Lately, I don’t know if I have an answer. I’ve never felt like this before, but my motivation to ride has been pretty low the last two months.
I have no races planned and haven’t committed to any adventures for 2017 yet. This is by far my busiest time of the year and just making time to ride seems like work in itself. I also rode a ton in the first half of the year training for the BC Bike Race (over 4000K) and I’m just tired.
I’m not looking for excuses, I’m just trying to figure out what has caused this lacklustre approach to my favourite pastime.
Oddly, I still think about riding all the time, I plan road trips in my head, I dream about trails I haven’t seen in a few months and I recently bought a DH bike so I can hit the Mt. Washington bike park a bunch next season. Having said that, I still have a lot of trouble getting myself out of the house and onto the trails. Last week I actually skipped a ride so I could work through through the night. Can you believe that? I can barely believe it, but its true.
Have I become responsible? Is this what growing up feels like? Did I just start acting my age? This is bull s#!+ and I’m putting a stop to it immediately!!!
As I am writing this I am planning the Thursday group ride, and it just got longer and more technical, I hope everybody brought a snack. Rhyley started grade one this year and I have been riding to school with her and then just heading back home to drive to work, no more of that either; There is one hour in the mornings where no one relies on me, so its time to put on some miles while commuting to work. And no more working late on Mondays and then driving to the group ride. If you come to the shop after 4:30 on Mondays then the boys will be at your service, because Chenoa and I have gone to ride a few trails before the group ride!
The first half of the year I was averaging a couple of hundred km’s a week. The last two months my average has dropped to under 50km’s, but I think I’m all rested up now because all of a sudden I am dying to get back on my bike, explore the trails and hunt down the some good technical challenges.
I am sure no matter what your passion, there are ups and downs, good days and bad and sometimes the passion falters, but if you truly love it, eventually the motivation will come back with a force. It hit me so hard this afternoon that I can hardly wait for the group to show up for the ride.
So, why do I ride?
There are many reasons; I want to be fitter, faster, stronger, better. All great reasons, but in reality…Riding just makes me smile!
I’m James Durand and I’m Goin’ Ridin’
