Over 48,000km for 2025, a 1400km 8 day Rapha Festive 500 and finished December with 5000 km plus. A lot more indoor riding this year contributing to this.
Some will say why don’t you get outside and ride, or indoor cycling isn’t true cycling and doesn’t count. I still ride outdoors and I love it yes, but I have my reasons for being on a trainer.
I have been in some serious situations with motor vehicles one of which almost ended my life. Driver’s are increasingly unaware, distracted, intolerant and entitled. I find myself having a close call or being intimidated by motorists almost every time I get on the road. Maybe because I ride solo often, motorists find me an easy target for their aggression. I find I am choosing to ride on gravel more frequently because of this. It’s unfortunate that in this time when there is so much cycling advocacy, the intolerance towards cyclists is at its highest.
Zwift has made the indoor cycling experience surprisingly enjoyable. I have made many online friends from all over the world who share the same passion. We inspire and support one another.
I enjoy endurance cycling but it obviously takes massive amounts of time. I just don’t have the time available to do this outdoors due to work obligations, limited daylight hours, inclement weather etc. I can easily kit up for a 4 hour trainer ride after I come home from work while it’s dark and dumping rain outside. It’s become a routine and my mind does well with routine. There is a little compulsiveness to this yes, and I realize that. It’s a balancing act I suppose. There are worse things I could be doing with the time. Right now I can watch episodes of Ted Lasso, Shrinking etc. while keeping active and making some friends. I enjoy it.
Anyhow, Happy New Year everyone and I hope you find a passion and allow yourself to flourish in your own way.
