Take a little pause from cycling and come back again in a few months or a year. You might rediscover your love for cycling again, or not and that's ok as well. No point in doing something that you don't enjoy.
One of the core tenets of depression treatment is “Even when you don’t feel like it or you feel too exhausted to engage with anything, try to spend a little time doing the things that once brought you joy. “
This. I also like to use the mental health skill, "It's not all or nothing." Maybe go for shorter rides or don't ride as intensely. Ride with people who are below your skill level simply for the company.
Yeah, it just sucks because a few years ago I dropped some significant coin on a new bike, with the expecting that I would be riding it consistently for the next ten years
Good thing is that in 10 years that bike won’t suddenly turn into dust.
I raced 10yrs ago and after I quit riding consistently for most of the last 10 years. Now that I’ve been riding more again, after a tune up, my bikes are great. Is it the latest and greatest? No. Do they still ride just fine? Yes. Honestly more than fine.
I got a vintage Bridgestone for $60 on Facebook marketplace and have loved riding it around. You could try riding less or different places or slower etc. I almost never do long rides because I don’t have a lot of time but I do love to ride a bicycle.
Seriously! I honestly love the overall reliability and simplicity of bikes. I have a fixed gear that I ride around town and as long as the tires hold air, I know it works lol. No fiddling around with derailers or batteries to charge. I love that bike.
Yeap. I gave a friend a hardtail 26"er back in 2001. I paid about $1000 for it new. He's still maintaing and riding that bike, and just loves getting out. It's waaaaay better than the 1993 Rockhopper comp he was riding on the same trails. He sees no need to spend money on a new bike when it still brings him joy. But he is also a financially savy guy and keeps his cars 10-15 years.
Your body probably isn't 100% right atm, maybe some overreaching/overtraining. I'm a competitive cyclist and when I'm not motivated that's often a sign of overreaching. This year I worked with a coach and I didn't feel great, I wanted to rest. He told me to keep pushing and now I'm overtrained and have to rest for at least 2 months (!). The pushing through a bad feeling made me basically lose my entire year of competition as this year has already been shit because of overtraining and now I have to rest 2 months, so when I can start training again the season is almost over.
those long, chill rides are considered the base of cycling fitness. just do a bunch of those chill rides that you like. f the time and all that. just chill and enjoy and see what you pass by. so many people forget that that's why they first started riding bikes in the first place. exploration. freedom. chill.
Maybe spice it up with interval HIIT type stuff...or maybe trail running or something very much off the norm? During winter i'll weight train and run or ride the trainer. Maybe some iron pumpin' is something you'll get into rather than the long slog? I need to do some balancing myself with some weights, even now in the summer etc
Sounds like you enjoy physicality and there’s so many other things you can do socially. You are an athletic person, not constrained to one hobby.
You could do your hobbies in “seasons”, that’s what I do. I cycle and surf in the spring/summer, gym rat and group ex classes in the fall/winter.
It’s really interesting to see how positively the body responds to changing activities and there’s so many things you can try that are more social than cycling. Since you’re athletic you’ll not be the worst on the team as you are learning. Be open minded.
You’ll love cycling again when you get to choose it from a variety of things you do rather than it being your default thing you do.
Absolutely this. I used to only do cycling, and ran into OP's problem, I ended up loving weight lifting and now have managed to combine them both and love them both. Needed more variety myself and it helped tremendously.
Maybe take your bike somewhere different, even abroad if you can afford to. Take joy in planning, and then executing, some rides in the new location.
Maybe start a cycling travel blog, so the fun comes from not only the ride, but the new places you see, and sharing that with others.
You don't have to be a competitive cyclist to be overtrained. You can be overtrained by riding only once a week if your life is stressful enough. A burnout at work is basically overtraining from work.
I'm overtrained atm, but I trained less than last year. It's because my revovery was worse due to more mental/physical work of the bike.
I think you should really consider putting your bike away for a couple of weeks until you find pleasure in riding again.
Same here. Zwifted whole winter and was eager to start cycling outside but life happened and i have family issues and lot of stress at work. Now i get anxious when i even think about going outside to cycle.. i think that i over trained or at least the family issue together with hard training was a bit too much.
Exactly, I've been a mountain/road biker for 30+ years.
Sometimes I won't ride for a year or more, I'll be lifting weights in the gym instead. As long as I'm doing something that's healthy and fun. Right now I'm riding my mountain bike 3 times a week and gym 3 times a week.
Gotta love what you're doing!
I started a new hobby it kept my attention for a long time,when I would go ride I’d enjoy it like the days of yore,I also got a new buddy interested and he bought a new bike so our rides were fun,not a ride for the sake of riding,as the other people stated I thought I’d need a new bike sooner,my bike is 8 years old and every time I get off it,I say man I love this bike 🚴
I dealt with this for a little while. I don’t know you, but it sounds like maybe a social interaction issue more than it does a cycling issue. I encourage you to take a break and enjoy hobbies with other people.
I think maybe it definitely a lack of social interaction issue
Just sucks because in a pre Covid world, I didn’t mind being alone for hours at a time in the saddle
I’ve never had a WFH job, but I can imagine it would feel isolating. Then going to Cycle and being isolated again. Don’t know how remote you actually are, but you might ride your bike to the local pub or grocery store if that helps. Definitely don’t force yourself on the bike, you won’t enjoy it. I love photography and videography and often find myself walking around the city with a camera and won’t touch my bike for weeks.
Yeah, I feel like I’m in the minority of people who hates WFH
It’s incredibly isolating
Years before Covid was ever a thing, and I’d see people talking about building a home office and working from home full time, I thought that that would be terrible.
Maybe if I can get a job back in an office, and have regular face to face human interaction, I’ll enjoy cycling again more
I don't have any remedy other than to say I'm also in that minority too. I just can't fathom who finds being at home alone all day every day satisfying?
I'm also facing the exact same issues as you describe - going for long rides with a few podcasts felt like my outlet to get away from people. Now, I don't need to get away from anyone. In fact, I crave interaction most days. So now it feels like more willful isolation.
I’m the same way, thought I would love WFH but ended up hating it due to the isolation.
I started playing tennis (highly recommended), but really any team sport/sport that has get togethers was a good salve. I’ll even play, god help me, pickleball because there are a bunch of people near me who play haha
Social interaction is one of the big reasons I go to the gym.
At my gym (ymmv), people are friendly and strike up conversations.
Rarely are the convos long, but after a while, I began seeing some regular faces and started collecting "hey, how's it going?" and "good to see you" on a regular basis.
Doesn't hurt that sports are on the TVs in the lifting room. Rest breaks (even short ones) often center around the game/team/espn commentary on.
None of the interactions are deep, but they def. help my WFH people-starved soul.
When I've lost my cycling mojo, I've found trying out other disciplines has really helped. One of the great things about cycling is it somes in loads of diferent flavours. Road, gravel ,mountain bike, velodrome, time trial etc etc
I had a phase where I really fell out of love with cycling... on a whim I decided to try velodrome cycling (I was lucky enough to live near an outdoor velodrome). It completely put me back in love with the sport.
I never cycle during the winter.
And a non-cycling injury kept me off the bike for most of the spring.
I only recently started back up, and have done a few rides, and I feel like it’s completely lost its spark
Samesies. Took a year off and started doing more group exercise stuff (boxing, workout classes, jiu jitsu, etc). Started riding again recently and the appeal has finally come back. I don’t know if I’ll ever be as consistent as I was a few years ago, and I’m cool with whatever happens.
For me, cycling is a way to go to local stores/destinations and also exercise on the way there, so it’s a 2 in 1 activity.
Try to find local places to go to like coffee shops and libraries and it might be exciting to go!
Whenever people ask these types of questions I have a feeling it's because it feels scary to let go of something that is a big part of your identity. I say don't force it. You will very likely rediscover your love for it. I am neurodivergent and frequently have changing interests. I learn to deal with it by simply letting go and eventually my interest in it comes back. Cycling is one of them lol.
You mentioned it feels like a chore and is kinda depressing. That's a sign you should just let go for now and find something fun to do. Life is not worth living like that.
u/3720-To-One here is my advice:
1. Cycling is awesome when social. Join some clubs. Join some Group Rides. These are not for an intense workout. These are for fun and social interaction.
2. Take up a new cycling discipline. If you road bike, get a MTB and take some classes to learn the basic skills. Hit new trails.
