Each one of us needs some inspiration once-in-awhile. With large parts of Canada and the U.S. being blanketed with snow today and this weekend, it can be hard to keep up the motivation to hit up the trainer or the rollers. This is when a bit of inspiration is useful.

This article sent to me by Ken Hoppner is an example of such inspiration: Back In Racing Form After Dropping The Fork. This article tells of João Correia’s return to professional racing after many years of working an office job. It is an interesting story and one that reminds us that really anything is possible – it is all up to you.

Perhaps you’d like your inspiration to be more of the visual sort? Well, the classics season kicks off on Saturday with the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad (Omloop Het Volk) race. Check out cyclingfans.com for the live feed of this race. And if you still need more, tune in on Sunday for Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne on Sunday. Watching these races will make your trainer/roller rides feel a little less bumpy and bone rattling.

If you’re still not inspired, there are lots of excellent cycling blogs to read or perhaps you’d like to read something longer like a book? First off we have a personal favorite of many cyclists: The Rider by Tim Krabbe – a short and easy ride about the clutches of a road race. And of course, there is always my book: An Unlikely Elite. I’ve received a few comments from readers who have said it is “motivating” and “an emotional roller coaster”. My book is available for free (though a donation to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada is deeply appreciated) and is in two formats: EPUB or PDF. Download the PDF here and the EPUB here.

As for me and my inspiration? Well, to be honest I don’t really need any inspiration these days. Having my 2010-2011 season end early due to sickness is all the inspiration and motivation I need. Not being able to ride, train or race showed me how much I value it. So I’ll be up with birds on Saturday morning for a 30 minute trail run followed by a 60 minute ride on the trainer.

Keep on keeping on – spring will be here soon…