Why I Ride: Cycling, Adventure, Freedom and What the Road Has Taught Me

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Biking has become much more than a hobby for me. It is part of the rhythm of my life, one of the ways I explore the world, and one of the places where my mind feels the most free.

Whether I’m cruising on my e-bike, pushing myself on my road bike, drifting along quieter roads on my gravel bike, or loading everything up for a long-distance bike-touring adventure, each kind of riding gives me something different.

Road biking gives me speed, endurance and discipline. Gravel riding takes me away from traffic and into quieter places. My e-bike lets me explore farther while still giving me a workout. And bike touring brings everything together — exercise, travel, solitude, unexpected encounters and the feeling that you are truly moving through a place rather than simply passing through it.

But my relationship with bicycles didn't begin with an expensive bike, electronic shifting or fancy cycling equipment.

It began with a borrowed bicycle.

I Didn't Own a Bike Growing Up

Growing up, I never owned a bicycle.

I remember watching other kids ride past me and wishing I could experience that same freedom. Eventually, a friend of mine got a bike, and he was the one who taught me how to ride. I was so determined to learn that I probably damaged his bicycle a little in the process!

But something clicked.

Once I learned how to ride, biking became something I never really let go of.

Today I own three different bikes, each giving me a different kind of experience. I'm also part of biking groups where I'm constantly learning about new routes, equipment and technology.

But underneath all of that, the feeling hasn't changed very much from the first time I learned to balance on that borrowed bike.

You push the pedals.

The bike begins moving.

And suddenly the world opens up in front of you.

Bicycles Have Changed — But Cycling Hasn't

Bicycles themselves have changed enormously.

Today there are road bikes built for speed, mountain bikes for rough terrain, gravel bikes that can handle pavement and dirt, touring bikes designed to carry gear, hybrids for everyday riding, folding bikes for city living, fat bikes for sand and snow, cargo bikes and increasingly sophisticated electric bikes.

Modern bicycles can have carbon-fiber frames, electronic shifting, advanced suspension systems, hydraulic disc brakes and smart electronic displays. E-bikes have powerful batteries and increasingly impressive ranges.

But despite all this technology, the heart of cycling hasn't really changed.

It's still you, the open air and the simple act of moving forward under your own effort.

And you're getting exercise without necessarily thinking of it as exercise.

My Road Bike: Where I Think

When I take my road bike out for an endurance ride, I put on my padded cycling shorts, get comfortable and start pedaling.

After a while, something happens.

The noise disappears.

My breathing becomes steady. The road stretches ahead. My mind begins to wander.

Some of my best ideas for writing and creating content come to me while I'm riding. There is something about repetitive movement and being outside that gives the mind room to work.

Along the way, I'll meet other cyclists. Sometimes it's nothing more than a wave. Other times we stop and talk and exchange stories.

That's another thing I love about cycling.

You can have solitude when you want it and community when it finds you.

My E-Bike: It's Still a Bike

My e-bike is completely different.

It has massive four-inch tires. It's big, heavy and built almost like a tank.

Even though it has electric assistance, I still pedal as much as possible. Part of that is to conserve the battery, but mostly I want the exercise.

That's something people sometimes misunderstand about e-bikes. Having a motor doesn't mean you can't exercise. You decide how much assistance you want. You can work hard when you want the workout and use additional assistance when you need it.

E-bikes can also make cycling accessible to people who may not otherwise feel comfortable tackling hills or long distances.

The more I ride, the more I notice something else: e-bikes bring people together.

I've seen couples riding matching e-bikes side by side into faraway places. I've had conversations with riders who proudly tell me about their bikes, how many miles they've traveled and where they've been.

I've also seen older riders proudly sharing long-distance adventures online.

Cycling doesn't have to be about speed.

Sometimes it is simply about getting out there.

My Gravel Bike Is My Adventure Bike

My gravel bike doubles as my touring bike.

I can load it with camping equipment, food, clothing and whatever else I need and disappear for several days.

I've done bicycle trips in other countries too, and traveling by bicycle changes your relationship with a destination.

In a car, you pass through.

On a bicycle, you experience.

You notice smells coming from restaurants. You hear conversations. You see little stores, houses and side roads that you might never notice from a highway.

And people talk to you.

That has created some of my favorite travel memories.

A Bicycle Makes You Part of the Journey

I've traveled by airplane, car, train, ship and on foot.

Each has its advantages.

But bicycle travel is different.

A car takes you through a place.

A bicycle lets you become part of it.

You're traveling slowly enough to notice what is around you but quickly enough to cover considerable distance.

You can stop because something smells good.

You can turn down a road simply because you're curious about where it goes.

You can hear somebody call out to you.

You can pull over and have a conversation.

You become approachable.

And sometimes those little interactions become more memorable than the destination itself.

The Kindness You Discover While Traveling by Bicycle

In Peru, I once stopped at a small street vendor because I was curious about food she was selling.