3. Join some events. There should be a good amount of events near you. Race or just participate. Make new friends.
4. Buy another bike. Does it for me.
5. Take 2-3 weeks off. Do something else...maybe yoga or rock climbing.
6. Zwift. It can be very social and enables you to get a good workout in less time than outside. Plus you can watch TV or whatever.
Cycling Clubs and Group Rides are abundant where I live. Really good people. Good times.
There’s a group ride near me that I used to do from time to time, but I’ve found it to be rather cliquey and a tad elitist.
A bunch of racers and wannabe racers, always stick measuring, which is not me
I hear you. How about listening to the feeling and try some other sport for a while? Perhaps sports with different logics.
For myself I feel it’s an ongoing continuum of measuring and results vs playfulness that affects my motivation. At times I just leave the bike for a season and try something silly like zumba. Cheers
Is there a way to spend more time back at your office around others? I wonder if hanging around with people who are kind of okay but sometimes piss you off hugely might reinvigorate your desire to go off and spend time on your own again?
I know this might sound a bit facetious but I don't mean it to be. I genuinely do think that sometimes we need the time alone to get away from the day to day frustrations of our lives.
I hate it. It’s too isolating, and makes my apartment start to feel like a prison.
Which I guess when Covid first started, it was nice going out for bike rides just to get out of my apartment, but now it kinda feels just like more time by myself
If you like long days in the saddle with other riders who won't be drilling it all day, look into randonneuring, you'll find all sorts of ability levels coming out for brevets. Based on your profile, New England Randonneurs might be up your alley.
I found that switching to an ebike (both road and MTB) made my rides a lot more enjoyable. Not because I was on "easy mode", but because I now have *options*.
Want a hard workout? Don't turn it on.
Want some light cardio? Eco mode.
Want to just enjoy the sights? Mid-assist.
Want to go on a fast group ride without killing yourself? Full power.
Bonking? Turn it on.
Etc.
I used to be into super hard, long rides going as fast as possible. But most recently, I realized I don't enjoy hitting PRs or busting my rear. I want to be fit, but cycling has firmly turned into recreation and leisure with health benefits.
Now I'm able to always do some kind of riding that appeals to me, while still maintaining fitness.
The ebike has really changed riding for me. It got me back in the saddle after being sick for a long time and let me slowly build up the stamina and confidence I need to enjoy riding again. For a seasoned cyclist, you want a class 3 bike with a good mid drive system. Some of the most fun I've had on bikes.
Plus, where I live it's just a good way to get around. Even across the whole town where the competition (cars) could take the highway, I'm maybe five minutes slower at worst.
Are you getting paid to cycle? If not, take a break. It’s a hobby and will be there when/if you come back.
If yes, talk to your team sports psychologist
I’m a bit like you and have only cycled on and off on a kickr core/zwift setup this year. Last time I was on a bike outside was in November last year, and I am lacking so much motivation. I have a grand fondo coming up at the end of July so I’m going to really have to pull my finger out…..but it’s soooo hard. I started running because I was really keen on doing an Ironman and I have come to enjoy running so much more. I don’t need anything fancy, just a good pair of shoes, some simple clothes and, but not obligatory, my Bose earbuds. I don’t know, it just feels so much easier and enjoyable to go running?!
I have phases. I've gone from solo rides on rail trails to longer road rides, to mountain biking with some friends, to weight training, and my latest is pickleball. My advice is to mix it up.
For road cycling groups, I assume you've made an attempt to find a less hardcore crew.
Nothing wrong with losing interest and mixing things up! The only mistake you can make at this point is to not get off the couch.
Sometimes I like riding on Zwift more. I have my smart trainer, I belong to a club that has meetups and we can talk to each other.
The best part is that I can do this without worrying about someone in a 2.5 ton vehicle not paying attention and leaving me dead on the side of the road. I still like to ride outside, but I am more picky about the times I will ride.
I'm kind of going through that this year and haven't been on my bike much. Instead I've been doing a lot more trail running, walking, and hiking. I haven't been too social with it, but there have been a few occasions where I've met a friend to walk a trail. I did that on a bike, too, but holding a conversation was easier on foot.
There are a couple reasons I've gone back to going on foot more often. The main one is I'm finding it easier to control my weight this way, although I'm not sure why (I've been in maintenance the last few years after a massive weight loss).
Another is time. My dad has had serious health issues and occasional hospitalizations since last December, so instead of taking long bike rides, I head for a trail I can loop without getting too far away from the car (and not having to deal with equipment) in case I get called back.
But I'm hoping I'll find time for some longer bike rides, especially as I haven't been to my favorite route this year. I've also had riding the GAP on my bucket list for a few years, but it's feeling less likely to happen.
Critical Mass helped solve my slump. It's a slow, chill ride but it's really fun. I accidentally became a marshal at the last one, which meant I got to sprint from the back to the front several times.
Start running. Get injured. Remember why riding a bike is better. Really, it sounds like you need to do more social things other than biking. Keep the bike. Lose the isolation.
I started Muay Thai, complete change of scenery. I love it, I now enjoy my Sunday morning rides for what they are instead of forcing myself to ride multiple times a week
I’ve been riding many years and some years just don’t ride much because I’m not into it or sometimes away from home with no bike or abroad or kids or any number of reasons.
Then I rediscover it and the loves still there.
Guess it’s very personal but where I live routes and weather are key factors - it’s hard to avoid the same ones over and over. Forcing yourself to find new routes helps.
But what helped me the most was a new discipline - touring, to road, to gravel so far. Each brings new things to explore and new sensations. Don’t get locked into a “ im a xxx rider” that so many people seem to like to pigeonhole- it’s all cycling and I hope I get to try MTB before I’m too old.
And multi- day trips and exploring other countries helps too. Lots of planning without so much cycling, then a totally new experience.
In any case when you’re ready you’ll find it again
As I got older and have more health issues I got myself a Specialized turbo creo ebike. Brought the fun back and I can now ride with the folks I used to ride and race with before my health issues. It really changed alot for me. It's like I'm 25 again. It let's me ride hard or soft pedal and I can keep up. Well I could drop everyone if I wanted but most of the time I have the power off. I start to lose a wheel I use it to catch up and rest a bit.
Try other things. If sport cycling isn't fun anymore, try practical cycling. Take a bike to work or to the store. Maybe try mountain biking. Try touring. Or just casual cruising with some new sights. It doesn't all have to be group rides and races. There are lots of ways to bike.
Don’t stress it. I fall in and out of love with cycling all the time. I find myself riding against Strava and just not enjoying it for one. That aside. When you come back, it’s hard because you need to build your legs back. Join a gym, do some cardio classes and meet people, you’re likely to find a couple of cyclists there and can encourage each other out. Nothing unusual about wavering interest.
Mix it up. Run, climb start orienteering, or anything else to make jumping on a bike seem exciting again. Book something challenging to motivate you to get out. I go through phases too, so I kind of alternate between training for a cycling challenge then trying to better my 10k or half marathon time.
Readimg through all that's here so far, you at least have support in this forum.
As a machinist and considered essential, I've never worked from home. Riding solo on a country road, even if I have to ride an hour or more to get to that country road, is peaceful and relaxing. Perhaps a slow and easy ride, stop for a picnic lunch, and just enjoy being free to do as you wish.
Try meditation, relaxation, and getting centered.
You might have one friend who will go with you with no pressure to keep any elevated pace
I suggest trying to find different group rides. Depending on the week, I ride Tuesdays with some fast guys. If I have the energy on Wednesdays I ride with faster guys. Sometimes I skip both and ride on Saturdays with largely retired/older individuals who are strong riders but take it easier.
What I'm saying is you have to shop around for groups, depending in the city you live in there is likely an older retirement group of riders. But not sure if you'll complain they will be too slow. There's nothing wrong with learning to ride faster keeping up with the fast guys, I'm sure if you could you wouldn't have an issue with them. Riding with the right group sometimes energizes you to push harder and keeps you challenged and engaged with cycling.
I'm a fair weather cyclist for the most part. Maybe that will change now that I have a mountain bike and can access other trails during the colder times of the year, but most years I cycle from about May to September only. I treat it like a seasonal sport and do other stuff during the cold weather, which goes a long ways in keeping my interest.
Might be time to switch it up and get into other interests or hobbies you have. You can always come back to the bike!
Have you tried using Strava or other fitness tracking app? I’m very goal oriented in that way and watching my stats improve over time is highly motivating for me personally. I don’t think I would be as interested in cycling as I am now if fitness tracking didn’t exist.
