Thanks, everyone, for the thoughts (and encouragement).

Yeah, I've lately been trying to work in some hilly terrain with every weekend ride. Since I live smack in the middle of a valley, I have plenty of time on the ride toward my canyon loop to loosen up and get in the right mental state. Here's how that goes on my less-motivated days:

Mile 4: I don't think I have it today. Maybe I should just go to the basin (a mostly flat 5-mile loop where I can simply go round and round, unchallenged, until tired).

Mile 6 (having bypassed the basin): Just because I ride over to the canyon doesn't mean I have to enter it.

Mile 10: Maybe I should stop at Jamba Juice.

Mile 12 (having not stopped at JJ): There's no shame in getting off the bike and walking if I need to. I'll feel better for having tried.

Mile 14 (having entered canyon and breathlessly crested first hill): This is humiliating.

Mile 16 (having ridden over several inclines to the point of no return, where turning back would be just as hard as moving forward) Water's awfully low. (After replenishing hydration reserves, sits outside canyon store, psyching self up for remainder of the pass.)

Mile 17 (standing beside bike, catching breath, trying to act casual when greeting passing cyclists): Only two more climbs!

Mile 18 (having completed climbs, exiting canyon via luxuriously long decline): Wheeee!

Mile 20: Stops at Jamba Juice, now feeling much more deserving of "Protein Berry Pizazz" (with additional protein boost).

Miles 21–24: I could so totally do that again! … But, you know, I have to get home.

Miles 25–30: I rule.