodox
2. Fitness/exercise
3. Save money on parking garage/public transport
4. Variety - I never feel too bored commuting by bike, as you always notice different things, and you can change your route easily. Other transportation methods tend to be more limited. You can barely change your route if you take public transportation, whereas in a car, 30-40%? of your view is the exact same no matter where you go - it's your dashboard/car interior, and the rest of it is the back of cars, roads, street signs, traffic lights, etc. in a fairly consistent pattern.
Others (all about equally motivating)
- Not having to drive in city traffic (it's not that bad, and my commute by car is at least 10 mins faster so it's not that big a motivation)
- Not consuming gas/pollution (the money saving part is non-existent because of bike running costs vs. my short commute and I already own the car)
- Can eat more at lunch
- Tracking my riding
- +1 bike commuter/being part of the commuting crowd (I'm always envious on days I drive)
- Possible increase in N. We'll see. Definite increase in general bike gear, parts, etc.
- Posting about my commutes here
2. Fitness/exercise
3. Save money on parking garage/public transport
4. Variety - I never feel too bored commuting by bike, as you always notice different things, and you can change your route easily. Other transportation methods tend to be more limited. You can barely change your route if you take public transportation, whereas in a car, 30-40%? of your view is the exact same no matter where you go - it's your dashboard/car interior, and the rest of it is the back of cars, roads, street signs, traffic lights, etc. in a fairly consistent pattern.
Others (all about equally motivating)
- Not having to drive in city traffic (it's not that bad, and my commute by car is at least 10 mins faster so it's not that big a motivation)
- Not consuming gas/pollution (the money saving part is non-existent because of bike running costs vs. my short commute and I already own the car)
- Can eat more at lunch
- Tracking my riding
- +1 bike commuter/being part of the commuting crowd (I'm always envious on days I drive)
- Possible increase in N. We'll see. Definite increase in general bike gear, parts, etc.
- Posting about my commutes here
09-20-11, 09:29 PM
#59
just over the next hill
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Kansas City MO
Posts: 543
Bikes: Bianchi Volpe 2006 Fuji Tahoe
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
money, fun, health, better attitude, statistics (getting the miles in for the month and year), self worth
__________________
Enjoy the ride.
Bianchi Volpe 2006; Fuji Tahoe 1990
Enjoy the ride.
Bianchi Volpe 2006; Fuji Tahoe 1990
09-21-11, 06:50 AM
#60
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Western Florida
Posts: 1,581
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2016 Bike Friday Haul-A-Day, 2015 Bike Friday New World Tourist (for sale), 2011 Mezzo D9, 2004 Marin Mount Vision Pro - for now :)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 103 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Motivation:
To prove it can be done.
To prove it to myself. The commuting/riding challenge makes me appreciate how easy we have it otherwise.
To provide an example for my three kids that are pre-driving age (they love to ride with me).
Funny, sitting next to a bus rider (on one of the few days I take the bus, but the bike was on the front for the ride home) asking me various questions and I was "found out." She discovered I had the option to drive and then said "why do you slep it on the bus when you can drive!?" Sort of like calling me some sort of wierdo. I hate to use this saying, but if she had to ask she wouldn't understand.
To prove it can be done.
To prove it to myself. The commuting/riding challenge makes me appreciate how easy we have it otherwise.
To provide an example for my three kids that are pre-driving age (they love to ride with me).
Funny, sitting next to a bus rider (on one of the few days I take the bus, but the bike was on the front for the ride home) asking me various questions and I was "found out." She discovered I had the option to drive and then said "why do you slep it on the bus when you can drive!?" Sort of like calling me some sort of wierdo. I hate to use this saying, but if she had to ask she wouldn't understand.
Last edited by Ridefreemc; 09-21-11 at 07:02 AM.
09-21-11, 08:12 AM
#61
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Arlington, TX
Posts: 1,414
Bikes: 2008 Surly Cross Check, 2010 Fuji Track Comp
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 255 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Does lurking around on the commuting section of bike forums help you stay motivated to commute every day to work?
In a general sense, what types of things do motivate you? I know there are some obvious ones like exercise, but I was hoping for some ideas that are a little more out of the box.
In a general sense, what types of things do motivate you? I know there are some obvious ones like exercise, but I was hoping for some ideas that are a little more out of the box.
How about the joy of going really fast courtesy of my own two feet? (I'm pretty Fredly, too
) I was even excited a few days back when I thought I was going to get to ride in the rain. (the rain stopped just before I left :-/)
09-21-11, 09:32 AM
#62
Still spinnin'.....
