Who’s appreciating riding their bike?

[voodoo_simon]

Each ride at the moment feels like it could be the last (for a while) and that puts a huge smile on my face when I’m riding. I’m really appreciating going for a ride, even if it’s only 10-15 miles at a time. Most of the bridleways my way have dried up and they’re fun to ride after a winter of slop. What’s more, they’re quiet too as not many people know of them

My hill running has stopped due to the virus as I can’t drive to the hills now but that’s ok, I’m using the bike more Don’t enjoy road running either, but let’s face it, biking is always more fun than running

Hoorah to bicycles during this very strange time on keeping me in the right(ish) side of sane

[Cyclepeasant]

With you there VS!
Had an excellent ride this morning. Left a 5.30am. some road ,some bridleways, saw only one dog walker and couple of vans. But a lovely sunrise after an almost full moon with the frost across the fields when I left home. Saw a barn owl being chased by a couple of rooks, a skylark on a public footpath sign ,(never seen one close up before) some deer in the distance, and a curious lamb come up to the fence . Lots of little things made it good to be out on the bike before going to work!

[summittoppler]

Most definitely. Its also made me feel so thankful for the rides I've done in the past too

[PaulE]

Very little bike riding going on from me, but I'm doing a daily run alongside my 6 year old daughter on her bike... It's vaguely exciting to see her get enthusiasm, learn to use the gears, start to wonder about how the bike works and even ask me to teach her to jump today.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Makes me appreciate exploring the outside in general and also reminds me why I love where I live. As Jeff says, also reminds me of all the good times previously.

[ScotRoutes]

Not me.

Currently on day 5 (of 14) of self-isolation. Can I just say - make the most of what freedom you have!

[faustus]

Yes, and getting out most days too, sometimes with the boy. Most of my riding is normally from the door anyway, but I'm making sure I explore all possibilities close by. It's dried out so much here that conditions are perfect, and I get a great mix of everything. Also hoping I get to see spring unfolding as it's my favourite time of year.
Springing by Matthew Walker, on Flickr

[slarge]

It's so easy to become demotivated - whilst I am not self isolating it feels like it (working from home 8-6 with hardly any breaks). Riding my bike brings some sanity back, but I am feeling like I shouldn't be doing it.... (guilty pleasure??). But the trails are getting better (almost dusty round here the other day) and they aren't overgrown yet!! Might go out tonight now you've started this thread

[Cheeky Monkey]

One positive of all this time WFH is that I've been out on my bike and exercising more often than ever. Really quite enjoying it.

Like Voodoo, running is only for off-road and with the dog (AFAIC), this needed a little driving to good spots. That's stopped as the car parks have been barricaded off.

EDIT - Faustus, loving the ride on my Camino but the toe overlap is proving a right PITA. How's yours?

I also got the Fireline out (closest to a proper MTB, as I think of them) last night and that was an vaguely exciting ride. Trails are drying out lovely and starting to run fairly quick - limiting the gnarr though in a socially responsible way.

[faustus]

One positive of all this time WFH is that I've been out on my bike and exercising more often than ever. Really quite enjoying it.

Like Voodoo, running is only for off-road and with the dog (AFAIC), this needed a little driving to good spots. That's stopped as the car parks have been barricaded off.

EDIT - Faustus, loving the ride on my Camino but the toe overlap is proving a right PITA. How's yours?

I also got the Fireline out (closest to a proper MTB, as I think of them) last night and that was an vaguely exciting ride. Trails are drying out lovely and starting to run fairly quick - limiting the gnarr though in a socially responsible way.

No issues yet and looks like there's plenty of room for 'guards too. I'm on the border of L/XL and went XL as I prefer this kind of bike a bit longer...

[FLV]

Definitely appreciate it, but due to work and having my youngest at home 24/7 I struggle to get out in the daylight currently which a little frustrating, but given the current situation still appreciated.

This time of year is normally my favourite after the clock change too

[Lazarus]

One positive of all this time WFH is that I've been out on my bike and exercising more often than ever. Really quite enjoying it.

I am not sure you have understood what self isolation and essential means and have read it as ride your bike a lot and have fun because spring is great
I am not sure this thread is a good idea either

[Laurensdad]

Yes very much so.

There are no symptomatic folks in our household nor vulnerable/shielded so practice Social Distancing on all rides.

Lucky to be 2 and a half minutes from the gravel tracks in the New Forest.

Often build the Tesco run into the ride, leave my lock attached to a railing on the way out!

Keep safe

Cheers

Phil

[fatbikephil]

Massively - I've been re-visiting a few local places I went to when I first moved here but then ignored due to heading further afield. Even though I'm just repeating one of about three loops just being able to get out, get some fresh air and burn some energy is all part and parcel of keeping sane in these times. Long may it continue (until we are out of this)

[Cheeky Monkey]

One positive of all this time WFH is that I've been out on my bike and exercising more often than ever. Really quite enjoying it.

I am not sure you have understood what self isolation and essential means and have read it as ride your bike a lot and have fun because spring is great
I am not sure this thread is a good idea either

Oh do chuff off there's a good chap

My rides are short, local, lacking in gnarr and from my door. Pretty much bob on with current guidance, so far as I am aware. I'm alternating riding (cardio) days with strength ones (patterns and HIIT sessions). And guess what? I do all the strength stuff in my yard.

