Habits – the 5 mile project
You may have noticed things have been pretty quiet round here for a while. There are many reasons, some of which I’ll elaborate on over the next few days but today I thought I’d announce a little project I’ve set myself.
5 miles. That’s it. 5 miles a day in fact. You see, habits are cobwebs that turn into chains (an old Spanish proverb apparently, although I have to wonder if all proverbs are classed as old by default). I have many chains that need to be broken, and many cobwebs that need strengthening so I plan to start with a simple attempt to ride 5 miles a day.
If it appeals, why not join me (either literally or figuratively, depending on who you are and where you are). The idea is that a regular daily ride will improve my overall fitness, my health and my outlook at a time of the year when most of us are battening down the hatches and putting on our ‘winter coats’ for the next six months.
The riding doesn’t have to be hard and five miles seems an easy distance to cover. All I’m saying is it needs to be a five mile minimum distance, either on or off-road. I’ve done a similar thing before but as often happens, pushed too far to hit an arbitrary mileage target and had most of the next month off the bike! This time, the idea is sustainability so I figure 80% of the time it needs to be short distance and low effort.
Within six weeks I’ll either be sick of the whole idea or else nicely lined up for the season of darkness, able to source appropriate clothing, lighting and bike without too much difficulty. After all, cycling is all about overcoming inertia and there’s never more than when you’re sitting on a sofa!
Let’s see how this one goes…
About the author
Matt is one of the founding Molefathers of the Muddymoles, and is the designer and main administrator of the website.
Having ridden a 2007 Orange Five for many years then a 2016 YT Industries Jeffsy 29er, he now rocks a Bird Aether 9 and a Pace RC-627.
An early On-One Inbred still lurks in the back of the stable as a reminder of how things have moved on. You can even find him on road bikes - currently a 2019 Cannondale Topstone 105 SE, a much-used 2011 Specialized Secteur and very niche belt drive Trek District 1.
If you've ever wondered how we got into mountain biking and how the MuddyMoles started, well wonder no more.
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StevenD says:
I tried something last year but worked on one hour per ride rather than a set distance. After two weeks I got bored of it and preferred one long ride to two or three shorter ones. Good luck though, if it works for you then that is the main thing.
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Posted on October 28, 2015 at 4:08 pm
tony says:
I think that it’s a good aim. I’m aiming a. not to eat too much (not easy when you travel a lot) b. commute to work once a week if possible c. ride whenever I can (already probably away with work for every weekend until 11th of December 🙁 )
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Posted on October 28, 2015 at 4:33 pm
Dazzler says:
Matt it’s got to be off road matey… Unless it’s real muddy, but then your a mole! Anyway was out on Sunday with the moles, you not out…. People saying Matt who?
Wrozski has a light for you, 6000 lumin!!! It sooooo bright it could spot ISS in orbit. So you out soon 🙂
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Posted on October 28, 2015 at 5:27 pm
Matt says:
Sorry to have missed you Darren, haven’t seen you for a while. I actually managed to get out this evening for 14 XC miles over Ranmore with DC. Lovely.
6000 lumens sounds good. Does Adam want it reviewed or did I just mis-read you?
Catch up soon mate.
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Posted on October 29, 2015 at 12:59 am