Cycling Doldrums?

[RolliePollie]

I think I might be done with cycling. I feel like giving up and selling the bikes, including a new mountain bike I have only ridden twice. I was doing great with riding and training all through the winter. Then I was off the bike for 3-1/2 weeks due to vacation and illness. Next thing you know, I don't want to ride at all. I was training for a Century (or at the least a metric) at the end of April, but I don't think I'm going to go.

I just feel like a cycling wannabe. This is my fourth season and I'm still not a very good rider. It's so incredibly frustrating to keep trying and trying, to put in over 3,000 miles a year, and still get immediately dropped by anyone I ride with. My bike handling skills are poor and they're not improving. And I am totally embarassed about the extra weight I'm carrying around and how my legs looks in bike shorts. I used to be proud of myself for getting out there and trying, but lately I look at the bike and think "who am I trying to kid?"

So...enough whining I guess. I think I need to re-focus and figure out how to start loving my bike again. Have I completely gone off the deep end here, or have others had this type of sudden loss of motivation? And if so, what did you do about it? Please help me get back on my bike!

Wah :(

[bikermaze]

You're only a cycling wannabe if you're doing something without truly making an effort but want to reap the results of being a 'cyclist'. However from your story, I refuse to take you for a cycling wannabe. Things like these take time. You can't rush things. If you feel that you're not making enough progress, then step up a notch to improve and do more. Or you may opt to join groups so as to have a cyclist peer group to help you get through your errs and mistakes.

Don't dwell on the badside of things. It'll only get worse.

But if you feel you must quit and move on for something else, then go ahead. You can give yourself a pat on the shoulder that you actually tried to cycle in the first place.

Think about it hard though. You might just be going through a phase where you feel empty and uninterested for now. People go through that. Not just with cycling but in other fields of interest and even work!

[crazycanuck]

RP...don't give up :(

I'm damn slow on the road & on the dirt BUT i still keep on mozying out there. I feel the same way somedays but just realize that i'm not out to be the next Anna Meares or Judith Arndt...I want to be out there because..well..just cuz..

Relax. Take a deep breath. Sit on it for a bit.

If you decide to take a break from cycling, it's all coolio. The friends you've made through cycling will still be round and the chickas on TE will be here too :). Cycling doesn't have to make you who you are if you don't want to.

Just a thought for you

C

[tangentgirl]

Don't sell the bikes. The great thing about having a bike is that you have a bike. So you take a break for a month or six months or a year. Then, when you feel like it, there it is. You don't have to go anywhere or buy anything, you just have your bike. Easy as pie.*

What do you like about riding?

*Why is pie supposed to be easy? I tried this last Thanksgiving. Pie was not easy. Perhaps I should amend the statement to, "easy as grocery store pie." Or "easy as lemon pie out of the candy machine." Or "easy as piRsquared."

[Becky]

Nothing wrong with taking a break. I've been through phases where I quit riding to run, and then to play soccer, and then I go back to the bikes. After a heavy cycling season last year, I'm doing a lot more running again, and less riding.

Don't sell the bikes...not yet. Think of it as a cycling sabbatical, and let your heart tell you when it needs to ride again. Oh, and anyone who logs 3,000 miles is most definitely a cyclist. There's this very competitive mentality in cycling (at least around my area), and sometimes we unfairly judge ourselves against others. OMG, I am so guilty of this! By why beat yourself up over how fast or how far or how many miles?

How to Ride a Bike Forever (http://www.bikereader.com/contributors/misc/rideforever.html)

((RP))

[redrhodie]

Why don't you try riding your bike to do some errands? That may change the dynamic of why you're riding, give you a purpose, and take away the other expectations that are getting you down. Keep it short and sweet, and see how it feels.

[OakLeaf]

(((((Rollie)))))

Honestly? It sounds to me like a crisis of self-esteem, not anything that really has to do with the bike. Unless I'm missing something, that there's something else you do love, that keeps you active, that doesn't make you feel the way you're feeling on the bike right now. In which case, maybe just do that other thing, and don't worry about the bike for now (but yeah, don't sell it).

So... I'm not trying to suggest it's easy, but I'd start by working on learning to love the person riding the bike, not worrying so much about the bike.

Maybe, also, you need to find different people to ride with. It's true, everyone has an innate potential, and even at a "weekend warrior" level far removed from that potential, everyone's going to get stronger at a different rate. But there are LOTS of groups of cyclists that ride at LOTS of different paces. The very fact that you say you're getting "dropped" implies that you're riding with people who are dropping you. There are no-drop groups and clubs, "D" level group rides for people who just want to be out in the fresh air and smell the roses, or maybe you can hook up with one or two people who want to ride your same pace. Or you might find that you enjoy riding by yourself.

