Stay Calm and Keep Biking

Goals are an easy win when it comes to finding focus for your motivation. Whether you’ve got short-term or long-term goals, set an intention, and use it as your get-up-and-go every day. Some people want a cheaper and more convenient commute for work or leisure. Others use biking as their “me” time away from life’s craziness (it’s great for mental health!). Or even if you dream of competing in the triathlon someday, writing your goals down or creating a vision board can be effective in reminding you every day about what you’re working towards. You won’t regret it after you’ve made it, we promise.

Remember why you picked up biking in the first place. We’re obsessed with creating lists. Sometimes it’s hard to remember unless they’re staring at you right in the face. And it’s so easy to create and keep on your phone. Here are a few from our list:

• Commuting by bike is good for the planet: less carbon dioxide, less noise pollution, and more clean air (Check out our article on 5 Ways Commuting by Bike Benefits the Environment)
• Commuting by bike is convenient: avoid traffic, parking, and crowded transportation, saves money (Here’s our article on The True Cost of Investing in an E-bike)
• Commuting by bike is good for the body: lose weight, increase brain power, beat illness, and live longer!
• Commuting by bike is good for the mind: unwind, reflect, meditate in motion
• Commuting by bike is great for meeting people: hang with friends, meet other bikers, great icebreaker

Sometimes the lack of motivation has nothing to do with feeling lazy or biking at all. This is where we really recommend journaling if you want to take it up a notch. It helps us reconnect with ourselves and figure out why we’re not going after our goals, like taking over the world! Jokes aside, journaling has been scientifically proven to reduce intrusive thoughts. Why not give it a try? Maybe that’s the push you need.

The easiest way to stay motivated is to make biking so regular your muscles crave it when you’re not biking. A habit can be created in as little as 21 days; that’s only 3 weeks to turn your bike into your bestie! Here’s how:

• Make cycling your main transportation tool: the idea is to stick with it, weather permitting of course! You may dread it at first, but you’ll quickly realize this was one of the smartest decisions you’ve ever made. (Check out 10 Amazing Health Benefits of Riding an Electric Bike)
• Make it achievable: set weekly goals, whether it’s commuting 3 days a week or doing all your weekend errands by bike (e-bikes are amazing for this). Make them achievable, and hold yourself accountable
• Make it fun: Plot your ride to end on a high note for an instant reward. Maybe a nice brunch, an ice cream cone, or some harmless shopping? Pick something you love, and it’ll give you that push you need

We’re creatures of habit. We can be consistently lazy OR consistently active. Once you get over that hump, it’s hard to give up on cycling – so just keep going. But if you’re feeling like this routine is making you lose that magic you felt at the beginning, don’t worry! A few tweaks will do the trick:

• Change up your biking route: If you own an e-bike, use your extra pedal power (thanks to the assist) to explore new places. Take a page from @Gunnarolla’s book and go off the beaten track!
• Get a bike buddy: friends keep each other accountable and make the ride more fun. Some people even bring their kids and pets along on their PakYak E+ cargo bike!
• Change up your intervals: maybe one day you bike for 30 mins, the next day for 40, and 20 the day after. You decide. You can also try different slopes to challenge yourself