Rediscovering the joy of cycling
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Brooklyn, NY. Made in France
Posts: 1,139
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Rediscovering the joy of cycling
Honestly there are few things I enjoy more than riding. However, I nearly always vex myself over doing so, like friggin Hamlet or approach it as an obligatory and joyless grind. Often I'll procrastinate and my attitude towards it only (predictably) worsens. Sometimes I just make excuses or make it so hugely complicated that I'll skip it entirely. More often, with great lassitude and mutterings under my breath, I'll plant my sorry butt on the saddle and about a 1/4 of a block later, if not instantaneously, I'll realize I'd rather be riding than doing anything else and it will pay the the physical, emotional, spiritual dividends that keep me a cyclist.
Does anyone else go through similar trials?
Does anyone else go through similar trials?
Last edited by EGreen; 01-28-07 at 12:02 PM.
#2
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: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
I ride most weekends and try to get out in the week at night aswell. Sometimes- I just do not want to ride-Too cold- too wet- too hot- feeling tired.
I do normally get myself out on the rides and within 30 minutes I am away. In fact it is normally those rides where I do not want to go- that I enjoy the most and have a better ride.
I do normally get myself out on the rides and within 30 minutes I am away. In fact it is normally those rides where I do not want to go- that I enjoy the most and have a better ride.
__________________
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
#3
Don't Taunt Happyfunball
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 589
Bikes: 2005 Kona Jake the Snake, Fuji Club SE
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
About two years ago I went through this, I just finally decided to step away from cycling for a while. I was so stressed out about not being motivated to ride that it felt like a never-ending cycle of misery. Stepping away from it allowed me to pursue other things, and to put my goals into perspective. I realized I stopped riding for fun and was riding just to see my average speed and mileage go up. The break helped me put things in perspective and now I can't wait to ride. Sometimes absence does make the heart grow fonder.
__________________
There can be only one.
There can be only one.
#4
George Krpan
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Westlake Village, California
Posts: 1,708
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Have a bike that you do not need cycling specific clothing to ride. When the urge strikes you to ride just hop on dressed as you are. It doesn't have to be an expensive bike. My "ride as you are bike" cost less than the STI levers on my road bike but I still love riding it. Riding it is about riding, not about the bike.
Use that bike for practical purposes. Go to the store, the library, the cafe, etc. You're killing two birds with one stone.
Use that bike for practical purposes. Go to the store, the library, the cafe, etc. You're killing two birds with one stone.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,258
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 102 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 36 Times
in
17 Posts
My riding pleasure went way up when I realized that I didn't have to keep adding miles all the time. Yes, I'm over 50 and feel no need to compete. Nevertheless, when I got rid of the computer, and began riding for fun and a sweat, it got way better. A good sweat is all I need. bk
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 833
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I was getting that way towards the end of last year when I was trying to meet my mileage goal for the year. My body needed a break and cycling was feeling more like a chore, but I insisted on pushing. Next thing I know I crash, my right arm is in a sling, and I'm off the bike for an unknown amount of time. Nature's way of trying to tell me something perhaps? My shoulder is healing up ok, it's just taking longer than I expected. I did two 7 mile rides this week and that proved to be too much too soon, so I'm just going to stay off the bike until I'm ready to go (which should be towards the middle of Feb...but we'll see).
Oddly enough I'm finding myself enjoying the time off the bike a bit. I miss cycling horribly, but being away from riding has given me a chance to re-evaluate what my goals are. I ride to get some good exercise, get away from it all for a while and enjoy the outdoors. I want to do more birdwatching this year and my bike is the perfect way to do this. My handlebar bag holds my camera and binoculars, my rack bag holds my mini-tripod, bird map, and journal where I record what birds I see. Deep down inside me there is a statistic obsessed freak who is a slave to mileage goals/avg speed/speed, etc and he is very dissapointed with my decision to pretty much ignore statistics this year and "just ride". I still plan on keeping track of my miles, but I've tossed out any specific mileage goals.
Oddly enough I'm finding myself enjoying the time off the bike a bit. I miss cycling horribly, but being away from riding has given me a chance to re-evaluate what my goals are. I ride to get some good exercise, get away from it all for a while and enjoy the outdoors. I want to do more birdwatching this year and my bike is the perfect way to do this. My handlebar bag holds my camera and binoculars, my rack bag holds my mini-tripod, bird map, and journal where I record what birds I see. Deep down inside me there is a statistic obsessed freak who is a slave to mileage goals/avg speed/speed, etc and he is very dissapointed with my decision to pretty much ignore statistics this year and "just ride". I still plan on keeping track of my miles, but I've tossed out any specific mileage goals.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Nottingham, UK
Posts: 149
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by EGreen
More often, with great lassitude and mutterings under my breath, I'll plant my sorry butt on the saddle and about a 1/4 of a block later, if not instantaneously, I'll realize I'd rather be riding than doing anything else and it will pay the the physical, emotional, spiritual dividends that keep me a cyclist.
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Brooklyn, NY. Made in France
Posts: 1,139
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Endox
Some days I'm exactly like that, especially if it's overcast and gloomy or quite windy; I feel like I'm going out simply for the sake of getting a ride in, but a little part of me knows I will enjoy it as soon as I get going. Fortunately I almost always do end up riding, and like you I'll be loving it within seconds of going out the gate.
#9
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Every morning when I get up at 5am for the ride to work, especially on cold, snowy winter days.
__________________
"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
"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
#10
In Memory of One Cool Cat
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Posts: 2,722
Bikes: Lemond Victoire, Cannondale.Mountain Bike, two 1980s lugged steel Treks, ancient 1980-something Giant mountain bike converted into a slick tired commuter with mustache handlebars, 1960-something Raleigh Sports
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by Endox
Some days I'm exactly like that, especially if it's overcast and gloomy or quite windy;
__________________
Dead last finish is better than did not finish and infinitely better than did not start.
Dead last finish is better than did not finish and infinitely better than did not start.
#11
Senior Member
Originally Posted by EGreen
Honestly there are few things I enjoy more than riding. However, I nearly always vex myself over doing so, like friggin Hamlet or approach it as an obligatory and joyless grind. Often I'll procrastinate and my attitude towards it only (predictably) worsens. Sometimes I just make excuses or make it so hugely complicated that I'll skip it entirely. More often, with great lassitude and mutterings under my breath, I'll plant my sorry butt on the saddle and about a 1/4 of a block later, if not instantaneously, I'll realize I'd rather be riding than doing anything else and it will pay the the physical, emotional, spiritual dividends that keep me a cyclist.
Does anyone else go through similar trials?
Does anyone else go through similar trials?
It is hard to describe to the super competitive rider about pleasure.
Tim
#12
Retro-nerd
Originally Posted by EGreen
Honestly there are few things I enjoy more than riding. However, I nearly always vex myself over doing so, like friggin Hamlet or approach it as an obligatory and joyless grind. Often I'll procrastinate and my attitude towards it only (predictably) worsens. Sometimes I just make excuses or make it so hugely complicated that I'll skip it entirely. More often, with great lassitude and mutterings under my breath, I'll plant my sorry butt on the saddle and about a 1/4 of a block later, if not instantaneously, I'll realize I'd rather be riding than doing anything else and it will pay the the physical, emotional, spiritual dividends that keep me a cyclist.
Does anyone else go through similar trials?
Does anyone else go through similar trials?