Years ago when I was racing, yeah, it WAS really frustrating to get beat by the same woman week after week after week. Twenty years later - having burned out on cycling and come back to it - I've started doing a little running as well, only to find out that that SAME woman is way faster and stronger than I am on the road as well as on the bike. :p (Never mind she'd been a runner even before she took up cycling.) But here's the difference - I don't care. I know better than to try and compete with her. I'm doing it for ME.

If you really want to improve specifics, what have you been doing? The best way to get faster is intervals - have you been doing those? Even if you have no intention of racing, if you want to get faster, you want to do the same type of workouts that racers do to improve their speed. As far as handling skills, have you taken a skills course? And if so, there's no shame in taking it again. I'm really not familiar with that whole world on bicycles, but lots of people take a motorcycle handling class every couple of years just to brush up on their skills.

But again - what I'm hearing from you is that it really isn't about the specifics. Self-esteem is a tough journey and I wish you strength and sureness on that road.

[Bike Chick]

Your bikes don't eat anything while they sit in the stand so they aren't costing you anything to keep them, are they?

Put them up for a while and give it a break. No one says you have to ride everyday. I get dropped too and it is frustrating but I still go and am constantly looking for a riding partner that rides my speed. Check out some local bike clubs or post something on TE and try to find a buddy to ride with that rides your speed.

Go shopping for bike clothes or some accessories. A new jersey or gloves always perks up my mood.

Oh, and by the way, 3000 miles a year is impressive! I consider myself a cyclist and don't do 3000 miles a year and if I did I would probably be burned out right now which might be the case with you.

Hugs to you. You know all the TErs will always be here no matter whether you ride 30 or 3000 miles a year:-)

[Jolt]

Why don't you try riding your bike to do some errands?

I was going to say exactly the same thing! Then you're getting some exercise, getting things done that you have to do anyway, and keeping some pollution out of the air to boot. Very satisfying, and no competition (except maybe with yourself).

[Veronica]

Ride your own ride. You have to keep it fun and stop fretting about what anyone else thinks.

Yeah, I've experienced the loss of motivation:

2006 - 5,000+ miles
2007 - 4,000+ miles
2008 - 3,000+ miles
2009 - 750 miles

Riding became a chore at the end of 2008. I wasn't doing it for me anymore. I was doing it to get an R-12 and it wasn't fun.

As far as the extra weight goes, unless you have other health issues, it's really calories in versus calories out. Some calorie types are more satisfying. Personally, I eat a lot of protein (nuts and peanut butter) and almost no fruit. Fruit is just simple sugar and does nothing to satisfy me. Think about your eating habits. Do you eat out of stress? Do you eat 'cause you're bored? Cut out the junk. It takes time. I lost 30 pounds back in 2001 in about 6 months and have kept it off. It's taken about a year to lose 5 more. That required cutting back on my sugar intake. I love sweets. :rolleyes:

Do you have an unrealistic expectation of what your weight should be? I'm just about 5'5" and weigh 145 pounds. If I just look at the numbers, I think, "Wow, that's kinda tubby. Women that height should weigh 120 pounds." But you know what, that's for the models, not triathletes. :D I'm not made to be a stick. Maybe you're not either.

Whatever you do, do it for you. Not because it's what someone else thinks is right.

Veronica

[shootingstar]

Why don't you try riding your bike to do some errands? That may change the dynamic of why you're riding, give you a purpose, and take away the other expectations that are getting you down. Keep it short and sweet, and see how it feels.

+1
Keep it real simple and short for yourself Rollie for now, on cycling. And get on with other parts of your life/activities.

Then in a few weeks, months later, mosey over to rethink this.

And don't overanalyze about cycling/something think you've failed. You haven't failed. You're burnt out.

Sometimes overanalyzing means delaying, delaying and delaying on other stuff. Go where your heart needs to go now.

[daisylubob]

Maybe there is an element of overtraining going on. Riding too much and focusing on just getting faster or stronger can create fatiuge. Or a lack of even wanting to ride. Try cutting back a bit and see what happens.
That being said, don't give up! You never know when you will be FORCED to stay off your bike. I am in that situation currently and it is hell.....

[Pedal Wench]

Do you have an unrealistic expectation of what your weight should be? I'm just about 5'5" and weigh 145 pounds. If I just look at the numbers, I think, "Wow, that's kinda tubby. Women that height should weigh 120 pounds." But you know what, that's for the models, not triathletes. :D I'm not made to be a stick. Maybe you're not either.



I needed that. 120 was the number that I always want to be, but I would rather look like an athlete than a model. You just made my day!

[Becky]

I needed that. 120 was the number that I always want to be, but I would rather look like an athlete than a model. You just made my day!

