Getting Back to Cycling Routine

God, it’s been a while since I was on the saddle. I stopped cycling post the 400 KM’s brevet which I had to quit as a result of the strained ligament. I have been on rest ever since the event. A cycling routine is fun, no doubt about it, however, once you take a break it is abundantly difficult to get back on your cycling schedule.

I rode my bike after a gap of a month today. I immediately knew what was I missing in the first few Km’s. Here is what I figured outpost riding after a month’s time. I am also going to be posting a Vlog for this, check out my YouTube Channel.

Stop Giving Excuses, Start Your Cycling Routine

There have been a few Mondays gone by when I told myself that I am going to start riding my bike. While getting back on the saddle won’t be easy, it’s certainly possible. The first step in the process is to get rid of any of the excuses as to why you haven’t started riding the bike. Concentrate on what you can do right now.

If you can only ride two days a week for 30 minutes at a time, then that’s your starting point. Try not to focus on speed or mileage at first. Pump up your tires, oil your chain, and focus on having fun again. You’ll get back into the swing of things soon enough. I rode for 3 hours for a damn 50 km ride today. I got my bike services and now ready to rock again.

Make a List

I started riding the bike because I wanted to lose weight. Since then quite a few pointers added to my list of why I wanted to cycle. I wanted to save money commuting to the office, losing weight, having fun or challenging yourself with brevet rides, etc.

Thinking about these things reminds you of all the great things about the sport and serves as motivation during those days when you don’t feel like riding. I like did not make a list, although I thought about all these things which got me back on my bike.

Call Your Ride Buddies

Riding solo is tough, I know this because I have done a lot of solo rides last year. Check out my STRAVA. A better way of getting back to your cycling routine is to go out with your ride buddies or join group rides at your local cycling clubs. Socializing on the bike with friends or like-minded cyclists at a local club is a great way to have fun and take your mind off the difficulty.

You’ll have good conversations, challenge your friends to a few good-spirited sprints and get to hang out afterward at your favorite local “Chai” shop. This not only can make it easy to slip back into the cycling routine, but you’ll also get fit more quickly by forcing yourself to hold that wheel of the guy or gal in front of you.

Set Realistic Goals

You do not have to go for a century ride the day you start riding after a long break. That is never going to happen, and will also elongate your resting period. Keep your goals simple. It could be something as simple as riding three days per week. Commuting to work one way by bike or tackling a long weekend ride with a friend. 

Once you accomplish these goals, set a few that are more difficult to conquer. Furthermore, will motivate you to ride a little further. Before you know it, you’ll be aiming for a Gran Fondo.

Reward Yourself

When was the last time you had a chilled beer after your bike ride? Don’t just keep on packing carbs without cycling. Go for a ride and then pack carbs, you will feel good and the beer will be worth it. Rewarding yourself for your hard work can help with that initial motivation. Buy cycling stuff that you always wanted to buy, but stopped yourself from getting it.

I know it’s tough to ride back again after a long pause. However, if I can start, so can you. Read the points and follow exactly what I wrote, it’s all coming through my experience. I am sure you are going to post your cycling pictures soon.

Let me know in case you have a different perspective when going back to your cycling routine. I would love to include your inputs in this article.

In case you love showing off your cycling picture, read my article on cycling hashtags that you can use to get more people to like and watch your picture.

Tips for cycling during the night.