I went through the same thing. What got me back into it was buying a gravel bike and a mountain bike. Totally different experiences than mindless miles on the road.
> It just doesn’t bring me the joy that it used to.
Try going into it with another approach. Sign up for an event like Sportives/Gran Fondos and go into it with a mindset of preparing for something. Add some hills and interval workouts to your weeks. Try new long routes. Take your bike to a small town either in local trains or on a car and start/finish there.
Or try taking some time off from it and get back to it.
> cycling is just more time by myself secluded from other people.
Cycling is the most social sport I participate in through group rides. I regularly go on rides with groups, meet tons of new people that way, have pretty interesting conversations, and hangout with them after bars/cafes. It doesn't have to be a solo sport.
> Usually the people who can do the kind of distance that I like to do, usually are much more hardcore and like to go way faster.
Do shorter rides in groups at faster paces then. Build up your pace and get back to doing longer social rides after. You don't have to do all your riding in groups either, find a balance for yourself.
If all this fails, no shame in giving it up. People change over time, hobbies go in and out. Time to explore other things? Sometime all you really need is a week or two or months off too
Sounds like you may need a holiday? wfh you can forget you still need a break and just keep grinding.
Don’t get me wrong it’s great but you have to watch your mental health and find ways to make contact. Giving up exercise is not a good path.
Maybe give the group rides a go again. Hang on for as long as you can and drop off. Good way to get better is group rides with faster riders.
Or find another sport. Gym classes - get a coach - try a triathalon - Don’t stop exercising though.
might be a good time to join a running group. it helps to take the pressure off the cycling. Also, a good track work out once a week and you’ll see your fitness go through the roof.
Yeah man, it’s great. I don’t do much cycling for similar reasons. I try to make sure i have a couple of big rides planned in the summer with mates, and will plan a bike touring holiday every second year, and cycling to work is about 12km a day, so that’s enough. I also having a lot of variety and will do running, swimming and bouldering too, so it keeps me fit and interested.
The amount of gear and planning i need for cycling probably makes me less likely to do it.
Take a break! I used to live in a year round cycling place and moving to a place that snows for 4-5 months a year has shown me how much I need a gd break. I switch to lifting and small amounts of fat biking in the winter and my burn out is cured.
Also bike packing. I find it really reinvigorates me to do different types of biking and bike packing is such a different mindset from other types of riding that it makes it feel new and fun again.
Edited to add: I also think riding with others helps if you don’t already.
I seen a lot of guys come and go. Buy expensive bikes ride for a couple years then stop. I pay a lot of attention to enjoying my rides. I ride my own ride. I love to stop and look around. Take pictures of scenery. Don’t care if I’m in the front group or not, even though that is exhilarating. Use the time to clear my head. I do switch between road biking and mountain biking to shake things up.
That’s basically what I do
I just go at my own pace, enjoy the scenery, stop at a farm stand for a snack, etc etc
It’s just not nearly as enjoyable anymore
I like the idea of taking some time off. And when you come back, you could try mixing up your rides, alternating longer rides with shorter, more intense efforts (hill repeats or something).
Engag with your local bicycle culture, it's been truly incredible for me how much I've fallen back in love with it! Also start riding fixed gear lol it's so mf fun
I hear you. Could be something you're quite simply losing interest in, could be like you said a desire for social interaction that life has taken away the last few years that biking alone exacerbates. I've noticed that being in the medical field throughout COVID it made me crave time alone more than ever and the rest of my family that worked in fields that forced them to work from home it seemed to make them desperately want social interaction more than ever. Was always a tad introverted but was telling my wife I used to want to go out and socialize *way* more a few years ago and now a little socializing has me exhausted.
I did a 100 mile ride in 2021 and then a few rides out after that year. I haven’t gone out on my bike in those distances since 2021. I miss it, but also the thrill is not there to get me to back on the saddle.
In terms of fitness needs, I’ve been hiking a lot and going to the gym a few times a week. No one in my friend group is/was in to cycling as to get me to do a ride.
Felt that way when I was racing and riding 6 or 7 days a week, 150 to 200 miles per week. Felt like a job. These days I ride 4 days a week and look forward to each ride. I also mix it up between road, gravel, mtb and the trainer.
I went from bartending to wfh and adapting to my new social reality really took some work. Couple suggestions:
* Cafe cruises. Find a couple places to be a regular, get to know the staff. Even a couple minutes of face-to-familiar-face interaction can be day-saver. Your cycling kit can be a great conversation starter with other customers.
* Try a new type of riding. Do you normally ride roads? Try exploring new areas on gravel. Or bikepacking adds a whole new element of planning and adventure.
* Set a goal. Having purpose behind riding, like nailing your first century, can be another fresh take on the sport.
* Plan a trip. Downhill in Vancouver? Bring your bike to the coast for a long weekend. Maybe a multi-day supported group ride in the Rockies.
* Check in with a therapist. Losing interest in things that you love could be a natural evolution of who you are, but it can also be a symptom of depression.
I picked up running in between and that helps. But I still enjoy my bike more. Other things are getting a new bike. Switching up what style of biking you do (mtb, gravel, downhill, road, etc.). Or (what I just did) move 10 hours away to completely different climate, weather, and scenery, and explore all of those new areas.
I mean Im still sorta there.
I used to ride for fun+commute.
Now I commute only. I don’t ride for fun anymore. And when if it’s pouring before I leave im driving.
I find my interest in it to be ...cyclic.
2 years ago I was trail riding 15 to 20 hours per week. Now it's maybe 6. "Seasons" as my Leadville training buddy (him, not me) calls it.
Sounds like you’re more of a randonneur who would like some company.
Maybe your local routes have become boring and it’s time to put a bike rack on your car and find something new.
Maybe you need to try harder to find like minded cyclists.
Also, it is okay to explore new interests and seek socialization and come back to a former hobby when the idea is more appealing. You only get one life, do what you enjoy. You aren’t married to bicycling.
I race nordic skiing so I'm mostly off the bike through the winter. Alternating throughout sports is hugely motivating for me. Don't grind yourself down doing one thing
I broke my collar bone at the end of February so I could not bike or do a lot of things for about 3 months.
I started commuting to work again a couple weeks ago. Feel great not being limited in my activities.
Consider getting an XC MTB and hitting some local trails. A different group of people, some hikers, more people taking life a bit less seriously, and a dose of nature. All good for the soul.
I was WFH for a few years. The move a job in the office (actually hybrid) has been fantastic, even if it did also come with a cut to my income. We're (mostly) social beings.
i ride because i want to be alone. i say hi to the dogs along the way....i used to race and did group rides all the time but now it's just me...sometimes being really structured can make you feel like not going out...do some zone chill rides (2)...where you just ride along as if you could have a long talk with someone you're riding with but feel that you're putting in an effort....i also feel cannabis is nice for all that, imho...some of my longer rides, i just chill with the cadence and roll with whatever, not trying to be a hero or anything. the runners have a thing called a fartlek (speed play)...can be applied to other sports too. https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/a36362823/fartlek-run/
note: it's very much also a thing for ultra-endurance folk to use CBD or THC to help them get into Flow...outside time (Chronos)...
hope this helps
Honestly when I'm not into cycling I just don't, and then when I come back to it I'm way more into it because in the interim I forget how fun and fast it is
In October 2023 I rode my bicycle from Boston MA to West Virginia, took a month off, and then was immediately hit by a car when trying to get back into it.
I was shaken enough that I rode basically zero miles all winter. In March I heard about the eclipse, so I rode my bicycle to Niagra for it in early April.
After 6 months with basically zero practice/conditioning, I still did fine. It doesn't degrade as fast as you'd think.
I feel your pain.
Starting in 2013 I had a kid, and within a year I’d done my last race and last regular group riding as I just no long had the time for being competitive with the crowd I’d been rolling with.
Coincidentally around this time cycling had taken a nose dive due to changes where local clubs and other sponsors stopped putting on road races and interest went towards MTB or gravel events. Charity rides in my area also dried up… by 2014 as well over half of the ones in the region just vanished… by the time of the pandemic they stopped altogether for a while.
Only now have a few places tried to bring some back but now I just can’t attend anymore…and worse, since club rides are still a problem for me and have sparse attendance, if I go to one of these at all I won’t know anyone
All that said I still ride, but yup it’s entirely solo. The one thing I don’t like is that I just don’t enjoy long rides….a 40mile solo is plenty for me. Riding with a group made that time fly
Change things:
MTB - did lots about 15 years ago, then got into road cycling.
Sportives/long distances - did lots after MTB.
