We all ride for different reasons. From the casual riders all the way up to the pros we all have different motivations. Just this week I saw a rider on a beach cruiser with 2 flats tires plugging along without a care in the world. I also saw a couple on a high end tandem perfectly in sync while having a good time and making good time. There were also Roadies and MTB'ers taking their ride with the utmost focus as they push the limits of their strength and skills.
For me my motivation is simple:
Fitness for Body and Mind in a way that is fun.
An article by David Fiedler summed it up nicely.
1) For Your Body:
Riding a bike offers many health benefits. Here are just a few:
- increased cardiovascular fitness
- increased strength
- increased balance and flexibility
- increased endurance and stamina
- increased calories burned
It can be done by people of all ages, from childhood up even through the adult years when achy joints don't allow for more stressful exercise like jogging.
2) For Your State of Mind:
Riding a bike is a proven stress releaser. Regardless of if you are riding purely for pleasure or for a specific purpose, you will arrive at your destination feeling relaxed, energized and happier about the world and yourself.
Plus, being out on your bike is just flat-out fun. The more time you spend on two wheels, the harder it is to take yourself too seriously. (end of quote)
But keeping motivated and staying on track can be challenging. Since I started riding I have lost 40 pounds. But with the shorter days and busy schedule my 6 days a week of riding was starting to dwindle to 2. I actually gained 5 of those pound back during that time. But I am glad to say I took it back off and have ridden 5 days straight in a row! And boy does that feel good!!!
I have a goal of losing 25 pound more and then maintaining that weight for good! So I found what works for me is making my rides interesting and goal oriented. I do this by having 3 types of rides.
1) I ride with a story in mind. That is the sole reason I started this blog, Today on the Trail. If I see an angle or place or trail to write about, it gives me that extra push to get out there and explore new things. By the time I am finished I have gone 10 to 20 miles and it seemed effortless.
2) Ride for pure workout. I downloaded an app that helps me share my rides with my riding buddies on Instagram. Tonight I did 13.88 miles. Last night 12 and Monday night 18.2, that doesn't even count the weekend which are my bigger mileage days. So between my app and my bike computer I get the feedback I need to keep me going!
3) I ride with friends. These are some of the best rides! This Monday a few friends of mine are planning a beach ride. Typically that is around 50 miles. But it doesn't seem like it when you are hanging out with good friends and before you know it the time flew by!
Staying on track has always been hard for me when it come to exercise. BUT, cycling has really helped change that! It makes staying healthy fun and possible and it helps gets all the cobwebs out that can bring our state of mind down at times.
When I see the trails filled with riders of all sorts including kids, it's such a cool thing. It helps me see others are doing what works for them to stay on track which is why I love being...
-Today...on the Trail-