It really depends on the situation (location, bike culture in the area), but I understand your current state of mind - personally I had similar experience with having lack of motivation or self-discipline. You can be very lucky and have a friend or two who are already road bike owners or willing to get into biking, which is my current situation thanks to the cycling culture here.
I'd suggest you to sign up for a road cycling event. For spring 2020 so that you have few months to prepare. Having a set date for some challenge is always a good push and drive for getting on that saddle more often
Make a weekly goal (eg. 2-3 rides per week).
Merida Scultura 5000 (2015)
Merida Big Nine 400 (2019)
My dad is going to Colorodo springs for his 50th birthday and really likes cycling however the the friend he was going to go with had to cancle. I was wondering if there was any one in that area who also wants someone to cycle with!
I found another cyclist (novice, but determined) while starting my 14 mile weekday loop. I caught up to him and passed while saying hello. Little did I know that he was then trying to stay with me as I rarely look back, nor am I concerned if someone blows by me.
A couple days later I had just finished my weekend 30 miler and I needed to do a light cool down (3-5 miles), as there was no Florida breeze that evening so I got back on the bike and headed out. Turning back for a traffic check I saw a dot behind me so I slowed up before reaching my turn around spot and as he caught up I realized it was the same rider as previously (and the only other cyclist I have seen in my neighborhood in over 20 years!).
He told me about trying to reel me in and not quite pulling it off (I cruise at 17-18mph); but I decided to ride with him and found out his house was at the 1/2 way point on my 14 mile loop so I continued to cycle to his house and found out he just started cycling a month ago; bought a used "sport" racing bike online for $65 (perfect for a novice; great condition bargain bike; ~$250 new; Shimano Tourney mechs; you know the type).
I found that he was doing some fairly healthy rides in the hot FL weather with a 2 liter camelback (I cannot ride with one!). His frame has 2 bottle mounts so I am providing him with some cages and bottles. He looked at my pedals and wondered what was up so I explained riding and pedalling technique using clip-ins compated to block. I had earlier sprinted away from him for my stress check and he hopelessly attempted to follow, but no way he could without toe clips so providing a set of short toe cages (no straps) to provide a little more power to his stroke.
After talking I told him to just call me and can show him the ropes a bit and improve his cycling skills and efficiency. Maybe he'll hanker for one of my classic racers that I need to sell. He was rather surprised at my age and the age of my bike (39 yrs old); but that just motivated him since he figured that if some old guy can do it, than so can he. In the end I am a solo rider so I'll get him started on his way to becoming better while I continue on mine own.
So my cool down ride of 3-5 miles turned into another 14 miles which I must admit wiped me out given the hot weather; a full day of rest followed! But I was pleased to finally meet a like minded individual near me who obviously now wants to ride with me; and it will happen, but in "small" doses, as I doubt he'll want to explore off-road while day touring on a road bike like I do.
Note: given the same situation, but if a group of riders; I would never have slowed down, nor conversed; but just gone on merry way.
Another note: regardless of where you live in the world, please carry enough liquid with you. I cycled in ~95° F temps, and heat index was above 105° 2 days ago and drank about 48 oz of fluid (watered down fruit juice) during the ride, and another pint immediately after and I still feel about a quart low (did only 12 today in the heat) after 2 days. Sucked down another 3 pints just on a short ride. Every stop was just waterworks pouring out of me due to humidity; I cannot cool down unless some airflow helps with evaporation so I prefer to ride slow for resting rather than stop completely.
Know about heat exhaustion and stroke; and how to provide 1st aid for those conditions and shock.
It can help save yourself, as well as others.
Be safe, be well, stay cool; and keep 2 wheels on the road!
Welcome back, @Jesper.
You won’t believe it, but that’s exactly how I met my “bike-dad,” Ken, in Cambridge–Somerville. We cycled past a few times while commuting and then said, hi. He taught me so much about cycling, safety on the road, and trail riding. Ken also introduced me to his friends, with whom I rode parts of the Great Divide Trail in Montana. During that trip, I visited the headquarters of Adventure Cycling Association (ACA). Their free, and then paid, membership connected me with fellow passionate riders who showed me the ropes during our bikepacking trips in Colombia and Ecuador..
Interestingly, my close friends back in Boston are members of local riding and Triathlon teams, but I never really felt welcomed there—probably because I don’t buy into all the fancy gear, gadgets, or high-end bikes they usually have.
I still carry Ken with me on every ride. His daughter passed away from cancer, and I wear a bracelet with her name during my rides, treks, and runs. Ken taught me so much about cycling, life, and humility in the face of sorrow.
To me, cycling is all about humility and courage.
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