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Whitestown, IN
Posts: 1,208
Bikes: Fisher Opie freeride/urban assault MTB, Redline Monocog 29er MTB, Serrota T-Max Commuter, Klein Rascal SS, Salsa Campion Road bike, Pake Rum Runner FG/SS Road bike, Cannondale Synapse Road bike, Santana Arriva Road Tandem, and others....
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I just love cycling.....
09-21-11, 09:53 AM
#63
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 15,280
Bikes: Nashbar Road
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2934 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
228 Posts
I've been thinking about this thread for days because of a related, kind of ironic question it raises for me. I bike to work rain or shine, every day without the least consideration of driving. Yet in the evenings for a quick trip to the store one tenth as far I'll jump in the car. Why? It makes no logical sense so it's almost the same question, "what motivates you?"
I think it's simply a matter of habit. In my case, I went "all in" on a no-car lifestyle several years ago, then later bought a car when I switched jobs, in case I needed to get to the office quickly. So bicycle commuting was ingrained for two years already, while driving to the store is picking up a bad habit.
I think it's simply a matter of habit. In my case, I went "all in" on a no-car lifestyle several years ago, then later bought a car when I switched jobs, in case I needed to get to the office quickly. So bicycle commuting was ingrained for two years already, while driving to the store is picking up a bad habit.
09-21-11, 10:25 AM
#64
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 170
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
When I started commuting, I said to myself "If I miss a day because of laziness, I will make a $5 contribution to an organization that I despise."
It's very effective. Over 3 months, the Brady Campaign, the Republican National Committee, the Democratic Party, the SPLC, and the Marathon Oil Political Action Committee have received $0 so far.
It's very effective. Over 3 months, the Brady Campaign, the Republican National Committee, the Democratic Party, the SPLC, and the Marathon Oil Political Action Committee have received $0 so far.
09-21-11, 10:48 AM
#65
Senior Member
As others have said, I just like to ride. However, there are other benefits like:
- My bike gets the best parking space in the parking garage.
- I never get stuck in traffic.
- I see the same commuters every day and we wave as we pass by.
- I can eat whatever I want and not gain weight.
- Riding in the dark under a starry sky is so beautiful.
- I see things on my commute that I wouldn't see if I were driving.
- I feel much more comfortable riding my bike in traffic than driving in it.
- In the winter, I rarely get cold or sick.
- Riding keeps me physically fit so I can continue to enjoy other things that I love like hiking, swimming, skiing, etc...
- Cycling gives me precious time to myself in an otherwise hectic day.
- I've developped an uncanny sense for knowing when it's about to rain.
- Going to work has never been so fun.
- I can take pride in being environmentally friendly.
- I get to take part in this BF community. Is there a forum where people share their driving to work experiences? I didn't think so...
- When I leave, I can predict to within a couple of minutes what time I'll arrive. If I drive, the time is much more variable.
09-21-11, 11:16 AM
#66
Wheezing Geezer
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Crowley, Tx
Posts: 1,782
Bikes: Bacchetta Corsa, RANS Stratus XP
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have all the usual things to motivate me, the fun of riding, the quiet time pedaling, the gas savings, being wide awake and in a much better mood at work than I'd otherwise be when I get there. But I don't think you can overstate the health benefits. If you spend as much time in lung cancer forums as I have, you appreciate that. I think riding had more to do with how well I recovered from surgery, chemo, and all the rest, than anything else.
09-21-11, 05:56 PM
#67
Vegan on a bicycle
I've been thinking about this thread for days because of a related, kind of ironic question it raises for me. I bike to work rain or shine, every day without the least consideration of driving. Yet in the evenings for a quick trip to the store one tenth as far I'll jump in the car. Why? It makes no logical sense so it's almost the same question, "what motivates you?"
09-21-11, 06:04 PM
#68
Vegan on a bicycle
I have all the usual things to motivate me, the fun of riding, the quiet time pedaling, the gas savings, being wide awake and in a much better mood at work than I'd otherwise be when I get there. But I don't think you can overstate the health benefits. If you spend as much time in lung cancer forums as I have, you appreciate that. I think riding had more to do with how well I recovered from surgery, chemo, and all the rest, than anything else.
i've seen some amazing changes in peoples' health after cancer gave them a wake-up call that their lifestyles needed changing. and in most cases, the changes lasted until the cancer went into remission... they think they are "cured", go back to pre-cancer lifestyle, and the cancer comes back and wins
this often takes more than five years after the initial discovery of cancer, so according to ACS/medical definitions & statistics, they are not "killed by cancer" even though they are killed by cancer.
09-21-11, 07:01 PM
#69
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,629
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3871 Post(s)
Liked 2,568 Times
in
1,579 Posts
09-21-11, 08:54 PM
#70
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Posts: 219
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
For me, cycling doesn't require much motivation. I feel better when I ride to work, even when it was 110+ outside on the trip home. It's better than a cup of coffee and good for me to boot.
