Have you ever just lost interest in cycling?
Discussion
I genuinely can't tell if I am unwell or something - but having got back in the saddle in January to commence this years cycling I have really struggled. Sometimes it feels like physically, but I wonder whether it is actually mentally and this is translating through as physical. I have been cycling regularly, in fact daily, since 2012. In 2013 I ramped up my miles across a variety of road bikes, and ever since have been doing between 4 - 6k miles a year. I commute by bike including train travel, and have ridden in various groups. Strava tells me I have ridden 62'500 miles since 2013 when I started recording it.
I had a nasty accident in August last year and gave it a rest, but still did some miles through Autumn. But this year, I just can't get into it. This feels like it is for so many different reasons. Some of these are, people seem to have stopped cycling outdoors or attending group rides, road state is abysmal, drivers are abysmal, its been freezing until literally today, I have so much else to do these days and just want to get on and do those things, cycling just isn't a priority. Part of me feels guilty for how obsessed I was with it and how much time I invested in it - what did I achieve, what was it for? I sacrificed other more important things to put in saddle time - for no obvious reason.
I am finding that I am just not going out, or wanting to go out as much, and when I do it is enjoyable but more of a chore. I used to chomp at the bit to go out and prioritise it over all else. I am finding that when I go out I just feel bored/tired and had enough very early on in the ride, it's really odd. My mind just isn't in it at all. I am managing to do other exercise ok like HIT at home, and some weights / bodyweight work, and this just seems better as I can fit it in sound my schedule without having to kit up and leave and it is nice to have some definition and strength back rather than being a scrawny cycling prawn. Although I am still small and light but always have been.
Speaking to a couple of guys I rode with on a recent club ride (3 of us in total) it appears that many have simply stopped cycling and only the true die hard are left. Is there a shelf life where the obsession just wears out? I thought I would never stop but I am considering just packing it all in. What is concerning me is how little I care about it all. I literally couldn't give a s
t. My circumstances have totally changed from when I was doing big miles, my commute has lessened and shortened and I have other responsibilities that I can't avoid.
I would be interested to hear others who have reached the same point or gone through similar. I don't really relish the thought of an event either to gain motivation. I never needed motivation before so why now. I have just hit 44 if that's relevant. Everything just feels different.
I had a nasty accident in August last year and gave it a rest, but still did some miles through Autumn. But this year, I just can't get into it. This feels like it is for so many different reasons. Some of these are, people seem to have stopped cycling outdoors or attending group rides, road state is abysmal, drivers are abysmal, its been freezing until literally today, I have so much else to do these days and just want to get on and do those things, cycling just isn't a priority. Part of me feels guilty for how obsessed I was with it and how much time I invested in it - what did I achieve, what was it for? I sacrificed other more important things to put in saddle time - for no obvious reason.
I am finding that I am just not going out, or wanting to go out as much, and when I do it is enjoyable but more of a chore. I used to chomp at the bit to go out and prioritise it over all else. I am finding that when I go out I just feel bored/tired and had enough very early on in the ride, it's really odd. My mind just isn't in it at all. I am managing to do other exercise ok like HIT at home, and some weights / bodyweight work, and this just seems better as I can fit it in sound my schedule without having to kit up and leave and it is nice to have some definition and strength back rather than being a scrawny cycling prawn. Although I am still small and light but always have been.
Speaking to a couple of guys I rode with on a recent club ride (3 of us in total) it appears that many have simply stopped cycling and only the true die hard are left. Is there a shelf life where the obsession just wears out? I thought I would never stop but I am considering just packing it all in. What is concerning me is how little I care about it all. I literally couldn't give a s
t. My circumstances have totally changed from when I was doing big miles, my commute has lessened and shortened and I have other responsibilities that I can't avoid.I would be interested to hear others who have reached the same point or gone through similar. I don't really relish the thought of an event either to gain motivation. I never needed motivation before so why now. I have just hit 44 if that's relevant. Everything just feels different.
I guess a lot depends on why you ride and does that still hold true?
I ride for health, both mental and physical. Nothing clears my head like a few hours on the bike and I regularly don't want to go out, especially in the winter but always am pleased I went out afterwards. I personally find having a few big rides planned and working towards those helps, I do struggle a bit without these on the horizon.
