Heathpack 

I am like you in that I always want to have the next hardest thing in my pipeline. I also started cycling about 1.5 years ago. I have tried to go through periods like some have suggested and "just ride my bike for the joy of it". The truth is, I don't like it, I feel lost and don't know why I'm riding. But when I have a goal that I'm working towards, and therefore a goal for the ride I'm on at that moment, I'm happy. It's not "work," it's not bleak. I'm really happy out there such that people gravitate towards me on rides and if I ride with a new group I'm sure to find several Strava follow requests or FB friend requests when I get home.

So one thing I have learned from reading here on BF is that people have different ways in which they experience "joy of cycling," and this probably changes for people over time. Right now it sounds to me like you need a goal, that's what would make you happy. Racing is maybe one idea. Or going for longer distances, like double centuries (this is the direction I'm taking). You could consider setting a goal of completing the California Triple Crown, for example, which is three doubles in a calendar year. If you did the CTC next year, you might have to travel 1 or 2 weekends, true, but you'd know well in advance. You might also consider randoneurring, because you can ride "permanents" in your area, you don't need to travel to events necessarily.

For me, this is my first full year of cycling. My first goal was to ride a century in Feb, figure out how to do distance. My next was to ride a hilly century, that was April, and the goal was to figure out how to do some medium difficulty climbing in the context of 100 mi. Then in June it was a climbing century, introducing a little altitude to the mix. Then a double metric to try to push the distance. Next up is a climbing century purely at altitude. I am also getting a power meter, learning to use that will occupy much of the fall. And I'd like to do a double century before the year is out. So if I (a woman who is older than you) can have all those goals, I think you can set up a similar logical progression based on where you are now.

I also imagined I'd have to travel to do a lot of these rides/training, and the truth is that I do. But it's not completely necessary. Once I made more cycling friends, I learned all the best training hills, including a great altitude training hill that's only a 45 min drive. We have all kinds of stuff in town. I've also managed a 130 mi ride with 9880 ft climbing with some friends, that was a day trip. So you may need to be off riding at times, but not for an entire weekend.

Good luck

freedomrider1

Nothing wrong in trying everything out. And i doubt you were half ars on alot of those things SurgeonStone. I would suggest that the OP embrace the fact he has a family and it is time to the family "thing" now. The time you get to train for yourself make the best of it,then move on.You will become more and more busy with the kids as they grow up.Cool thing is when they want to do things and be with you when they get older.Sounds like your on the right track just have to iron a few things out like many of us had to at your age.Family first.

valygrl

You should race. I'm in the same boat, I climbed for years, achieved my (fairly pedestrian) climbing goals (Nose), rose to my level of incompetence, and felt like it was stagnant. Same for biking -did a bunch of centuries, got bored, did a bunch of tours, got bored. Started racing - love it! There's a huge introductory steep learning curve, and then once you are past that it's all about perfecting the details. It's new every time, and there is a ton to learn. After the first couple of years, I added a coach, and that added another level of interest.

Shuffleman

I started riding because of a hip injury. I used to run 7 days a week (36 miles) until my injury derailed me. I always hated road bikes but my doc felt I needed to run less. Thus, I bought a hybrid and started biking 12 miles a few times per week. After a month, I borrowed a neighbors road bike and after one ride was hooked. I am not as passionate about it as I am running but I do like it. I run the same route every weed for 12 years. It never gets old. I bike the same route one day per week and then a long group ride on Sat. For me, it becomes so ingrained that I feel awful when I miss a ride or run. I am not ocd but I do look forward to my running or riding. I hate running with others but I do like riding in groups. I find that it is easy to stay motivated for my Sat. Ride because there is a set group of people waiting at a set time. Thus, I do not get all excited for the ride or run but I know how I will fell if I miss it.
I also like these sports as I am married and have a son. They really do not interfere because I run before they ever wake up. Riding is early on Sat. morning so I am home before 11. Great sports and good for you. Motivation is never really hard because for me it is about habits. Once I get them ingrained, they are there.

calyco

Bingo, especially the first one. Love my new bike, exercise and commuting are just good side effects to me. Also at times its peaceful, to get away from everything.

Machka 

I would suggest getting into something more challenging ... and one of the great things about cycling is that there are a variety of cycling options and opportunities out there.

You could go longer (randonnees, 24-hour races, the RAAM) or you could go faster (racing). You might also consider climbing challenges. For example, where we used to live there is the 7 Peak Alpine Ascent Challenge.

torque cyclist

only time I need motivation is when i'm getting tired. I have my riding buddy play some Metallica and i'm usually good until the end.