UK,

I'm lucky because I found a drug that keeps my colitis under control and has tolerable side-effects. I agree with Betagirl that I do more now than I ever did before the diagnosis. I guess having the disease makes me appreciate and take advantage of all the times that I feel good and can get outside and play.

The motivation factor may be more common than you think, and not entirely reserved for people with health problems. I know lots of perfectly healthy people who can't make themselves get out there some days. However, when I'm having a day like that, I either force myself to at least put on the gear and get on the bike, and by then I'm usually motivated, or I do one of my indoor hobbies that day, and promise myself that I'll get out tomorrow.

Remember, we ride because it's fun!

And a side note... I just started riding this spring, and when I first started out, I would get terrible cramps if I ate or drank anything before or during the ride. I was afraid this would prevent me from being able to take up cycling (I assumed it was the position on the bike that caused it, since I never had problems with gu, energy drink, water, etc. while xc skiing.)
Well, the good news is that after about a month or so of riding, the problem seems to have mostly gone away. I still have to make sure I don't go down in the drops too soon after a drink or gel packet, but it's manageable. Just wondering if anyone else has had similar experiences.

Take care and stay healthy