Weekends are traditionally when most folks sleep in; catching up on the sleep they wish they had during the rest of the week. Not me. Every Saturday and Sunday I’m up at 5 a.m., well before daylight.
Up at 5, on the bike by 6:30 to 7:15 (depending on the season and sunrise time). That’s how my weekend days start. I spend a few hours on the bike and then I’m back home by 10:30 (usually). About the time the rest of the family are getting going, I’m done with my training and free to do traditional weekend stuff without the bike getting in the way. See, it all works out.
But 5 a.m. is early. It’s especially early in winter when the temperature outside is less than 40F degrees and you know you’ve got to get out in that for a couple of hours. In Summer, early is like a gift; you get to work hard before the sun reaches its full power and bakes the land in 100F+ temps. Yes, better to get up early than to sleep in an train in a broiler. But it’s just better to get your ride done early anyway, no matter the season. If you allow your training to get in the way of other scheduled or potential activities, training will always be an inconvenience
If you’re trying to get serious about cycling—about training for a better life—you have to reexamine your personal schedule. What works now will not likely work well when you add something as significant as regular training to your life. If you try and put cycling into your current schedule, other things will crowd it out and excuses for not training will be easy to find. Don’t allow that. If you’re gonna ride, ride. Do what it takes to ensure nothing gets in the way of your ride. Maybe try getting up early. Insanely early.
It’s 6:20 a.m.; just enough time for a shower and for me to get on the road. Sun will be up by then.
#1 by Bryan at July 7th, 2009
Hey, just discovered your blog via Twitter. Very cool.
When I was in Florida I got up at 5 AM to ride on weekdays so I could get the ride out of the way. If I didn’t, it was too easy let other things trump it as the day went on.
#2 by Blaž at July 7th, 2009
I quit freelancing just so I have weekend free for my outdoor activities. In order to exercise regulary you have to bring some kind of order into your life.
During the week I also try to work regular 8 hours on my job and then go home and think of what I will do this afternoon. I realized working late makes me unhappy and that I have to have regular exercise to stay mentaly calm.
#3 by Jaron Ballard at July 7th, 2009
Exactly my friend. I’ve been struggling with that one lately. I’m not particularly an early riser, but I like it when I do it. It’s rewarding to wake up before most of the people in the city and do something that most people wouldn’t dare do.
#4 by Stephen Lee Ogden at July 8th, 2009
I too am a designer / cyclist … my weekends are much the same, getting up early to ride. I’ve found cycling to be a great compliment to design as I can brainstorm and work off energy on the bike … and often roll back in with a renewed creativity. I started my own company 6 months ago and find that I have the flexibility to ride now more than ever. Love it.
S.
#5 by Andy at July 9th, 2009
Thanks guys. It’s nice to know there are other sympaticos out there. Keep rolling.
#6 by Geof Harries at July 14th, 2009
This is actually something I really love about living in the Yukon: although I’m an early riser (sometimes by choice, but mostly due to our young kids) I prefer to go for late evening rides.
Due to the midnight sun, each day we get over 22 hours of light in June. Right now, in July, it’s 11:00 p.m. and it’s still bright out. I went for a long road ride this evening at 9:00 p.m. and returned a little while later with loads of sun to spare. It’s pretty cool to have that sort of flexibility during the summer. Keeps you motivated!
#7 by Mark Kelly at July 14th, 2009
I’ve been cycling seriously for about 15 years and still have found no better time to ride than sunrise. I am glad I’m what is called a “morning person;” riding charges me up for the day at work. I do admit, however, that I won’t go out if it’s below 45 degrees (F); my local gym has a spinning class that keeps me going through the fairly short winters here in middle Tennessee, and I recommend it for those who don’t abide the cold.
#8 by Bob Simonette at July 20th, 2009
I agree completely. I use a helmet light and a flashing rear light so I can get out a little before sunrise, usually around 5:30. I beat the heat and get to experience the best time of the day at the same time. Sunrise is a gift from God and it is a shame that so many people sleep through it.
#9 by Andy at July 20th, 2009
I agree, Bob. While riding with Mark Kelly (above) and his friends in TN we got to see the sunrise come over the mountains as we were riding through the valley below. Really nice!