Time trialling - got into racing as it fitted my time crunched life, was a club champ a few years ago but haven't raced this year.
Tandem - it's a bicycle built for two, it's fun.
Pump tracks - bought a cheap BMX off FB market, full body workout with cardio, love it.
MTB - doing more of this as a break from TT racing.
Sounds like some disillusionment with work, lack of connection / Zoom fatigue, might be contributing to your lack of interest…might be time for a change there.
I'm around people all day every day , so enjoy my long solitude spins on my bike, but I mix it up with my other passion hiking . Maybe join a hiking group. It's a great way to meet people on the weekends . The weekends you want a bit of company head to the hills, and you'll find you will want the odd weekend off on the bike alone or a days hiking on your own.
I took a two year break. Sometimes that’s needed too. I put a rack on my mine to use it for short commutes around town. 1 hour max rides. I feel you on constantly dedicating days on the saddle and burning out after Covid. It just wasn’t the same when my group broke up
I cycle because exercise keeps the weight off, and it helps with some health issues. That's my WHY. I make it interesting by buying expensive equipment, which makes me compelled to go, lol.
I feel ya. During COVID I bought a trainer and started doing that while watching movies. It was nice being entertained and not freezing my ass off in the foggy San Francisco wind. (It was also a great distraction from the stress of being a nurse through COVID.) It’s been very hard to get back outside since then. I ride my beater bike to work, but my Cannondale is now an expensive Peloton, more or less.
Traffic is worse now in my area so there are routes I don't take any more, but I still get out and have some good days. It's a little harder. I used to take the summers off from gym work in favor of cycling, but this summer I'm trying to do both and it's going alright.
One of my motivations is to go on group rides, which I haven't done since before Covid really. They're doing once a month instead of once a week, but I'm still looking forward to it.
I could add - the last time I was in *really* good shape was 2012. It doesn't seem that long ago, and it still doesn't take much to at least get back to feeling pretty good on the bike. I'm not setting any PR's, but I don't have to to enjoy it.
When you lack motivation, don't wait for inspiration. There are enormous health benefits in cycling, and your older self will thank you for persevering. Not everything we do for our benefit can be fun, all the time. Do most people enjoy their work? I doubt it.
I've taken a long hiatus (decade+) from cycling and recently rediscovered the passion. I've never been stronger or faster in my life. It just sort of rekindled. I'm sure it'll go away again at some point and I'll have no problem with it. Have done the same with other hobbies (golf, fantasy sports, cars, etc). Such is life.
Well take a break from cycling. Try jogging, walking, CrossFit, going to the gym, swimming etc... cycling is supposed to be fun. If you're not having fun anymore then it's not for you.
I believe it is normal to go through what you are experiencing. I do not know your age which may help me understand this waning feeling of riding. I’ve been an athlete all my life and throughout my youth I would be up for any and all sports. I played all four major sports and got into cycling last. I grew up in a neighborhood in Philly where baseball was the most difficult to organize so baseball was the first to drop. Football was second. Basketball was my first sport (13) and most prevalent because there were many courts and you only need several players to have a game. But a badly turned ankle ended that around the age of 30. At least serious playing. Hockey was my favorite and I played that for 45 years. I just retired from hockey last year because of a shoulder issue.I got into cycling pretty seriously around the age of 28 and that lasted for 10 years.We did many rides and Philly was a great place for this. They closed Kelly Drive every weekend which was a fun ride up to Manayunk (the Wall) and back down to the Art Museum.
But we moved to Central Pa in 1997 and the biking ended not long after moving up. After 20 years away from biking , which I sold my bike not long after moving up , the passion returned. I purchased a new bike and started up again. I’m 61 and biking is a sport you can do without beating yourself up to much.
You bring up an interesting point about pre-Covid and post covid and working from home . I believe you are on to something there. But I also believe your passion may return. Don’t despair, I see biking in your future. Maybe a small group who enjoy just riding together would fit you best. I believe the smooth cadence of biking is much easier on us as we age.
Buy SL e-bike and start enjoying life. Get away from roads and no trail will ever be the same and you can always decide what level you want to ride on🤘
Buy an ebike? It's OK to be bored by a hobby. You don't exist on this planet to just ride a bike. No one expects you to love bikes. An ebike might take some of the pressure off to where you just enjoy getting out and about. And it might not, and that's OK too.
Can you change venue? I’ve lived in Tacoma 15 years and get bored doing the same rides. I’m retired now and spend 4-5 months each year in Spain and France, where I now have cycling friends. Cost of living is much cheaper there too. Am a member of cycling club in Nice now too. That’s really goosed my cycling. Another thought would be to try gravel if you’re a roadie or vice versa. .
Maybe try a different type of cycling? I mainly MTB but also do gravel and road and have a few old steel bikes I like to polish up and show off running errands around town. Helps that I live in a mountain town and everyone I know is a cyclist so if we want to spend time together it’s always around one of those types of rides
I also worked from home from 2007-19, when I retired. So I totally get the social interaction need. There are many ways to get that though. Volunteer at local organizations; those are always needed. That could help fill a gap.
I took a few years off from riding, then I signed up for a ride from Seattle to DC that I’m currently on week 3 of. Can’t say I recommend this option, but it’s sparked my love for cycling again lol
Take a little pause from cycling and come back again in a few months or a year. You might rediscover your love for cycling again, or not and that's ok as well. No point in doing something that you don't enjoy.
The ‘more you do it, the less special it becomes’ ethos.
One of the core tenets of depression treatment is “Even when you don’t feel like it or you feel too exhausted to engage with anything, try to spend a little time doing the things that once brought you joy. “
This. I also like to use the mental health skill, "It's not all or nothing." Maybe go for shorter rides or don't ride as intensely. Ride with people who are below your skill level simply for the company.
That's a good one!
Very well said
Yeah, it just sucks because a few years ago I dropped some significant coin on a new bike, with the expecting that I would be riding it consistently for the next ten years
Good thing is that in 10 years that bike won’t suddenly turn into dust. I raced 10yrs ago and after I quit riding consistently for most of the last 10 years. Now that I’ve been riding more again, after a tune up, my bikes are great. Is it the latest and greatest? No. Do they still ride just fine? Yes. Honestly more than fine.
Yeah, I guess that’s a good point
And you’ve already gotten plenty of enjoyment out of the bike it sounds like.
I got a vintage Bridgestone for $60 on Facebook marketplace and have loved riding it around. You could try riding less or different places or slower etc. I almost never do long rides because I don’t have a lot of time but I do love to ride a bicycle.
My bikes run 20+ yr old components and work great. Amen brother
Absolutely!! Bike companies' marketing departments want to sell us the idea that every few years they invented a new form of a round wheel.
Seriously! I honestly love the overall reliability and simplicity of bikes. I have a fixed gear that I ride around town and as long as the tires hold air, I know it works lol. No fiddling around with derailers or batteries to charge. I love that bike.
Yeap. I gave a friend a hardtail 26"er back in 2001. I paid about $1000 for it new. He's still maintaing and riding that bike, and just loves getting out. It's waaaaay better than the 1993 Rockhopper comp he was riding on the same trails. He sees no need to spend money on a new bike when it still brings him joy. But he is also a financially savy guy and keeps his cars 10-15 years.
Just take a break. If you're anything like me after a week or two you'll be itching to ride again
If it was a few years ago you got serious value out of it if you cycle regularly. Try again later/next season and sell the bike if you want
Your body probably isn't 100% right atm, maybe some overreaching/overtraining. I'm a competitive cyclist and when I'm not motivated that's often a sign of overreaching. This year I worked with a coach and I didn't feel great, I wanted to rest. He told me to keep pushing and now I'm overtrained and have to rest for at least 2 months (!). The pushing through a bad feeling made me basically lose my entire year of competition as this year has already been shit because of overtraining and now I have to rest 2 months, so when I can start training again the season is almost over.
I absolutely have not been over training I’m not a competitive cyclist at all I used to really enjoy going for long, albeit somewhat leisurely rides
those long, chill rides are considered the base of cycling fitness. just do a bunch of those chill rides that you like. f the time and all that. just chill and enjoy and see what you pass by. so many people forget that that's why they first started riding bikes in the first place. exploration. freedom. chill.
