9 Tips to Avoid Cycling Burnout

Most cyclists enjoy the physical and psychological benefits from riding their bikes. Physical activity, stress relief, adventure, discovery, friendship and camaraderie are just a few of the rewards reaped from time spent on the bike. But every now and then, cycling can become a chore that isn't so fun. The rigors of daily training and long hours in the saddle challenge even the most diehard cyclists to stay motivated.

The key is to approach cycling in the correct way. By keeping cycling fun, you'll be less prone to burnout and will want to ride more often.

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Keep Things in Perspective

It's common for cyclists to lose sight of what's important in the quest to lose weight, gain fitness or attain a performance goal. The common approach to training is to force our bodies to perform at a high level in a short period of time in order to reach our desired goals as quick as possible.

This approach is doomed to fail. Even the most dedicated, strong-willed cyclist will at some point either stop riding completely or significantly decrease participation if the focus isn't on keeping it fun. To regain the proper perspective, try to remember what you like about cycling and why you began riding in the first place.

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Ride Easy

So how can you keep cycling fun? Learn to ride easy. Riding easy means riding at a pace that allows for conversation. Talking with your training partner not only will make the time pass more quickly, but it will also keep you from riding too hard—one of the major causes of burnout.

Riding easy also depends significantly upon the terrain you select. Be sure to keep individual ability and fitness levels in mind when selecting your route. Tackling tough climbs or riding in bad weather too frequently is a quick way to make cycling feel like a chore. That isn't to say challenging rides aren't important—it just isn't meant to be a daily occurrence.

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Dr. Jeff Spencer, a former Olympic cyclist, believes that the key is to keep cycling in proper perspective regardless of individual ability or goals. "It's easy to ride hard but hard to ride easy," is a saying that he often reiterates to other cyclists, which provides a certain amount of truth for cyclists of all levels.

There is certainly a time and place for hard training and pushing yourself, especially for those with competitive goals. But this kind of training is not for everyone. The vast majority of cyclists are not racers, and it is important for all cyclists to remember that cycling is a great way to promote good health, stay fit and have fun without torturing yourself with intervals.

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Tips to Follow

• Choose rides that offer appropriate terrain for your current level of fitness and ability.
• Ride at a pace and effort that allows you to talk comfortably without gasping for air.
• Ride with others who are close in fitness and ability as often as possible.
• Change your rides and explore your environment. Discover new neighborhoods, trails and bike paths to keep things fresh.
• Socialize as much as possible. Ride out to your local coffee shop or get a smoothie after a long workout. Enjoy good conversation with your riding partners and talk about something you have in common—like cycling!
• Don't be afraid to ease up when you find yourself going too hard. Slow down until you get your breathing under control. Concentrate on exhaling slowly until you recover and can continue your ride at a lower heart rate.
• Remember to take in your surroundings and notice the hawk soaring overhead, the beautiful flowers by the side of the road or the spectacular views around you. It's one of the few sports that allows you to stop and smell the roses.
• Find a rhythm that's comfortable to you. Stay positive when you aren't feeling well and slow down if you need to.
• Every day is different. Just because you rode at 18 mph yesterday doesn't mean you need to average that speed today. Heart rate monitors and odometers are fine to monitor workouts, but listening to your body is just as important.

Above all, keep it fun and you'll look forward to tomorrow's ride!

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