Sundial,

Don't worry -- there's nothing wrong with taking some time off the bike. I used to ride all winter and not enjoy it very much at all. I'd find myself wishing for too-cold, too-rainy, too-icky weather so I wouldn't have to ride. When I finally gave myself permission not to ride in the winter (even on nice days!), I found that I enjoyed it much more when spring came and I hopped back on the bike with renewed enthusiasm. Don't forget, distance makes the heart grow fonder, and variety is the spice of life. Cliches, yes, but for a reason -- they are true!

There are plenty of other healthy activity choices you can do if you're not in the cycling mood (I'm partial to hiking and jogging in the off-season). The bug will bite again! Don't beat yourself up and give yourself permission to take a break. You'll enjoy cycling more when you get back to it, I promise!

Emily