How to get motivated to ride when it's so cold out?
12-29-10, 08:15 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Colorado-California-Florida-(hopefully soon): Panama
Posts: 1,059
Bikes: Vintage GT Xizang (titanium mountain bike)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
How to get motivated to ride when it's so cold out?
Hopefully, you live someplace where there's a warm breeze, warm tropical sea, palm trees and soft, clean sand. I'm visiting a friend in Hell (they call it Nebraska), and I can tell you that Hell is frozen over.
What can I do to get my un-motivated butt out there on my bike and ride in the cold? What mental tricks do you use on yourself to make it work for you?
What can I do to get my un-motivated butt out there on my bike and ride in the cold? What mental tricks do you use on yourself to make it work for you?
12-29-10, 08:19 PM
#2
Banned.
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 20,917
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
10 Posts
Hopefully, you live someplace where there's a warm breeze, warm tropical sea, palm trees and soft, clean sand. I'm visiting a friend in Hell (they call it Nebraska), and I can tell you that Hell is frozen over.
What can I do to get my un-motivated butt out there on my bike and ride in the cold? What mental tricks do you use on yourself to make it work for you?
What can I do to get my un-motivated butt out there on my bike and ride in the cold? What mental tricks do you use on yourself to make it work for you?
12-29-10, 08:22 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Central Louisiana
Posts: 3,055
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 41 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
3 Posts
I have a mileage goal each year. It's nothing like 10 Wheels rides, but it's a bit of a challenge for me. I know that I have to get some miles in during uncivilized weather (a/k/a Winter) to meet my goal for the year. That's what motivates me. I met my goal for this year in early December, but I've kept riding to have a good total for the year.
12-29-10, 08:35 PM
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Colorado-California-Florida-(hopefully soon): Panama
Posts: 1,059
Bikes: Vintage GT Xizang (titanium mountain bike)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
12-29-10, 08:39 PM
#7
Banned.
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 20,917
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
10 Posts
Well, the first thing - I would be sure that I have the right equipment and clothing to feel warm while bicycling.
Then, if I REALLY KNEW I would feel warm, it wouldn't bother me to go out, assuming it was safe if one broke down, etc.
However, if I suspected that I would be cold, then I wouldn't go out. Period.
Then, if I REALLY KNEW I would feel warm, it wouldn't bother me to go out, assuming it was safe if one broke down, etc.
However, if I suspected that I would be cold, then I wouldn't go out. Period.
12-29-10, 09:27 PM
#8
Banned.
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Southern california
Posts: 3,498
Bikes: Lapierre CF Sensium 400. Jamis Ventura Sport. Trek 800. Giant Cypress.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I simply wait till tomorrow or the next day. Three cold days in a row are rare. If all else fails I go to the bike shop or several.
12-29-10, 09:49 PM
#10
Senior Member
If it's really bad, I stay inside and enjoy my home, or go snowshoeing, or walk to the gym for a workout, or the mall, see a movie... we do have other interests, right?
12-29-10, 10:10 PM
#12
Peloton Shelter Dog
You get used to it. I like it now.
12-29-10, 10:13 PM
#13
Squeaky Wheel
I stand naked in front of a mirror and force myself not to suck the gut in. Then I get on the bike to do something about it.
12-29-10, 11:48 PM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Medina, OH
Posts: 5,804
Bikes: confidential infromation that I don't even share with my wife
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Once I got the proper clothing to match the temperature and conditions its just another ride.
12-30-10, 12:05 AM
#15
Senior Member
...and fenders...
My ride today was 34 degrees, wet roads, a little bit of sleet.
Yesterday was wet roads, 40 degrees, 10 minutes of rain, 90 minutes of dry.
Two days ago was 20 miles of rain, 42 degrees.
and so on. I'm really comfortable at these temperatures now (even when wet) because I have the right gear. Under 10F, not so much.
A cold, wet day on the bike is better than getting even fatter hanging out at home.
12-30-10, 12:35 AM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Eugene, Oregon
Posts: 7,048
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 509 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
8 Posts
My problem has always been my paws. No one makes covers for size 51 shoes and my hands are proportionately larger than my feet. Lately I've kept my shoes covered with reflective bubble-wrap style insulation and I stuff some chemical hand-warmers into my gloves if the temps will be below 35F. If I pedal fast enough, no one can tell how ridiculous my diy shoe covers look.
Lucky for me I don't live where it actually gets cold. I'm always impressed with people who are tough enough to ride in real winters. I guess I'm the person the governor of PA was complaining about last weekend; I'm a cold-weather wussie.
Lucky for me I don't live where it actually gets cold. I'm always impressed with people who are tough enough to ride in real winters. I guess I'm the person the governor of PA was complaining about last weekend; I'm a cold-weather wussie.
12-30-10, 02:15 AM
#17
Time for a change.
