I also come from the long distance hiking world to cycle touring. It was an easy transition and I meet quite a few other hikers out there on the bike, and cyclists on the trails. I enjoy combining the two, as well--ride a couple of days to a trailhead and hike for a couple of days for a week-long outing.

Riding or walking either faster or slower than my natural pace is definitely more tiring. I think slower is hard because it simply means more time in the saddle or on the feet.

But as far as the occasional "bad" days go, "Sometimes you eat the bear...."