If you’re here, reading this, I’m going to take a wild guess that you do a bit of cycling. It doesn’t matter how much; maybe it’s just in the park with the kids at the weekend or maybe it’s commuting a couple of miles twice a week. Whatever your cycling pedigree, I’m also going to guess that you have a few regular routes that you know like the back of your hand and take all the time.
So here’s a crazy motivational idea: why not occasionally take the long way instead?
For me it’s Wednesday mornings, as (for one reason and another) I’m already up at least an hour earlier than normal so I have some time to spare and can extend my commute. I can easily double my normal ten mile run and still be in work, showered and ready, by 9am.
It doesn’t have to be that much of course. How about one day a week continuing on to the next junction before turning and heading for your office? Where does that side road lead? How about that longer path or an extra half-lap in the park? Or what about riding to that far bridge along the towpath? You know your route, so you’re the best judge.
I appreciate that I’m fortunate to have the health and flexibility to be able to take the long way sometimes and that it might be more problematic for others.
But next time you’re at the turning point on that regular route of yours, think about it at least.
