how to keep interest in biking
07-02-06 | 03:38 PM
#1
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how to keep interest in biking
i'd like some feedback on what others do to keep their interest in biking alive.
seems one is limited to same old bike paths after awhile there is no new bike paths to travel within a reasonable distance from home.
acorn
seems one is limited to same old bike paths after awhile there is no new bike paths to travel within a reasonable distance from home.
acorn
07-02-06 | 03:40 PM
#2
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From: Miami, Florida
Bikes: Giant Revel 2 & Loco Fixie "The Marley"
I just try going to different locations and go as far as I can and force myself to ride back home. When I go solo that's the best way to motivate me to get alot of miles in. If I ride with a partner I can ride anywhere and go for hours with no problem.
07-02-06 | 04:04 PM
#3
If my cycling was limited to just type of road biking, I'd go insane. That's why I ride a fixed gear, a single-speed, a mountain bike, a tour bike, on & off road, and also tinker, including occassional wheel builds.
And occassionally sign up to do organized rides as well....
And occassionally sign up to do organized rides as well....
Last edited by roadfix; 07-02-06 at 04:21 PM.
07-02-06 | 04:05 PM
#4
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From: Tasmania, Australia
Bikes: GT3 trike,Viper chopper, electric assist Viper chopper,Electric moped(Vespa style)
Variety
Try riding on the road if you do MTB or vice versa if you ride road already.
Build or modify a bike, warning can become addictive.
Get into recumbents, just trying to keep track of all the different ones will drive you nuts .
Use your bike for errands as well as fun.
Build or modify a bike, warning can become addictive.
Get into recumbents, just trying to keep track of all the different ones will drive you nuts
.Use your bike for errands as well as fun.
07-02-06 | 05:28 PM
#5
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From: northern California
Bikes: Bruce Gordon BLT, Cannondale parts bike, Ecodyne recumbent trike, Counterpoint Opus 2, miyata 1000
I have run into the same problem in several cities. Often I drop back to a slower ride group and focus on the social stuff for a while. After a month or two I get tired of racing to corners and waiting for them and move up one catagory. On almost any day here you can find: 1; long tea breaks and sniff daisies, 2; strong club riders who wait for most people, 3; fast riders in training - cat 5 - cat 4 who like to drop slow people, 4; Amatuer teams doing speed drills, 5; Leipheimer and partners (off-season). My spirits pick up in the fall.
07-02-06 | 05:32 PM
#6
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Get off the bike paths ...... start riding on the roads!! Get maps; pick towns around yours to cycle to; increase your distances; travel in a different direction each week; make it a goal to ride all the paved roads within a 100 km radius of your city; cycle to beaches, museums, tourist attractions in neighboring towns; cycle with others; sign up for the local century; join a cycletouring club .......
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07-02-06 | 06:41 PM
#9
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From: Burlington Iowa
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Originally Posted by acorn54
i'd like some feedback on what others do to keep their interest in biking alive.
07-02-06 | 06:53 PM
#10
SCUL pilot Fixie
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Boston
Bikes: giant fix gear, recumbant, bianchi road, fuji mt bike, raliegh 3 speed, ross chopper, unicycle
Different people to ride with maybe. Try hooking up with a club or two and go on a few group rides. Even if you don't go on group rides as a general rule or what have you, it can be good to either find a riding partner or two, or if nothing else it might just get you excited from conversation or being around other excited cyclists.
07-02-06 | 07:14 PM
#11
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I'll echo the group ride sentiment... finding a good group to ride with can make even a monotonous ride constantly interesting, just by being able to talk with people. Also, it's a good way to get tips from people who are more experienced/stronger cyclists.
This might require trying a few different groups to find the one that you "click" with... but when you do, doing the regular rides and then going out on rides just with people that you've met can be a great way to keep going.
This might require trying a few different groups to find the one that you "click" with... but when you do, doing the regular rides and then going out on rides just with people that you've met can be a great way to keep going.
07-02-06 | 07:27 PM
#12
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Explore your area for different biking opportunities. 'Develop' several or even many circuit routes. Run them in opposite directions for variety. Look for flat rides, hilly rides, REALLY hilly rides. Make ‘coffee runs’ to variously distant destinations. Plan ahead periodically to do ‘long rides’. . .however you interpret that. Work in jogging, running, and hiking into your repertoire. Bottom line, mix it up.
07-02-06 | 07:43 PM
#13
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Originally Posted by acorn54
yes i own a car. i see what y our getting at to drive my car with bike in tow to a different area far away
acorn
acorn
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07-02-06 | 09:09 PM
#14
tired
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From: Portland, OR
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Originally Posted by Machka
Actually, I think he means, get rid of the car and start cycling everywhere ... to work, to school, to the grocery store, etc.
07-02-06 | 09:33 PM
#15
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Originally Posted by donnamb
Well, I don't know if that would work for the OP, but that's one of the the ways I keep my interest in biking alive.
For the last couple summers I have access to a vehicle which I can borrow. I still do most of my local exploring by bicycle, but several times a summer I'll drive elsewhere to see some different scenery and ride different roads.