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: 6 miles inland from the coast of Sussex, in the South East of England
Posts: 19,913
Bikes: Dale MT2000. Bianchi FS920 Kona Explosif. Giant TCR C. Boreas Ignis. Pinarello Fp Uno.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
None of us "Enjoy" the cold so just get out and ride.
Layer up and it will not be long before you warm up and wonder what the fuss is about on your ride to the LBS to get the "Extra" clothing that you now find you need.
Layer up and it will not be long before you warm up and wonder what the fuss is about on your ride to the LBS to get the "Extra" clothing that you now find you need.
__________________
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
12-30-10, 02:33 AM
#18
Senior Member
My problem has always been my paws. No one makes covers for size 51 shoes and my hands are proportionately larger than my feet. Lately I've kept my shoes covered with reflective bubble-wrap style insulation and I stuff some chemical hand-warmers into my gloves if the temps will be below 35F. If I pedal fast enough, no one can tell how ridiculous my diy shoe covers look.
12-30-10, 06:37 AM
#19
just keep riding
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Milledgeville, Georgia
Posts: 13,560
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 173 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times
in
22 Posts
I consider riding on the trainer. If riding in the cold still seems like a bad idea, I ride the trainer. I am usually out the door and on the road for the next ride.
12-30-10, 07:24 AM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Philly
Posts: 213
Bikes: 2009 Downtube FS8, 1970 Raleigh Gran Prix, 2009 Citizen Tokyo
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
12-30-10, 07:53 AM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NoNJ
Posts: 281
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Gee, an awful lot can happen in one day! Just read this post on another thread from the day before this one:
Is where you are in Nebraska colder than minus-50 degrees? haha
I never thought winter riding was a possibility, until my first post here and BengeBoy, stapfam, cranky and others put the idea in my head. Then I started thinking: If they can do it, I can do it.
Actually, I was more worried about cold weather riding than necessary. With the right layers, I found once I got going, I was actually quite comfortable, and it turns out I really like it. Also, if you have a history of enjoying outdoor winter activities you may mentally adjust easier because you know it can be fun to spend a day outside in the cold. Another thing is, those of us who live in the cold areas, and aren't just visiting, don't have the thought process that we'll be going somewhere warmer anytime soon, so our mental attitudes may be more positive about it. If we don't get out and ride in the cold, we have to wait months to do it.
Oh, just read the rest of your post .. LOL . . Happy New Year to you too!
I never thought winter riding was a possibility, until my first post here and BengeBoy, stapfam, cranky and others put the idea in my head. Then I started thinking: If they can do it, I can do it.
Actually, I was more worried about cold weather riding than necessary. With the right layers, I found once I got going, I was actually quite comfortable, and it turns out I really like it. Also, if you have a history of enjoying outdoor winter activities you may mentally adjust easier because you know it can be fun to spend a day outside in the cold. Another thing is, those of us who live in the cold areas, and aren't just visiting, don't have the thought process that we'll be going somewhere warmer anytime soon, so our mental attitudes may be more positive about it. If we don't get out and ride in the cold, we have to wait months to do it.
Oh, just read the rest of your post .. LOL . . Happy New Year to you too!
12-30-10, 07:57 AM
#23
Banned.
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 20,917
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
10 Posts
Gee, an awful lot can happen in one day! Just read this post on another thread from the day before this one:
Is where you are in Nebraska colder than minus-50 degrees? haha
I never thought winter riding was a possibility, until my first post here and BengeBoy, stapfam, cranky and others put the idea in my head. Then I started thinking: If they can do it, I can do it.
Is where you are in Nebraska colder than minus-50 degrees? haha
I never thought winter riding was a possibility, until my first post here and BengeBoy, stapfam, cranky and others put the idea in my head. Then I started thinking: If they can do it, I can do it.
12-30-10, 08:11 AM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NoNJ
Posts: 281
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
12-30-10, 08:19 AM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
Today’s 14 mile commute was at 19* F at 6:30 AM with a 20 mph head/crosswind. Hands and fingers warm, and face warm with mask pulled off nose and no fogging of eyeglasses and goggles. I started to notice toes cold at mile 7, but tolerable to the end…The main peculiarity of today’s commute was that I am on also vacation today. 
I’m an early riser and can come into work and have some things to do for a couple of hours. I’m also a very destination-oriented cyclist and I wouldn’t just go for a pleasure ride on a day like today, but a 14 mile commute was desirable, especially after the all festive celebrating over the Christmas week-end.
I’m an early riser and can come into work and have some things to do for a couple of hours. I’m also a very destination-oriented cyclist and I wouldn’t just go for a pleasure ride on a day like today, but a 14 mile commute was desirable, especially after the all festive celebrating over the Christmas week-end.
For a purist’s viewpoint, see also this thread on the General Cycling Discussion Forum, “does anybody joyride in the cold”:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...de-in-the-cold