Comments on: 10 Tips For Staying Motivated

By: Thomas Bailey

Thomas Bailey — Mon, 18 May 2009 06:32:13 +0000

I have been biking for 20 years, and don’t find it dull. The only time I don’t bike to work is when my bike is disabled or stolen, then I walk. The distance is about 8 km/5 mi. Because I work the graveyard shift, I cannot take the bus, which does not run when I need to get to work. On my day off, I would sometimes go on a very long ride immediately after work. Several of the day-off rides were to San Francisco, one each to Santa Cruz, Sunol, Oakland, and Hollister. Three of my rides to San Francisco ended with thefts (my bike got stolen). The most frequent disability my bike experiences is a flat tire. It has also lost a pedal, soon replaced. About three months ago, the rear wheel had 5 spokes missing, many more loose spokes, and the axle broke. The wheel was promptly replaced. Another bike I had lost the seat tube, causing the seat to fall off. It immediately became a partial lowrider by placing the remaining part of the seatpost into the frame. It too had a rear wheel that fell apart, and had to retire.

By: SteveW

SteveW — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:04:29 +0000

Noah: Thanks for the tips! I have lots of $$$ niterider equipment from when I did a lot more midnight off-road rides. Those always seemed easier since you were always in a group. I’ll have to find one of those bright rear lights, though. Great idea… That night ride I wrote about – I started hearing a crackling sound behind me and instantly started thinking about the child’s ghost story which ended up with the skeletal arm hanging from the back of the bike seat!! Guess I should also cut back on the horror movies…

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:21:47 +0000

I always enjoy the ride TO work for some reason, but going home is harder and I’m tired and it seems like it takes forever. I think I need a new route, or to check out the bus!

I bought a new bike which is lighter and faster so that makes everything more fun.

As a twist on the debris pick-up, I have considered picking up recyclables along the way. It drives me nuts to see it, knowing it’ll just be trashed if someone else eventually picks it up.

By: William Boyd

William Boyd — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:18:54 +0000

If you think cycling to work in boring, try driving a car.

By: Ryan Kudasik

Ryan Kudasik — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 03:26:39 +0000

Hey man,
Can you delete my post? I updated my domain and people are commenting on the old site. Thanks!

By: Noah

Noah — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:58:45 +0000

No doubt, the bicycle has become a major part of my lifestyle, but everyone I know who commutes by bike gets in a bit of a lull once in a while.

Those who’ve completely revoked your dependence on motor vehicles: Major kudos to you all. You’re in the minority of the minority of the readers here. Most of us still have cars, although I, like many of you, haven’t put gas in mine for quite a while.

I’m really lucky to have awesome access to the crappy transit system we have in Kansas City. When I moved closer to work, I moved to a block away from a bus stop. That line is the slowest in the area, and I can beat that bus to work if I leave after it passes, but I’m really well positioned to go car-free. I own my car and it’s not costing me much to keep it. I get a pretty good discount on insurance with how few miles I drive it, and it’s older anyways.

You guys are listing some positively awesome tips in the comments. Keep them coming!

By: Stuart M.

Stuart M. — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:24:57 +0000

Hmmm, losing motivation? Riding my bike to work has become an important part of my life. It is meditation time, important stress reduction before and after work. I wouldn’t miss it.

I find it makes me like myself more as I contemplate global warming, Peak Oil and the praise I get from everyone helps too.

The only thing I dread are days with rain downpours when I get wet even with raingear.

I have bought gas for my car only once since June 11. Maybe this economic downturn will finally give me the excuse I need to get rid of the car. We can’t afford it anymore, honey!

By: Duncan Watson

Duncan Watson — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 23:45:48 +0000

I commuted by bike every day for 7 years. Last Winter, I let a quibble I had about the gear on my current bike derail me. 1 year later I have an extra 40lbs to lose.

I am pushing myself back into it using a few of your tricks.
1- rewards at various goal points.
2- making maintenance and bike repair/upgrading one of my fun hobbies. I cleaned out the garage and reorganized everything to make space. My wife was very happy.
3- dropping distracting hobbies/addictions that are bad for me. MMOs in particular.
4- selling the lesser used bikes in my stable to pay for #1. My Fuji Cross 2003 is going this week.

By: Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 22:58:14 +0000

Great tips, Noah and everyone else! I’ve tried many of these, and they really work.

By: Gennaker

Gennaker — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:05:17 +0000

Sorry Nicolas, I spelled your name wrong.