Lousy ride today...does everyone experience this?

[DebTX]

I'd been riding weekends only, due to the travel demands of my job - typically 20-25 miles on both Saturday and Sunday mornings.

I'm now able to add midweek rides - and I know it will help with both weight loss and improved performance on the bike (big goals for me). So last week I headed out four times for 20 mile rides (Sun, Tues, Fri, Sat). The rides felt great - I felt the best I'd felt all season on the hills, and thought "maybe I'm finally gaining a bit of strength!" I took Sunday off for a day of rest.

This morning (after a day of rest), I went out for a 25 mile ride (on a chip and seal road surface which sucked, but I've ridden it many times before) and it was the worst ride of the season. The entire ride I felt like I was peddling through quicksand - even on the flats, in the easiest gear! Nothing was wrong with the bike (when I rode into the asphalt parklng lot at the end of the ride, it peddled like a dream.)

Do you experienced riders sometimes have days when you're "just off"? I'm sure my body is surprised by all the new work I'm puttting it through, but I really want to keep it up because I think it's the only way I'll improve.

I just need reassurance to "push through it" and not give up because of one bad day!

Thanks!