I've been out probably twice in the last two months. Twelve months back I was out with the lights on three times a week even in the rain. It used to be a laugh and end in the pub with a fair few pints but everyone seemed to suddenly go Strava segment crazy and work commitments meant I quickly got left behind.
Has anyone else come 'back from the brink?'
I've a cracking FS looking sad in the garage and I just feel like I can't be arsed!
Not been on a bike since I got back from holiday in September.
just managed a night ride only 14k (less the time to go back and find my ****g garmin)
I was doing >20K a week every week this time last year
trails were impressively dry, though
was tough going but glad i did it!
I've not been on the MTB since June.I've not fallen out of love with mountain bikes but at the moment I'm struggling for time to get out on it.It's a much more effective use of my time to get out on the gravel bike for a couple of hours.
I got into MTB's in the late 90's & I reckon it's the longest I've gone without getting off road.
The weather looks really good for November,but this weekend's tasks are getting a new garden wall built & in my spare time finishing off rewiring one of my old motorbikes.I hope to get out for a quick spin on the gravel bike (again),but I just don't have enough spare time to spend a day on the MTB.After the wall gets built I've got to lay a new patio,tear out the old bathroom & fit a new one,then rebuild my old FZ750,so I can't see things changing for a couple of months. 😥
This dark autumn weather is a bit depressing.Carrying various injuries doesn't help.I,ll try for a short spin tomorrow and hopefully get back in one piece.I guess the thought of a long winter ahead is tough on all of us.And my comfort food addiction is really going up a few notches.
Not quite the same as you...I'm getting out, just not frequently enough or long enough when I do. Means I feel mince (and ride like that) for the whole ride.
Enjoy it afterwards but it is tough during it, but not quite enough to stop me completely from going out.
[chauvanist mode]
After the wall gets built I've got to lay a new patio,
Patio first then youn can sack off all the chores [/chauvanist mode]
Yup, it's been two weeks since I touched the bikes. 🙁
Every few months for the last 20yrs, doubt creeps in, maybe thats it time for pipe and slipppers. Then it gets better..until one day I suppose it wont but thats not today.
Cycling as a hobby, for fitness or fun rather than transport is time consuming. There will be times when you have other priorities. I wouldnt be too hard on yourself. Only issue is the less you do the more fitness you lose and the harder it is to get motivated again. That is how Zwift helps me, its much easier to do an hour on there, keep some fitness and be more likely to go out when an opportunity does arise.
Yep, really struggling.
I’m still commuting, but trying to avoid it, it’s only the cost that has kept my going. I haven’t been on my MTB since the Sunday after I got back from my welsh summer holiday in late August. Just can’t be bothered.
I rodent help that I only ride for fun before 8:30am or after 8:30pm, so pretty much dark only already.
This year and tail end of last I have struggled hugely. When I’m out I love it and when I get home I’m thinking when next. The trouble is the next time doesn’t come very often and then when it does it’s hard and kills some of the enjoyment etc. Stuck in a circle at the minute with it.
Last ride was May and as a side last run was June. I’m just struggling full stop right now. Motivation no existent.
Have been doing a lot of walking lately though either alone or with dogs and some of those walks are crossing through places I was riding. There’s a small seed growing to get back out again, I just know it’s got to be a big effort!
Why not focus on another activity for a bit. The bike will still be there. Maybe mentally/physically your body fancies a rest from it. I suspect that was partly my issue. A lot of my rides became just doing it because it was Sunday or I was off etc. I started removing the fun and making it a chore.
There will be times when you have other priorities.
But if you want to cycle that won't stop you. If you can't be bothered then other priorities are just an excuse.
I usually ho out at 07:30 as it fits in with all my other stuff. Not the time I would ride out of free choice but if I didn't I wouldn't ride.
I personally think nightrides are pretty dull. Have a break from cycling with another hobby, gym or something, come back when its gets lighter and warmer. even the pros do it!
or sell my your bike for pennies 🙂
I just cant be bothered at the minute, think ive been out twice maybe three times in the past 3 months. I work away from home and usually go to the gym every other day or so when im there just to keep my legs spinning but cant be bothered with that either.