Having said all that - our roads are getting worse, I wouldn't still be riding if I was on 23" tyres still. I love exploring but am getting to a point where there's not much I haven't explored locally, a bit worried that in another 5 years, I'll get bored of the routes but have zero plans to move.
I try not to think about cars and poor driving, I think the evidence is still that the cycling health benefits vastly outweigh the risks.
If all else fails, buy a new bike / try a new type of riding.
I ride for health, both mental and physical. Nothing clears my head like a few hours on the bike and I regularly don't want to go out, especially in the winter but always am pleased I went out afterwards. I personally find having a few big rides planned and working towards those helps, I do struggle a bit without these on the horizon.
Having said all that - our roads are getting worse, I wouldn't still be riding if I was on 23" tyres still. I love exploring but am getting to a point where there's not much I haven't explored locally, a bit worried that in another 5 years, I'll get bored of the routes but have zero plans to move.
I try not to think about cars and poor driving, I think the evidence is still that the cycling health benefits vastly outweigh the risks.
If all else fails, buy a new bike / try a new type of riding.
I went through something a bit similar when I got Covid - before that I would easily go out for 60-80 mile rides with the occasional century a couple of times a year, and commute 18 miles each way to work 2 or 3 times a week, but I went through a stage where I really struggled to do more than a couple of hours, and if I did any more I was pretty much crawling home in the small ring, and have never really ramped up to the bigger miles again, or started commuting.
I think as I've got older (now 52) I've moved more towards cycling for mental health and trying to focus on enjoying being out instead of average speed. I'm mainly just enjoying getting out in the fresh air and appreciating the amazing scenery and almost deserted back roads where I live (North Fife / Perthshire). Hammering about trying to maintain average speeds doesn't really do it for me anymore.
Getting a gravel bike was one of the best things I've done - being able to do off-road rides and get out onto tracks and hills that a road bike couldn't do has been great, with lots of options near me.
I do find I have very little motivation to go on the turbo over winter to stay fast though, but I'm considering booking an early season event like Etape Loch Ness next year.
As above, I'm a bit worried about motivation after I've exhausted exploring most local options (been here 18 months), so I might try to get slightly further afield to keep things fresh.
I think as I've got older (now 52) I've moved more towards cycling for mental health and trying to focus on enjoying being out instead of average speed. I'm mainly just enjoying getting out in the fresh air and appreciating the amazing scenery and almost deserted back roads where I live (North Fife / Perthshire). Hammering about trying to maintain average speeds doesn't really do it for me anymore.
Getting a gravel bike was one of the best things I've done - being able to do off-road rides and get out onto tracks and hills that a road bike couldn't do has been great, with lots of options near me.
I do find I have very little motivation to go on the turbo over winter to stay fast though, but I'm considering booking an early season event like Etape Loch Ness next year.
As above, I'm a bit worried about motivation after I've exhausted exploring most local options (been here 18 months), so I might try to get slightly further afield to keep things fresh.
I switch between Running and Cycling. I get bored of Cycling after a while. Infact I too used to rack up 10-12,000km per year communting but haven't touched my bike since August 2024 and even then the last few years have been a max of 3,000km.
These days I pick route that are quiet and that means my rides are rarely longer than 40km. I have no interest cycling on busy roads anymore.
Perhaps try "Gravel" cycling to mix thing up a bit? I've been thinking about going down that route.
These days I pick route that are quiet and that means my rides are rarely longer than 40km. I have no interest cycling on busy roads anymore.
Perhaps try "Gravel" cycling to mix thing up a bit? I've been thinking about going down that route.
Yup. I doubt I'll ride my road bike again. Too many st drivers on the roads who have zero spatial awareness. Haven't even watched the TdF since the Armstrong days.
I can ride up onto the moors from my house so MTB is more appealing anyway, but just the few hundred meters I spend on the road has resulted in so many wkers pull out on front of me on the mini roundabout in the town it's just not worth it. People come on holiday and switch their brain off.
t drivers on the roads who have zero spatial awareness. Haven't even watched the TdF since the Armstrong days.I can ride up onto the moors from my house so MTB is more appealing anyway, but just the few hundred meters I spend on the road has resulted in so many w
kers pull out on front of me on the mini roundabout in the town it's just not worth it. People come on holiday and switch their brain off.Cycling for me comes and goes, like you, there were times where cycling was my life. I would do anything to ensure I stuck to my ride plan. Then other times I find it got boring, or I was struggling with tiredness.
