Not Enjoying Riding Anymore

[TrippleX]

I'm not one for posting as a rule, more of a lurker around these parts, but sometimes it is therapeutic to share issues with likeminded people.

I have had back issues for the last four months, which meant I couldn't walk without a stick, never mind even think about swinging a leg over the bike. However, after treatment, things are a lot better, I can walk unaided, drive and get back on the bike.

Yesterday I had the day to myself, I had planned a ride from Lincoln to the Peak District and was really looking forward to it. However after setting off and only covering a few miles I felt like I wasn't enjoying it as much as I anticipated. I pressed on for a bit, thinking I'll get into it, but I actually found myself disliking riding, so I turned round and headed for home. By the time I put the bike back in the garage I felt like I had fallen out with biking.

I have had periods before over the years, where I couldn't be bothered with the bike, but I have never felt like this before.

I'm not going to rush into selling it, it can stay in the garage for a while, but I just wondered if anyone else has experienced such an extreme reaction to something that they used to enjoy.

[Wacky Racer]

Wait until the better weather.

I'm what you call a fair weather rider.

My bike never comes out before April and after September and only then if it's at least 15c and no chance of rain,

I generally do 4/500 miles a year, but enjoy every single one of them.

[Rob 131 Sport]

I’ve been obsessed with motorcycles since I was a child and still love racing (especially BSB and Pure Road Racing).

I did the usual thing at 16 (back in 1989) of getting a Kawasaki AR50 and progressing from there, whilst having a break from motorcycling until the youngest was 10.

In 2022, I rode a lot and then in the autumn put the bike away as usual. A few weeks later, I felt that I didn’t want to ride anymore. To the OP, my decision wasn’t because of the enjoyment factor but was down to safety considerations.

[NITO]

I have had this. You ll feel it again, just don t force it. I find having a purpose to ride is half the battle, I don t often ride just for the sake of it, early Sunday morning runs for a coffee/breakfast with one or two friends does it for me and the ensuing conversations when you get there is a great outlet. Riding alone for the sake of riding sometimes feels a bit empty.

I too had back troubles with a ruptured disc in my back and couldn t ride for 3 years and struggled to drive even. Thankfully it resolved but it was a horrible time. I ended up turning to RC cars, an old hobby which I got back into in a big way for those 3 years including learning to airbrush which is almost a hobby in itself. It kept me sane at a very low time. As they say, a change is as good as a rest.

Edited by NITO on Wednesday 25th February 06:02

[ChocolateFrog]

I sold mine a couple of years ago. A combination of factors. Not much time to ride for pleasure, the faff of suiting and booting for the commute and the penalty for failure with the kids to consider.

I haven't had the desire to get another bike and I if I was betting I'd say that's me done.

The only time I get pangs for riding now is when a mate posts an update on his RTW trip, he's currently in Baja California and
a Triumph in the Mexican sun looks preferable to work in the UK.