Recently, I’ve gotten back into cycling, and I must say—it’s absolutely exhilarating. At first, I was hesitant. Let’s face it, it had been over a year since I last rode, and the reason was no small hurdle. In April 2023, I broke my shoulder during a catamaran trip off the stunning coast of St. Lucia. The following six months were spent rehabbing, and I struggled with putting any pressure on that shoulder. Reclaiming my strength took time, but finally, I decided it was time to ride again.
My first ride was a modest 2 miles. By the time I finished, I was consumed with a yearning for more. The very next day, I pushed myself to 10 miles. Again, I found myself craving even greater distances. Cycling awakened something in me—the freedom of childhood. Remember that boundless energy you felt as a kid, running or playing without limits? Back then, movement felt effortless, free from injuries or aches. Riding a bike brings back that feeling of limitless joy and abundance.
There’s something special about cycling that you just don’t get from other activities. The ground you can cover, the speed, the connection to your environment—it’s incomparable to walking, and even running doesn’t quite capture the same sense of exhilaration. Cycling pulls you out of the sedentary habits we often fall into: sitting at desks, sending emails, and unwinding with Netflix. Instead, it thrusts you into a natural, human rhythm that feels right.
Cycling Awakens Your Senses
When you’re cycling, you’re activating your senses in ways you might not experience otherwise. Your eyes sharpen as you focus on the road ahead, scanning for obstacles or paths. Your ears heighten, listening for the hum of passing cars or the voices of pedestrians. The wind brushes against your skin, the air fills your lungs, and your body starts to synchronize with the world around you. It’s hard to articulate, but this sensory activation creates an entirely new environment for your mind and body.
And then there’s the balance of effort and enjoyment. If you don’t overdo it and find just the right amount of intensity—a tricky but worthwhile balance—you’ll start to crave that feeling again. That’s the key: ride enough to enjoy it, enough to miss it when you’re not doing it. What starts as a short 2-mile ride can quickly build into 10 miles, 25 miles, or even 50 miles. Who knows? If you really commit, you might even find yourself tackling century rides, covering hundreds of miles.
The Mental Health Boost of Cycling
Beyond the physical benefits, cycling offers profound mental health advantages. Once your ride is done, you feel clearer. Your mind shifts away from focusing solely on your own worries. Instead, you find curiosity, joy, and a renewed eagerness to learn. Problems that once felt overwhelming start to shrink in significance. It’s as if the act of cycling rewires your perspective, making you a better problem-solver and a calmer version of yourself.
This mental clarity is one of the biggest gifts of cycling. It’s not just about fitness—it’s about breaking out of your own head and rediscovering a sense of balance and perspective.
A Challenge for Mental Health Month
May is Mental Health Month, and it’s a reminder to focus on both your mental and physical health. Cycling is just one way to achieve this, but the principle applies to anything that activates your senses and gets you moving. Whether it’s running, hiking, or even just a brisk walk, find something that connects your mind and body in a meaningful way.
So, if you’ve been thinking about picking up a bike, give it a shot. Start small, just like I did. Let the open road inspire you, and let the joy of movement guide you. Before you know it, you’ll not only feel physically stronger but also mentally refreshed and more connected to the world around you.
Take the ride. Activate your senses. Prioritize your health. Peace out.
