Finding Hope in the Struggles: A Cycling Transformation

[@michaelbeuoy4293]

Cycling has kept me grounded during some rather rough times, when I was young living in an abusive home, some 40 plus years ago. And now with the passing of my wife (35 years). I moved locations to be near my son; but, the area he lives in has a large cycling community, and a cycling club that just did their 55th yearly ride. Many people, especially here in the states, don't understand the benefits of cycling. I do enjoy your channel nice to see another cyclist that's just a cyclist.

[@jollygoodvelo]

@@michaelbeuoy4293 Sorry to hear about your wife’s passing. I just can’t imagine how tough that must have been. Good that you have your son and a great group of people to ride with

[@deejayreff]

Well done Leonard. Thanks for a realistic approach to why we must ride.

[@markfeldman6509]

Great essay Leonard. Cycling develops discipline, gives peace of mind when riding alone and develops camaraderie when with buddies. A chance to reflect or to just let the mind go blank. The perfect combination. Thanks for your good work. Stay healthy and keep riding and posting.

[@jollygoodvelo]

@@markfeldman6509 Yes, the ability to clear the mind is something I missed on this video. It’s definitely something we all need from time to time.

[@leedorney]

When you're going thru the hard stuff these words matter! #thnxLeonard ✌️

[@StephenHayes-x3b]

Very true words. Cycling has always helped me navigate the tough times. A metaphor for life with its ups, downs, headwinds and sunny days. Great video.

[@jollygoodvelo]

@@StephenHayes-x3b Exactly

[@270blevins]

Cycling is the affordable version of therapy.. I set goals some I make some I don’t but in the end I was outside riding my bike, as I always say I think just one more mile…had my first defeat yesterday with legs cramps that halted my ride just about immediately I set out for 60mi and got 52.5mi so it was still a win for me. Appreciate the videos and motivation. Stay safe and pedal on.

[@raymondelliot4605]

You hit the nail on the head Leonard. I did another half marathon a couple of weeks ago, not my first, I’ve done quite a few and a full marathon along with long cycle rides. Well back to two weeks ago, I hit a wall at 9 miles, had to walk run the rest. It really scunnered me and I haven’t run or cycled since then. At the moment I don’t feel like doing anymore events. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m in my 60’s and feel I’m starting to find it more difficult to keep up to the level I’m used to doing. It starts to turn into a mind game thing. I’m going to put my bike in for a service this week, hopefully I will be able to shake this faze off. Thanks again for another good video 👍🏻

[@PierreLaflamme-m1t]

There is a direct correlation between your wonderful videos and my fitness. All I have to do is watch a few of your inspirational rides, listen to your kind words and voila, I’m transported to my steed for a session of biking. Thanks for the motivation.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Glad I can help.

[@cornelbacauanu1544]

Very true , every day motivating video. Everyone should watch. Thank you Leonard.

[@jay297610]

Great video! Thanks again for wise words from experience, now a video on convincing my Mrs on why I need a new bike, would help me out.

[@Missusri]

Hi Leonard, I usually ride when stores and offices are closed; in the summer at six PM it is usually light out but in the fall six PM is darker and I will need to use my USB rechargeable Blackburn bike lights on the way out and back; and by the time I get home sometimes the lights are already dimming. Fast, slow ride, bright or dim lights either way is good. Thank you for messaging.

[@jollygoodvelo]

It’s that time of year.

[@jerrymurphy2314]

Inspirational. Just the thoughtful reminder I needed as I navigate a rough patch. Thanks!

[@jollygoodvelo]

Good luck

[@dave136]

Absolutely spot on Leonard…it’s been a tough year personally and cycling has been a life saver..to think and sort out dark thoughts..thanks for raising this topic🙏🏻

[@jollygoodvelo]

@@dave136 Hope you resolve whatever it is.