__________________
Would you like a dream with that?
Would you like a dream with that?
#13
Senior Member
All the winter garb necessary to ride seems a hassle. That's the only time of year I have such feelings.Even then at the end of the week, should I not get enough miles in, i am filled with regret.
#14
cab horn
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Toronto
Posts: 28,353
Bikes: 1987 Bianchi Campione
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 39 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 20 Times
in
14 Posts
Originally Posted by GeoKrpan
Have a bike that you do not need cycling specific clothing to ride. When the urge strikes you to ride just hop on dressed as you are. It doesn't have to be an expensive bike. My "ride as you are bike" cost less than the STI levers on my road bike but I still love riding it. Riding it is about riding, not about the bike.
Use that bike for practical purposes. Go to the store, the library, the cafe, etc. You're killing two birds with one stone.
Use that bike for practical purposes. Go to the store, the library, the cafe, etc. You're killing two birds with one stone.
#15
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Originally Posted by cs1
Yes, I can relate. My best rides are with my friends or family. Going solo and watching the computer to see how far, how fast and how long take all the fun out of it. I really regret putting that computer on last summer.
__________________
"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
"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
#16
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Originally Posted by operator
Best advice ever (not sarcasm).
__________________
"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
"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
#17
Retro-nerd
Originally Posted by chipcom
I broke down and put a computer on my bike 2 years ago, then removed it last year. More trouble than it's worth.
__________________
Would you like a dream with that?
Would you like a dream with that?
#18
cab horn
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Toronto
Posts: 28,353
Bikes: 1987 Bianchi Campione
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 39 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 20 Times
in
14 Posts
Originally Posted by chipcom
Though it would be sarcasm in the roadie forums, where they think you're insecure if you don't parade around in a spandex diaper showing off your junk to the world.