At home I could fit the odd ride in around other things but theres always stuff needing doing and quite often use that as an excuse not to head out.
Not been on the mtb since August and not missing it too much at the moment, too much faffing about to get out to trails that justify using the mtb. Been out a fair bit since on the cx bike but even that's taken a big slump over the last six weeks after injury and surgery. I'm hoping I'm starting to get back into it and the break may even have done me some good
I feel your pain - I struggle through periods where I ride a fair amount and others where I struggle to get out the door; even when the weathers perfect.
Almost always enjoy it when I do get out, and find the best thing for me is to simply say I’m going a day or two in advance - if I say to myself that I ‘might’ go, then I never do.
Me too. Came back from hols where I took the bikes/ trailer in sept and have had a persistent cough/ cold that turned into pneumonia! All sorted now with rest and antibios but not sure when to get back on the bike?
Luckily I have to ride to commute so I just get used to getting up and getting out.
Coming out of it now, had a rough summer, had to cancel a trip to the Alps and then a complete debacle getting my frame coated meant almost a month off the bike in August.
This time of year is usually shite, I have to cut from 2/3 times a week to once, I shit don’t fancy night riding.
Now... if I could stop stuffing my face and do soemthing more active than watching TV every night, that would be grand.
I got into Zwift last winter because of the mega-thread on here. Really good fun, kept me riding (sort of!) plus when I got back on the MTB in the spring I was fitter than I’d ever been and doing more riding than ever!
Winter is now here - which means I can go out on my bike at the weekend. Easter to Halloween I teach at a cycling club, very rewarding, but chews up a lot of time.
I started doing the monthly Gran Fondo rides as a challenge to myself - managed Jan-Mar and then time took over
Spent a bit of time building this year, so we now have 4 or 5 nice wee twisty, flowy dh runs with a push up track to get to the top.
I'll happily go spend a couple of hours there, solo or with a mate - as I did last night - as it's in a very dense wood and is sheltered nicely, rather than flog it over the open moorland in the pishing wet maelstrom. Keep the open moorland nightrides for crisp cold winter evenings.
It's a great wee spot for honing the cornering skills over the wet months, holds up really well, A great investment of my time over the summer.
HTH.
Generally been struggling since summer ended in mid June, but usually kick myself out of the door around 1600 most days. Not been able to ride since Monday after popping back to Wirral, but looking forward to cycling again tomorrow.
Been riding a lot more than normal this year, in prep for relentless 24, Spannered my knee in a crash 2 weeks before the event, couldn’t do the event. Not ridden since, save for commuting on the ebike. Feeling a whole lot of CBA at the mo. Think I’ve a cold coming on which isn’t helping, plus leaving for work at 645, getting home at 1915 leaves precious little time for riding that isn’t commuting. Will try and get out this weekend though
Only issue is the less you do the more fitness you lose and the harder it is to get motivated again.
Exactly. Especially when you get older.
I've done zilch since April due to the wifes serious illness, just had no interest or motivation cos I was too worried. Now she's a bit better & I'm 'between jobs' I've got some motivation back. Trouble is my fitness in worse than It's been it 26 years of riding & I'm now a fat, 61 yr old biffa! Went out on Monday, 16 miles steady away, mainly roads, & was absolutely knackered.
Did the same yesterday & definately didn't feel as bad. So there's hope yet!
Was a struggle last night as it was the 1st time out in 6 weeks since spannering myself @ BPW.
Great to be out though and try out the bargain Mojo X2. Trails were absolutely mint...dry with a colourful carpet of autumn 🙂
Damn kids, work, housework and improvement jobs keep getting in the way!
