“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right” (Henry Ford).
When it comes to cycling, it’s not all in your head, but a good deal of it is. There are countless books and quotes about the power of positive thinking, and with good reason. More often than not, our thoughts, good or bad, become our reality. So, it should be a relief to know that you do have more control than you think over how enjoyable your time in the saddle, be it a spin class, training ride, race or endurance ride, turns out to be.
Whether it’s surviving an overall bad day, tolerating pain, or battling a relentless headwind, a strong mind is your greatest asset. Cycling is, after all, a workout; we ride to challenge ourselves, to taste what we’re made of, and to find a better version of ourselves. I’ve learned from experience that my mindset determines what kind of ride I will have. It took a long time for me to show up at one of Lake Nona Cycle’s Sunday Signature Rides – why? Because long before I rode up and introduced myself, I had it in my head that some disaster or embarrassment would befall me. But, lo and behold, by the end of my first 30-mile ride with the group, I was in a mild state of euphoria.
So, how do we overcome this mental tug of war?
Expect Great Things to Happen
It might seem easier said than done, but it’s also the most obvious mindset to have – if you think you are going to have a great ride, you’ll be able to “look on the bright side” regardless of what surprises might come your way.
Find Your Purpose
There’s a reason why you took up cycling, and it certainly was a positive one. Remind yourself of that purpose: Was it to get fit, enjoy the outdoors, meet new friends, de-stress? Or were you seeking a way to support your philanthropic goals by riding for your favorite charity? Reminding yourself of the reason you are in the saddle will certainly put you in a positive mindset.
Fear Not!
Fear can get the best of you in many subtle and not-so-subtle ways. Fear of not being fast enough, of that slight ache in your back, or that never-before-heard sound when you shift – all of it will keep you from being in the moment, and that moment is more often than not a positive one.

Trust and Enjoy the Process
When I first began riding, I felt a 12-mph pace and 25-mile ride was quite an accomplishment. It was at a time when I had not been outside of a spin class in more than a decade and was riding a 20-pound hybrid bike. Four months later, I was riding a road bike and completed a century ride. I wasn’t the last to cross that finish line, but I was close to it. Fast forward three years, and while I may not be as fast as I’d like, I am content in knowing how far I’ve come. This keeps me motivated every time I clip in. Every ride uncovers another layer of progress.
Relax and Focus
One would think pushing harder would yield better results, but sometimes letting go, finding your own rhythm and simply relaxing will bring about a surprising shift in your performance and riding enjoyment. I learned this during one of my first rides with Nona Cycle. With every rider who passed me, I was becoming more stressed and pushing harder trying to catch up, to no avail. Then one of my fellow riders came up next to me, showed me how fluid his cadence was, and as I adapted that approach, I was suddenly sailing right along with him.
Lighten Up!
I will be the first to admit I am a serious person in all aspects of my life. Occasionally, I will be reminded, either by a kind soul or my own self-realization, that life is short and meant to be enjoyed. Remind yourself – on those days when your internal voice doesn’t have a single good thing to say – that you ride foremost for the fun of it. When you think about it, a bicycle is a time machine. It’s safe to say one of your happiest childhood memories is the day when you got your first bike. If you bring that thought to mind when self-doubt, defeatist thoughts, fear or a combination of all three want to go along for the ride, you’ll find that you are stronger, faster and a better rider than you ever thought possible.
Do you like to cycle or want to learn how? Join the Nona Cycle group for weekly rides: http://nonahood.to/nonacycle.