The Mental Game: How do you handle the low points?

[Lauren Davis]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been thinking a lot about the mental side of long-distance riding. We all hit that wall at some point—whether it's at 3 AM or during a relentless headwind.

I'm curious, what are your mental tricks to stay motivated when things get tough? Do you use music, podcasts, or just some "zen" silence? I’d love to hear how you keep your spirits up during those solo midnight stretches.

Best, 

Lauren

[Bill Bryant]

Good question, Lauren.

I think it varies for individuals and I’m looking forward to seeing their answers. This spring I’ll be doing some of my first long brevets in a very long while and I’m curious if my old habits will still be useful or not… but yes, avoiding those low spots in energy is key to reaching the finish control.

For me, I mostly do the “zen” silence thing and focus on my pedaling… I usually know the route quite well and try to envision what will be coming next, and mentally check off my progress. If there is a full moon, I also enjoy looking at the scenery a lot. I tend not to listen to podcasts or music, but try to stay “connected” to the immediate… but I know some good randonneurs who enjoy music after sundown, and sometimes you’ll hear them singing along with what they are hearing in their earbuds.

All in all, it is fun seeing how different people do different things to earn their brevet. 

Bill Bryant

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[Banksie]

Hi Lauren, 

For me I’d listen to music & sing. 

Or if drowsy, belt out camp songs cuz they’re silly & I need to think to remember them. 

Sometimes I’d let the blues get to me - and I’d cry. 2-3 minutes of letting it go while pedaling. The release is awesome & then I’d perk up & continue on. I’d always have to tell riding partners if they were around, not to worry, I’m ok, just having a moment. 

Good luck. 

Deb Banks

4405

Sent from the Rivetress’ Phone

On Feb 4, 2026, at 8:51 AM, Bill Bryant <bi...@bryant-springsteen.net> wrote:



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[Shawnery Hardin]

I personally did deeper into the despair and search for the meaning behind it. I then use this moment to find a way to overcome it. The thing is, despair can come from many different places and require much different avenues of handling it. By allowing yourself the time to dig deep into the dark corners of your mind, you allow a light to be shined upon this dark hole, instead of ignoring it with mental gymnastics. 

By allowing yourself the time and space to truly workout the issues you are facing, will there ever be a chance of you defeating the weakness that hides deep down on the caverns of your soul.

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[Juliayn Coleman]

For me, mood=food. When I start to feel low, I try to remember to ask myself when was the last time I ate something, and how easily can I reach *any* type of carb! Low mood is my body's way of warning me that a bonk is coming on, and woe unto thee who ignores that call. Frankly, we are all burning so many calories on these rides, it is pretty much logistically impossible to keep up, so it's highly likely that you are underfueled at any given time during the ride.

However, we can all benefit from a good cry now and then! Demi Vollering, the winner of the 2023 women's Tour de France, would back Deb up 1000% in this! Don't ever feel bad if you need to let the tears rip. Again, we are putting our bodies through so much stress in these rides. That is bound to come out of you somehow.

[Lauren Davis]

Hi everyone,

Thank you all for such thoughtful and diverse perspectives! It’s really helpful to see the different ways everyone tackles those tough "3 AM moments.

Bill, I like the idea of staying "connected" to the surroundings through zen silence—there's something special about a full moon ride. Deb, your honesty about "letting it go" and crying is so relatable; sometimes a physical release is the best reset button.

Shawnery, your approach of diving deep into the despair is very profound—it turns the ride into a real journey of self-discovery. And Joel, thank you for the checklist! The Why factor and the simple trick of counting primes or just stopping for a coffee seem like lifesavers.

It’s clear that whether it’s music, silence, or a well-timed snack, the mental game is just as much about preparation as the physical one. I’m definitely feeling more equipped for my next long stretch now.

Safe riding to you all!

Best, Lauren Davis

[Vince Sikorski]

Years ago I remember listening to William Campbell. Hid did a series on the Power of Myth. One quote that stuck with me is, "Those who long for the future, long for their own demise.” He was referring to the longer term, but I find it useful. Some times when I am really feeling shitty and wish I was already at the next control, finish etc., I remind myself, that is really wishing to be minutes or hours closer to my eventual death, whenever that may be. Why would I wish for that? Helps me get my mind back to the present look around and find the positive. Yea, and stopping for coffee also helps.

Vince Sikorski

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[David Kamp]

Just read the thread. Interesting. Comments would have helped in PBP '99 & '07. '27 I'll be 79, gulp! In '26 = Tour de Youp, Eh. MI Upper Peninsula. 100+ mi/day x 10.

David RUSA 22

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[Bill Bryant]

I’ve found this to be an interesting (and useful) thread. Mainly, however we each deal with the lows that seem to come with longer brevets, it happens to most riders and one shouldn’t think it is something alarming. It is just part of the game. 

Now, if someone with lots of rando experience says, “Gee, that never happens to me…” I’d love to hear from them too! What are they doing that I need to consider for myself? Especially, how are they fueling during the rides >200 km? (For me, I think most of my lows come from inadequate calories.)

Bill Bryant

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