Battling the Bicycling Blues: How to Reignite Your Love for the Ride
Let’s be honest — even the most dedicated cyclists hit a wall sometimes.
Not a literal one (hopefully), but a mental one. That “I just don’t feel like riding today” slump. The drag. The bicycling blues.
If you've been there — or you’re there now — you're not alone. Whether you're a casual weekend pedaler or a seasoned long-hauler, losing your spark happens. The good news? You can get it back.
For me, it almost always hits around mid-September. I get that feeling that cycling is becoming a chore.
I get that feeling where I could easily have a week where my bike doesn’t move. Not because I’m injured. Not because I’m busy. I just don’t care. I could walk past it, helmet hanging there, and feel nothing.
I have to really work at avoiding that feeling and letting it cause me to stop. It’s mainly because by mid-September the long year of preparing for long rides and multiple events starts to wear on me.
Here’s how I fight the bicycling blues when they sneak up on me.
🧠 1. Acknowledge It’s Normal
Every cyclist, no matter how passionate, goes through dry spells. Days (or weeks) when the bike stays in the garage and the motivation’s flat as your last tire. That’s okay.
Don’t beat yourself up. Recognizing the slump is the first step to getting past it.
🗺️ 2. Change Up Your Routes
One of the fastest ways to lose interest? Riding the same loop over and over.
- Head a different direction from your usual starting point
- Add some hills, or chase some scenery
- Use apps like Ride with GPS or Komoot to find new paths
Sometimes a new road is all it takes to shake up your rhythm.
🚴♂️ 3. Ride with Someone
Cycling doesn’t have to be solo. Join a group ride. Text a friend. Wave someone down.
- Make the miles fly by
- Push your pace (in a good way)
- Remind you why you love the sport
Don’t know any local cyclists? Check out Facebook groups, bike shop meetups, or community ride boards in your area.
🎯 4. Set a Goal — Even a Small One
If your rides feel aimless, give them purpose.
- Riding 100 miles this month
- Hitting a personal speed record
- Tackling that one climb you always avoid
Break it into small chunks. Celebrate the progress. Watch how fast your motivation returns.
🧭 5. Try a New Type of Cycling
Been road riding for years? Try gravel. Burned out on long rides? Test your legs on a short punchy loop. Feeling stale? Hop on an e-bike and chase joy instead of speed.
Exploring new cycling styles challenges different muscles — and keeps things fun.
🛍️ 6. Treat Yourself to a Little Gear Therapy
Sometimes, a little retail therapy helps — not because you “need” more stuff, but because one smart upgrade can make riding feel good again.
- A new jersey that fits just right
- That gadget you’ve had your eye on
- A saddle upgrade that makes longer rides more bearable
- Even something as simple as new bar tape
📚 7. Feed Your Inspiration
When I hit a wall, I turn to stories. Books. Documentaries. Videos of people doing incredible rides — or just having fun on two wheels.
- Watch The Least Expected Day (if you’re into pro cycling)
- Read Miles from Nowhere for bike-travel vibes
- Scroll for cyclists doing stuff you dream of
Let their spark light your fire.
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❤️ Final Thoughts: It’s Okay to Hit a Dip — Just Don’t Stay There
The bicycling blues aren’t permanent. They come. They go. And when they pass, you often come out stronger on the other side.
So mix it up. Ride with friends. Set goals. Try something new. Remind yourself why you fell in love with cycling in the first place — the freedom, the rhythm, the clarity that comes somewhere between mile 2 and mile 20.
And if you’re like me and that mid-September burnout creeps in every year, don’t panic. Call it what it is: late-season fatigue. Then respond on purpose. A short ride. A new route. One win. Momentum comes back.
Then get back on that saddle. And ride.
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