This is my journey
-> 2007 to 2010 : MTB rides/trips every weekend, even through Winter. All of the Wales and Scotland trail centres, and some Down Hill courses, including Fort William - then I stopped for a few years
-> 2014 to 2015 : Started MTB riding again
-> End of 2014 to mid 2019 : I started road cycling, mainly to get fit for MTB riding but I enjoyed road cycling so much I dropped the MTB stuff.
I was cycling around 150 miles a week for over 5 years. I joined a club and got to a decent standard, being able to hold 4 watts per KG for over a hour. I bought an indoor trainer (Tacx Neo) and signed up to Zwift, which made riding/training through Winter much easier. I would get the Strava KOM's on most of the Sportives I entered (yes I know they are not races
) which would give me the motivation to keep training and riding.
I remember this ride in 2018 being so strong, all the the way through, even though it was very hot : https://www.strava.com/activities/1717079779
Then mid way through 2019 I felt I was always physically and mentally tired, so one day in August 2019 I just stopped.
-> 2020 I started MTB riding again, this time with my son won was 9 at the time. Moistly just enjoying being on the bike, riding slowly, watching my son enjoy the off road riding too..
-> Now we ride together a few times a month, during the Spring to Autumn time. We have eMTB's so this helps maximise the time we get riding.
This is my journey
-> 2007 to 2010 : MTB rides/trips every weekend, even through Winter. All of the Wales and Scotland trail centres, and some Down Hill courses, including Fort William - then I stopped for a few years
-> 2014 to 2015 : Started MTB riding again
-> End of 2014 to mid 2019 : I started road cycling, mainly to get fit for MTB riding but I enjoyed road cycling so much I dropped the MTB stuff.
I was cycling around 150 miles a week for over 5 years. I joined a club and got to a decent standard, being able to hold 4 watts per KG for over a hour. I bought an indoor trainer (Tacx Neo) and signed up to Zwift, which made riding/training through Winter much easier. I would get the Strava KOM's on most of the Sportives I entered (yes I know they are not races
) which would give me the motivation to keep training and riding.I remember this ride in 2018 being so strong, all the the way through, even though it was very hot : https://www.strava.com/activities/1717079779
Then mid way through 2019 I felt I was always physically and mentally tired, so one day in August 2019 I just stopped.
-> 2020 I started MTB riding again, this time with my son won was 9 at the time. Moistly just enjoying being on the bike, riding slowly, watching my son enjoy the off road riding too..
-> Now we ride together a few times a month, during the Spring to Autumn time. We have eMTB's so this helps maximise the time we get riding.
Edited by SDK on Friday 11th April 18:08
Isn't it about doing something you enjoy? I've not got enough time to properly get into cycling these days apart from the work commute, 30 minutes each way on the eBike in work cloth. The 'nice' bike has done barely 500 miles in 2.5 years but I still enjoy riding it.
I do though spend more time doing strength workouts than dedicated cycling. However I still love looking at bike gear, and will almost certainly add to the pedal bike collection later this year (n=5). Zero guilt about it, as these days I prefer to spend ££££ on pedal bikes than cars.
I do though spend more time doing strength workouts than dedicated cycling. However I still love looking at bike gear, and will almost certainly add to the pedal bike collection later this year (n=5). Zero guilt about it, as these days I prefer to spend ££££ on pedal bikes than cars
.I get where you're coming from as I almost feel the same this year. I know cycling has peaks and troughs but it just feels like everything is against cycling right now, the roads are terrible, other drivers couldn't care less, the price of cycling equipment/bikes is ridiculous and now Eurosport has gone it doesn't look like I'll be watching much cycling either (I'm not prepared to pay £300+).
Just after COVID I started riding a MTB again (first time since my teens) and it's been great fun, I've ridden up mountains I struggle to walk up, done jumps I wouldn't even consider doing as a teen and there's no road traffic. I can see why gravel bikes have become popular.
During winter I used to push myself to go out of it was cold, now I just jump on zwift for an hour but I'm not pushing my self anywhere near what I would if I was out.
This week I joined my first local club ride and it was great fun, just like old times and I really felt like I'd put some effort in when I got home. I'm going to start making more effort and make sure I go and try to squeeze another bigger ride on my own in somewhere in the week.
Just after COVID I started riding a MTB again (first time since my teens) and it's been great fun, I've ridden up mountains I struggle to walk up, done jumps I wouldn't even consider doing as a teen and there's no road traffic. I can see why gravel bikes have become popular.
