I need some encouragement

[ms pepperpot]

I need a bit of help and motivation. I did really well commuting all through the winter and now for some reason over the past few weeks my motivation to cycle-commute has dropped. I'm not even sure why, the weather's been quite good until this week (it's currently really windy which is today's excuse).

I think one of the reasons is that over Easter I did lots of cycling out in the countryside on quite lanes in lovely weather and barely any traffic. Maybe that's put me off cycling in heavy city traffic, but it didn't used to bother me that much so I need some encouragement to get back on my bike.

All help gratefully accepted

[Tri Girl]

Sometimes you just go through phases where you feel more or less motivated to get on that bike and ride to work. I think it's normal to have a love/hate relationship with your bike (I used to love riding to work, now I hate fighting the traffic). Don't beat yourself up over it. Maybe you're just a little burned out on riding in traffic. Is there any other way to get to your destination that involves less cars (or maybe you could go in a little earlier or later to avoid a chunk of traffic?).

Maybe this will work: think of how much good you're doing for your body and the environment when you pull on those bike shorts and shoes and head to work. Your body is healthier, your mind is healthier, and who knows; maybe you even inspire someone at your work that you don't even know about. Nothing is better for the body/mind/mood than some fresh air after a long day's work.

[redrhodie]

I always feel much better if I ride to work. Knowing that really helps get me going in the morning.

[shootingstar]

Do you only have a choice of 1 route to get to work? For all the different bike commuting I did between home and several different workplace locations, I usually had a choice of 2 different bike routes. Even if the "difference", was only a change of a particular route change for 20-40% of the route.

It kept my muscles and motivation from becoming "bored" for bike work commuting nearly daily during cycling seasons.

I also usually commuted early enough, that I made sure I had cushion of 20-30 min. to relax with a coffee AFTER I changed into work clothing but BEFORE starting work. Everyone is different here, but it allowed me to transition more gradually from bike to work. Of course, it means waking up earlier and starting earlier..which meant less traffic. I don't know what London traffic is like, but in Toronto and Vancouver, car commuting traffic can suddenly become higher in volume within 20-30 min. after a certain time in the morning on week days.

I don't know how long your bike commute route is, but not biking for just 1 day, every 10-14 days was helpful to me. It prevented me from becoming "bored" or feeling slightly burnt out from cycling. After all, on weekends/vacations I was cycling much longer /demanding routes.

[Melalvai]

I discovered during the first year of commuting that I could make it through the really nasty weather, but once it finally started to warm up I lost motivation. I don't really know why. I'm in my third year of commuting and now it's a habit. It doesn't really occur to me to take the car or get a ride.

[Deborajen]

Traffic discourages me, too. Recently, though, our city finished up a nice mini park along one of our trails (and they finished the trail as well - it's an old railroad trail). I pass the little park every time I drive to work. It's so peaceful and inviting - it made me want to see more of the trail.

Sometimes a change of route - even a small detour through a pretty neighborhood - can be enticing. Is that an option?

[ms pepperpot]

Thanks for the advice so far.

I managed to get myself on the bike today and had a good ride. I am trying to vary things a bit.

I changed my normal route about a year ago to a quicker route. I did my old route this morning, which is nice in spring/summer as some of it goes over a park area. It has one very congested bit which is unpleasant but over relatively quickly.

I will then do my usual route on the way home because it's faster and the traffic isn't as bad as in the morning (there are often quite a lot of HGVs on the route in the mornings) and it also goes past the supermarket I like to use so I can stop for my shoppping.

I think having a break from time to time is ok anyway. I attend a book group once a month, so getting the tube for a few days to help me finish the book is useful and then gives me a break from cycling.

[Geonz]

Ride faster so you can generate more endorphins?

I noticed that when I didn't ride, I was yawning more at work and don't get the buzz. Now it's when I ride the shortest route or don't sprint a few intervals on the way, I'm yawning at work. The good thing is that if I'm running too late to go further, I know the spots where I can sprint and go faster.

[kfergos]

I don't know how long your bike commute route is, but not biking for just 1 day, every 10-14 days was helpful to me. It prevented me from becoming "bored" or feeling slightly burnt out from cycling. After all, on weekends/vacations I was cycling much longer /demanding routes.

I notice this, too, only I need at least 1 day off every 7 days or I start feeling pretty miserable on the bike. I think it's better to take time off (and not feel guilty about it -- that's key) and then really enjoy it when you ride than to ride but have it become a miserable chore.

[indigoiis]

I always feel much better if I ride to work. Knowing that really helps get me going in the morning.

+1 fersher.