Where's my motivation?

Can a man have too many hobbies? It was once said that a man without a hobby will be unfaithful, a funny saying I think, but on the whole it's probably true.

If I had to give up all my passions bar one then I would choose the Mountain-biking as the one that stays. It's the one that rewards the most, and it's the one that requires probably the greatest input.

And that's where the problem starts...

I read the magazines, I watch the DVDs, I keep my bike ready-to-ride at a moment's notice, I live in Skipton; the self-titled 'Gateway to the Dales', one of the best riding spots in the country. So where's my motivation gone?

Reasons for not riding today include; there's a gusty wind blowing, it's still freezing cold, the roads are covered in grit salt, the house is nice and warm and I can sit here typing away, and 'from-the-doorstep' routes have all been ridden to death and I crave a fresh challenge.

There's another great saying 'no-one ever regrets exercise', again I'm a firm believer in this one too. My last ride, Whinlatter, on New Years' Day was fantastic, inspiring, challenging and rewarding. So why can't I just get out and ride?

My love affair with biking certainly isn't diminishing. Every waking minute is filled with 'bike thoughts', every time I look across a fair-stretching vista I'm scoping for trails, every time I see a little footpath or gateway I want to explore. So where's my motivation gone?

Sunday night has come around again and it's another weekend without riding. Maybe it's just the winter? Maybe it's the stress of work? Whatever it is, I need to sort it. Surely it's just a phase? If you've found your motivation can you tell me where it was when you got it back, and how. Thanks.