Good to know I'm not the only one. Bike is broken too and I just cannot be arsed to fix it, because then I might be encouraged to ride it.
not done much in last month or so, apart from coaching Sat morns. Been on a few weekend courses and stuff which has eaten into ride time and have put on a few pounds. Nagging hernia repair needing redone and generally manky trails not helping. Got out for a brief spin on Sunday and a road ride yesterday, and continue swimming a few times a week. Planning a decent off road ride this Sunday though 🙂 . The scales had crept down a little this morning 😆
I am. Hernia op in April has slowed me down a lot - very slow, uncomfortable recovery.Now it seems I have nerve damage in my groin which limits how long and hard i can cycle. very demotivating. 🙁
Sounds daft but when I feel like that I ask myself - "what would Martyn Ashton do" and get on it. Im sure he'd swap the shittest day in the world to turn the pedals again.
OP - You say you're demoralised because your friends have got fitter than you?
Either find some new, fatter friends or suck it up and ride anyway. If you're doing one night ride a week that;s not enough riding anyway, start sneaking out for an extra night and a morning on the weekend and you'll soon be back on pace.
I struggled last Saturday - legs felt dead, couldn't really be bothered - so cut the ride short, went to the cafe and rode home. Probably overdone it through summer (I do long distance events and associate high Km training rides) so taking it easy isn't going to hurt me.
When I used to climb as my main sport I'd basically not do any climbing in October/November unless the weather was really good and even then it would just be very easy stuff. I'd go for long fell walks instead to get fit for winter climbing. Just gave me a chance to recharge my batteries as it were.
I've said before that the advantage pro riders have isn't being able to train whenever they want but that they can properly rest when they want or need to. As amateurs/weekend warriors we don't really have that option.
I've hardly got out at all this year due in part to work hours and the rubbish summer weather. I did get out for a couple of hours blast round Gisburn Forest yesterday morning though and thoroughly enjoyed it so I know my lack of riding has nothing to do with a loss of interest in mtb.
I have limited or no-riding periods. Usually because of illness or injury. It's easy to slip into not riding, but once you get back out you will realise why you missed it. Make the first ride back something really fun. Go to your favourite trails in good weather. No pressure, just have some fun at your own pace.
Ime dragging yourself out when you really CBA is usually hugely rewarding!! You have a great ride, remember how much fun it is and give your mojo a big boost!
Also when you have put it off once or twice in a row it gets more and more difficult to overcome. Just get out, even if it’s just for an hour or so...
Its hard work at this time of year, I spent an two hours dragging a bike through mud and shite the other night , spent more time cleaning it than using it recently but I work on the basis that its easier to keep fit than get fit and what you do in the winter pays off in the spring
Yep, I'm struggling big time. Absolutely love being on my bike, and even more when I'm riding in company. However, I've got the better part of a daily two hour commute each way on public transport and by the time the bus has deposited me at the bottom of my street, all I want to do is sit on the sofa. So my evening rides are getting binned, and I feel guilty and depressed because of it.
Added to that, last night was perfect for night riding, but I found myself making 'what if' excuses. I've been night riding for nearly 25 years, but have really started doubting myself and worrying about injury....again, when out on my own.
Think I've got a free weekend though, and I'm going to try and make the most of it. Get the mountain bike out and drag it up somewhere like Dumyat if it isn't too soggy. The thing is, I know I'll have a whale of a time when I'm out and will get home buzzing (I may stop off at the Bridge of Allan brewery to fortify myself before the 15 mile ride home), with a huge grin on my face, having had a great time. It's just that initial push to get me out the door that's the issue.
Personally, I think the best possible thing you can do if you want to ride, but are struggling with motivation, is to hook up with other riders. I used to be a member of a bike club with a thriving MTB scene for about 15 years, but as that dwindled away, (club politics) so did my enthusiasm. My wife often comments about how I used to ride in the rain / sleet / snow and ice (standard summer weather in Stirlingshire), but now won't even look out the window if it's a bit damp. It was never really the riding I was going out for though, it was the company of like minded idiots.
Grit your teeth, dig out the winter kit and get on your bike. You'll feel better for it.
Maybe we should have a 'motivation bike club thread', like the 'fat club thread' of yore. I'll ride if you ride and post pictures as proof! 😛
Yes, we've had no summer here, so it was a year of training in the perpetual greyness for months on end, and then my 'holiday' for the year was NC500 which was not only grey, but wet too. Came back injured and disinterested in biking - hardly ridden in Sept/Oct, and when i did, it felt like a chore.