[@reidwagner1508]

this has been just what I needed to hear. This one I will save and listen to again. Probably more than once; I know. “Tough moments”: that was a good phrase. Wife with her recent surgery, or me discovering a new pain in the joint of my left thumb. I know your video has helped me a lot. Keep the videos coming! Take care and be safe.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Hope you both recover quickly.

[@soihavetoplay]

Always loving your videos with realistic topics

[@anthonyR13]

Very well put and uplifting words Leonard. One of my problems is that I am prone to anxiety, and sometimes getting my sorry arse on the bike can seem tough sometimes. I always try to come up with a reason not to, even when the weather is perfect. But I do it nonetheless, despite baseless catastrophising about everything that I think can go wrong. Once on the bike, everything is alright with the World. Sometimes our hardest battles come from within ...

[@richardrogers229]

Thank you very much. I'm cycling 200 kilometers tomorrow so I can feel better about my circumstances. At least I can finish the cycling season on a positive note.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Best of luck

[@A_AAA232]

well said Leonard, thanks - cycling can build up your resiliance and build up self belief! I find breaking big things down into smaller challenges can work out good, especially on the climbs - no matter how slow I go, I'll get to the top in the end setting little goals to aim for along the way! really liked the intro camera sequence and the autumninal feel of the begining section of the vlog - cheers

[@jollygoodvelo]

@@A_AAA232 Cheers Afzal. I was certainly slow on the climbs last week.

[@A_AAA232]

@@jollygoodvelo :) but you got there in the end and didn't let the cold get to you too much!

[@secretagent86]

Nice video. I am constantly putting myself down re my weight ( lose in summer gain in winter but this year my low was 222 vs 210 in 2023 and 200 in 2022). But i do forgive myself. My average speed is down a couple of km per hour. This year i tried to focus on the number of rides i do. About 105 rides now, ten more than last year. Also i go drenched in one downpour this year but i really enjoyed it. My rim pads lost most of their braking power…fortunately the way home had no big descents… changed make of rim pads. One thing i found to motivate me was to buy new kits. ( cheap but ok online stuff). It feels good to change from the same old boring stuff. Also i am hoping to get a gravel bike perhaps next year…age 68 and lots of years still ahead. By any chance are you a psychologist? Darned good viewpoints today. I am subscribing to your newsletter.

[@gazzas28]

There's always hope

[@gordonsweeney1187]

So much enjoy your posts. On assignment in Barrow, AK. Looking forward to leaving the snow, wind and ice for a while to get back to cycling. Thanks.

[@firdaushanapiah7691]

My sermon requirements done for today❤ . Thank you sir! Much appreciated!

[@mshowers5246]

A great message that most of us need to hear from time to time. Thanks Leonard!

[@RyanCondon]

Great video. I enjoyed watching and listening. Thanks for sharing.

[@jollygoodvelo]

@@RyanCondon Gla you liked it.

[@alanparkinson4568]

Excellent words, Leonard. I’m enjoying your cycling psychology videos.

[@jollygoodvelo]

@@alanparkinson4568 Thanks Alan, I was editing parts of our Costa Brava tour today!

[@texaslinux]

Another great video, thank you Leonard!

[@jollygoodvelo]

@@texaslinux Glad you liked it.

[@Peaceman5790]

100%! Nothing new there but really good to be reminded sometimes ✌🏻

[@jollygoodvelo]

We all need to be reminded

[@leftywedge]

Well said! Words of wisdom! Cheers.

[@jollygoodvelo]

@@leftywedge Thanks Giovanni.

[@jogo160]

Some good stoic philosophy in your message today. Seneca and Marcus would be pleased.

[@peteryork4827]

I agree mate Cheers peter perth wa

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks

[@rollandjoeseph]

My main goal riding on most days is to enjoy the weather, say hi to people and animals and to raise my endorphins..i usually achieve those stats!😁

[@chrisconnors7418]

I always tell myself that if things get rough enough, I can just jump on my bike and start cycling across the country and/or down into the states. Just drop out and take up a nomadic lifestyle for a bit.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Cardiac surgery coming up in mid January. No cycling for 6 months ! Bummer.

