A different day today. Pretty flat. Still great cycling surfaces. Great weather. Longer distance covered than previous days. But, funnily, less satisfying.

I think it’s down to the ‘Rhythm Method’

No, I’m not referring to John Charles’ diktats.

Instead, I’m revealing what goes on inside the head of many cyclists tackling long distances.

For me, cycling is meditative. You start by acknowledging your ‘Monkey Brain’ (with the estimate by some neuroscientists of up to 60,000 thoughts per day) and simply assert “Not now!”. You choose instead to still the mind.

With what? Typically, your breathing.

I find this is easiest when you’re tackling a big hill. Because you might die, otherwise.

A bit like yesterday when the gradient was as steep as 12% (think burning lungs, wheels in glue, thigh muscles turning to lead). What do you do? Turn to Rhythm.

There’s a sweet spot – steady your breathing, turn the crank (65-75 rpm works for me) in a gear that lets you keep that cadence without falling over and – the key – a heart rate that is sustainable for you (hint: change gear!). A bit like life?

All thoughts fall away – except Rhythm: the combination of Legs, Lungs and Heart. One turn of the crank at a time.

And when you summit, you mentally salute the hill – and yourself – for just getting on with it.

If you’re not tacking a big hill, Monkey Brain can be much more intrusive. If you’re struggling with which path to follow, which road to cross – that’s when you can lose your rhythm. At least, that happens to me sometimes. Like it did today.

Still lots of moments to take in, though – especially Lake Constance (or Bodensee, as the Germans prefer):

And cool bridges with a touch of class:

And simple moments worth stopping for and savouring:

Germany and Austria added to the list today.

Body adapting to longer distances

Onward.

(P.S. can anyone tell me where Julia gets the mention? Was it Christy?)