The Chainlink

Bikers Slump - How to Stop?

So I fear admitting this, but I am in a biker's slump. While last year I couldn't wait to jump on my bikes and go for quick or long rides, these last few weeks I've found myself rationalizing the metra and cabs over biking. 

 

I tried getting new gear for my bike, but it didn't break the slump.

I cleaned my bike (which only resulted in grease stains everywhere.)

I miss my chainlink events, but the thought of dealing with potholes and drivers prove a massive hurdle.


Any tips on how to break this slump & restart my love for cycling in the city? 

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mike Bullis 5.5-6.5 miles on March 10, 2011 at 7:05pm
Just N+1. Another bike never hurts.
Permalink Reply by Jared on March 10, 2011 at 7:13pm
Just wait a few days/weeks.  I'm sure the motivation will be back when the sun returns and the weather is actually pleasant.
Permalink Reply by A.K.A Paul on March 10, 2011 at 8:20pm

Baby steps...

 

When that happens to me, I just break each ride into small steps.  I first only think about putting on the gear, then I tell myself that I'm just going to ride at a leisurely pace that day, perhaps take a different route.  I only think about getting to the next stop light not to the destination. 

It seems to help if I know I'll have a strong head wind for a few miles to just focus on the road in front of my bike and before I know it I'm at my destination. 

It also helps to take a day or two off to give your body a rest.  Sometimes I feel like a million bucks after a couple days off from riding.

Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on March 10, 2011 at 8:25pm
I'm with Jared. Do it when/if you want to. Forcing yourself to do something you don't want to do isn't healthy. That's what jobs are for.
Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on March 10, 2011 at 8:27pm
Booze.
Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on March 10, 2011 at 9:28pm

Warm weather will help.

Mine came back after hopping on the road bike and having so much rolling resistance than a crappy mt. bike, that and $4.50 a day round trip on the cta too.

We're past the single digits it can't be that bad, save up for the end of the months CCM.

 

What I used to do if it was windy really windy was take the bike in the direction of the wind then hope it was still windy for the ride home. Whoo hoo tail wind!

 

 

Permalink Reply by Liz on March 10, 2011 at 10:15pm
I was hitting a major bike slump at the end of feb. 

I was so miserable, cold, tired, and sick of traffic.
I started only riding to the L instead of all the
 way downtown, and only ride all the way to work whent
 the weather was nice and I was in the mood.
now the weather is getting better and I find myself wanting
to ride all the way to work.  

start also one day I ran into kevin on the way home and
having a riding buddy helped a lot.
Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on March 10, 2011 at 10:54pm

I haven't really enjoyed cycling for years.

It's just the easiest and fastest way to get most places I want to go.

I don't know enough about your situation to understand why it's not the easiest and fastest way to get most places you want to go, or what makes it so unpleasant for you that a bus or cab is more attractive.

 

In my opinion it's not all that relevant whether you're riding a bike or not-- the important thing is that you're able to make car-freedom work for you somehow.

Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on March 11, 2011 at 7:36am


Jennifer said:
I find that an afternoon walk along the Lakefront Trail that's timed to coincide with the PM rush of bike commuters makes me eager to join them.

ON YOUR LEFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on March 11, 2011 at 7:44am

I go through this too.  Didn't know anyone else did actually. I just do what feels right. An ddon't beat myself up when i don't.  I've found first hand everyone needs a break sometimes.

 

 

Warm weather and not needing hats, gloves, scarfs def helps.

Permalink Reply by Ed on March 11, 2011 at 8:30am

Strange... i thought that you would have an Aaron slump before a bike slump.

(Substitute "Aaron" for the word "Bike" everywhere in the original posting.)

Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on March 11, 2011 at 8:57am
Actually, it's also funny when you substitute "Aaron" for the word "bike" in all the subsequent posts. Thanks, Ed.

Ed said:

Strange... i thought that you would have an Aaron slump before a bike slump.

(Substitute "Aaron" for the word "Bike" everywhere in the original posting.)

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