Cycling Doldrums?

[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!!!