No such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices
TBH, since I've started commuting six (sometimes seven) days a week I'm much more tolerant of riding in the wet. But boy do I miss leisure riding. Actually got a day off today to go ride in the countryside - 'twas lovely: quiet, peaceful, clean, green, etc etc.
bigjim wrote:Anybody else feel like giving up cycling for pleasure or reducing to just one bike? I,m sick of the weather recently. Every time I ge chance to go out I starts to pour down. I really want to use the bike to keep up my fitness levels but the weather is so unpredictable recently that I can't plan a fitness regime that includes the bike. Most of the week I have had to retreat to the gym but I can't do cardio in the gym as it bores me rigid. I do resort to a walk in the rain for an hour and that does work but it does not keep me cycling fit! I went out on a CTC run last Sunday, taking a chance on the forecast [which is useless, forecast heavy rain today but it has stayed dry, I could have been out, but made indoor plans]. well a couple of hours in it started to p..s down and we had to endure a 20mile run for home. None of it was pleasant and I lost all feelings in my hands. Trouble is I love being on the bike [unless I'm cold and wet] better than anything else but I can't get on it! So do I give it up or stick it out....mmm.
Rant over. Jim
If the weather bothers you that much, get a turbo trainer? You can watch a movie or something while you pedal.
“In some ways, it is easier to be a dissident, for then one is without responsibility.” ― Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom
I will sometimes delay a ride if it's bucketting down but if I'm out I just put my waterproofs on and continue.
This week I have had major financial out lay for motorvehicles to get them tested and taxed. I was short of time too so cancelled an overnight audax ride on Saturday into Sunday. As the rain bounced off the conservatory roof all afternoon and evening I thought of my pals who were no doubt well into the ride but had at least another 24 hours to go. I raised my glass in a silent toast to their success and hoped the rain would stop. Boy did that red wine taste good and it wasn't even a dry red.
He's already mentioned he's got the right kit, but he just doesn't enjoy it, I sympathise.
Whilst I have no problem going out in the rain if it's a must-do journey (to work or appointment etc) I struggle to convince myself to go out purely for a leisure ride if it's raining, or windy for that matter, I'm less tolerant of the wind than the rain.
Another thing I hate about changeable weather is that you're forever stopping and faffing with different clothing, when I'm out I don't like stopping for anything unless I really have to. Stopping every ten minutes to add/remove a layer is my idea of hell.
I also sympathise. I prefer warm dry windless days for my cycling, and detest gusty winds that slap me in the face with cold water. My trick is to regard foul weather as a challenge, and not let it grind me down.
Who was it that said "there's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes" ?
I am enduring a forced lay-off and it's driving me NUTS!!!! I cycle to work normally, and only the slippery stuff puts me off, (having broken both arms and wrists in accidents). I also hate the wind but find it only generally blows in one direction so on any out and back journey you get the benefit one way or the other.
I thought we were suffering from a drought. I don't like cycling in the rain and strong winds either. Perhaps you should diversify: riding, running, gym, swimming, weight-training and kick-boxing? jonty
) why not investigate the purchase of mudguards and waterproofs?
