Last year I did some big old rides in some crap old weather. Because I'd paid good money to take part, and done a lot of training, I had to turn up. In a way I relished the challenge and looking back there were some good bits. But a lot of it was real pish.
But this year I decided to not enter anything and just ride because I WANTED to, when I was going to enjoy it. This has worked. This time last year I really couldn't be bothered to ride. I virtually gave up for 3 months, but this year I'm still keen to go out..... But only when [i]I want to[/i]
But I’m being badgered to go out on Sunday in possible pouring rain. If it’s not too bad, I’ll go. If it’s biblical, nahh, sorry. And I don’t feel guilty about that at all….
It's not as though I'm short of riding time. If all goes to plan I'll have ridden 6 out of the previous 7 days, including a 50 mile road ride on Saturday.
Does this sound familiar to anyone?
I tend to do one year with loads of planned stuff/events followed by a 'take it as it comes' year
No,
I either train/ride/race every day of the week. If I didn't then I know that my next race performance may not be as good as it could be. That would really annoy me.
I'll go with that, though try not to let the weather affect me too much - had a great fun ride in the Pentlands last Sunday in biblical downpour conditions, but really enjoyed it as we had warmed up & had the right gear on (plus time to clean off the bike after!)
Mind you, had enough of getting nauseous thanks to freezing fingers / breaking plastics last winter. Anything under -2 this winter & I'm staying under the duvet!
If I didn't then I know that my next race performance may not be as good as it could be.
But I'm not a racer. And do you NEVER have a day off? Recovery is important, even I know that! 🙂
The one year on, one year off doing events really pisses my mates off though
I'm usually the one that does most of the organising for rides etc. so when I'm totally non-committal to doing things they have to sort it themselves or [more likely] not do it at all
I know where your'e coming from. I've been the same for ages. After riding in every weather imaginable (UK type weather) for 20 years you think,'**** it, got all the T shirts & the factory that made them' Now I go out when it suits me.
Which was Tuesday, yesterday, today & also this Saturday, only cos I'm off work & the chores are done.
Which was Tuesday, yesterday, today & also this Saturday
LOL! It seems that those of us with this approach are certainly not lacking in riding.... 🙂
I don't think there is an actual law that says "Thou shall ride whatever the weather" although I am sure the Lord God Upon High of the Lakes SFB may come along soon and tell us why it is always possible to ride in just shorts or a thong or something all year round. 😀
Never entered anything, never felt the need to compete really, just ride because I want to when I want to. I am a bit of a latent hippy though.
There is more to life than riding, simple as.
I've recently taken up swimming to take up the slack when I can't be arsed riding and or have better things to do (and as an all over muscular workout it's better than riding) which will surely happen with the arrival of a baby early next year.
Oh and I love racing, but I couldn't race round a muddy field every Sunday morning, again there is more to life.
Amen to that. 🙂
If youdon't want to ride your bike then don't. Unless I'm the designated person in charge I don't bother. It's just not worth it.
I found the answer this year - took up paddling again. When it rains, out comes the boat(s)