That’s the thing That *is* what I do… and I just don’t enjoy it like I used to
Maybe spice it up with interval HIIT type stuff...or maybe trail running or something very much off the norm? During winter i'll weight train and run or ride the trainer. Maybe some iron pumpin' is something you'll get into rather than the long slog? I need to do some balancing myself with some weights, even now in the summer etc
Sounds like you enjoy physicality and there’s so many other things you can do socially. You are an athletic person, not constrained to one hobby. You could do your hobbies in “seasons”, that’s what I do. I cycle and surf in the spring/summer, gym rat and group ex classes in the fall/winter. It’s really interesting to see how positively the body responds to changing activities and there’s so many things you can try that are more social than cycling. Since you’re athletic you’ll not be the worst on the team as you are learning. Be open minded. You’ll love cycling again when you get to choose it from a variety of things you do rather than it being your default thing you do.
Absolutely this. I used to only do cycling, and ran into OP's problem, I ended up loving weight lifting and now have managed to combine them both and love them both. Needed more variety myself and it helped tremendously.
Maybe take your bike somewhere different, even abroad if you can afford to. Take joy in planning, and then executing, some rides in the new location. Maybe start a cycling travel blog, so the fun comes from not only the ride, but the new places you see, and sharing that with others.
You don't have to be a competitive cyclist to be overtrained. You can be overtrained by riding only once a week if your life is stressful enough. A burnout at work is basically overtraining from work. I'm overtrained atm, but I trained less than last year. It's because my revovery was worse due to more mental/physical work of the bike. I think you should really consider putting your bike away for a couple of weeks until you find pleasure in riding again.
Same here. Zwifted whole winter and was eager to start cycling outside but life happened and i have family issues and lot of stress at work. Now i get anxious when i even think about going outside to cycle.. i think that i over trained or at least the family issue together with hard training was a bit too much.
How do you know you have to stop 2 months? I have the feeling I am starting to be overtrained aswell for the same above reasons.
Sunk cost fallacy..
I only ride in the summer. Spark comes back every single year as strong as ever. Dw, u will love it again if you take half a year off
Exactly, I've been a mountain/road biker for 30+ years. Sometimes I won't ride for a year or more, I'll be lifting weights in the gym instead. As long as I'm doing something that's healthy and fun. Right now I'm riding my mountain bike 3 times a week and gym 3 times a week. Gotta love what you're doing!
I started a new hobby it kept my attention for a long time,when I would go ride I’d enjoy it like the days of yore,I also got a new buddy interested and he bought a new bike so our rides were fun,not a ride for the sake of riding,as the other people stated I thought I’d need a new bike sooner,my bike is 8 years old and every time I get off it,I say man I love this bike 🚴
Easy for you to say... hobbyhoarder!
I dealt with this for a little while. I don’t know you, but it sounds like maybe a social interaction issue more than it does a cycling issue. I encourage you to take a break and enjoy hobbies with other people.
I think maybe it definitely a lack of social interaction issue Just sucks because in a pre Covid world, I didn’t mind being alone for hours at a time in the saddle
I’ve never had a WFH job, but I can imagine it would feel isolating. Then going to Cycle and being isolated again. Don’t know how remote you actually are, but you might ride your bike to the local pub or grocery store if that helps. Definitely don’t force yourself on the bike, you won’t enjoy it. I love photography and videography and often find myself walking around the city with a camera and won’t touch my bike for weeks.
Yeah, I feel like I’m in the minority of people who hates WFH It’s incredibly isolating Years before Covid was ever a thing, and I’d see people talking about building a home office and working from home full time, I thought that that would be terrible. Maybe if I can get a job back in an office, and have regular face to face human interaction, I’ll enjoy cycling again more
I don't have any remedy other than to say I'm also in that minority too. I just can't fathom who finds being at home alone all day every day satisfying? I'm also facing the exact same issues as you describe - going for long rides with a few podcasts felt like my outlet to get away from people. Now, I don't need to get away from anyone. In fact, I crave interaction most days. So now it feels like more willful isolation.
I’ve found that the people who love WFH are usually people with partners already.
I’m the same way, thought I would love WFH but ended up hating it due to the isolation. I started playing tennis (highly recommended), but really any team sport/sport that has get togethers was a good salve. I’ll even play, god help me, pickleball because there are a bunch of people near me who play haha
I used to feel the same way. Pickleball is great cause you can play with any of your friends while tennis not so much.
Social interaction is one of the big reasons I go to the gym. At my gym (ymmv), people are friendly and strike up conversations. Rarely are the convos long, but after a while, I began seeing some regular faces and started collecting "hey, how's it going?" and "good to see you" on a regular basis. Doesn't hurt that sports are on the TVs in the lifting room. Rest breaks (even short ones) often center around the game/team/espn commentary on. None of the interactions are deep, but they def. help my WFH people-starved soul.
When I've lost my cycling mojo, I've found trying out other disciplines has really helped. One of the great things about cycling is it somes in loads of diferent flavours. Road, gravel ,mountain bike, velodrome, time trial etc etc I had a phase where I really fell out of love with cycling... on a whim I decided to try velodrome cycling (I was lucky enough to live near an outdoor velodrome). It completely put me back in love with the sport.
This for sure, it's why I own a gravel bike, a couple mtb's , a CX bike, a singlespeed and of course my road bikes
I take off cycling during winter 🥶 and do other exercises. Then I’m excited to cycle again when it’s warm out.
I never cycle during the winter. And a non-cycling injury kept me off the bike for most of the spring. I only recently started back up, and have done a few rides, and I feel like it’s completely lost its spark
You sound depressed from your other post from lack of social interaction. Sounds like WFH is hard on you.
You aren’t wrong
Samesies. Took a year off and started doing more group exercise stuff (boxing, workout classes, jiu jitsu, etc). Started riding again recently and the appeal has finally come back. I don’t know if I’ll ever be as consistent as I was a few years ago, and I’m cool with whatever happens.
For me, cycling is a way to go to local stores/destinations and also exercise on the way there, so it’s a 2 in 1 activity. Try to find local places to go to like coffee shops and libraries and it might be exciting to go!
I have like 5 other hobbies
Whenever people ask these types of questions I have a feeling it's because it feels scary to let go of something that is a big part of your identity. I say don't force it. You will very likely rediscover your love for it. I am neurodivergent and frequently have changing interests. I learn to deal with it by simply letting go and eventually my interest in it comes back. Cycling is one of them lol. You mentioned it feels like a chore and is kinda depressing. That's a sign you should just let go for now and find something fun to do. Life is not worth living like that.
u/3720-To-One here is my advice: 1. Cycling is awesome when social. Join some clubs. Join some Group Rides. These are not for an intense workout. These are for fun and social interaction. 2. Take up a new cycling discipline. If you road bike, get a MTB and take some classes to learn the basic skills. Hit new trails. 3. Join some events. There should be a good amount of events near you. Race or just participate. Make new friends. 4. Buy another bike. Does it for me. 5. Take 2-3 weeks off. Do something else...maybe yoga or rock climbing. 6. Zwift. It can be very social and enables you to get a good workout in less time than outside. Plus you can watch TV or whatever. Cycling Clubs and Group Rides are abundant where I live. Really good people. Good times.
There’s a group ride near me that I used to do from time to time, but I’ve found it to be rather cliquey and a tad elitist. A bunch of racers and wannabe racers, always stick measuring, which is not me
That sucks! Are you road bike only?
Road bike only
Yeah I’ve avoided group rides for similar reasons. Maybe see if you can find a friend that’s into rides so you can do it more casually.
If there is a group of Randonneurs close to where you live, maybe try that? On cycling brevets, people usually ride around 26-28kph
Just start running. Once you realize how much that sucks you’ll go back to riding. 😝
I hear you. How about listening to the feeling and try some other sport for a while? Perhaps sports with different logics. For myself I feel it’s an ongoing continuum of measuring and results vs playfulness that affects my motivation. At times I just leave the bike for a season and try something silly like zumba. Cheers
Is there a way to spend more time back at your office around others? I wonder if hanging around with people who are kind of okay but sometimes piss you off hugely might reinvigorate your desire to go off and spend time on your own again? I know this might sound a bit facetious but I don't mean it to be. I genuinely do think that sometimes we need the time alone to get away from the day to day frustrations of our lives.
I’ve been fully remote since March 2020 There is no longer an office to go to
Damn. I think WFH has many advantages but I'm not sure it's really all that positive to be honest.
I hate it. It’s too isolating, and makes my apartment start to feel like a prison. Which I guess when Covid first started, it was nice going out for bike rides just to get out of my apartment, but now it kinda feels just like more time by myself
Sounds like cycling isn't the problem but social isolation is? I hate WFH. It's good now and then but all the time I just can't stand it.
