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From Candyland to the Valley of Darkness: Embracing the Highs and Lows of Cycling

a senior cyclist riding through candyland

Cycling is one of those beautiful activities that can feel like magic. There are days when it’s all sunshine and tailwinds, when the road feels like a ribbon of joy stretching out in front of you. Your legs are light, the sky is blue, and it feels like you’re riding through Candyland—a place where every mile is effortless, and time seems to melt away under your tires.

But just like in life, cycling has its valleys too.

When the Ride Turns Dark

One day you’re gliding through the landscape like you’ve got wings. The next day, it feels like you're pedaling through the Valley of Darkness. Your legs are heavy, the wind is relentless, and even the smallest hill feels like a mountain.

We’ve all been there. And while those days can feel defeating, they’re also the days that make you stronger.

The Power of Perseverance

It’s during the hard rides—the ones where everything feels off—that your mindset matters most. That’s when it helps to remember:

  • The joy you felt during your last great ride.

  • How far you’ve come, even if it doesn’t feel like it today.

  • That every pedal stroke still moves you forward, even if it's slow.

Perseverance isn't just about grinding through—it’s about believing in the journey and trusting that better rides are ahead.

Set Realistic Goals

If you're just starting out (or even restarting), it’s easy to get overambitious. But cycling, like fitness, is a slow build:

  • Don’t shoot for 50 miles on your first ride.

  • Start small—5, 10, maybe 15 miles—and build from there.

  • Celebrate progress, not perfection.

Setting small, achievable goals each week gives you wins to build on—and that keeps motivation high even on low days.

Change It Up

Riding the same route over and over can lead to burnout. Mix things up:

  • Explore a new part of town or a nearby trail.

  • Ride at sunrise or try an evening spin.

  • Look for roads you’ve never taken—sometimes the best rides are the ones you find by accident.

Every new route is a chance to fall in love with cycling all over again.

Keep It Fun

This is maybe the most important tip of all: don’t take cycling too seriously.
Yes, it's exercise. Yes, it’s a great way to stay healthy. But above all—it should bring you joy.

Bad rides happen. We all have days where nothing clicks. Learn from them, but don’t let them weigh you down.

Final Thoughts

Cycling is a journey filled with peaks and valleys—days when you fly and days when you struggle. But both are part of the ride.

So celebrate the Candyland days. Embrace the Valley of Darkness with grit and patience. And remember: as long as you keep pedaling, you’re moving forward.

.

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Location: Lubbock, TX, USA

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