Doing the same cycling routine over and over again can be boring and dull your motivation. Have you ever felt that way? Here are some ways to change things up and put some jazz back into your peddling, so your bike doesn’t begin to look like this.
Florida offers a lot of variety for cyclists whether you ride on roads, mountain bike trails, gravel or paved trails. You need not look further than your own location or something within an hour’s drive away.
First of all, assess your current routine of cycling. How often do you ride the same route, same distance, same bike? Would you like some variety? What type? Make a quick list.
As avid cyclists we like, even love, riding our bike(s). But we could all use a little change. For instance, I had never ridden an e-bike. But while on vacation in Arizona my wife and I rented e-bikes. It was great fun and an easy way to explore new bike trails that we otherwise would not have. Nor would we have attempted the longer distances.
Here are some ideas to break up the routine
Map out a new route you’ve not ridden before. Ask a local bike shop or fellow cyclists for recommendations. You can also read about “Destination Trails” in back issues of the Florida Cycling Newsletter. “Destination Trails” are places worth the drive for the cycling experience. We have written about routes throughout Florida. You might also search on Ride with GPS for routes near you. It’s also a great resource.
Join a group ride, that fits your style, average speed and distance. While visiting friends on Sanibel Island, I researched cycling groups on the island. As a courtesy I emailed a contact on the club’s website, inquiring if I could join them and told them the distance and average speed that I was comfortable riding. The club gladly invited me to join them. Many bike clubs throughout Florida are listed on our companion website FloridaCycling.us.
Invite a few friends to join you for a ride. Make it a social event or “conversation pace” ride. Together ride a new route. Be sure to let them know how far you plan on riding, the type of ride, something about the route and the planned average speed. They’ll know what to expect, no surprises. So they will ride with you again.
Inquire at a local bike shop for their recommendation for some gravel trails, road routes or MTB trails close to you or within an hour’s drive.
Ride farther. If 15 miles is your routine, go 20 or 25 miles. Or go from 30 miles to 45. Push yourself, without breaking yourself. Bring extra water. Bring a snack or energy bar. Stop a couple of times at a nice spot along the trail or road and stretch. Take in the scenery. Don’t go for a new speed record and end up with a suffer fest. Go for a new distance and at a speed that won’t make you suffer. End the ride with a renewed sense of accomplishment.
Enter an event. Most events offer multiple distances and provide rest stops along the way with water and some nourishment. If you have not ridden in a cycling event, start toward the back, so you aren’t intimidated by 100 or more cyclists passing you. Riding in an event also lets you ride a new route, adding interest to your cycling. Registering for an event, will motivate you in your training. A goal always pushes us to accomplish more. And invite a friend to register with you, making it harder to be a no-show. FloridaCycling.us has a comprehensive listing of cycling events across Florida and select events outside of Florida.
Buy a new bike or cycling gear. Yes, this means shelling out some cash. But shop around. Maybe you have a road bike and you want to try gravel cycling. Or consider wider tires for your road bike. It’s a less expensive way to upgrade to do some gravel riding. Or maybe you have an MTB and you want a hybrid that will allow you to ride on the road and gravel on a lighter frame. If you’re game, shop on Facebook Marketplace (I’ve bought four bikes on Facebook). There are usually some good deals out there. Or maybe there is a special birthday coming up. I got a new bike from my family when they all pitched in for a combined Christmas and birthday present. If buying a new bike is not in the budget, consider getting something new for your bike or new cycling gear.
Introduce a new generation to cycling. Take your children, grandchildren, or other young people you know for a ride and introduce them to the joy of cycling. Host a kid’s bike rodeo. The Florida Bicycle Association is a resource to learn how to host a bike rodeo.
Share your ideas
You are one of thousands of cyclists who will read this post. Help out your fellow cyclists by leaving a comment at the bottom of this email about a way you break up your cycling routine. Whether on your road, MTB, gravel, e-bike or fat tire bike.
Ride often. Ride safe.
Bruce