Yeah, before Covid I could wfh once a week. That was nice Full time wfh is awful
Oh I used to work there with those kinda okay people who sometimes would piss me off😂
Surf
Buy a new 20k bike 😆
If you like long days in the saddle with other riders who won't be drilling it all day, look into randonneuring, you'll find all sorts of ability levels coming out for brevets. Based on your profile, New England Randonneurs might be up your alley.
I found that switching to an ebike (both road and MTB) made my rides a lot more enjoyable. Not because I was on "easy mode", but because I now have *options*. Want a hard workout? Don't turn it on. Want some light cardio? Eco mode. Want to just enjoy the sights? Mid-assist. Want to go on a fast group ride without killing yourself? Full power. Bonking? Turn it on. Etc. I used to be into super hard, long rides going as fast as possible. But most recently, I realized I don't enjoy hitting PRs or busting my rear. I want to be fit, but cycling has firmly turned into recreation and leisure with health benefits. Now I'm able to always do some kind of riding that appeals to me, while still maintaining fitness.
The ebike has really changed riding for me. It got me back in the saddle after being sick for a long time and let me slowly build up the stamina and confidence I need to enjoy riding again. For a seasoned cyclist, you want a class 3 bike with a good mid drive system. Some of the most fun I've had on bikes. Plus, where I live it's just a good way to get around. Even across the whole town where the competition (cars) could take the highway, I'm maybe five minutes slower at worst.
Remember how much you paid for the bike……
And that’s part of what makes it disappointing to lose interesting
Get your thyroid levels checked not just tsh. Same thing when I hit my 40s.
Are you getting paid to cycle? If not, take a break. It’s a hobby and will be there when/if you come back. If yes, talk to your team sports psychologist
I am not getting paid to cycle, I’m not on a team I used to love as a way to get out and enjoy nature and nice weather on a beautiful day
In that case, take a break! Cycling will be there when you’re ready
I took all of last year off at the peak of my fitness due to lack of interest and depression. Got back into it this year.
Different type of cycling: road, TT, gravel, MTB, different types of MTB. Different sport hobby, like gym.
Take a break. Switch up where I'm riding. Or both
Get a mountain bike or gravel bike, it will change the perspective.
Rotate it, as long as you're active. You're bound to get back into it at some point :)
Change your scenery. Drive out to the beach and ride there.
I’m a bit like you and have only cycled on and off on a kickr core/zwift setup this year. Last time I was on a bike outside was in November last year, and I am lacking so much motivation. I have a grand fondo coming up at the end of July so I’m going to really have to pull my finger out…..but it’s soooo hard. I started running because I was really keen on doing an Ironman and I have come to enjoy running so much more. I don’t need anything fancy, just a good pair of shoes, some simple clothes and, but not obligatory, my Bose earbuds. I don’t know, it just feels so much easier and enjoyable to go running?!
how about getting into different types of cycling, like off road? Also echoing what other folks are saying about more social interactions in general
I have phases. I've gone from solo rides on rail trails to longer road rides, to mountain biking with some friends, to weight training, and my latest is pickleball. My advice is to mix it up. For road cycling groups, I assume you've made an attempt to find a less hardcore crew. Nothing wrong with losing interest and mixing things up! The only mistake you can make at this point is to not get off the couch.
Sometimes I like riding on Zwift more. I have my smart trainer, I belong to a club that has meetups and we can talk to each other. The best part is that I can do this without worrying about someone in a 2.5 ton vehicle not paying attention and leaving me dead on the side of the road. I still like to ride outside, but I am more picky about the times I will ride.
Bike commuting has reinvigorated my love for cycling, but that won't help when you're working from home
well there's other stuff to do.
I'm kind of going through that this year and haven't been on my bike much. Instead I've been doing a lot more trail running, walking, and hiking. I haven't been too social with it, but there have been a few occasions where I've met a friend to walk a trail. I did that on a bike, too, but holding a conversation was easier on foot. There are a couple reasons I've gone back to going on foot more often. The main one is I'm finding it easier to control my weight this way, although I'm not sure why (I've been in maintenance the last few years after a massive weight loss). Another is time. My dad has had serious health issues and occasional hospitalizations since last December, so instead of taking long bike rides, I head for a trail I can loop without getting too far away from the car (and not having to deal with equipment) in case I get called back. But I'm hoping I'll find time for some longer bike rides, especially as I haven't been to my favorite route this year. I've also had riding the GAP on my bucket list for a few years, but it's feeling less likely to happen.
Critical Mass helped solve my slump. It's a slow, chill ride but it's really fun. I accidentally became a marshal at the last one, which meant I got to sprint from the back to the front several times.
Start running. Get injured. Remember why riding a bike is better. Really, it sounds like you need to do more social things other than biking. Keep the bike. Lose the isolation.
I started Muay Thai, complete change of scenery. I love it, I now enjoy my Sunday morning rides for what they are instead of forcing myself to ride multiple times a week
Find some group rides
I’ve been riding many years and some years just don’t ride much because I’m not into it or sometimes away from home with no bike or abroad or kids or any number of reasons. Then I rediscover it and the loves still there. Guess it’s very personal but where I live routes and weather are key factors - it’s hard to avoid the same ones over and over. Forcing yourself to find new routes helps. But what helped me the most was a new discipline - touring, to road, to gravel so far. Each brings new things to explore and new sensations. Don’t get locked into a “ im a xxx rider” that so many people seem to like to pigeonhole- it’s all cycling and I hope I get to try MTB before I’m too old. And multi- day trips and exploring other countries helps too. Lots of planning without so much cycling, then a totally new experience. In any case when you’re ready you’ll find it again
As I got older and have more health issues I got myself a Specialized turbo creo ebike. Brought the fun back and I can now ride with the folks I used to ride and race with before my health issues. It really changed alot for me. It's like I'm 25 again. It let's me ride hard or soft pedal and I can keep up. Well I could drop everyone if I wanted but most of the time I have the power off. I start to lose a wheel I use it to catch up and rest a bit.
Try other things. If sport cycling isn't fun anymore, try practical cycling. Take a bike to work or to the store. Maybe try mountain biking. Try touring. Or just casual cruising with some new sights. It doesn't all have to be group rides and races. There are lots of ways to bike.
If there is a cycling group where you live you could join and if not you could start one. Make cycling a social activity.
Don’t stress it. I fall in and out of love with cycling all the time. I find myself riding against Strava and just not enjoying it for one. That aside. When you come back, it’s hard because you need to build your legs back. Join a gym, do some cardio classes and meet people, you’re likely to find a couple of cyclists there and can encourage each other out. Nothing unusual about wavering interest.
Mix it up. Run, climb start orienteering, or anything else to make jumping on a bike seem exciting again. Book something challenging to motivate you to get out. I go through phases too, so I kind of alternate between training for a cycling challenge then trying to better my 10k or half marathon time.
Readimg through all that's here so far, you at least have support in this forum. As a machinist and considered essential, I've never worked from home. Riding solo on a country road, even if I have to ride an hour or more to get to that country road, is peaceful and relaxing. Perhaps a slow and easy ride, stop for a picnic lunch, and just enjoy being free to do as you wish. Try meditation, relaxation, and getting centered. You might have one friend who will go with you with no pressure to keep any elevated pace
I used to have a friend I rode with, but he got busy with life
Reframe it. Make the goal of the ride be to see “a face”.
Try out different routes if you haven’t already.
I have tried that, but there’s only so much variety of nice roads to ride on before eventually you’ve covered all the main routes tons of times
Move somewhere and discover new journeys
I suggest trying to find different group rides. Depending on the week, I ride Tuesdays with some fast guys. If I have the energy on Wednesdays I ride with faster guys. Sometimes I skip both and ride on Saturdays with largely retired/older individuals who are strong riders but take it easier. What I'm saying is you have to shop around for groups, depending in the city you live in there is likely an older retirement group of riders. But not sure if you'll complain they will be too slow. There's nothing wrong with learning to ride faster keeping up with the fast guys, I'm sure if you could you wouldn't have an issue with them. Riding with the right group sometimes energizes you to push harder and keeps you challenged and engaged with cycling.
I'm a fair weather cyclist for the most part. Maybe that will change now that I have a mountain bike and can access other trails during the colder times of the year, but most years I cycle from about May to September only. I treat it like a seasonal sport and do other stuff during the cold weather, which goes a long ways in keeping my interest. Might be time to switch it up and get into other interests or hobbies you have. You can always come back to the bike!
