How to Stay Motivated While Cycling
Assuming you’re reading this because you want to get motivated to cycle, we’ll just jump right in with 12 tips.
1) Set small goals and celebrate each one achieved –
Rather than looking at the big picture of where you want to be, focus on smaller goals along the way. This could be aiming to cycle 3 times a week for 30 minutes, or adding an extra 10 minutes to your journey each time. Once you’ve hit your goal, give yourself a pat on the back- visualizing and celebrating your progress will help keep you going in Cycling.
2) Find a cycling buddy-
It’s always more fun (and motivating) to do something with someone else. Having someone to ride with will also make it more likely that you’ll stick to your goals, as you won’t want to let them down. If you can’t find a buddy, try joining a local cycling club or group.
3) Get some new gear-
Sometimes all you need is a little bit of retail therapy. Getting some new cycling clothes or upgrading your bike may not make you cycle faster, but it will make the experience more enjoyable. And if you look good, you’ll feel good- giving you an extra motivational boost.
4) Set yourself a challenge-
Having something to focus on and work towards can be really motivating. Whether it’s signing up for a sportive or trying to beat your personal best time on a certain route, having a goal to strive for will help you stay motivated.
5) Set a regular time for your rides-
If you can make cycling part of your daily routine, it will become much easier to stick to. Whether it’s first thing in the morning before work or in the evening after dinner, try and find a time that works for you and stick to it as much as possible.
6) Find a route you enjoy-
One of the best ways to motivate yourself to cycle is to find a route that you love. Discovering new scenery can be really refreshing, and if there’s a particularly beautiful spot along the way it will be something to look forward to on your ride. If you’re struggling to find a good route, there are plenty of websites and apps that can help.
7) Change things up-
If you’re finding your rides are starting to feel a bit samey, mix things up a bit to keep yourself motivated. Try riding in different directions, taking different routes or even trying a new type of bike. A change of scenery can work wonders for your motivation levels.
8) Make it social-
Riding with friends is great, but if you can’t always find someone to ride with, there are other ways to make it social. There are plenty of cycling groups on social media where you can interact with like-minded people, as well as forums and online communities where you can ask for advice and tips.
9) Track your progress-
There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing your progress over time. Keep a log of your rides, noting down things like distance, time and average speed. Seeing yourself improve will give you a real confidence boost and help keep you motivated.
10) Find a training plan-
If you’re struggling to stay motivated, following a structured training plan can really help. There are plenty of resources available online, or you could even hire a personal trainer. Having someone else to hold you accountable will make it much less likely that you’ll skip a ride.
11) Take part in an event-
Nothing quite gets the motivation flowing like signing up for an event. Whether it’s a charity ride, a sportive or even a race, the sense of achievement you’ll feel when you cross the finish line will be worth all the training.
12) Get some good gear-
Investing in some quality cycling gear can make a big difference to your rides. From comfortable shoes and gloves to a reliable bike, having the right equipment will make your rides more enjoyable.
Conclusion:
There are a number of things you can do to find cycling motivation. From finding a buddy to cycling with, to setting you a challenge, there are plenty of ways to stay motivated. And if you’re struggling, there are always plenty of resources available online. Whatever you do, make sure you enjoy the process and don’t put too much pressure on yourself- the most important thing is to have fun.