Much like I did when I started running, I found the best motivation is embarrassment.
I've been riding a little over a year now and logged about 1600 miles in that time, though the longest ride up to that point was only about 30 miles.
Being employed full time (thankfully!), a husband, a father, and all that goes in hand with that it's hard to dedicate enough time to cycling without neglecting something else.
Since August, I've really only been able to do 30min rides on my breaks from work, depending on the route or weather I usually can squeeze in 6-8 miles. The colder it's gotten I actually get more riding time as I can just go in my work clothes and change into something cooler for the ride.
Black Friday I signed up for my first organized cycling event, the Rough Road 100.
The Rough Road 100 is a 100K (Thus the 100 in the name) ride/race that starts and ends in Morris, IL. About 25% of the route is on gravel or crushed limestone roads, so it's not strictly a road race like you'd see in the Tour De France but more akin to the trend of "gravel grinders" or all-road races.
100K is about double the distance of the longest ride I've been on, add to that several section of road that isn't paved.
I'm looking forward too it, the Fuji is getting dialed in with every ride, I'm testing eating while riding and getting back into cycling shape since I slacked off in August.
For more information about the event check out the website Rough Road 100