Just signed up for a holiday in the dolomites next year though which should be good, so pencilled myself in a 'prep' period (no structure and no serious volume, just getting back to riding 4 times a week) starting Mon 13th, and will begin training proper 01/01/18.
I tend to disagree - forcing yourself to ride when you don't want to is quite often the disciplined part of training, but there's only so often you can do it in a year. Trying to do it when you are already feeling a bit low and out of love with the bike only makes things worse.Ime dragging yourself out when you really CBA is usually hugely rewarding!!
Sounds daft but when I feel like that I ask myself - "what would Martyn Ashton do" and get on it.
This hits it on the head for me. I've endured a number of operations over the past decade that have left residue issues both physically and mentally but you need to appreciate what you can still do.
Yes you might be slightly slower than you were, ache more the next day but nothing beats the fresh air feeling blasting along a track and realising what beautiful countryside we have around us.
Treating yourself to a new piece of kit always seems to help....
Yep. Back from Ciclo Montana in mid September. Difficult ever since.
I'm riding ok but struggling not to eat treats all the time.
All my riding buddies bar one has pretty much knocked it on the head for spurious reasons. When they do venture out now they're so unfit that the smallest molehill absolutely ****s 'em.
Upshot is I ride less and when I do ride it's less of the gnarly peak district stuff. But I force myself to get up and out regularly as I feel *so* much better afterwards (despite never, ever, wanting to start) - do big long offroad days instead, headphones for an audiobook for the shit bits.
Did Nottingham > Sheffield the other day on NCN6, got train back. Didn't push hard, just plodded along, stopped off halfway and did a lap of the red of sherwood pines - 65 miles right there. Best day I'd had in a long long time. 🙂
Last September I had a crash that resulted in a broken collarbone and bruised pelvis. Not really done much since. Have my bike on the turbo trainer,which as soon I was able to, I was doing a few times a week. Then work got in the way, chest infection and then a twisted vertebrae resulting in a trapped nerve.
It's not been a good year! I hit the big five O in a few weeks, originally I was going get a new bike, that's what I'd planed this time last year as I've not had a new bike for around 8 years. But on reflection not sure if I should.
I tend to disagree - forcing yourself to ride when you don't want to is quite often the disciplined part of training, but there's only so often you can do it in a year.
Suppose it maybe depends on your outlook, or indeed even what type of riding you're doing ie dull training miles, but I'd disagree.
I have a wee oft repeated mantra at such times - I always regret not going out, but I've never, ever regretted going out on my bike.
Moving south from Stirling 8 years ago really put a big halt on everything for me - even though the Lakes is a good place to be, the lack of mates to go out with and other commitments that followed on just stopped it all. I was getting out occasionally, but not enough.
Then came injury, surgery... another injury...
Just trying to get back out now - arranged to go out with a mate every other weekend to fit in with family stuff, and hopefully that will spur me on to getting out on my own between times.
I still have a great time when I do get out, and I need to do more of it to rebuild fitness/strength and shift some pounds... so it's not a chore, just finding the hours that I need to dedicate to it is the issue. I need to get my time better organised as my wife wants me to take her out on the bikes once a week too!
Kronos, living in the lakes and not biking? Get yer finger oot man!
Riding my #Gravel bike way more than my MTB, you can just go out and do an hour, CBA with nightriding through mud all winter any more Also been doing longer rides home from work as I know I won't be able or CBA to go out later after kid's in bed.
Having said that had a solo night ride last night and it was great, dry trails, bright lights and headphones in.
I'm at the other end of the spectrum.
Having failed miserably to get out for most of the year (<400miles upto September) and several false starts commuting (50miles a day so you can see how pathetically few times I managed it!). I've met up with the Trolls again as TH is sort-of on my way home in the car.