During winter I used to push myself to go out of it was cold, now I just jump on zwift for an hour but I'm not pushing my self anywhere near what I would if I was out.
This week I joined my first local club ride and it was great fun, just like old times and I really felt like I'd put some effort in when I got home. I'm going to start making more effort and make sure I go and try to squeeze another bigger ride on my own in somewhere in the week.
Absolutely with you OP. Cycling was my life from 2013 - 2019, at which point 200 miles a week wasn’t uncommon, along with four or fiver century+ rides and a couple of cycling trips abroad each year.
Rode lots through Covid too, then after that a promotion, a couple of house moves and generally ‘busy’ life meant other things took priority.
I’ve always loved exercise, so running and weights work took over with the odd bike ride thrown in. While I’d love to get back in true cycling shape for some epic, long distance summer rides again the time commitment to build that very specific type of endurance just doesn’t seem worth it at the moment. I still make use of the Wattbike in the garage, and intend to try and get some more miles in over spring / summer. Time will tell…
Rode lots through Covid too, then after that a promotion, a couple of house moves and generally ‘busy’ life meant other things took priority.
I’ve always loved exercise, so running and weights work took over with the odd bike ride thrown in. While I’d love to get back in true cycling shape for some epic, long distance summer rides again the time commitment to build that very specific type of endurance just doesn’t seem worth it at the moment. I still make use of the Wattbike in the garage, and intend to try and get some more miles in over spring / summer. Time will tell…
Similar to you, I got majorly into cycling a few years back, steadily improving and really enjoyed being out on the bike for both my physical and mental wellbeing. Then I got knocked off in 2023, broke my neck and fractured my skull. Have really struggled to rekindle my love for riding ever since.
This year has been a bit better, and this week in particular, but overall I keep finding reasons/excuses NOT to ride.
I'm hoping it comes back to me cos it's truly one of the only things in life I enjoy.
This year has been a bit better, and this week in particular, but overall I keep finding reasons/excuses NOT to ride.
I'm hoping it comes back to me cos it's truly one of the only things in life I enjoy.
I find it’s a bit of a habit that if I get out of I need to really try to get back into.
Don’t want to tempt fate but I just don’t have the same view of road riding others appear to, maybe it’s where I ride but motorists seem fine to me, I have lights all year round.
Now I’ll get knocked off…
Don’t want to tempt fate but I just don’t have the same view of road riding others appear to, maybe it’s where I ride but motorists seem fine to me, I have lights all year round.
Now I’ll get knocked off…
Yep, in the past was a 1000s KMs a year cyclist. Not riding outside for years, bike is on the turbo in the office, not been used in a year.
Actually at the point now where I wonder if I'll ever go back or should just start selling it all.
Not really sure why I lost interest. Just have and do different things now. Was mostly a triathlete before and I still swim and run but the bike doesn't interest me at all.
Actually at the point now where I wonder if I'll ever go back or should just start selling it all.
Not really sure why I lost interest. Just have and do different things now. Was mostly a triathlete before and I still swim and run but the bike doesn't interest me at all.
SDK said:
I remember this ride in 2018 being so strong, all the the way through, even though it was very hot : https://www.strava.com/activities/1717079779
Genuinely thanks for posting that. (Have read all comments and going through them one by one, more to follow)I did Ride London in 2015 - no willy waving intended, but at the time and up until recently I maintained a level of fitness that saw a good result. I set off in the 2nd wave, and completed in 4 hours 11 mins. There was some drafting of course, but there was a lot of solo work too as I was at level where I would go off and meet the next group, and so on, and so on.
I would post the ride, but choose not to for identity reasons - I could crop it though. Just reading the other comments.
gangzoom said:
Isn't it about doing something you enjoy? I've not got enough time to properly get into cycling these days apart from the work commute, 30 minutes each way on the eBike in work cloth. The 'nice' bike has done barely 500 miles in 2.5 years but I still enjoy riding it.
I do though spend more time doing strength workouts than dedicated cycling. However I still love looking at bike gear, and will almost certainly add to the pedal bike collection later this year (n=5). Zero guilt about it, as these days I prefer to spend ££££ on pedal bikes than cars.