More importantly(for me), it clears my head in a way few other things do. Wake up on the wrong side of bed? Back to right by the time I'm at the office. One of the management at work being a **** heel and making my life difficult? By the time I get home it's all but forgotten. Not to mention when I work late, blasting down the hills on the way home on the almost entirely empty streets, in the dark is simultaneously zen like and a ton of fun.
More importantly(for me), it clears my head in a way few other things do. Wake up on the wrong side of bed? Back to right by the time I'm at the office. One of the management at work being a **** heel and making my life difficult? By the time I get home it's all but forgotten. Not to mention when I work late, blasting down the hills on the way home on the almost entirely empty streets, in the dark is simultaneously zen like and a ton of fun.
09-22-11, 08:07 AM
#71
Wheezing Geezer
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Crowley, Tx
Posts: 1,782
Bikes: Bacchetta Corsa, RANS Stratus XP
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I started riding in September, 2004. My official lung cancer diagnosis came during surgery which removed the upper half of my left lung on December 20th, 2007. I rode over 6000 miles in 2007, including a 200K ride a couple of weeks before surgery. In spite of undergoing chemo from February to April, 2008, I increased my riding miles that year.
I got to see and learn way more about cancer than you'd ever want to, and still try to give support to other lung cancer patients. You just can't believe the difference my fitness level before and after treatment made, unless you can compare to as many patients as I have.
Quality of life after cancer and gruelling treatment for it is not so easy to achieve. I've managed to stay more active than 90 percent of people who've never had cancer. The bike is the reason.
I got to see and learn way more about cancer than you'd ever want to, and still try to give support to other lung cancer patients. You just can't believe the difference my fitness level before and after treatment made, unless you can compare to as many patients as I have.
Quality of life after cancer and gruelling treatment for it is not so easy to achieve. I've managed to stay more active than 90 percent of people who've never had cancer. The bike is the reason.
Last edited by Bud Bent; 09-22-11 at 08:21 AM.
09-22-11, 08:29 AM
#72
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Posts: 219
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I started riding in September, 2004. My official lung cancer diagnosis came during surgery which removed the upper half of my left lung on December 20th, 2007. I rode over 6000 miles in 2007, including a 200K ride a couple of weeks before surgery. In spite of undergoing chemo from February to April, 2008, I increased my riding miles that year.
I got to see and learn way more about cancer than you'd ever want to, and still try to give support to other lung cancer patients. You just can't believe the difference my fitness level before and after treatment made, unless you can compare to as many patients as I have.
Quality of life after cancer and gruelling treatment for it is not so easy to achieve. I've managed to stay more active than 90 percent of people who've never had cancer. The bike is the reason.
I got to see and learn way more about cancer than you'd ever want to, and still try to give support to other lung cancer patients. You just can't believe the difference my fitness level before and after treatment made, unless you can compare to as many patients as I have.
Quality of life after cancer and gruelling treatment for it is not so easy to achieve. I've managed to stay more active than 90 percent of people who've never had cancer. The bike is the reason.
09-23-11, 01:31 PM
#73
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Monterey, CA
Posts: 153
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
it's fast for me to bike to work because parking is almost impossible not to mention the walk from where I have to park.
~15 min biking
~20min or more driving and parking
I could cheat and park outside of work, but its only an hour zone so I have to move it, which takes way more resources than it should.
~15 min biking
~20min or more driving and parking
I could cheat and park outside of work, but its only an hour zone so I have to move it, which takes way more resources than it should.
09-23-11, 01:49 PM
#74
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 550
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I let the license run out on my truck while commuting a couple of years ago and haven't renewed it since. But I have been commuting for four years and seldom ride in a car to work. I am looking forward to my fifth and upcoming winter on the bike. My Trek 520, Mr. Brooks, takes me in any weather. Carbide studded snow tires help in winter. I just feel better when biking to work.
Last edited by Blues Frog; 09-23-11 at 03:18 PM.
09-23-11, 02:38 PM
#75
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Fort Collins, CO
Posts: 92
Bikes: 1981 Raleigh Super Record, 2012 A. Homer Hilsen
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Bike commuting needs to be your regular routine, so you don't even think about it. If you decide in the morning while you are lying in bed, you will choose driving most of the time. That's human nature. When my alarm goes off in the morning, I get up and don't lay there thinking about whether I want to bike to work or not. Once I get up, if I find that it's pouring cats and dogs, I'll drive but I make that decision after getting up.
But, I did Ride Tuesday and Wednesday, so 50% goal for the week!