2x a week for the past month and loving it! Actually looked down at my legs last night whilst spinning up a hill and didn't recognise them! Planning to make it to 3x a week once I've got enough fitness back to suffer at the back of the fast group!
Might even (shhhhhhh!) get the road bike out and re-join the local road club for some secret winter training.
Came back from biking in sunny, dusty climes September and the FS is still lying untouched in the bike bag. Headed down to Drumlanrig on the old 'winter' hardtail at the weeekend for the first ride since holiday and I AM CURED 🙂
I really struggled after doing far too much riding in 2016, i was commuting 198 miles a week and trying to do events at weekends to and covered 9000 miles which you would think would make me fit, but in the end i did too much and overtraining meant i gave myself depression of sorts, had no immune system and every time i tried to ride, my legs felt like lead so i barely rode from November 2016 through to August 2017 as i got frustrated with how quickly i lost fitness.
But the cloud started to lift and i tackled getting back on the bike in a few ways:
- Rode bikes purely for fun, bought a decent fat bike and rode the beautiful coastline near me, no Garmin and no worrying about distance.
- Bought a cheap Singlespeed CX bike, so i can ride from my door even if it just for an hour a mixture of road or bridleways and not worry about putting bike away dirty and just ride for fun.
- Entered a few challenging events next year, made sure i actually paid for them, not just say i'm going to do them.
- I talked about cycling at a few social get togethers and a couple of other guys from the village have bought mountain bikes, and seeing there enthusiasm as they are new to it and loving it has spurred me on.
I’ll be heading back north from Greece at the end of this month and I suspect that I’ll find it a real struggle to motivate myself to ride the usual winter slop, rather than the nice, steep limestone techy stuff that I’ve become all too used to here.
I am looking forward to getting out on my singlespeed again though, so hopefully that’ll give me some motivation over the winter.
I didn't ride a bike from the end of July to the end of September this summer. Family and holidays and work shit got in the way massively and I just couldn't find the motivation to get out. Started getting me down in September, so I gave myself a bit of a talking to, and seem to be rolling along nicely again now.
I did stop riding bikes completely between about 2000 and 2008 though, and I came back from that ok, so I'm not too worried by a couple of off months. Sometimes you just need a bit of a break...
I'm not finding much time to ride for 'fun'. but I still commute by bike so that keeps my base fitness levels OK
Have a mate that's moved to somewhere interesting so have done a couple of evening pootles near him, which is good. Used to have a regular evening pootle with a mate, haven't done that in a while now
BUT, i'm doing some bikepacking tomorrow, which makes me very excited!
I've become an in-door cyclist with the help of an Elite Direto smart trainer and Zwift.
I really CBA to go outside to ride, cold, dark, damp, slippy leaves, insane drivers (if I ride on the road), puddles and mud if I'm off road and the seemingly constantly soaked and cold leading foot.
I was struggling to get out after an illness earlier this year, then remembered that, even when reluctant to ride you never ever regret it after, so I ignored the lazy sod inside and started again. Then I lazily drifted into just ticking over, so told myself I have to ride 3 times a week at least, and must focus on upping fitness ready for next Spring. 3 weeks into this latest regime and I keep coming back knackered from not much exertion, but I know in a few weeks I'll start to see the benefits. Sometimes you just have to ignore your lazy side, and being as I'm at the 'use it or lose it forever' age, I can't indulge the lazy git any more
I think Strava has killed it. My riding mates suddenly got too serious and pushed each section constantly rather than just getting out for a ride, chat and few beers like we used to. I saw it as a social thing, they turned it into an extension of the gym.
The eldest (7) was supposed to be up for a ride this morning, she changed her mind so we went to the cinema instead.
I do need to sort myself out, it's just tougher than normal this time of the year.
At 63 I'm aware that I have a finite amount of rides left and may have to scale down expectations, on the other hand every ride is a blessing even the shite ones ,it's all good- the worst rides make the best pub stories
It's a real struggle for me. Been out since the end of June with a back injury. Have been waiting for surgery but that is off now. Getting back into it slowly. Rode Llandegla last Sunday, 21 miles, 2500ft, and I was busted. My legs had given up with about 5/6 miles to go. It's going to take a long time building back up again and have lost touch with riding buddies.
