The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

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 ...

Every cyclist, no matter how experienced, goes through slumps. Maybe it’s a streak of bad weather, an injury, or just one of those days when getting on the bike feels harder than it should. I've been there too—and if you're reading this, you probably have as well. The good news is that motivation isn't about always being fired up. It’s about having tools in your back pocket to keep going when things get hard. Here are some ways I—and many other cyclists—stay motivated when the ride gets rough: 1. Set Achievable Goals Having a goal gives your rides purpose. But the key is to make those goals realistic and measurable. Instead of something vague like “get better at cycling,” try “ride 50 miles in under 4 hours” or “increase weekly mileage by 10%.” Break your big goals into smaller ones: Ride 30 miles in under 2.5 hours. Improve average speed by 1 mph. Add one longer ride per week. And don’t forget to celebrate small victories! Each step forward is proof you...