We started talking, ended up laughing and taking pictures together, and she gave me food simply because she enjoyed meeting this traveler who had arrived on a bicycle.

Sri Lanka has given me enough cycling stories for an entire book.

I've slept in schools where a headmaster offered me a place to stay. On one occasion, the headmaster became so interested in my journey that he joined me for part of the ride.

I've stopped for tea and somehow ended up with plates of food.

I've tried seafood for free, been offered snacks and received hospitality from people who had absolutely no obligation to help me.

There is something about seeing someone traveling under their own power that creates curiosity.

A bicycle becomes a conversation starter.

And sometimes those conversations become memories you carry for the rest of your life.

Exploring Cities by Bicycle

Cycling isn't only about wilderness or long-distance touring.

It can completely change how you experience a city.

I remember being in Montreal on a Sunday and discovering the city's bike system. I signed up, and suddenly my sightseeing changed completely.

One moment I was walking around.

The next I was riding through Montreal.

Instead of seeing only what was within walking distance, I could explore much more of the city.

That's what I love about city-bike systems. You don't necessarily have to bring a bicycle with you. You can arrive somewhere, get a bike and start exploring.

You see people riding to work, shopping, meeting friends and simply getting around. Cycling becomes transportation rather than something reserved for exercise.

Cities Are Beginning to Think About Cyclists

I've noticed cycling infrastructure in cities around the world.

Vancouver particularly impressed me because cycling feels incorporated into the transportation system. Bike-route symbols and cycling infrastructure make it much easier to understand where you should ride.

I've seen cycling become part of everyday life in cities in North America, Europe and South America.

When a city treats bicycles as transportation rather than recreation alone, everything changes.

You can be visiting somewhere for business or vacation, rent a bicycle and suddenly experience neighborhoods you probably would never have discovered from a car.

Technology Has Changed Bicycle Travel Too

Navigation has made bicycle touring much easier than it once was.

Google Maps and other navigation tools can help cyclists locate bike lanes, shared paths, trails and bike-friendly roads, making it much easier to plan a route through an unfamiliar place.

For someone traveling in another city or another country, that's a huge advantage.

But I would never depend entirely on technology.

I've traveled through plenty of places where the cellular signal suddenly disappears.

When your navigation freezes in the middle of nowhere, that wonderful smartphone isn't nearly as useful.

For long-distance trips, I like having offline information available, and a paper map can still be incredibly valuable.

Sometimes old technology becomes the backup that saves new technology.

Route 66 Gave Me Another Cycling Dream

During a recent long-distance road trip through New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, I kept encountering Route 66 history.

What fascinated me was seeing sections of the old highway and meeting cyclists who were touring along this legendary American route.

I could understand exactly why they were doing it.

Route 66 has been represented in movies, books, music and American travel culture for generations. Some sections remain beautifully preserved while others have slowly faded into the landscape.

I stopped at the Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Oklahoma, and seeing that history made me think about experiencing the route differently.

One day, I'd love to ride a significant portion of Route 66 myself.

Not drive it.

Ride it.

Because on a bicycle, I know I would see an entirely different Route 66.

How to Choose the Right Bike

People sometimes ask what kind of bicycle they should buy.

My first question would be simple:

What do you want to do with it?

If your goal is speed, fitness and long paved rides, look at a road bike.

If you're planning to tackle rough trails, a mountain bike makes more sense.

If you want a combination of pavement, gravel and touring versatility, consider a gravel bike.

If you want comfortable casual riding or commuting, a hybrid may be ideal.

If you want assistance for longer distances, hills or commuting, an e-bike may open possibilities that didn't seem practical before.

And if you want to carry equipment across long distances, look closely at gravel and touring bikes.

Don't buy a bicycle simply because somebody tells you one category is the best.

Buy the bicycle that matches the riding you actually want to do.

Bike Fit Matters More Than Beginners Realize

I've seen riders with their saddles set far too low.

Their knees remain excessively bent throughout the pedal stroke, and they're working much harder than necessary.

A properly fitted bicycle should allow you to pedal comfortably and efficiently while maintaining good control. Your arms shouldn't feel stretched or cramped, and your riding position should feel natural.

Frame size, saddle position and handlebar position all matter.

If you're purchasing your first serious bicycle, having a good bike shop help you with the fit can be worth it.

A poorly fitted bicycle can make cycling feel miserable.

A properly fitted bicycle can make you wonder why you didn't start riding years ago.

Don't Assume a Bigger Saddle Is Better

Another common misconception involves saddles.

A large, soft seat may look more comfortable, particularly for short casual rides.

Long-distance cycling is different.

Road and touring saddles are often relatively narrow because your legs need room to move freely without constantly rubbing against the saddle.

At first, a narrow saddle may not look particularly inviting. But once you're spending hours rather than minutes on a bicycle, you begin understanding why saddle design matters.

Padded cycling shorts also make an enormous difference on longer rides. They're designed to reduce friction and provide cushioning at important pressure points.

These are small details when you're riding around the neighborhood.

They become very big details when you're fifty miles into a ride.

