Cycling: Reconnecting with Life’s Simple Pleasures

Over the past few weeks, bike shops have likely seen their busiest time of the year. Whether it’s parts and accessories, restoring an old bike that’s been collecting dust for ages, or buying a shiny new ride—with or without electric assist—not to mention shoes, apparel, helmets… Summer is here, and it's full-on cycling fever.

A growing social phenomenon in recent years, cycling continues to gain popularity with each passing season.

And long-time cyclists aren’t complaining about the surge of new riders. Nothing’s more uplifting than passing fellow cyclists of all levels on the road or the bike path. Seeing entire families riding together is pure joy. And hopefully, more cyclists on the road will also mean more considerate and respectful drivers.

As group activities become more complex—and less appealing—many are turning to this simple, accessible pastime that reconnects us to the feelings and memories of childhood. Curious? Ask a few people around you if they remember learning how to ride a bike. You’ll be surprised how many can recall the exact moment.

Nobody remembers switching from crawling to walking, but nearly everyone remembers riding their first two-wheeler: the bike, the location, even who was there. For many of us, riding a bike was our first real taste of control—and freedom.

From laid-back, scenic rides to performance-driven outings, the joy is the same at every level: the feeling of freedom, well-being, and accomplishment.

Cycling is the kind of sport that hooks you fast. The more you ride, the more you want to ride. You start with 25 km, and the next time you aim for 30. If you average 25 km/h one day, you shoot for 26.5 the next. As your passion grows, so does your urge to explore new routes and fresh landscapes.

Why the obsession? One reason is that cycling is a "low-impact" sport: your body weight is supported, unlike running. That means fewer injuries and less soreness after a ride. Joint pain is rare—if your position is properly adjusted. Back, knee, or neck pain is almost always the result of poor posture on the bike, often easily corrected. Believe it or not, even lower back pain can come from a saddle that doesn’t suit your body. That’s why a proper bike fit is crucial before hitting the road.

Thinking about giving it a try? Start gradually. Don’t fixate on mileage alone—consider saddle time, which is just as important. Wind, temperature, and elevation all affect your average speed and how much effort you’ll need to put in. Keep all that in mind when planning your next ride.