Cycling motivation: 10 ways to find it and keep it throughout the year

The motivation to get out on the bike and put the miles in can waver for all of us. Often it hits during the long winter months – all of us have looked outside at the wet weather and dark mornings and wanted to stay in rather than get kitted up and head outside.

But a lack of motivation can strike year-round, too, especially if you're trying to juggle training with work and the realities of everyday life. Even at the best of times, cycling is a hard and challenging sport. But we do it because we love it ­– it's fun, it keeps us fit, it helps us connect with people and make friends, and lets us explore new places.

So, if you're struggling to motivate yourself at the moment we've compiled 10 top tips that might just re-motivate you, helping you get back on the bike and on the road.

Ride with friends

This is a pretty simple one. With the COVID-19 pandemic behind us and with it the months of being stuck inside riding with virtual friends, there's no better time to get out there and enjoy time on the bike with friends as spring finally hits.

If you already have a riding buddy, or a group of them, then you're already set up for success. You can schedule rides in advance and keep each other motivated, too. Another option is to find a local club and join up. There's nothing better than the challenge and fun of riding with other people.

However, if you and your pals still fancy some time indoors, then there's always the trusty smart trainer and cycling app combo to fall back on. It takes less preparation and planning to hop on the bike, load up an app like Rouvy, and sprint for those virtual signs against one another.

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Train indoors

Sticking with that theme, starting up a cycling app and getting in a ride in the comfort of your own home can be more appealing than venturing out into the cold and rainy outdoors.

Even if you're not riding and competing with friends, putting time on the trainer can still be very motivating. On a virtual course with no external factors like the weather it's easy to measure your progress and battle your previous best times and power outputs.

As well as virtual worlds that feature in Rouvy and other apps, you can take on famous climbs and stretches of road as well as loading in your own GPS data to virtually ride your favourite local route. Rouvy – which comes with a handy video library for already loaded routes – comes equipped with this feature, letting you get in the virtual training for those local rides or upcoming events.

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Follow a training plan

Sometimes all you need is a little structure. If you have goals to meet, such as a ride you want to complete or a level of fitness you want to hit, then a proper training plan could be just what you need in order to get on the bike and back to riding.

If you know what you're doing day-to-day and week-to-week then it's easier to hold yourself accountable and keep on working towards your goal. Even if life gets in the way now and then, having some structure should prevent you from getting stuck in a rut and neglecting the bike.

Set a goal

Speaking of goals – just note down something you want to do in future. Stick it on the wall, in the diary, or keep it in your head.

It could be an event like a holiday or bikepacking ride, a big race, a charity ride, a distance you want to hit, an FTP number, an average speed for your favourite loop – anything that motivates you to ride will do.

Whether it's something you want to achieve next month, later in the year, or even this time next year, looking ahead to something you want to achieve is always a good motivator.

Get away from the numbers

We've already talked about training, hitting your numbers, focussing on improving and all that. But sometime chasing numbers like power and speed can be demotivating, especially if you're no getting to where you want to be.

When we started out riding, we weren't worrying about our power numbers, our speed, our heart rate, so why not head back in time and recapture that spirit? Leave the computer at home and just get out there and have fun!

Try a new discipline

Road cycling might be the most popular discipline to take on, but it's far from the only one. If you're lacking motivation on the road bike then why not switch it up and try something different?

From cyclocross, gravel and mountain bike to BMX, e-bikes, touring bikes, there are plenty of different experiences to try out. If you're tired of pounding the tarmac then heading off road to the grass, mud, and gravel can be a great way to relight that flame of passion for cycling.

You don't have to drop stacks on an expensive new ride just to try a discipline you might not enjoy, either – take a look around for bike hire companies near you and try something new on for size!

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Switch up the routine

In a similar vein to our last tip, changing various other aspects of riding can also help you stay motivated.

If you ride the same route day in, day out, then look around and find somewhere new to explore. If you're riding alone then find some cycling buddies or join a club. And, once again, if you're riding to power or just riding one discipline, then mix it up and make a change.

If you're feeling stuck in a riding routine and see your rides as a chore, then it can be easy to lose the love of the bike. Making a change could be just what you need.

Discover somewhere new

Of course, if it's cold and wet outside then even switching up your regular routes might not help too much. So why not look further afield than your local roads?

If you have the time and money, then getting away for a cycling trip might be in order. Whether there's somewhere in your country you want to ride or some famous climbs or roads abroad, you can hop on a train or a plane – or organise a bikepacking trip – and seek a new adventure on the bike elsewhere.

Remember treats and rewards

Sometimes it's hard to stay motivated just to hit a goal, but that's OK. You can also keep the motivation up by setting up rewards just for getting out on the road.

Challenge yourself to reach the top of that daunting climb so you can stop and enjoy the view up there. Get out on the bike so you can enjoy some pastries and coffee at your favourite café stop. Or even just think about the rest and recovery day you'll enjoy tomorrow if you get a ride in today.

There's nothing like a hard-earned reward after putting in a big effort on the bike.

Take some time off

Last but not least, remember that it's OK to not fancy getting on the bike. It might sound counterintuitive, but taking some time off can help you find your motivation and a new perspective on riding.

If you're burnt out and tired, then a few days off the bike could be just what you need to recharge your batteries and start looking forward to riding again.

Sometimes the freshness of a break from cycling can be just what you need to inspire yourself. Don't look at your bike or trainer and feel guilty about abandoning them – just think about the fun you'll have with them when you're fresh and ready to ride again.