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 Lanterne Rouge on September 18, 2012 at 3:06pm

New stuff always makes me excited. For God's sake...I got a new tire last night; The first thing I did was get home and run down into the bike room to put it on. For whatever reason, I was so excited to get up and ride on that new tire. Weird, but true.

I've got some claim money coming in from BP and it's going straight for some Gilles Berthoud fenders. I can't wait!

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Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on September 18, 2012 at 3:08pm

Did you get some of that bad gas Jim?

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Permalink Reply by Lanterne Rouge on September 18, 2012 at 3:25pm

I did. Just my luck, the first time the car had been driven in some time I get the bad stuff. I do have to say though, when BP isn't busy destroying the Earth and wreaking havoc on local economies, their customer service is actually pretty good.

James BlackHeron said:

Did you get some of that bad gas Jim?

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Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on September 18, 2012 at 3:31pm

I am heartily amused by the fact that their dirty English oil money is going to buy you a new set of fancy-pants fenders made in France. Are you getting the stainless ones or the carbon fiber?

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Permalink Reply by Lanterne Rouge on September 18, 2012 at 3:57pm

I'm going for the stainless. Luckily Boulevard Bikes the good stuff (GB and Honjo) so I'm going to be able decide when I go in and take a look in person. The only thing that irks me about the Gilles Berthoud fenders is that they are not pre-drilled. For a perpetually lazy person like me, that could be a deal breaker.

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Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on September 18, 2012 at 4:13pm

Take a camera along.

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on September 19, 2012 at 6:54am

So I'm not the only one feeling this way. Been enjoying the cool air on recent mornings and evenings. I enjoyed being outdoors a LOT less than usual over this brutally hot summer. I'm starting to get excited about Bike Winter. :)

Daniel G said:

Riding in bad heat actually kind of sucks. How many weekend days under 88 degrees did we have this summer? This was a flat-out shitty summer for every outdoor activity. Looking forward to a suspiciously pleasant autumn. And this summer actually has me optimistically anticipating winter for the first time ever. I guess this is why we all live in a city with seasons. When one of them breaks, you've still got the other three which are probably still running like they're supposed to.

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Permalink Reply by Aaron Bussey on September 20, 2012 at 2:40am

Ride with a hot guy :P

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Permalink Reply by Michael Lemberger on September 21, 2012 at 7:18am

Sometimes folks, you've just got to put your head down and push through it. I know that's not the answer you were looking for, but that's how life works. It'll get better.

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Permalink Reply by Scott Stelzer on September 21, 2012 at 6:38pm

I tend to get in one of these every year. though this year, it happened during the hot days of summer for almost a month. Coming out of any of these slumps, I always kick myself, "why didn't I get back on the bike sooner??"

I've been very conscious about avoiding my normal fall slump this year, by setting a mileage goal for 2012. I still need a few hundred miles, and if I keep bike commuting until the permafrost hits, I'll make it.