How to get up early and out on the bike.
Some people say that to get out first thing in the morning on the bike requires epic amounts of determination and get-up-and-go. I have to agree that getting out of the house before work to ride some miles does need some gumption but there is a thing or two you can do to make it easier and more possible.
The most important tip is to not think about it. So, get out of bed, get the cycling clothes on, quick cup of tea, quick breakfast (if that works for you) and out. Do not say to yourself the night before “I’ll see what it’s like”. It will be no surprise that first thing in the morning in the winter it will be at best dark and cold. It will not be particularly inviting. If you have to think about it, it will probably seem to be a bad idea.
The night before get everything ready that you need, clothes for example. Find them and put them ready to throw on. I won’t describe the clothes I use for cold morning starts but big gloves and socks feature.
I am from the “breakfast first” school of thought and my breakfast in these circumstances is usually muesli with milk. Which takes about 10 seconds to “prepare” and 60 seconds to eat. Again, don’t think. Eat.
Have your bike in a fully operational state, with lights ready and tyres at the correct pressure. Don’t think. Check the brakes work /tyres are ok of course but other than that just go
Have a route in mind that will get you back to base in plenty of time for a shower and a cup of tea before work. Don’t do any route where you have to look at a map beforehand.
Once you have got out there though, the morning is often lovely to behold. Sunrise is usually well worth seeing.
And it’s better than sitting on a turbo trainer
Well put. I agree completely. Don’t think, just do. And once you’re out there, it can be so rewarding.
By: Jim Harwood on November 6, 2012
at 12:34 pm
100% agree – even on SAs warmer days, I use the exact same routine because thinking=not riding for me also.
I won’t tell you where I eat my muesli – even my g/f finds it disgusting, but it saves time which means less time to prevaricate before I’m out the door.
By: Rob Walker on November 6, 2012
at 12:45 pm
Totally agree. Can’t wait for my back to heal so that I can get back out cycling.
Another cure for those mornings when you don’t want to get out of bed is to injury yourself and be off the bike for 2-3 weeks. By golly! All I want to do right now is get up at 4:30am and squeeze in a few hours riding … alas I can’t even swing a leg over the top bar at the moment without being in agony. Oh how I will love my first ride back in 2-3 weeks (unless I manage to get on my bike next week and go for a naughty spin against my physio’s orders
)
By: AndrewGills on November 7, 2012
at 10:26 am
Darn, that sucks – heal well and hope you’re back riding soon. I’ll quit complaining about aches and sores now
By: Rob Walker on November 7, 2012
at 10:32 am
I work 12 hour shifts, and I commute 40 mile roundtrip on the bike 3-4 days a week. Just getting on with it is the key, however, I will not ride if there’s any sign of ice on the roads.
By: welshcyclist on December 25, 2012
at 8:59 pm
Ice tyres are good for commuting
By: audaxing on December 26, 2012
at 7:57 am
I’ve been told this many times over the internet, but the cost seems prohibitive, and is it worth it just for 2-3 weeks of the year? I’d say yes, of course, because I hate not to be riding, but my pocket says no!
By: welshcyclist on December 26, 2012
at 4:08 pm
So true. If the bike, clothes, bottles etc are not ready there I’ll faff around all morning.
By: Jonathan Dredge on January 1, 2013
at 7:24 pm