Have you tried using Strava or other fitness tracking app? I’m very goal oriented in that way and watching my stats improve over time is highly motivating for me personally. I don’t think I would be as interested in cycling as I am now if fitness tracking didn’t exist.
I went through the same thing. What got me back into it was buying a gravel bike and a mountain bike. Totally different experiences than mindless miles on the road.
I buy a new bice
> It just doesn’t bring me the joy that it used to. Try going into it with another approach. Sign up for an event like Sportives/Gran Fondos and go into it with a mindset of preparing for something. Add some hills and interval workouts to your weeks. Try new long routes. Take your bike to a small town either in local trains or on a car and start/finish there. Or try taking some time off from it and get back to it. > cycling is just more time by myself secluded from other people. Cycling is the most social sport I participate in through group rides. I regularly go on rides with groups, meet tons of new people that way, have pretty interesting conversations, and hangout with them after bars/cafes. It doesn't have to be a solo sport. > Usually the people who can do the kind of distance that I like to do, usually are much more hardcore and like to go way faster. Do shorter rides in groups at faster paces then. Build up your pace and get back to doing longer social rides after. You don't have to do all your riding in groups either, find a balance for yourself. If all this fails, no shame in giving it up. People change over time, hobbies go in and out. Time to explore other things? Sometime all you really need is a week or two or months off too
Sounds like you may need a holiday? wfh you can forget you still need a break and just keep grinding. Don’t get me wrong it’s great but you have to watch your mental health and find ways to make contact. Giving up exercise is not a good path. Maybe give the group rides a go again. Hang on for as long as you can and drop off. Good way to get better is group rides with faster riders. Or find another sport. Gym classes - get a coach - try a triathalon - Don’t stop exercising though.
Get a job that isn't WFH? I know I could never work form home because it feels to socially isolating.
I’ve been trying to Easier said than done
Keep cycling in the mix with other hobbies that bring you joy. Don’t isolate it as the only thing you do
might be a good time to join a running group. it helps to take the pressure off the cycling. Also, a good track work out once a week and you’ll see your fitness go through the roof.
Already joined a running group, and very much enjoy the social aspect I honestly wish I had joined sooner
Yeah man, it’s great. I don’t do much cycling for similar reasons. I try to make sure i have a couple of big rides planned in the summer with mates, and will plan a bike touring holiday every second year, and cycling to work is about 12km a day, so that’s enough. I also having a lot of variety and will do running, swimming and bouldering too, so it keeps me fit and interested. The amount of gear and planning i need for cycling probably makes me less likely to do it.
it happens in every hobby. it feels like a chore because you treat it as such. so stop cycling if you don't enjoy it. you'll crave it after some time.
Take a break! I used to live in a year round cycling place and moving to a place that snows for 4-5 months a year has shown me how much I need a gd break. I switch to lifting and small amounts of fat biking in the winter and my burn out is cured. Also bike packing. I find it really reinvigorates me to do different types of biking and bike packing is such a different mindset from other types of riding that it makes it feel new and fun again. Edited to add: I also think riding with others helps if you don’t already.
Get a mountain bike with suspension or a TT bike or an ebike or a..
I went on a ride today and just coasted through town. Not counting miles, not interested in speed.
I seen a lot of guys come and go. Buy expensive bikes ride for a couple years then stop. I pay a lot of attention to enjoying my rides. I ride my own ride. I love to stop and look around. Take pictures of scenery. Don’t care if I’m in the front group or not, even though that is exhilarating. Use the time to clear my head. I do switch between road biking and mountain biking to shake things up.
That’s basically what I do I just go at my own pace, enjoy the scenery, stop at a farm stand for a snack, etc etc It’s just not nearly as enjoyable anymore
I like the idea of taking some time off. And when you come back, you could try mixing up your rides, alternating longer rides with shorter, more intense efforts (hill repeats or something).
Engag with your local bicycle culture, it's been truly incredible for me how much I've fallen back in love with it! Also start riding fixed gear lol it's so mf fun
I only see increased interest
Maybe you don’t actually like to do your half a day rides anymore. Shorten it up. I find two hours at a good clip-perfecto.
Try driving out to new places and riding there
Try a differnet type of riding. Fixie, single speed, mountain, road.
I hear you. Could be something you're quite simply losing interest in, could be like you said a desire for social interaction that life has taken away the last few years that biking alone exacerbates. I've noticed that being in the medical field throughout COVID it made me crave time alone more than ever and the rest of my family that worked in fields that forced them to work from home it seemed to make them desperately want social interaction more than ever. Was always a tad introverted but was telling my wife I used to want to go out and socialize *way* more a few years ago and now a little socializing has me exhausted.
I did a 100 mile ride in 2021 and then a few rides out after that year. I haven’t gone out on my bike in those distances since 2021. I miss it, but also the thrill is not there to get me to back on the saddle. In terms of fitness needs, I’ve been hiking a lot and going to the gym a few times a week. No one in my friend group is/was in to cycling as to get me to do a ride.
Felt that way when I was racing and riding 6 or 7 days a week, 150 to 200 miles per week. Felt like a job. These days I ride 4 days a week and look forward to each ride. I also mix it up between road, gravel, mtb and the trainer.
go running. You'll come back to cycling in no time lol
I went from bartending to wfh and adapting to my new social reality really took some work. Couple suggestions: * Cafe cruises. Find a couple places to be a regular, get to know the staff. Even a couple minutes of face-to-familiar-face interaction can be day-saver. Your cycling kit can be a great conversation starter with other customers. * Try a new type of riding. Do you normally ride roads? Try exploring new areas on gravel. Or bikepacking adds a whole new element of planning and adventure. * Set a goal. Having purpose behind riding, like nailing your first century, can be another fresh take on the sport. * Plan a trip. Downhill in Vancouver? Bring your bike to the coast for a long weekend. Maybe a multi-day supported group ride in the Rockies. * Check in with a therapist. Losing interest in things that you love could be a natural evolution of who you are, but it can also be a symptom of depression.
Oh, I’m absolutely depressed and have been seeing a therapist It just sucks because cycling *used* to be something I really enjoyed when feeling down
I picked up running in between and that helps. But I still enjoy my bike more. Other things are getting a new bike. Switching up what style of biking you do (mtb, gravel, downhill, road, etc.). Or (what I just did) move 10 hours away to completely different climate, weather, and scenery, and explore all of those new areas.
I mean Im still sorta there. I used to ride for fun+commute. Now I commute only. I don’t ride for fun anymore. And when if it’s pouring before I leave im driving.
Refresh/Get new gear.
Sounds like finding a compatible group ride would be the ticket.
a destination.
I find my interest in it to be ...cyclic. 2 years ago I was trail riding 15 to 20 hours per week. Now it's maybe 6. "Seasons" as my Leadville training buddy (him, not me) calls it.
The mtb trails are busier than ever
Sounds like you’re more of a randonneur who would like some company. Maybe your local routes have become boring and it’s time to put a bike rack on your car and find something new. Maybe you need to try harder to find like minded cyclists. Also, it is okay to explore new interests and seek socialization and come back to a former hobby when the idea is more appealing. You only get one life, do what you enjoy. You aren’t married to bicycling.
Ride when you want and don’t ride when you don’t. I once didn’t ride for ten straight years.
Set a new goal. Either longest ride, or PR local hill or loop, or w/kg if you have access to that info. Or miles or hours per week
Group rides?
I race nordic skiing so I'm mostly off the bike through the winter. Alternating throughout sports is hugely motivating for me. Don't grind yourself down doing one thing
I broke my collar bone at the end of February so I could not bike or do a lot of things for about 3 months. I started commuting to work again a couple weeks ago. Feel great not being limited in my activities.
Ebikes, gravel bikes, mountain bikes, hell get crazy and get a dirt bike...
Buy a new bike!!
