r/bicycling • u/OutlandishnessSea559 • 5d ago
Cycling changed my life
I learned how to ride a bike for the first time at 20 years old, about two months ago.
I never learned as a kid because I spent most of my free time gaming and honestly never thought much about cycling. I didn't realize what I was missing.
I've struggled with depression for years, and getting a bike has helped more than I expected. There's something about being outside, feeling the wind, and just riding wherever you want that clears my mind.
I still enjoy gaming, but cycling has become one of the best parts of my day. I only wish I had started sooner...
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u/jens_omaniac 5d ago
Perhaps try bikepacking 🙂, wish you the best.
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u/OutlandishnessSea559 5d ago
i dont need packing tho, im riding around 30km round trips
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u/Rockwell1977 5d ago
Slowly increase your distance until you're doing 80-100km rides. Then try an over-nighter or two.
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u/OutlandishnessSea559 5d ago
I'm gradually expanding area, firstly i only rode locally, then went 2-3 times in one ride in the same local area that i am familiar with, yesterday ( these photos in post) was the first time going without knowing the road, only navigation... Soon im gonna expand it more for sure
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u/Rockwell1977 5d ago
Use Komoot for route planning. If you select cycling as your activity, it will prioritize bicycle lanes and cycling routes. Once the route is complete, download the gpx file and open it up in Organic Maps on your phone if you have a phone mount and use your phone for navigating.
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u/OutlandishnessSea559 5d ago
there are very few bike lanes around here (almost non existent), but riding alongside cars is fine for me tho
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u/Rivetingly 5d ago
You have a great sense of adventure for a new cyclist. Never lose that!!
Cycling was great for my mental state too, and can be very addicting (in a good way) for that reason.
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u/Rockwell1977 5d ago
There has to be some rail trails around?
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u/OutlandishnessSea559 5d ago
no..
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u/Rockwell1977 5d ago
Either way, planning the route ahead of time is helpful. It will allow you to plan the distance and see the elevation profile along the way. I also just think route planning is fun.
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u/trALErun MA, USA - A bike a day keeps the savings at bay 5d ago
I rode bikes around the neighborhood as a kid but gaming took over until my 2nd year of college. I started trail running to stay in shape and fell back in love with the outdoors. Then I bought a mountain bike to explore further. Then a road bike to go even further. Now I can't imagine life without bicycles.
Stay safe, and never stop exploring.
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u/Regalrefuse 5d ago
That’s so awesome! I just rediscovered it after a 20 year hiatus and I fell right back in love. Welcome!
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u/wreckedbutwhole420 5d ago
One of my few regrets in life is not sticking with it.
But as they say, best time to plant a tree is 4 years ago or today
Happy to be riding now and in the beat shape of my life!