motivation

[emily_in_nc]

I remind myself that I've never ever gotten back from a ride and thought "man, I wish I hadn't done that".

Me either...except for my few minor-ish mountain bike crashes last summer, and of course my big pelvic fracture-inducing crash on April 17, '05. About that day, I often thought later "Couldn't I have done something else that day besides a training ride?" But your sentiment is right - aside from a crash, I always feel great after a ride!

Emily

[GLC1968]

Emily - I thought about that after my post. Even after the hardest, most difficult, most uncomfortable and most painful rides, I'm always still glad I went!

Of course, I've never had a major crash - so that would definitely be a different situation!

[limewave]

The "reputation"--what can I say?

I love hearing "I heard there was a strong female rider at the ride last week, that must have been you." Must have been

[bmccasland]

I remind myself that I've never ever gotten back from a ride and thought "man, I wish I hadn't done that".

Day two, MS Tour, woke up with a migraine, still rode 30 miles. Definitely wanted my meds, a cold compress, and a cool dark room. I wanted to go home, I wanted my mommy.

But most days, I ride because it's FUN! and I like to eat cookies, and icecream, and cheesecake, and and...

[oxysback]

I ride so my butt doesn't get any bigger than it already is...

Oh...and I like to eat. Hence, the big butt.

[sundial]

I'm an artist and I get my inspiration from nature. I love this time of year because the mist is rising from the fields and I've seen some spectacular sunrises. It's also my favorite time of the year and I love the fall foliage.

[ibcycling]

I started biking this spring because I love being outdoors, the scenery around here is gorgeous, it's a great break from "life" and stress, and I need to get into a healthier place.

Before today - the joy of exercise, knowing I was working toward a better me, knowing that someday the rides wouldn't seem so hard because I was building muscle and endurance - BUT I was getting frustrated because I was so slow and it seemed so hard

Today - New bike and new attitude! I road my new bike with the club this morning and I kept up, flew up the hills AHEAD of the club, did 30 miles with tons of leg and lung to spare. It was so freaking awesome I can't wait to go out again and didn't want to come home!!!

[solobiker]

I just love to be outside and the feeling of the movement that I can provide through my legs. I love the fast and intense rides and the slow rides. It helps to clear my mind after a day of work. Sometimes I am pretty darn tired and think, do I really want to go for a ride??? Yes of course..

[Delta7]

If I put on my cycling clothes, I will ride !

[lph]

I'm taking the metro today 'cos my legs are telling me they need a day off, and my first thought this morning was "oh, no - that means I have to WALK down to the station... That's so SLOW!!"

[Bklynmom]

Endorphin addiction for sure. Biking makes me feel great the rest of the day!

Also as I am approaching 50 years old (I'm 48 and a half) my motto was fit by 50. Now it's fast by 50 .

[amymisk]

I love it. There is not one thing that is negative about cycling. It is a beautiful sport with elegant bikes and the best kind of people.

[Brandi]

I look out my window and see the mountains I ride through and want to just go. And then the phone rings and that makes me run out the door!

[Brandi]

Also reading this thread makes me want to get out there. Making breakfast now so i can go soon.

[Sheesh]

I had today off from work, and had every intention of picking up my bike from the shop and taking it for a quick spin. But, when I got up this morning, I turned on the TV and got sucked in! When I finally did pick up my bike from the shop, the last thing I wanted to do was ride. But, I thought about this thread and more specifically, the quote below:

"GLC1968 - 'I remind myself that I've never ever gotten back from a ride and thought "man, I wish I hadn't done that.'"

That was enough motivation to get my butt moving and out the door - I knew that I wouldn't regret riding, but I would certainly regret sitting on the couch all day. Thanks, ladies!