Giving Up Cycling?

[velo]

Bethany, I am quite new *back* to the sport, so I wanted to chime in. I have experienced burn out with cycling. I experienced it bad enough that I quit for 10 years. Now, I had a great excuse (family), but really, if I had the motivation, I certainly could have continued. I *let* life get in the way.

If you are feeling that you want to take a step back, I think that's normal. But please don't get rid of any of your stuff. There is a high likelihood that you will want to come back to it (more recreationally or more seriously or the same level as now) one of these days and you will be glad you kept everything. I know I was, even though it had been 10 years. Take a break, breathe, and perhaps when it cools off and you feel better, you could just go out for short, easy rides and see if it's still in you.

Best of luck and hugs to you. I do know what you are feeling.

[marni]

bethany,

just a thought from someone who lives in stinky hot, humid, summers in Houston. Maybe you could borrow a triners and try just some getle indoor riding in front of a fan, under the AC vent. This is what I resorted to last summer recovering from breast cancer therapy and coping with chemo/hormone therapy.

Several years ago I fell, gave myself a concussion, broke two ribs and collapsed a lung- 4 months off the bike, two months of indoor training and then riding and a month later, got brushed by a trailer of yard equipment and cracked the previously broken ribs and gave myself another mild concussion and road rash and embedded gravel instead of a collapsed lung. Another 6 months off the bike and easing back into training.

I don't recommend this method of taking a break away from cycling, but I will say that during that time off I was able to do some cross training and realize that I really really missed the bike. Since them (knock on wood) I seem to have exorcised the demons and am now really enjoying riding again.

Be patient with yourself. We are in here for insanity not stupidity. Maybe biking is for you and maybe you ust need to take a break and rethink why you are doing this and is there something else you would rather be doing.

Whatever you decide, it not locked in stone and you can always change your mind. ust hand onto the equipment and gear because if you try to replace in future years, you know it is going to cost more.

[marni]

Wet Texas,

so glad to see you posting because it tells me you got back home safely . I felt badly that I hadn't offered to ride back with you to make sure you made it ok. It was a little scary that the color of your face matched your hot pink bike.

Thought I was going to die Tuesday on my ride, nothing like triple digits temps at 10 AM.

[radacrider]

I have to agree with the take a break, keep the bike recommendations. To focus on my newborn son and as he grew, I took a break for 10 some years from being very active on the bike (we are talking doing the long ride events 100-200 milers). But, I kept my treasured bike. Then about 5 years ago, my son became very interested in riding more and we did some fun rides and a bit later, he started bike commuting for school.

That re-kindled and re-awoke my joy of riding. Now, I love commuting as it allows me to ride daily. I don't have the competition bug or endurance ride bug, but I still love being on the bike. I don't think it ever really goes away.

Yes, I am riding my original '89 RADAC on these nice days for commuting - still my most favorite bike.

Take care, be gentle with yourself.

[Bethany1]

Thanks for all the replies. They really helped.

After sulking for a few days with a sore hand and being terribly cranky, the weather was too irresistible and went for a ride. Wednesday I pulled out my Fargo and hit the trail. I got out a couple of miles and realized my back tire seemed flat and headed back to the car. I always carry my big pump in my car and my tire was at around 50psi. I thought I'd inflated it to 60, the max on my tires. Hmm.

Pumped it back up and headed out again for a test. Went a little further this time and everything seemed to hold up but I was getting tired. The wall of no speed hit in again and feeling like I was working much harder than I should made things frustrating. I sulked home and wondered what to do.

Yesterday's weather was again too tempting and my Halo sweatband finally came in from Amazon.com. Everyone on different sites seemed to love theirs and thought I'd give it a try. Wow. Made it 12 miles without getting sweat in my eyes or dripping into my glasses. Should have bought one a couple of months ago.

I figured I'd try for a power ride instead of a measly 10mph that I can't seem to shake. Hit the first hill and the wall of no speed hit in again. Six miles and three hills in, it finally hit me that that my saddle was too low. I raised it another inch and suddenly I was able to power up the hills much faster and my speed increased.

Uphill went from about 3-5 mph to around 10mph without gasping on every hill back home. It's hard to believe that once inch would make such a huge difference. It's probably been too low all summer causing most of my frustration. I'm sure the 80 degree temp aided in feeling so much better instead of fighting 90-100 degrees all summer as well.

Best ride all summer although my hand is protesting some.

When in frustration, check the fit of your bike. Something I hadn't thought of all summer. Huge Duh.

I need to fiddle some more with mine after yesterday's ride. I think the saddle needs to be a little higher and the bike feels a little cramped. I've become more flexible from the walking/running as well.

Again, thanks for all the replies and for dealing with my whining.

[emily_in_nc]

That's great news, Bethany! Thanks for the update, and glad you're sticking with cycling. Little things can make a huge difference...and fit is not a little thing at all!