Agreed! At 5'4" and 130, I think I look like an athlete. But my doctor's office :eek: is always shocked by how much I weigh for my height.... I think they expect me to be 115 or something....it boggles my mind....

I'm glad to hear that this isn't just me...thanks ladies!

[RolliePollie]

This is such a great forum...thank you all for your really nice replies.

The errands and backing off training ideas sound good. I do think that part of my issue is that I wanted to be at a certain place in my training by the end of April and I know I'm not even close. So maybe if I stop taking it so seriously and try to ride more for fun, it will help.

The self esteem thing definitely plays in as well. I guess comparing myself to more athletic cyclists who have been riding for 15 years is pretty silly. I wish my self esteem wasn't so tied up in what others think or how I compare to others, but unfortunately that's something I need to work on.

I will try to make myself ride this weekend (weather permitting) and I'll focus on having fun. Or...I might take the weekend off and do something else!

[ny biker]

FWIW, I bought my first adult bike (first since I was in high school) in 1998. That was a mountain bike but I rode it mostly on paved trails. In late 2002 I got my road bike. Since then I've done 3 full centuries and countless other long rides (metrics, etc.) But I'm still pretty much the same speed as I was before and I don't expect to get any faster ever. I was built for endurance, not speed, and that's just the way it is. As for bike handling, I don't think I've advanced very far on that either. I still can't bunny hop a curb and I always have to unclip for u-turns and turns in tight spaces. I think my balance has improved but that's probably due as much to working out in the gym as to bike riding.

As for this:


The errands and backing off training ideas sound good. I do think that part of my issue is that I wanted to be at a certain place in my training by the end of April and I know I'm not even close. So maybe if I stop taking it so seriously and try to ride more for fun, it will help.

The self esteem thing definitely plays in as well. I guess comparing myself to more athletic cyclists who have been riding for 15 years is pretty silly. I wish my self esteem wasn't so tied up in what others think or how I compare to others, but unfortunately that's something I need to work on.

Sometimes it can be good to compete or compare yourself against others. But unless you're racing, I think it's best to only compare yourself to yourself. I know what my average speed tends to be for a certain type of ride, so I focus on matching that or maybe trying to beat it a little. If anyone else is faster than I am, so be it.

And it can help to set goals, but if you don't reach them it's not the end of the world. There are too many things you can't control -- injuries, illness, work- or family-related conflicts -- that can keep you from training. All you can do is try to learn from it and then move on.

[Crankin]

Ride with slower people. Really. That will put it all in perspective. And all of the other things everyone said.
Using the bike for errands and as transportation really changed my perspective. It makes me feel like a kid again. I am much more relaxed on the road bike after a spin on my Jamis.

[Miranda]

Ride with slower people. Really. That will put it all in perspective. And all of the other things everyone said.


+1 on this...

I think what I hear you saying most to ME is: this sux because I have everything I need to ride... but no buddy to enjoy the ride WITH:(.

RP... that was me last year before I *finally* found my current ride partner. I knew her as an aquiant from years ago. Ran into her at weird place, and started chatting about starting cycling, and ride partner whoas etc. In the end, we are a great match to ride for fun & fitness. I'm just missing a training buddy for some events to find yet, but the company is far more important to me.

All you need is to just find *one* soul out there that fits with you.

I don't know if you could network through the lbs, or bike clubs?

I was to the point I even considered taking out an ad to seek out someone. Seriously. Meaning, like at the lbs... or our club has announcements, ads you can post. And I might even try that for my search in a training buddy.

Once you find that person, the world of riding changes from night to day.

Right now it's not working for you what you got going on... so what have you got to lose? Nothing. Go for it!

:)(((hugs)))
Miranda

[WindingRoad]

RP,

There's always just going out for a hike, brisk walk, swimming at the gym or local pool, roller skating. There's lot of things beside cycling is what I'm getting at. I find that commuting does help me enjoy cycling more. I can go my own pace, I don't obsess about how fast I'm going, just getting from point A to point B is nice. Heck sometimes I just stop and sit on a bench and eat an apple or orange just because I can (usually on my way home).

Don't give up.

WR

[Grasshoppergirl]

I see you are somewhere in our area of the foothills. Sometimes these hills can be discouraging, especially if you don't ride them 3-4 times a week. Sign up for the Stockton Bike Club's Delta Century on May 2nd. It's flat. You'll have a change of scenery out in the Delta and vineyards. I like the 100k.
Whatever you do, don't sell your bikes, just take a break.

[Selkie]

Rollie - In November, I decided that riding in the cold weather was too much to bear, so I took it inside until mid-March. Spent lots of time doing Spinervals and I was more than ready to get back out on the pavement when spring arrived.

