I thought I would give up cycling . . so I haven't been around

[Crankin]

Glad you didn't sell your bikes!
I use technology, but I don't attempt to manipulate anything when I am riding. I have my main screen set to show only my current speed and cadence, as well as distance. That stopped me from obsessing about my average. I look at my average when I stop or at the end of the ride. Riding should be fun. If you're not training to race, the metrics shouldn't be the #1 thing you are looking at.

[ridebikeme]

Glad to hear that you are enjoying riding!! I tend to do the same thing several times a year, and wonder quite often why I choose to ride with all of the technology... sometimes HA!

[Sky King]

So nice to read. I have nothing on my bike beyond lights. People ask me how far did you ride or how fast did you ride and I just smile and say I have no idea. This last weekend The Bike Hermit spent 2 nights and 2 days riding in the Owyhee Desert with the Owyhee Wilderness Rangers becoming "leave no trace" certified (Yes, it was extremely hard for me not to go, but the foot isn't quite there) Anyhow he commented about the 3 "youngsters" (in their late 20's) who were on the ride and how they seemed to race up every hill and rush to the next designated stopping point and that seemed so bizarre. We have certainly moved in a different way to just enjoying each moment.
May you continue to rediscover the joy of being on your bike!

[OakLeaf]

Welcome back kajero! Keep staying safe.

[SheFly]

If you're not training to race, the metrics shouldn't be the #1 thing you are looking at.

Even if you are, it shouldn't be the #1 thing you are looking at! I typically don't look at too much data while riding, but analyze it afterward instead. And the best rides are when the technology goes in the back pocket for the ride .

Welcome back, and enjoy the ride!

SheFly

[Crankin]

That's exactly what I do, SheFly. I analyze it all afterwards. Let's face it, I may not be racing, but it's pretty obvious if I am having a good day or bad day!

[marni]

every now and then a list comes by about the first x number of things people do after a ride. The first one is always " check your stats."

My list goes
1. run into the house and use the facilities. I don't often stop for much longer than a stop light when I ride.
2. let the dogs out. They hear me in the garage and it makes them barking crazy
3. grab a chocolate milk or finish my electrolyte drink. Thinking rehydration and the precious first half hour.
4. put my bike on the rack and check the tires, brakes and chain. It's by way of an early warning system for maintenance.
5. Clean as needed, lube, pump up the tires and wipe down the bike, Ad my dad used to say "never put your ride away rid hard and put up wet."
6. let the dogs in before they go crazy and anger the neighbors
7. Shower and put on clean clothes. Ahhhhhhh.
8. eat a meal slowly and taking deep breaths and pausing frequently to relive the ride.
9. Take a recovery nap.
10. check my stats and download so it clears out my garmin for the next ride.