Training Philosophy: Having Fun

Riding a bike is fun. If it weren't, kids wouldn't do it. So why do adult cyclists frequently suffer burnout? I think it's got a lot to do with poor goal-setting, and the work we undertake in order to meet our self-imposed expectations.

Like I wrote earlier, it's important to have meaningful goals, and to work hard towards them. But come on - nobody reading this is making a living racing their bike. It's our hobby, so if it's not fun, what's the point?

With this in mind, here's a list of ways I've found to make riding fun. If you've got more, leave a comment.

• Ride with someone you care about. Go at a pace that's comfortable for them.
• Ride a bike that forces you to go slowly - a cruiser, a clunker, or whatever's available.
• Ride somewhere new. (Find a route on MapMyRide.com.)
  
• Ride to an interesting destination.
• Bring a camera and take pictures during a ride.
• Leave your computer/power meter/GPS device at home.
• Ride farther than you've ever ridden before.
  
• Do spontaneous intervals of indeterminate duration and intensity. Just enjoy going fast.
• Go to a race and just spectate. You'll remember how much fun it is to be in the action.
• Go on a night ride.
• Ride a route you haven't done in a long time.
• Ride to work.
• Ride in the rain.
  
• Try a different type of riding - road, MTB, BMX, cyclocross, time trial, touring, track, whatever. Just don't start running and swimming. That's a slippery slope...