Cycling is more than just a form of exercise; it's a passion that connects you with the outdoors, the community, and the thrill of the ride. But what happens when that spark fades? How do you get your cycling mojo back? Whether it's been weeks, months, or even years since you last pedalled, rediscovering your love for cycling can be a journey.
Here's a guide to rediscovering your love for cycling, inspired by tips from fellow riders and experts in the field.
Set Fresh Goals
Sometimes, all it takes to reignite your passion for cycling is to set yourself a new challenge. It could be a long-distance ride you've always wanted to tackle or working on improving your hill-climbing speed. It could also be as simple as a short ride around your neighbourhood or a specific distance you want to reach. Setting a goal gives you something to aim for and provides a reason to get back on the bike. Remember, goals should be exciting and achievable but slightly out of reach.
Here are three specific and actionable tips to improve your hill-climbing speed:
Improve Your Strength and Endurance: Incorporate strength training into your routine, focusing on your leg muscles. Squats, lunges, and calf raises can be particularly beneficial. Additionally, regular cardio workouts can help improve your endurance.
Practice Hill Repeats: Find a hill that takes about 2-10 minutes to climb. Start by warming up on flat ground, then climb the hill at a challenging but sustainable pace. Descend at an easy pace to recover. Repeat this process multiple times during your workout. This can help your body adapt to the demands of hill climbing and improve your speed over time.
Optimize Your Technique: When climbing, lean forward slightly and keep your body relaxed. Try to maintain a steady rhythm and pace that you can sustain for the entire climb. Also, remember to breathe deeply and regularly to ensure your muscles are well-oxygenated.
Remember, consistency is key to seeing improvement.
Explore New Routes
Repeating the same route over and over again can be demotivating. If you are bored with your usual scenery, it is time to explore new routes. Fortunately, apps like MapMyRide, Komoot and Strava Route Builder make it easier than ever to find new paths. A change of landscape, or reversing a regular route, or even starting a ride at a different time of the day can work wonders for your mood and motivation.
Mix It Up
Consider trying a different cycling discipline if road cycling has lost its appeal. Mountain biking, gravel riding, or even track cycling can provide a fresh perspective and new skills to master. Each discipline presents a unique set of challenges and rewards and keeps your cycling experience diverse and exciting.
Join A Cycling Group Or Find A Riding Partner
While cycling alone can have many advantages, sharing your cycling experience with others can increase your motivation, provide opportunities for social interaction, and create a sense of camaraderie on the road.
If you do not have access to a cycling group or have a riding partner, there are still many ways to enjoy cycling and improve your skills. Here are some suggestions:
Solo Rides: Riding alone can be a great way to clear your mind and focus on your technique. You can set your own pace and choose your own route.
Virtual Cycling Groups: Consider joining a virtual cycling platform like Zwift, Rouvy, MyWhoosh or Peloton. These platforms allow you to ride with people from all over the world in a virtual environment.
Buy Something New
Consider treating yourself to some new cycling gear or equipment. It doesn't have to be a big purchase; even something small like a new pair of gloves, socks, a bike light, or a water bottle can give you the boost you need to enjoy your next ride.
Take a Break
It might seem counter-intuitive, but taking a short break from cycling can actually help you miss it and return with renewed energy. During this time, you can rest, reflect on what you love about cycling, and come back with a fresh mindset.
Seek Inspiration
Watch videos, read blogs, or listen to podcasts about cycling adventures and stories. Inspiration can come from seeing how others overcome their slumps and rediscover their cycling passion.
Book A Cycling Holiday
Participate In Events Or Challenges
Signing up for cycling events or races, or joining a Strava cycling challenge can give you a deadline to work towards and a community to engage with, making your training sessions more purposeful.
Train Smart
A training plan is the most powerful tool you have to keep you motivated. Find one or re-evaluate your training plan. Ensure it's balanced with hard days, easy days, and rest days. Incorporate interval training, stretching, and strength workouts to keep things interesting and improve your performance.
Train Indoors
Bad weather or lack of time shouldn't be a barrier. Indoor cycling apps offer a convenient way to keep up with your training and can be motivating with their virtual landscapes and challenges.
Celebrate Small Wins
Not every cycling ride needs to be a personal best. Acknowledge and celebrate small victories, such as completing a ride without stopping or mastering a tricky manoeuvre. These small wins can help build momentum and bring back the joy of cycling.
Reflect and Adjust
Finally, take some time to reflect on your cycling journey. Think about what initially drew you to cycling and how your perspective may have changed when you started. Adjust your cycling routine to match your current lifestyle and desires. Maybe you prefer shorter, intense rides now or prefer cycling for leisure rather than competition.
Rediscovering your cycling mojo is a personal journey that requires patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to try new things. Follow these steps and listen to your inner cyclist, and you will find yourself back on the road, pedalling with a smile, embracing the freedom that only two wheels can provide.
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It's perfectly normal to experience ups and downs in any sport. What's important is how you handle these challenges. With patience, persistence, and a positive mindset, you'll be back to enjoying your rides with renewed enthusiasm.
Remember, every cyclist's journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Find what reignites your passion and stick with it.
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That is it. Thank you for reading. I hope you found it to be a useful resource. Questions, comments and high fives! Drop them here.
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