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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Permalink Reply by Gort 12-mile Pinklegneep on March 11, 2011 at 12:19pm
It's funny to me when I see people snob out about mountain bikes for city riding. Yes they're less efficient, but have these people seen Chicago streets? Particularly in the spring? Huge knobbies and suspension forks don't seem so silly anymore.
Permalink Reply by Laura on March 11, 2011 at 1:10pm
Lucky katie is in colorado today.
You planning to ride there?
Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on March 12, 2011 at 5:14am
I don't get it either; I mean I understand the idea behind small tires and going fast but if you are riding for transportation on city streets they simply do not cut it.

Peenworm Grubologist said:
It's funny to me when I see people snob out about mountain bikes for city riding. Yes they're less efficient, but have these people seen Chicago streets? Particularly in the spring? Huge knobbies and suspension forks don't seem so silly anymore.
Permalink Reply by Jared on March 12, 2011 at 6:08am
My memory may be a little fuzzy but I can't really recall ever getting a flat with my Mountain bike and I had it for 10 years until it was stolen.  Now that I have a road bike I seem to get them constantly.
Permalink Reply by The Racketeers on March 12, 2011 at 7:46am
Wait it out... like most things in life... your motivation comes and goes... so you should just come and go with it without feeling bad about it. like everyone else said the warmer weather will help. hang in there and don't guilt yourself. it will just make it worse
Permalink Reply by Bernard Joseph Hannigan on March 12, 2011 at 7:49am
A warm day will help, plus get off the streets and try one of the many fine trails we have. Salt Creek in wonderful.
Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on March 12, 2011 at 9:34am
More degrees!  There are too few degrees outside.  I want to stay inside...
Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on March 12, 2011 at 1:05pm
A 29 is just a 700c with a fat tire, my british bike runs a 29er rim.

H3N3 said:

I was in a bike shop briefly a few minutes ago and someone tried to sell me a 29-er.


By the logic that "small tires" don't cut it on city streets-- are 29" better than 26"?


notoriousDUG said:

I don't get it either; I mean I understand the idea behind small tires and going fast but if you are riding for transportation on city streets they simply do not cut it.

Peenworm Grubologist said:
It's funny to me when I see people snob out about mountain bikes for city riding. Yes they're less efficient, but have these people seen Chicago streets? Particularly in the spring? Huge knobbies and suspension forks don't seem so silly anymore.
Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on March 12, 2011 at 2:06pm
Or the 28 x 1 1/2 F.13 for the Canidiadianses who just have to be differn't from everyone else

notoriousDUG said:
A 29 is just a 700c with a fat tire, my british bike runs a 29er rim.


Permalink Reply by chixieonfixie on March 13, 2011 at 5:59am
Why do you go to Critical Mass if you do not enjoy riding your bike? 

H3N3 said:

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 Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on March 13, 2011 at 7:24am

Politics probably...

 

I'm just the opposite. I love bicycles for the sheer love of the motion and the riding itself.  It's a freedom akin to unpowered flight.

 

I'd still ride bikes if it were the un-greenest, dirtiest, evil, vile, enviornment-ruining activity ever and every time I  threw a leg over the saddle 43 polar bears magically & spontaneously melted into ooze and fell through a steaming, gaping hole that just opened up through the ice cap.

 

It's about the riding and what's in it for me.  I guess others have different reasons to be bike "activists."  I also enjoy wrenching on bikes too. It's like Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance which is every bit as applicable to bicycles as it is to motorcycles. 

 

 


chixieonfixie said:

Why do you go to Critical Mass if you do not enjoy riding your bike? 


Permalink Reply by Ricardo Cervantes on March 13, 2011 at 7:52am
I completely understand going through a slump.  I love to ride.....I just don't enjoy riding in cold weather.  Come spring, my season starts.  However, for some reason my first few rides take some work to get me going.  The few months off means I tend to be a bit sore after my first few rides.  What I try to do is plan a social ride with friends early on.  We motivate each other with conversations about the coming warm months and the other rides we plan to take.  I enjoy riding alone, but prefer riding with others.  We've created a Facebook group where we call ourselves The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.  I also love the warm weather Critical Masses, and especially the Perimeter Ride in late summer.  Just get on, and things fall into place.

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