I'm based in south Manchester, so not much riding around these parts. Can someone drag me out on Sunday please?
I think Strava has killed it. My riding mates suddenly got too serious and pushed each section constantly rather than just getting out for a ride, chat and few beers like we used to.
That's not Strava's fault.
I really don't like strava so I don't use.Life is simple .
Some days Im not able to kick myself out the door for a ride, usually on grey/damp days, when I then later beat myself up for not popping out for at least 30mins.
I can't remember the last time I kicked myself out for a ride and beat myself up for getting out, even if it was a gentle pootle rather than a zone 4/5 hill reps session... I always feel better for it.
Sounds like it was habitual and now you've fallen out of the habit. Its best to ease yourself back in. Just schedule in (say) 90mins easy of riding every sat morning for a month. The rest will probably follow from that and you'll back in the habit on the road to peak fitness again before you know it.
I'm lucky in that shortly after having my first spawn, we moved further from my work and the commuting miles now keep me fit.
It can be a struggle once you lose fitness, I know people that would like to come out but worry needlessly about holding other people up.
As someone else says up there, I've never ever regretted getting out on the bike (except when I've broken myself, and it wasn't the ride itself I regretted!)
Mr potatohead, I'm 62 and having to scale down my expectations too, but even though I don't go as far/fast as I used to I can still get a lot out of riding, not least that post-ride buzz that resets my mood for the better. While the return for the energy I put in is so good I'll keep going
I've periodically struggled to motivate myself to get out on the MTB throughout all my 23 years of riding!
I have some little tricks like getting my MTB out of the shed and putting it somewhere prominent in the house for a few days, which gives me a mini boost in motivation as I can see what I want to do.
It's so often linked to weather, time, family, pressures etc... but I don't think I've *ever* regretted going for a ride. 🙂
I'm based in south Manchester, so not much riding around these parts. Can someone drag me out on Sunday please?
Hi Colin, drop me a line if you wanna ride Rivi or somewhere.
I need to get back out after flu and complications.
this is the third year I've set myself a target of 3000, miles.. and this is starting to look like the third year I'm going to miss it.
Last year I was 110 miles short.
I'm currently at 2600 miles, so know it is more than achievable if I get off my arse and ride. But (and last night was a good example) I'm too easily distracted into sitting on the sofa with the kids, rather than getting all dressed up and going out into the cold/dark..
mildbore- I agree , I still ride and still enjoy it but just no longer expect to be fit without putting a fair amount of slog in as I'm sure you do too.I'd rather keep going than miss time trying to get fit again in spring
To be honest I have been struggling for a while! My initial excitement of getting my first FS got me out a lot, but then I started to dislike the bike and it became more of a drag, than fun.
Hoping the new bike will bring the fun part back.
Just coming out of that spell, my year so far has been - start unfit, ride loads and get fit, sign up for alpine holiday, back injury, lose all fitness in 10 weeks off the bike, couple of weeks to get some strength back, come back from holiday slightly fit, lose interest and fitness, now interest has sparked again.
Ordered wheels for my favourite bike two months ago, never spotted they were centre lock before ordering and left them sitting. This week I ordered parts for it and have fitted them as soon as each part arrives. Cannot wait to get it out tomorrow now!
So try ordering some new parts to see if working on it will re-ignite your interest.
Or take a break and don't beat yourself up.
I've been struggling for a couple of years back and foot pain caused to flog the shand 🙁 went mtb but still had issues but not as bad. Took up jogging had back and ankle issues still, struggling to run over five minutes in the end. turns out it's all related to muscles in my calf, five weeks of physio and I ran 10 km pain free for first time in years.
All set for a ride and then unfortunately cut through the tendons in the end of my index finger 🙁 so now fit to ride but I can't aahh.. Hopefully when I'm healed the bike ride will be pain free touch wood.
