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 Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on March 14, 2011 at 1:29am

That's the beauty of life.  No matter how shitty your own life is there is always someone out there who has a shittier one.

 



Eric Vann said:

http://www.beezodogsplace.com/2011/03/13/9644/

http://www.beezodogsplace.com/2011/03/14/9670/

 

Some years ago I learned a valuable lesson. I coached a chess team where the students were eager to play against better opponents but always had a complaint or two about their lives as teenagers. So went went over to the local VA Hospital and played chess against the patients.

 

Two things happened the usual competitive juices were even more riled against these players. And the kids got a chance to see how someone looks when having a really bad day. It was something of a reality check for all of us.

 

When I get the Bikers Slump these days I always think about babies born to mothers on crack cocaine not knowing at that tender age just how wonderful life should be and instead fighting withdrawal from a drug they never knowingly took.

 

So I climb aboard my bike and make each pedal turn a prayer for them. I don't need to buy anything new for my bikes or do much else other than enjoy life on their behalf. I kinda see it as my mission to "carry on" in their stead.

Permalink Reply by Ian on March 14, 2011 at 3:08am

For me, Liz's suggestion is the most effective - 


Commit to a ride with a buddy!  


When I set up a ride with a friend, neither of us wants to back out even if we're not motivated. Once we're dressed and bikes are ready, it's no problem to just do a RT ride to the aquarium or Promontory Point.  It also helps that we're evenly matched and quietly competitive to keep our pace up.  Never regretted this plan.  My other motivator is food - I will ride with a meal goal (specialty sandwich, sausage or entree available only one place in Chicago).


Liz said:

I was hitting a major bike slump at the end of feb. 

...

start also one day I ran into kevin on the way home and
having a riding buddy helped a lot.
Permalink Reply by Joel on March 14, 2011 at 4:17am
I did basically no recreational riding over the winter.  It just isn't fun to go for long rides in the cold and wind.  The glimpses of Spring have me excited again, to the point where I've cleaned up my nicer bike and it is just waiting.
Permalink Reply by KatieP on March 18, 2011 at 2:53am

You all crack me up, renew my faith in the beauty of cycling (and life) and encourage me to bike! Upon my return from chicago I pulled out my cruiser I hadn't ridden in awhile and - get this - actually enjoyed it:). It's amazing what some sun can do for ones spirit and ability to see potholes.


And, Julie - I'd love to go for a ride sometime!

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on March 18, 2011 at 3:02am
Let's do it!
Permalink Reply by The Bonebell on March 18, 2011 at 3:44am

Try riding off-road and explore a part of Chicago that you hadn't experienced before outside of the paved pathways and congested streets.


DesPlaines River Trail

CalSag Trail

I&M Canal

Waterfall Glen

Palos Forest Preserve

SauWeeKee

Illinois Prairie Path

 

Lot's of off-road options to reinvigorate the 'fun' in cycling and still be healthful and enjoyable without the added stress of the city doldrums.  Sure some of this stuff you may have to drive to or take a train to depending on your location - but they are all reachable via bike if you wanted to.

 

Join the off-road gang. :)

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on March 18, 2011 at 4:51am

Oh, no!  let's not bring up the off-road/off-pavement semantics thing!  

 

-oops, I just did! ;)

Permalink Reply by globalguy on March 18, 2011 at 6:47am

Katie,

 

Perhaps you have something else - something BIG - on your mind?  It could be draining energy from your otherwise active lifestyle.  Both Erin and I have noticed that even when we get a lot of rest we are still pretty tired ...

 

Just and idea.

 

gk

Permalink Reply by Gort 12-mile Pinklegneep on March 18, 2011 at 8:12am

See personally I enjoy winter riding for fun because there's this glimmer of recognition between me and anyone else I see on a bike, that we share some malfunction in the head.

 

Winter Masses also seem quite a lot more friendly.


Joel said:

I did basically no recreational riding over the winter.  It just isn't fun to go for long rides in the cold and wind.  The glimpses of Spring have me excited again, to the point where I've cleaned up my nicer bike and it is just waiting.
Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on September 18, 2012 at 12:42pm
And I've got it. Bad. My derialleur broke on my road bike, and although I have a couple other bikes that need minor adjustments or a flat tire change, I'm still not riding. Haven't done a century or possibly even a half century yet this season.

I got the slump. And the colder weather doesn't help me get back on my bike.
Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on September 18, 2012 at 1:46pm

You might think about getting a new toy for your bike that helps you get excited about riding again.  I am constantly tweaking and futzing with my bike(s) -this is always a source of new interest for me and keeps things from becoming routine and boring with regards to riding.  One doesn't need a whole new bike -just a few new things to rekindle one's interest.

For example:  My wife just got me a USB power-adapter for my road bike as a B-day present.  With it I now always have power from my dynohub to run my Android phone or other USB-powered accessories.  Now I can run the Endomondo app on the phone continuously and indefinitely and use it also as a cycle computer with all sorts of neat read-outs.  Speed, elapsed time, average speed, pace (time/mile) and many other things are right there on my bars.

I'm always on the lookout for new gear on sale too. I check the major gear close-out places on line regularly when I'm at the computer. That keeps me interested, as does preparing for cyclocross this fall and finally getting a chance to race.  

It doesn't have to be a gadget or gear though, it could be a new set of nice tires, a new comfy saddle like a Brooks, or nice grips -perhaps some shellacked cork or fancy leather tape.  The relationship between human and machine needs to be rekindled just like a relationship between humans needs a little romance to keep it alive.   Sure, riding a bike is the most efficient and intelligent choice to get from point A to point B -but it can also be so much more than that.  

Maybe a nice Tweed Ride would get a gal interested in riding again... 

Permalink Reply by Vitaliy on September 18, 2012 at 2:15pm

Make your desktop picture a picture of your bike that you ride. or your phone background :]

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