[@jollygoodvelo]

@@jeffhildreth9244 Sometimes there are things more important than cycling

[@jeffhildreth9244]

@@jollygoodvelo Agreed. It will be a "learning experience".

[@TheSavateur]

Cycling is “moving mediation”

[@ianccrook8899]

Well done ‘Coach’. Very well scripted. Simple. Layman’s language. Top job.

[@jollygoodvelo]

@@ianccrook8899 Glad you liked it.

[@ianccrook8899]

Of course! After a full-time work life, many people begin afresh. For some, post-career life can be about The Search for Significance. Many of us become defined by our family life, work life and financial life. As the years go by, family grows up and departs for their own lives. The once unscalable mortgage mountain is reduced to a hillock or even flat land. And the career we chased all those years also reaches its end. So the major defining characteristics of life may all recede within a few years. Then what? The search for who we are now begins … and the great foundation for that search is to be found in regular, aerobic exercise with like minded people. Er, and coffee … well done for sharing, Leonard.😂😊

[@kvalvagnes]

...all the big guys are saying the same; consistency... I struggle today .... but in the evening waits a few with and old friend, and I get more thirsty after the gym and a treadmill interval....then see the Brits get knocked out of AC....

[@mortenthenorwegian2875]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@pauljordan2955]

Is you want something slightly different! Do a couple of hours ride without a computer or start your computer and put it in your pocket until you finish your ride, just enjoy the ride.

[@jollygoodvelo]

@@pauljordan2955 I don’t think the computer is the problem, really. I think the problem is when we expect too much from ourselves occasionally.

[@geraldinecoupland4162]

Going through a hard time myself at present. Completely lost the love and getting into more countryside walks and time off the bike. TBH KZbin has a big play to part in this unfortunately. Channels who go on about their electronic shifting, large rides, elevation, speed and watts they are doing I just loose interest, stop watching then eventually unsubscribe. Leaving cycling clubs was the best decision made. I’m having to adapt my exercise routine due to a new era of life I have entered with my body. I go out for the odd ride, love hasn’t returned as yet. Shame but I’ll keep trying 🚴‍♀️

[@jollygoodvelo]

I think we all have times like that. Just ride and enjoy and, hopefully, you’ll feel better.

[@geraldinecoupland4162]

@@jollygoodvelo thank you. You made a valid point towards the end, it’s about the smaller goals and just enjoy the ride and surroundings. I think sometimes this gets over shadowed with all the other stuff. Let’s hope this Autumn / Winter / Spring isn’t as wet and windy as last but thus far it seems to be going the same way again at present. Good luck and enjoy your cycling during the 3 seasons 🚴‍♀️

[@jeffhildreth9244]

"Leaving cycling clubs was the best decision made" Agreed.

[@nathanwoodruff9422]

I found it best instead of asking myself questions as I rarely remember to ask, is to have someone scream it at you if you don't. Somehow, I stumbled upon a bicycle that screams nasty, foul, disgusting words at me all night long if I don't, not letting me sleep at all. Almost like being married. This bicycle came from China so one would think it would do the screaming in Chinese.... Nope.... English. So, I no longer have to ask myself if I got outside today as my bicycle will start reminding me an hour before dark to get my sorry disgusting arse out the door riding it so it can get some fresh air. There are benefits to having a bicycle that screams at you as it will remind me that the coming up hill is nothing and I would be a sorry doofus if I couldn't make it up. Or something like I'm a lazy no good for nothing wanker if I don't keep up with that group of professional riders. Most times it works! If only there were benefits like that to having a wife.

[@jollygoodvelo]

We’ve all had the screaming bikes at one time or another.

[@NanangNanang-z6n]

Ini hanya kutipan propaganda 😂