I get out more often but that's because my riding quota was pretty low due to work, being overseas and other activities. Having a lot of that cancelled and WFH has allowed me to have a bit more free time (less commute and long office hours) and structure to do exercise. This translates as getting out almost every other day for an hour or two compared to getting out once a week or even month.

Still, don't let any of that get in the way of a good internet-style curtain twitch

[Laurensdad]

One positive of all this time WFH is that I've been out on my bike and exercising more often than ever. Really quite enjoying it.

I am not sure you have understood what self isolation and essential means and have read it as ride your bike a lot and have fun because spring is great
I am not sure this thread is a good idea either

Oh do chuff off there's a good chap

My rides are short, local, lacking in gnarr and from my door. Pretty much bob on with current guidance, so far as I am aware. I'm alternating riding (cardio) days with strength ones (patterns and HIIT sessions). And guess what? I do all the strength stuff in my yard.

I get out more often but that's because my riding quota was pretty low due to work, being overseas and other activities. Having a lot of that cancelled and WFH has allowed me to have a bit more free time (less commute and long office hours) and structure to do exercise. This translates as getting out almost every other day for an hour or two compared to getting out once a week or even month.

Still, don't let any of that get in the way of a good internet-style curtain twitch

Chapeau sir.

[Hamish]

I am not sure you have understood what self isolation and essential means and have read it as ride your bike a lot and have fun because spring is great
I am not sure this thread is a good idea either

I am working from home and am surrounded by all kinds of family stresses due to all this. After a day of home working, which isn't always great, I go for a ride. Those rides are absolutely brilliant. I have really enjoyed them as its ages since I have had the time for evening rides at home. They fit into my one exercise a day and I don't think they put anyone at any additional measurable risk. They aren't long because I am limited by living in a small peninsula with sea on three sides and a big scary town on the other. I know they could be curtailed at any time by tighter lockdown or the arrival of the virus at home, but I don't think there are any rules against having fun and enjoying spring.

[thenorthwind]

Not really doing much riding, but I am appreciating what little I am, even if it's just riding across town to do some volunteering, and having some nearby green space, even if it's pretty minimal.

A couple of days before lockdown, I went for a walk on one of my favourite hills with a friend. I always try and be appreciative of any chance I get to get "out there" but this time really did make me think about it.

It also made me realise how much I like being outside, and made me wonder if I shouldn't try to do simple things like going for a bit of a walk or a gentle ride, maybe a picnic, more often, rather than always trying to go longer, faster, or harder.

[ScotRoutes]

It also made me realise how much I like being outside, and made me wonder if I shouldn't try to do simple things like going for a bit of a walk or a gentle ride, maybe a picnic, more often, rather than always trying to go longer, faster, or harder.

I came to that realisation a while back.

As regards the more general point about enjoying it while you can, there's nothing wrong with that. If our daily exercise was only about getting the heart rate up and moving a few muscles then our governments would've been suggesting we stay indoors and exercise in front of the telly like a scene in 1984. There's a mental wellness benefit to be taken account of too.

https://youtu.be/CCfW6HFP5cI

[Bearbonesnorm]

There's a mental wellness benefit to be taken account of too.

This.

I think it's perhaps something that people are coming to fully appreciate over the last few weeks.

[BigdummySteve]

There's a mental wellness benefit to be taken account of too.

This.

I think it's perhaps something that people are coming to fully appreciate over the last few weeks.

Absolutely agree, which is why our government had thankfully treated us as adults able to appreciate the seriousness of the situation and allowed exercise within the guidelines.
A few years ago I was I a pretty bad place mentally, I’d always been an active person, motorbikes, wind surfing, jet ski racing, motocross and eight years practically living on airfields skydiving.
Before my son was born I was playing Bass in a band, after that band finished I just didn’t have the time anymore and my job of twenty years became a living hell due to management changes.
Cycling and in particular doing Jogle was the one thing which got me through this time.

Today I used my time out to climb a hill twelve times, 1650ft of up and hour of clear headspace, just breathe and pedal. Boring? Yes maybe but to some degree that’s the point.

[Specialist Hoprocker]

I'm recovering slowly from 3 weeks of suspected Covid nastiness (only the one brief visit to a&e). The last three days I've felt well enough to sling my leg over the crossbar. Nearly four weeks without a ride an I'm really really enjoying the hour I'm managing most days.

I'm still prone to overdoing it (all afternoon spent zonked on sofa after attempting to heavy garden work earlier), but a gentle flat ride seems to have recuperative qualities.

[whitestone]

Well did a full 6.5km today! The bridleway that goes past our house goes up the other side of the valley to a road. That road is 995 metres from our house so it's a good one to have if we were limited to 1km from home At the moment it's dry and the nettles haven't started so good to do some hill reps on it. Unfortunately idiot here forgot to fill his water bottle so had to cut the ride short

[Jurassic]

Imagine how joyous it'll feel to get out for a proper adventure on the other side of all this! Yeah I think Coronavirus is having a positive as well as negative effect, certainly it puts things into perspective in a way that would have been impossible before it all kicked off. Silver linings and stay positive as much as circumstances allow folks.

[Charliecres]

I’m doing long, stressful days working from a full house. I need to get out for a ride every day or I don’t unwind and I don’t sleep. If we get fully locked down I will go bananas.

I am *really* appreciating these rides on quiet roads and trails. And thank goodness the weather’s perked up!