I am often caught between the want—or rather, need—to ride and the constant chatter inside my head telling me to be available, productive and hustling. The latter serves me well in getting things done; respond to notifications and publish this here magazine on a deadline. However, in between these moments I need to find peace without the constant distraction and that’s when pedalling in the woods comes to the fore. This time need not be long but it’s restorative, and it allows me to jump back into said task with good mood and plenty of energy. You’d think this would settle the debate in my head about whether I should go for a ride or not but, sometimes, I still need to convince myself it’s the best idea.

Summer offers long days, great weather, family time, holidays and (hopefully for you!) some respite from normality! To celebrate, head out for a long challenging ride. For me, these types of ride serve as a metaphor for life’s journey; teaching us valuable lessons about perseverance, self-reliance, and the beauty of slow progress. It’s a far cry from the everything-at-pace mentality that the modern age demands of us. As we climb steep hills and descend tricky terrain, we’re forced to confront our limitations and push beyond them. These moments of struggle and triumph on the bike often lead to profound self-discovery and a deeper appreciation for our own resilience.

Perhaps most importantly, riding offers a much-needed escape from the relentless pace of modern life. We are so much more than sedentary beings scrolling on our phones and working away at laptops. In a world dominated by constant connectivity and instant gratification, the simple act of riding a bike allows us to disconnect and reconnect—with ourselves, with nature, and with the fundamental joy of human-powered movement. As we pedal through diverse landscapes, from urban streets to dense bush, we’re reminded of the beauty and vastness of our world—and our place within it. This shift in perspective can be profoundly rejuvenating, helping us return to our daily lives with renewed energy, clarity, and a heightened sense of what truly matters.