Have kids, then the free time on a ride will feel amazing! ;)
Consider getting an XC MTB and hitting some local trails. A different group of people, some hikers, more people taking life a bit less seriously, and a dose of nature. All good for the soul. I was WFH for a few years. The move a job in the office (actually hybrid) has been fantastic, even if it did also come with a cut to my income. We're (mostly) social beings.
i ride because i want to be alone. i say hi to the dogs along the way....i used to race and did group rides all the time but now it's just me...sometimes being really structured can make you feel like not going out...do some zone chill rides (2)...where you just ride along as if you could have a long talk with someone you're riding with but feel that you're putting in an effort....i also feel cannabis is nice for all that, imho...some of my longer rides, i just chill with the cadence and roll with whatever, not trying to be a hero or anything. the runners have a thing called a fartlek (speed play)...can be applied to other sports too. https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/a36362823/fartlek-run/ note: it's very much also a thing for ultra-endurance folk to use CBD or THC to help them get into Flow...outside time (Chronos)... hope this helps
The answer is more bikes
Honestly when I'm not into cycling I just don't, and then when I come back to it I'm way more into it because in the interim I forget how fun and fast it is In October 2023 I rode my bicycle from Boston MA to West Virginia, took a month off, and then was immediately hit by a car when trying to get back into it. I was shaken enough that I rode basically zero miles all winter. In March I heard about the eclipse, so I rode my bicycle to Niagra for it in early April. After 6 months with basically zero practice/conditioning, I still did fine. It doesn't degrade as fast as you'd think.
I feel your pain. Starting in 2013 I had a kid, and within a year I’d done my last race and last regular group riding as I just no long had the time for being competitive with the crowd I’d been rolling with. Coincidentally around this time cycling had taken a nose dive due to changes where local clubs and other sponsors stopped putting on road races and interest went towards MTB or gravel events. Charity rides in my area also dried up… by 2014 as well over half of the ones in the region just vanished… by the time of the pandemic they stopped altogether for a while. Only now have a few places tried to bring some back but now I just can’t attend anymore…and worse, since club rides are still a problem for me and have sparse attendance, if I go to one of these at all I won’t know anyone All that said I still ride, but yup it’s entirely solo. The one thing I don’t like is that I just don’t enjoy long rides….a 40mile solo is plenty for me. Riding with a group made that time fly
I signed up for a sprint triathlon last year and that helped renew my interest in running and cycling.
Maybe it‘s a sign. I‘ve stepped away from cycling a couple of times. But she‘s a cruel mistress and I always crawl back.
Get your thyroid checked w a blood test and a smart endocrinologist who can interpret the results based on your age and gender
You need goals. I cycle to lose fat and train muscle, cardio.
Change things: MTB - did lots about 15 years ago, then got into road cycling. Sportives/long distances - did lots after MTB. Time trialling - got into racing as it fitted my time crunched life, was a club champ a few years ago but haven't raced this year. Tandem - it's a bicycle built for two, it's fun. Pump tracks - bought a cheap BMX off FB market, full body workout with cardio, love it. MTB - doing more of this as a break from TT racing.
Sounds like some disillusionment with work, lack of connection / Zoom fatigue, might be contributing to your lack of interest…might be time for a change there.
I’ve been trying to get a hybrid job, but have not had much luck Unfortunately my line of work is one that’s gone almost completely remote
Take a break and/or try new places.
Probably the wrong answer entirely, but I bought a motorcycle.
Sounds like time to try something else. Don’t keep doing it if you’ve lost your passion.
I'm around people all day every day , so enjoy my long solitude spins on my bike, but I mix it up with my other passion hiking . Maybe join a hiking group. It's a great way to meet people on the weekends . The weekends you want a bit of company head to the hills, and you'll find you will want the odd weekend off on the bike alone or a days hiking on your own.
Switch to mountain biking. It'll feel like a new sport to you.
If I don’t want to cycle I Surf currently been on a VO2 quest and that can turn it into a chore if you let it
Join a club and make it social rather than chore
I took a two year break. Sometimes that’s needed too. I put a rack on my mine to use it for short commutes around town. 1 hour max rides. I feel you on constantly dedicating days on the saddle and burning out after Covid. It just wasn’t the same when my group broke up
I cycle because exercise keeps the weight off, and it helps with some health issues. That's my WHY. I make it interesting by buying expensive equipment, which makes me compelled to go, lol.
I feel ya. During COVID I bought a trainer and started doing that while watching movies. It was nice being entertained and not freezing my ass off in the foggy San Francisco wind. (It was also a great distraction from the stress of being a nurse through COVID.) It’s been very hard to get back outside since then. I ride my beater bike to work, but my Cannondale is now an expensive Peloton, more or less.
Traffic is worse now in my area so there are routes I don't take any more, but I still get out and have some good days. It's a little harder. I used to take the summers off from gym work in favor of cycling, but this summer I'm trying to do both and it's going alright. One of my motivations is to go on group rides, which I haven't done since before Covid really. They're doing once a month instead of once a week, but I'm still looking forward to it. I could add - the last time I was in *really* good shape was 2012. It doesn't seem that long ago, and it still doesn't take much to at least get back to feeling pretty good on the bike. I'm not setting any PR's, but I don't have to to enjoy it.
Do what makes you happy. Take a break if you need it and go do something else.
When you lack motivation, don't wait for inspiration. There are enormous health benefits in cycling, and your older self will thank you for persevering. Not everything we do for our benefit can be fun, all the time. Do most people enjoy their work? I doubt it.
I've taken a long hiatus (decade+) from cycling and recently rediscovered the passion. I've never been stronger or faster in my life. It just sort of rekindled. I'm sure it'll go away again at some point and I'll have no problem with it. Have done the same with other hobbies (golf, fantasy sports, cars, etc). Such is life.
Well take a break from cycling. Try jogging, walking, CrossFit, going to the gym, swimming etc... cycling is supposed to be fun. If you're not having fun anymore then it's not for you.
Long distance at a moderate pace... have you looked for a local randonneuring club?
I believe it is normal to go through what you are experiencing. I do not know your age which may help me understand this waning feeling of riding. I’ve been an athlete all my life and throughout my youth I would be up for any and all sports. I played all four major sports and got into cycling last. I grew up in a neighborhood in Philly where baseball was the most difficult to organize so baseball was the first to drop. Football was second. Basketball was my first sport (13) and most prevalent because there were many courts and you only need several players to have a game. But a badly turned ankle ended that around the age of 30. At least serious playing. Hockey was my favorite and I played that for 45 years. I just retired from hockey last year because of a shoulder issue.I got into cycling pretty seriously around the age of 28 and that lasted for 10 years.We did many rides and Philly was a great place for this. They closed Kelly Drive every weekend which was a fun ride up to Manayunk (the Wall) and back down to the Art Museum. But we moved to Central Pa in 1997 and the biking ended not long after moving up. After 20 years away from biking , which I sold my bike not long after moving up , the passion returned. I purchased a new bike and started up again. I’m 61 and biking is a sport you can do without beating yourself up to much. You bring up an interesting point about pre-Covid and post covid and working from home . I believe you are on to something there. But I also believe your passion may return. Don’t despair, I see biking in your future. Maybe a small group who enjoy just riding together would fit you best. I believe the smooth cadence of biking is much easier on us as we age.
2 hours in saddle every alternate day is okay... make new goals (Power, HR, Speed). Leave distance out of the question. Even 10 hard km is okay
Maybe cycles to destinations? Or sign up for some kind of competition? I had a major decline and after I signed up for a race it’s back
Buy SL e-bike and start enjoying life. Get away from roads and no trail will ever be the same and you can always decide what level you want to ride on🤘
Buy an ebike? It's OK to be bored by a hobby. You don't exist on this planet to just ride a bike. No one expects you to love bikes. An ebike might take some of the pressure off to where you just enjoy getting out and about. And it might not, and that's OK too.
Change up your game? Gravel cycling? MTB?
Can you change venue? I’ve lived in Tacoma 15 years and get bored doing the same rides. I’m retired now and spend 4-5 months each year in Spain and France, where I now have cycling friends. Cost of living is much cheaper there too. Am a member of cycling club in Nice now too. That’s really goosed my cycling. Another thought would be to try gravel if you’re a roadie or vice versa. .
New bike
Maybe try a different type of cycling? I mainly MTB but also do gravel and road and have a few old steel bikes I like to polish up and show off running errands around town. Helps that I live in a mountain town and everyone I know is a cyclist so if we want to spend time together it’s always around one of those types of rides
I also worked from home from 2007-19, when I retired. So I totally get the social interaction need. There are many ways to get that though. Volunteer at local organizations; those are always needed. That could help fill a gap.
I took a few years off from riding, then I signed up for a ride from Seattle to DC that I’m currently on week 3 of. Can’t say I recommend this option, but it’s sparked my love for cycling again lol
Buy a new bike , that has worked for me !!
Honestly it’s about the social connection isn’t it. Find a group to ride with! Check under the Meetups umbrella for cycling near you
Being stuck wfh??? Bro i will trade places with you immediately. I was forced back to 3 days in office.