Agreed. Still have my 3 dedicated road bikes, and all are in "as new" condition. Ish. My winter Wilier GTR glossy lime is clean but gets the brunt.. I do though spend more time doing strength workouts than dedicated cycling. However I still love looking at bike gear, and will almost certainly add to the pedal bike collection later this year (n=5). Zero guilt about it, as these days I prefer to spend ££££ on pedal bikes than cars
.Amazing replies and restoration of faith in the forum to some degree. Really appreciate the honesty.
Gravel - its where everyone seems to be. I own 7 bikes, and maybe I should venture off road more. I will type a more meaningful reply tomorrow but this has reassured me so thanks for the replies, means a lot.
Gravel - its where everyone seems to be. I own 7 bikes, and maybe I should venture off road more. I will type a more meaningful reply tomorrow but this has reassured me so thanks for the replies, means a lot.
I have never been a super keen regular cyclist, but have always enjoyed leisure cycling.
I don’t cycle much in winter, & because I have a bit of a walking challenge coming up, won’t be doing any miles over the next couple of months.
That said, when I do get back on it, I know I will enjoy it.
Maybe you just need a break.
I don’t cycle much in winter, & because I have a bit of a walking challenge coming up, won’t be doing any miles over the next couple of months.
That said, when I do get back on it, I know I will enjoy it.
Maybe you just need a break.
Gin and Ultrasonic said:
I went through something a bit similar when I got Covid - before that I would easily go out for 60-80 mile rides with the occasional century a couple of times a year, and commute 18 miles each way to work 2 or 3 times a week, but I went through a stage where I really struggled to do more than a couple of hours, and if I did any more I was pretty much crawling home in the small ring, and have never really ramped up to the bigger miles again, or started commuting.
I think as I've got older (now 52) I've moved more towards cycling for mental health and trying to focus on enjoying being out instead of average speed. I'm mainly just enjoying getting out in the fresh air and appreciating the amazing scenery and almost deserted back roads where I live (North Fife / Perthshire). Hammering about trying to maintain average speeds doesn't really do it for me anymore.
I managed not to get covid until November last year, but it has left me with some sort of post-viral fatigue like I've never known. I'm struggling to do more than half an hour on Zwift a week still, and I haven't dared to go riding outdoors in case my legs give up or I knacker myself (I felt good a couple of weekends ago; did a load of jobs on Saturday I'd been putting off... Sunday I couldn't do anything, slept for 3 hours after lunch). It's slowly getting better, but I won't be off for a fairly spontaneous 3 day ride around Snowdonia in June like I did last year.I think as I've got older (now 52) I've moved more towards cycling for mental health and trying to focus on enjoying being out instead of average speed. I'm mainly just enjoying getting out in the fresh air and appreciating the amazing scenery and almost deserted back roads where I live (North Fife / Perthshire). Hammering about trying to maintain average speeds doesn't really do it for me anymore.
Happily, I'm of a similar age to you and also now ride for mental health/enjoyment reasons as much as physical health; my amazing scenery and empty roads are in west Wales though
Having said that, and maybe more relevant to the OP, 3 years ago the loss of that enjoyment on what is one of my favourite rides is what clued me into the fact that the increase in my blood pressure meds had caused not quite a depression, but certainly a total flattening of my mood. Spoke to my GP and changed things around a bit and sorted it out. So it may be worth thinking if there are other factors playing into your lack of interest.
Absolutely with you OP. Cycling was my life from 2013 - 2019, at which point 200 miles a week wasn’t uncommon, along with four or fiver century+ rides and a couple of cycling trips abroad each year.
Rode lots through Covid too, then after that a promotion, a couple of house moves and generally ‘busy’ life meant other things took priority.
I’ve always loved exercise, so running and weights work took over with the odd bike ride thrown in. While I’d love to get back in true cycling shape for some epic, long distance summer rides again the time commitment to build that very specific type of endurance just doesn’t seem worth it at the moment. I still make use of the Wattbike in the garage, and intend to try and get some more miles in over spring / summer. Time will tell…
Rode lots through Covid too, then after that a promotion, a couple of house moves and generally ‘busy’ life meant other things took priority.
I’ve always loved exercise, so running and weights work took over with the odd bike ride thrown in. While I’d love to get back in true cycling shape for some epic, long distance summer rides again the time commitment to build that very specific type of endurance just doesn’t seem worth it at the moment. I still make use of the Wattbike in the garage, and intend to try and get some more miles in over spring / summer. Time will tell…
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