Learn to Use Your Gears

Gears can also confuse new cyclists.

Some beginners remain in very low gears because pedaling feels easier. But depending on the terrain, that can mean spinning your legs much faster than necessary.

Think of gears as tools.

Lower gears help when climbing or when you need easier pedaling. As the terrain becomes flatter, you can select a gear that allows you to maintain a comfortable cadence and speed.

Don't worry about memorizing everything immediately.

Ride.

Experiment.

Notice how the bicycle responds.

Eventually shifting becomes something you do without thinking about it.

Test Ride Before You Buy

If possible, don't choose a bicycle based entirely on how it looks.

Ride it.

Feel the balance.

Try the brakes.

Shift through the gears.

Pay attention to your posture.

Ask yourself whether the bike feels too large, too small, too aggressive or uncomfortable.

A bicycle can look perfect sitting in a showroom and feel completely wrong once you're riding it.

Your bike should support the adventures you want to have, not limit them.

"What Have I Done to Myself?"

Whenever I load my touring bike with camping gear for a long trip, there is usually a moment when I look at everything strapped onto the bicycle and think:

"What have I done to myself?"

The bike feels heavy.

My mind starts questioning the entire idea.

Then I start riding.

Five miles later, things begin settling down.

Ten miles later, I'm in the zone.

My breathing has adjusted. My legs are moving. The weight doesn't seem quite as intimidating anymore.

I think beginning cycling is similar.

At first everything feels awkward. You're thinking about balance, gears, traffic, braking and where you're supposed to put your hands.

Then something changes.

Your confidence grows.

Your legs become stronger.

Eventually you stop thinking about riding the bicycle.

You simply ride.

Safety Is What Keeps the Freedom Alive

The joy of cycling comes with responsibility.

Before riding, I check the important things on my bike: tires, brakes, chain and lights.

It takes very little time and can prevent a much larger problem later.

And I always wear a helmet.

I've had a couple of hard falls over the years. Thankfully, I've escaped with bruises rather than serious injuries, but those experiences reinforced something I already believed.

For me, a helmet is not optional.

I never ride without one.

Make Yourself Visible

Cyclists are much smaller than cars and can easily disappear from a driver's view.

That's why I believe visibility is extremely important.

Use front and rear lights when appropriate. Reflective material can help in low light, and clothing that makes you easier to see can make a difference.

But visibility isn't only about equipment.

It's also about how you ride.

I try to be predictable.

I signal turns.

I don't suddenly weave across the road.

And at intersections, I never assume that a driver sees me.

If I'm uncertain whether a vehicle is stopping, I wait.

I'd rather lose five seconds than take a chance with my life.

Watch the Road Ahead

Cyclists have hazards that motorists barely notice.

Loose gravel.

Sand.

Wet leaves.

Potholes.

Railroad tracks.

Opening car doors.

Pedestrians suddenly stepping into your path.

Dogs running toward the road.

When you're cycling, your eyes need to be looking ahead rather than immediately in front of your wheel.

I also try to operate under a very simple assumption when riding around vehicles:

The driver may not see me.

That mindset keeps me alert without taking away from the enjoyment of riding.

Listen to Your Body

Long rides can become dangerous when fatigue begins affecting your judgment.

Drink water.

Eat.

Take breaks.

And pay attention when your body tells you something isn't right.

There is no prize for exhausting yourself to the point where you stop making good decisions.

The purpose is to get there — and enjoy getting there.

Safety Doesn't Take Away the Adventure

Sometimes people hear all the safety advice associated with cycling and think it makes riding sound dangerous.

I look at it differently.

Safety gives me freedom.

When I know my bicycle is working properly, when I'm wearing my helmet, when I'm visible and when I'm paying attention to traffic, I can stop worrying about those things and concentrate on what I actually came out there to do.

Ride.

Look around.

Explore.

Think.

And enjoy the journey.

Why I Keep Riding

I've traveled by car, airplane, train, ship and on foot.

But a bicycle occupies a special place in my life.

It is fast enough to take me somewhere new but slow enough for me to notice where I am.

It gives me exercise without making exercise feel like an obligation.

It gives me solitude when I need to think.

It introduces me to people I never would have met otherwise.

And sometimes it takes me down a little road that I would have driven past without ever wondering where it went.

Maybe that's what I love most about cycling.

You don't need to cross a country.

You don't need an expensive bicycle.

You don't need to ride fifty miles.

Start with five.

Ride around your neighborhood. Find a local trail. Rent a city bike while you're traveling. Take the road you've always wondered about.

Because somewhere between that first uncertain pedal stroke and the moment when the road begins disappearing underneath your wheels, something happens.

You stop thinking about the bicycle.

You start looking at the world around you.

And you realize just how much freedom can come from something as simple as two wheels.

I started with a borrowed bicycle.

After all these years, I'm still riding — and I'm still wondering where those two wheels will take me next.

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— Fowzer
The Reflective Explorer
#reflectiveexplorer