I had researched computers to buy one. But I came to the same conclusion and never bought one.
#19
Senior Member
The reason computers are popular with the club; we commit each week to ride a given number of miles per ride. Or at least pledge to do such. Each week , as the year flies by our committments get longer and tougher rides. First thing we do when we get back is check the odometer to show we did it. I like having an idea what my average is, it tells me if I am getting better or not. I have lately been recording the rides and averages to mark my gains.
One rides about , just for the pleasure of it, that's ok. By the end of summer we should be at least riding 600 miles a month in club rides alone .
One rides about , just for the pleasure of it, that's ok. By the end of summer we should be at least riding 600 miles a month in club rides alone .
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Wylie, Texas
Posts: 1,922
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The evil isn't the computer, it's the comparison aspect of what we tend to do with the data. I made peace with the device a long time ago, and at the same time quit feeding that aspect of my personality. I capture and log the results, but just for me. It's fun now to be able to review a chronicle over the years of my cycling life.
__________________

#21
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Originally Posted by rule
The evil isn't the computer, it's the comparison aspect of what we tend to do with the data. I made peace with the device a long time ago, and at the same time quit feeding that aspect of my personality. I capture and log the results, but just for me. It's fun now to be able to review a chronicle over the years of my cycling life.

__________________
"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
"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
#22
Grand Vizier
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 21
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Once in a while go easy. I mean really easy. Take a leisurely cruise around the neighborhood in shorts and a baggy tee shirt, up this block and down that one, stop at the parks. Jump in the lake. Get some coffee or ice cream. Do what you would have done at the age of 10.
#23
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Originally Posted by Ken B.
Do what you would have done at the age of 10.

__________________
"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
"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
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: ohio
Posts: 379
Bikes: Van Dessel CRB, Giant ATX 880,Footbike track
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thats the way this makes me feel (https://s170.photobucket.com/albums/u...=easylivun.jpg) It's something i lost as a kid, the new sounds, the smells,the different things you see when your not looking down at your front tire!You feel the breeze and it means something,hard to explain i guess,just different peaceful in a way!
#25
cab horn
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Toronto
Posts: 28,353
Bikes: 1987 Bianchi Campione
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 39 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 20 Times
in
14 Posts
Originally Posted by cyclezealot
The reason computers are popular with the club; we commit each week to ride a given number of miles per ride. Or at least pledge to do such. Each week , as the year flies by our committments get longer and tougher rides. First thing we do when we get back is check the odometer to show we did it. I like having an idea what my average is, it tells me if I am getting better or not. I have lately been recording the rides and averages to mark my gains.
One rides about , just for the pleasure of it, that's ok. By the end of summer we should be at least riding 600 miles a month in club rides alone .
One rides about , just for the pleasure of it, that's ok. By the end of summer we should be at least riding 600 miles a month in club rides alone .