Inspiration?

[loride]

Wear your cycling gear to bed.

No seriously, it really helps to have all your gear laid out the night before. And I think it's someone here who said, you have to get in a mindset that you are an athlete, and your body needs to work sometimes. At first that thought made me laugh. Lying in bed thinking, yeah, some athlete! But when you get up and shed the jammies and get into those cycling clothes or running gear, and get out there thinking, "I'm an athlete" it really does help.

Keeping track of your progress is also a really good motivator. Keep a log.

And find an event and sign up! That always helps me keep on track! Because then, not only am I an athlete, I'm in training as well!

I would love to feel like I'm an athlet but I'm just not there yet....I have a lot of work to do....probably most of it is 98% mental though...I like your ideas...thank you

[loride]

I really need this. It's wonderful to learn about what motivates others. You all inspire me. This is a wonderful sport. Last night my husband was online getting me all excited, we were looking at some of the coolest jerseys. We are going to have our honeymoon we never had next summer. We have been married for 16 years. We are going to ride part of the Oregon Coast. I'm so excited so I have to stay motivated and get my butt in gear. I live in Montana so winter is coming fast. I do have an indoor bike for when we have snow or ice so that will help. I have to get out while I can and enjoy this beautiful summer weather. We are going out again tonight. So far my rides have been no longer than 8 miles. Remember I'm a newbie. I love it though. Tonight will be another 8 miler and then we will bump it up a notch. Thanks again everyone.

[indigoiis]

But au contraire, my dear. You are an athlete when you participate in athletics, which is what you are doing.

[loride]

But au contraire, my dear. You are an athlete when you participate in athletics, which is what you are doing.

Why thank you! I will chant that on my ride. I will believe!! Thank you so much.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I get inspired by thoughts of rolling down the road on my gleaming bike machine, the wind in my face, being able to go wherever the heck I please and come back whenever I feel like it. i love that childlike sense of freedom!

[sundial]

Stuff that motivates me to ride:

things found on the road
mist rising from the fields
rainbows
fresh coffee at a diner
friends
fall leaves
sunshine