For one reason or another, you’ve been off your bike for a couple of days/weeks/months and it’s time to change that. Enter the comeback ride!!
I’ll admit that over the past 12 months or so, I’ve had more comebacks than I would like to admit. Blame “life”, travel, illness, cold, dark, rain, or motivational crises, there are times when I can find a million excuses not to ride my bike.
Eventually, you recognise the signs you need to make a comeback and planning begins. My comeback rides have rules depending on a multitude of factors, including but not limited to:-
- how long I’ve been off the bike,
- my physical health (Am I up to it? I weigh that much!!!),
- my mental health(Do I really want to ride? ), and
- what my riding buddies are up to on the day of the comeback. (What’s the route, and will I be able to control the pace or sit comfortably in the wheels? Will they try and torture me through either pace or a “surprise” detour.)
Personally, it’s only a comeback if I’ve been off the bike for longer than a week, or I have had an illness that has kept me off the bike. (I’m old, and if I’m sick, I err on the side of recovery – health trumps riding.) Never underestimate the power of recovery!
Today I had a comeback ride! After 7 days in COVID isolation over Christmas, I was sick of staring at the walls of my apartment. Physical health – check, mental health – check. My riding buddies were around 300km deep into the Rapha Festive 500, so they weren’t fresh – check. I was even able to choose the route!! I was ready to go!!
Of course, I chose the flattest route on offer. Of course, I chose a starting time that landed us a pub at lunchtime (#kiddiesburger). I offered no resistance when a surprise finishing detour to another pub was suggested. All the cards fell into place for an awesome (if a little windy) comeback ride. I’m back baby!
Do your recovery rides have rules? How long are you off the bike before a comeback is required? Let me know in the comments below.
