DRLski

The past month has been a complete washout, raining every day, heck did my last five races in the rain, now it's finally in the 80s and we've got big thunderstorms that could smack me off my bike like it was nobody's business. Between the weather and the fact that my bike is gonna be out of commission for the next week due to a crash my last race I have no idea how I'm gonna get myself out there every day. I probably sound like I'm whining...but I am. Buying a new piece of equipment every once in a while helps but money doesn't grow on trees, and I've realized a long time ago that I'll never be as good as the guy in the poster on my wall. What do you guys do to keep yourself on the bike?

Dave

jeff800

Stand naked in a full length mirror and realize "I am God's gift to women, I must maintain this fine masculine hunk of a body".... Oh then the daydream stops and I realize this fat little belly is not going away by itself.

biker7

take up alternative forms of fitness. I rollerblade intermittently for example. I find it more strenuous then biking in general but depends of course on how hard you push yourself doing either. I find it is almost 2 for 1 mileage wise. 30 miles on a bike equals about 15 miles blading at 80-90% performance level. Rollerblades are cheap and fun and easier to cart around. Swimming is excellent and tennis is fun. I don't like to run in general.
Cycling is my favorite however because I like the speed of the big ring baby.
George

TheKillerPenguin

Don't mock me.

-God's real gift to women

snowy

Honestly, Yep, I look in the mirror and think how can I improve this part of my body. This helps me get to the gym and get on that bike, plus I don't want to look in the mirror in 10-15yrs and say "What Happened" Also, its the quality of life that is important to me.

woodboy

Sounds like the same weather we're having here. Lately I've been riding at 6:00 in the morning to avoid the afternoon/evening t-storms.

DRLski

yea, I'm from New Hampshire so we would have similar weather right about now, I used to be able to ride in the morning but just got a job working days, so lately by the time I get home it's getting ready to rain.

ImprezaDrvr

I ride the fixed gear and am reminded of how much more strength I need.

skinnyone

I live in MA.. can feel your pain... I think of gals or rather the lack of them in my life ... Besides there is always the ever present making pro/winning the TDF kinda thing...

TheKillerPenguin

I can identify with that.

See you there

joejack951

I have no desire to go out after work for a ride any more but since I've started riding to work, I have no choice but to ride home in the 90 degree heat and humidity. I usually enjoy it too once I'm out there. Weekends, I'll get up early to avoid the heat. My inspiration has a lot to do with food. The more I ride, the more I can eat. And I love to eat. Cycling has let me continue to eat a lot all while going from 195 down to 160 lbs.

2Rodies

My team mates motivate me, my coach motivates me, but mostly I motivate me. I'm a naturally competitive person. I compete with my last ride, with the hill, with my PT whatever. Getting motivated is the easy part.....getting faster is the hard part!!!!

timmhaan

here are a few things i do when i'm just not feeling it:

* watching races on DVD usually gets my head back into it.
* registering ahead of time for a race is good too. once i pay money i feel obligated to train for it and give it my best shot.
* riding to my GF's apartment.
* every once in a while i just use the trainer, even in good weather. part of the motivation problem for me is changing clothes, and going outside. the trainer elminates that plus i can watch the news and have a break from traffic. saves a lot of time as well.
* go out on a completely new route and explore. sometimes i hate my usual routes and need to just ride somewhere off the beaten path.
* take a day off and go to barnes and nobel and read cycling literature (similar effect as watching racing DVDs
* detail clean my bike. a clean bike is usually more fun to ride.

Vickie

Q: What do you do with a man who thinks he's God's gift to women?
A: Exchange him!

nomo4me

I stand in front of the mirror in my underwear. Does the trick.

zakk

what keeps me on the bike and training? me.

what keeps me off? my damn (good) job!

simplyred

Hmm... that guy on your wall should be enough motivation..
Think about it... he SUFFERS day in day out... EVERY DAY... 6-8 hrs of pure maschocistic training..
But he does it because he loves it... he loves bettering himself and he loves what this sport represents: that life is really mind over matter...
Even with that gritty face, when Ventoux or Huez is crested... you know that when it's over, all that work paid dividends...

That's why keeps me on the bike an extra fifteen every day...
Cycling pays many dividends: health, strength, happiness, & of course, compliments from my lady.. ^^

-Peter

SpongeDad

This is where being middle aged is a real advantage. You've grown accustomed to the fact that you're not going pro. But God is kind. He gave you someone whose ass it is a joy to kick each and every day of your life. That's right. Your college room mate. This year could be the year I finally beat him on a hill.

rmwun54

[B]Old age is approaching and the body becomes more frail if you stop.

nitropowered

I need some good motivation

Its 90 out with 70-90% humidity. School's out (ahh, first year of college) and all my riding buddies/teammates are gone and I have to ride for the most part solo.

Patriot

Motivation?

Easy....

Shock Therapy.

gonefishing4eve

I want to die healthy.