I like riding alone. Never ride with others because I want to go at my own pace, on my route, etc. I can understand why people enjoy riding together, though.

Last summer, I rediscovered my love of swimming, and having another activity that I enjoy has kept me from focusing too much on cycling (specifically, logging lots of miles). I believe that knowing I could swim every morning, even if it were too cold/snowy/icy to ride outside, kept my SAD at bay this year, despite having a very cold, snowy winter. And swimming is my Zen time---I love the water. There's no pressure on me to go fast or have a perfect technique...

Anyway, go for smiles, not miles. Don't put pressure on yourself. If you decide you need to take a break, why not? You might discover something else you enjoy as well, if not more.

You sound like a nice person and you are healthy, both of which are more important than anything. Don't be so hard on yourself.

[NoNo]

Last year I decided I wanted to try my first century. I thought I was ready and I was so excited to tackle the challenge. My friends and coworkers were cheering me on, people were very generous with their donations (it was for the MS Society), and I felt like I had to live up to my goal. Well, I "only" made it 70 miles and discovered my bike hadn't been fitted properly. It crushed my motivation, I felt like I'd let everyone down and I was a failure. From early June on, aside from a few rides when we were in Italy, I didn't touch my bike. I realized that the century made riding a chore more than the fun activity it once was for me. If I wasn't going to do at least 30 miles, what was the point of riding at all? Must go faster! Must climb more hills! Nah, that's not why I enjoyed cycling.

A few weeks back I got on the bike and just did a few miles. I took breaks, I enjoyed the scenery, I went whatever speed I felt like, and I changed my computer so I couldn't see my speed or distance. It clicked again. And while I'm signed up for another century, my approach to it will be much different. Much like you, my average speed hasn't improved that much over the years, nor has my ability to climb hills. I'm not going to worry about it anymore, I just need to enjoy the ride. Hold onto the bikes. At some point, you may want to mosey around for 2 or 5 or 10 miles. And then maybe that passion will come back. Hang in there!

[maillotpois]

What others have said - don't sell the bikes. Just put them aside for a bit and ride when you want to.

If you extrapolated out Veronica's mileage history for a 10 year period, you'd get something that looks a lot like my riding history, but with another period of increased riding after the low spot. I had 2 years when I rode great guns, 5000+ miles per year, did Death Ride and a bunch of centuries and even some racing. Then in 03 - 04, I was burned out and didn't ride as much, only doing the bare minimum to coach centuries for TNT. By mid-04 I knew I wanted to start up again more seriously and contacted my former coach, who was coaching for TNT Death Ride in 05. His advice I really took to heart. He encouraged me to sign up and do Death Ride with him in 05, but for the 5 months before training started he said "Ride for fun."

That might be where you are - you need to ride for fun. Ride when you WANT to not when you feel you SHOULD. Ride when it's beautiful out and you want to smell things blooming and grass growing. Have FUN with it.

You'll get it back. There's an ebb and flow to everything. After the 05 DR I have been riding pretty consistently (other then the random health event), but now this year just feels like a bit more of an off year for me. I have a lot going on personally and am having trouble finding time to ride and getting my motivation up. I'm not going to let that bug me, because I know it'll come back eventually.

You mention your riding skills and bike handling need work. Do you have a coach or experienced rider friend nearby who you might ask to take you on a ride and give you suggestions to improve those areas? Improving your bike handling needn't involve long training rides, but shorter fun rides where you work on one skill at a time for a half hour or so. Then when you do come back to more regular riding you can bring improved skills along with you.

Good luck - don't worry about it and for heavens sake don't sell your bikes!!! :)

[malkin]

Your OP said you wanted help figuring out how to love your bike again...I think you need to figure out how to love your SELF again.

Sounds like you're on the right track. Have some fun.
You're lovable and you're capable...even if you're in a funk.
Just don't take it out on your bikes!


I used to beat myself up all the time for all sorts of stupid stuff--like spilling coffee or stumbling on an uneven surface--I realized that I would never berate any friend or even acquaintance for stuff like that--I'd just help wipe up the coffee or lend a hand or whatever. So if you wouldn't beat up a friend in that situation, and would in fact just love a friend in that situation, couldn't you extend the same love for yourself?

[moderncyclista]

Maybe you're putting too much focus on what it is to be "a cyclist" and not enough emphasis on just loving cycling. I don't really focus on what people think I should be. If I have fun on my bike, use it for utility, or just ride around on a trail, I'm a cyclist. I ride with people who are faster/slower/and at the same level as me. Sometimes we even go the same pace :D just for the joy of each others company. Keep riding. Who cares how fast others can go? I don't. I ride the pace that suits me, if I improve great. If I don't I still love to ride. How can I go wrong? :) Best wishes.