Category: Thoughts

I have this memory from my teenage years, one that has stuck with me for a long time. Most weeks, I would go on a ride with my father and uncle. It was never anything fancy or overly serious – just a casual bike ride. We’d usually pedal for about 40 kilometres, though sometimes we’d mix it up with longer or shorter routes depending on the day and mood.

Back then, cycling wasn’t about speed or technique – it was just about getting out there and enjoying the ride. I didn’t dive into the world of racing or training, nor did I ever worry about power meters, tracking speed, or even timing my rides. Honestly, I was just a rookie cyclist, but I loved it.

Fast forward to today, and I find myself back in the saddle. For the past few months, I’ve been aiming to ride my bike twice a week, tackling routes of 20 to 25 kilometres per ride. That’s about 40 to 45 kilometres per week, which, when I think about it, mirrors what I did as a teenager – but with the added bonus of being spread out over two rides instead of one.

This time, I’ve added a bit more tech to the mix. I use Strava and Intervals.icu to track my power and speed, but I’m still not training for anything in particular. There’s no event on the horizon, no races to prepare for – just the pure joy of riding.

Tracking my rides can be interesting, sure, and there’s definitely some value in seeing my stats. But at the end of the day, it doesn’t really change the fact that I’m still a rookie cyclist. I’m just out there, enjoying the ride, without any real pressure. And honestly, that’s enough for me.

Welcome to Out + About This is my very first blog post, and I’m excited to share my journey as a beginner cyclist with all of you. If you’re new to cycling like me, or if you’ve ever considered picking up a bike again after years of being away, this is the place to be. I’m here to document the highs, lows, and everything in between as I dive into the world of cycling for the first time.

I’ll admit, when I first got my bike, I had no idea what I was doing. From choosing the right gear to figuring out how to shift gears without getting overwhelmed, it was a lot to take in. But that’s exactly what this blog is about—learning, growing, and embracing all the little wins along the way. Whether it’s my first ride around the neighborhood or tackling my first long-distance route, I’m here to share the honest experiences of a rookie cyclist.

This space is for anyone looking to get into cycling or anyone who remembers the excitement and challenges of starting out. I’ll be writing about gear, training tips, cycling routes, and more—sharing what’s worked for me and what hasn’t. So grab your helmet, hop on your bike, and join me on this adventure. Let’s ride together!

Here’s to new beginnings and every pedal stroke that brings us closer to our goals!