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07-02-06 | 09:42 PM
#16
Its Freakin HammerTime!!!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,378
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From: Off the back lol
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix and Giant AnthemX
What keeps me interested.....
When I look in the Mirror, wondering were the 40 pounds went.
When I look at my veins in my hands, arms and legs as now I can see them snaking through my body as the carry my life blood to and fro.
When I look at my Blood Pressure as its gone from 145/80 to 98/52
When I look at my Cholesterol as it went from 173 to 106
When I look at my Triglicerides as they went from 330 to 171
When I look back and my buddies with "the look" as I crest a 13% grade as they are a small visable spec in the distance.
I ride because I can live better, same roads, same paths, same hills, as long as my pedals are going around, its all good
When I look in the Mirror, wondering were the 40 pounds went.
When I look at my veins in my hands, arms and legs as now I can see them snaking through my body as the carry my life blood to and fro.
When I look at my Blood Pressure as its gone from 145/80 to 98/52
When I look at my Cholesterol as it went from 173 to 106
When I look at my Triglicerides as they went from 330 to 171
When I look back and my buddies with "the look" as I crest a 13% grade as they are a small visable spec in the distance.
I ride because I can live better, same roads, same paths, same hills, as long as my pedals are going around, its all good
07-02-06 | 10:17 PM
#17
The Red Lantern
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Raleigh NC
Sure you ride the same stuff many times. Do you buy an album(Sorry, CD), listen to it once and then toss it in trash?
I end up riding the same loop over and over because it is one fo the few safe routes near where I live. It is up to me to make it something I enjoy.
I end up riding the same loop over and over because it is one fo the few safe routes near where I live. It is up to me to make it something I enjoy.
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I am in the woods and I have gone crazy.
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07-02-06 | 11:01 PM
#18
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i ride the same route on my Varsity whenever i ride. when i start to get bored i challenge myself to ride it faster, cut out pauses where i felt uncomfortable and even try to ride no-hands on some parts. when you really get sick of a route, just change it up a bit by riding somewhere else, or even grabbing your <insert music player of choice here> and listening to that song that always starts playing in your head when you ride. 
07-02-06 | 11:38 PM
#19
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From: Simi Valley, CA, USA, Earth, Solar System, Milky Way
Bikes: 1996 GT Force, 1999 Cannondale R1000, 2006 Cannondale Synapse
Originally Posted by C_heath
What keeps me interested.....
When I look in the Mirror, wondering were the 40 pounds went.
When I look at my veins in my hands, arms and legs as now I can see them snaking through my body as the carry my life blood to and fro.
When I look at my Blood Pressure as its gone from 145/80 to 98/52
When I look at my Cholesterol as it went from 173 to 106
When I look at my Triglicerides as they went from 330 to 171
When I look back and my buddies with "the look" as I crest a 13% grade as they are a small visable spec in the distance.
I ride because I can live better, same roads, same paths, same hills, as long as my pedals are going around, its all good
When I look in the Mirror, wondering were the 40 pounds went.
When I look at my veins in my hands, arms and legs as now I can see them snaking through my body as the carry my life blood to and fro.
When I look at my Blood Pressure as its gone from 145/80 to 98/52
When I look at my Cholesterol as it went from 173 to 106
When I look at my Triglicerides as they went from 330 to 171
When I look back and my buddies with "the look" as I crest a 13% grade as they are a small visable spec in the distance.
I ride because I can live better, same roads, same paths, same hills, as long as my pedals are going around, its all good
Like he said!
07-03-06 | 08:59 AM
#20
The experience of cycling is a love affair with the most wonderful
machine man has ever invented. Cycling gives you choices in moblity
no other machine does because it so personal as other posters have
pointed out.
There can never be just one road to ride nor one reason to ride.
machine man has ever invented. Cycling gives you choices in moblity
no other machine does because it so personal as other posters have
pointed out.
There can never be just one road to ride nor one reason to ride.
07-03-06 | 09:14 AM
#21
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,919
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From: Miami, Florida
Bikes: Giant Revel 2 & Loco Fixie "The Marley"
Originally Posted by C_heath
What keeps me interested.....
When I look in the Mirror, wondering were the 40 pounds went.
When I look at my veins in my hands, arms and legs as now I can see them snaking through my body as the carry my life blood to and fro.
When I look at my Blood Pressure as its gone from 145/80 to 98/52
When I look at my Cholesterol as it went from 173 to 106
When I look at my Triglicerides as they went from 330 to 171
When I look back and my buddies with "the look" as I crest a 13% grade as they are a small visable spec in the distance.
I ride because I can live better, same roads, same paths, same hills, as long as my pedals are going around, its all good
When I look in the Mirror, wondering were the 40 pounds went.
When I look at my veins in my hands, arms and legs as now I can see them snaking through my body as the carry my life blood to and fro.
When I look at my Blood Pressure as its gone from 145/80 to 98/52
When I look at my Cholesterol as it went from 173 to 106
When I look at my Triglicerides as they went from 330 to 171
When I look back and my buddies with "the look" as I crest a 13% grade as they are a small visable spec in the distance.