Glad I appear sorted gutted about the shand tho 🙁
Yep, one piddly 3 mile ride on the mtb and one 5 mile commute during which I was nearly killed to death in the last 2 months, and not much more in the 2 before that.
I've just been busy with other things, work, motor club commitments, watching rallies, putting new oil tank in, weddings, being knackered after work etc etc etc
A stone heavier than this time 2 years ago, two new bikes in the shed hardly ridden, and little motivation to ride at the moment, despite having replaced my car with a van primarily for easier biking..........
Last big commitment/busy weekend this weekend then hoping to get back at it.
This afternoon I bunked off work early, rode straight from work to local trails so didn't get bogged down in home stuff, bit knackered after a good ride last night so went and worked on a trail thats unrideable in the summer, cleared logs, sticks and scraped off deep leaves so I could find the proper line. Took about an hour or so then rode it 3 times, made me happy so rode some other stuff till I had no legs then went for a pint.
If you're struggling for riding motivation try some trail maintenance, building or just looking for new bits to ride or things practice on, rather than banging out same miles for the sake of it.
If you're struggling for riding motivation try some trail maintenance, building or just looking for new bits to ride or things practice on, rather than banging out same miles for the sake of it.
This is what works for me.
Yep always this time of year, last mountain bike ride was the end of September and completely put me off. The trails were a complete mud bath weather was awful road my hard tail for the first time in ages by the end of it I had a bad back and a stiff neck.
So i thought screw this I will get a road bike, borrowed one from my father in-law and been on it once with a mate, enjoyed it a lot more than expected so signed up to cycle to work scheme to get my own. Just been told it could be 2 months until I get my vouchers. Now cant get motivated to do go out on the road bike I am borrowing thinking maybe a cx bike is more my style.
I think my main problem is I tell myself I should be out riding but if I try to make myself ride I ride even less. Sometimes I think you can over do it. The weather and mud doesn't help either.
Also im bored of my local trails done them to death so planning a trip to coed y brenin for a change of scenery.
I'm struggling to find motivation. Always do this time of year due to work commitments (Teaching). I find I'm exhausted after work and at weekends. The only real motivation I have it to keep my fitness up. It dropped a little in September after a lovely summer of no work, good sleep, lots of long rides and then only finding time for 1 ride a week. Now i find I'd rather have a lay in till 10 then spend an hour on the turbo and have an early lunch.
I'm struggling with energy. My riding always tails off from October and picks up a bit at Christmas, but this autumn has been particularly shit. Had a cold and awful jet lag for 2 weeks, and it's rained almost every day for 2 months. I was so tired a few weeks ago that my legs were buzzing. Had 10 days off the bike and feel a bit better, but I'm less fit and have the autumn blues.
OP I've ridden very little this year, mix of work, injury and other priorities.
I'm just getting stuck back in. A really good bunch of people to ride with means I'm getting motivated again and also some merciless Mick taking for my lack of fitness is putting me on a mission to get it back!
Well, I put a shout out to some riding buddies this weekend, but ultimately, I couldn't make the times when they were available. I still dug the MTB out and went for a ride though, and was glad I did, even though I had to dig really deep on the way home and I'm feeling it today!
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Climbing up towards the woods, I was treated to a lovely view of a snow capped Ben Lomond....brrr, Winter is Coming!
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I must admit that I was taking it a bit easy as the trails were buried under leaves, hiding the teflon coated roots of death.
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In all the years of riding these woods, I've never been to this bit, and was quite lost at this point. I'd taken a new track that was revealed by the vegetation dying back. It led up into a stand of forestry, but I veered away from the main track when I spotted a bunch of tents and some blokes wandering around them. I've seen Deliverance....
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Nowt much to say about this, other than it just makes me smile every time I stop here.
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From the end of the trail, I've got a 15 mile road ride back home. Some sort of energy drink before tackling that is a given. 😛
I made the effort, and even though I'm not so keen on riding solo nowadays, I still had a grand day out. I was really hurting on the long drag home, and was pretty much useless for the rest of the day, but I'm so glad I made the effort.
I have my lights charged now and am going to try and get out for a night ride this week.