I ride because I can live better, same roads, same paths, same hills, as long as my pedals are going around, its all good
07-03-06 | 09:17 AM
#22
Infamous Member
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From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
In the words of my HS football coach - ya gotta love it!
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
07-03-06 | 11:22 AM
#24
how to keep interest in biking
it's my primary fitness regime. a little friendly competition doesn't hurt either. goin to race piques my interest.
it's my primary fitness regime. a little friendly competition doesn't hurt either. goin to race piques my interest.
07-03-06 | 11:38 AM
#25
Been Around Awhile
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From: Burlington Iowa
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Originally Posted by slickhare
i ride the same route on my Varsity whenever i ride. when i start to get bored i challenge myself to ride it faster, cut out pauses where i felt uncomfortable and even try to ride no-hands on some parts. when you really get sick of a route, just change it up a bit by riding somewhere else, or even grabbing your <insert music player of choice here> and listening to that song that always starts playing in your head when you ride.
Anita Baker - Rapture
Billy Joel - Keeping The Faith
Billy Joel - Uptown Girl
Bo Diddley - Bring It To Jerome1
Bo Diddley - I'm A Man 3 min
Bo Diddley - Mona
Bo Diddley - Who Do You Love
Bobby Bland - Stormy Monday
Bobby Blue Bland - I Pity The Fool
Bobby Blue Bland - Turn On Your Love Light
Canned Heat & John Lee Hooker - Boogie Chillin' No. 2
Carole King - One Fine Day
Carole King - Jazzman
Carole King - So Far Away
Carole King - Where You Lead
Carole King - Will You Love Me Tomorrow-
Conjure One - Tears From The Moon
Dolly Parton - Jolene
Dolly Parton - Two Doors Down
Donna Summer - State of independence
Donna Summer - Unconditional Love
Drifters - There Goes My Baby
Elmore James - Dust My Blues
Elmore James - Madison Blues
Elmore James - Rollin' And Tumblin'
Elmore James - Shake Your Money Maker
Elmore James - Standing at the Crossroads
Elmore Janes - Look On Yonder Wall
Five Blind Boys of Alabama - Higher Ground
Freddie King - Driving Sideways
Freddie King - Guitar boogie
Freddie King - Look On Yonder Wall
Freddie King - Reconsider Baby
Freddie King - Stormy Monday
Jackie Wilson - Higher And Higher
Jackie Wilson - I Get The Sweetest Feeling
Jackie Wilson - Lonely Teardrops
Jackie Wilson - Whispers
Jerry Butler - For Your Precious Love 1960
Jerry Butler - He Don't Love You Like I Love You
jerry butler - he will break your heart
Jerry Butler - Make It Easy On Yourself
Jerry Butler - What becomes of the broken hearted
John Lee Hooker - Baby, Please Don't Go_longer
John Lee Hooker - One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer
John Lee Hooker & Canned Heat - Hell Hound
John Lee Hooker & Ry Cooder - Big Legs, Tight Skirt
Kirk Franklin - Gonna Be A Lovely Day
Kirk Franklin & God's Property - Stomp (Remix Featuring Kirk
little walter - baby please dont go
Little Walter - Blues With a Feeling
Little Walter - Confessing The Blues
Little Walter - Dead Presidents
little walter - rollin' and tumblin'
Little Walter - You Better Watch Yourself
Little Walter & his Night Cats - Off the Wall
Little Walter & Otis Rush - You're So Fine
Martha & The Vandellas - Heat Wave
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas - Jimmy Mack
Marvelettes - Beechwood 4-5789
Marvelettes - Don't Mess With Bill
Marvelettes - My Baby Must Be a Magician
Marvelettes - Too Many Fish In The Sea
Nina Simone - brown eyed handsome man
nina simone - don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing
Nina Simone - Feelin Good (Joe Clausell Remix)
Nina Simone - If I Should Lose You
Nina Simone - Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues
Nina Simone - Lilac Wine
Nina Simone - My sweet lord
Nina Simone - Sinnerman (Felix Da Housecat Remix)
Nina Simone - Suzanne
Nina Simone - To Love Somebody
Prince - Controversy
Prince - Cream
Prince - Dirty Mind - Head
Prince - Forever in My Life
Prince - I Would Die For You
Prince - Let's Go Crazy
Prince - Love 2 the 9's
Prince - Nothing Compares 2 U
Prince - Sign 'O' The Times
Ronettes - Da Doo Run Run
Ronettes - Do I Love You
Ronettes - Walking In The Rain
Sinead O'Connor - Afro Celt Sound System - Release
SinΘad O'Connor - bewitched, bothered and bewildered
Sinead O'Connor - Guide Me God (paul van dyk remix)
Sinead O'Connor - I Want Your (Hands On Me)
Sinead O'Connor - Nothing Compares To You
Sinead O'Connor - Why Don't You Do Right-
Spinners - Games People Play
Spinners - I'll Be Around
Spinners - It a Shame
thompson twins - in the name of love (12'' mix)