Life Lessons Learned While Riding a Bike

Every minute of every day spent on a bike is an education.

When I was 30, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. I’m guessing a mix of hereditary and lifestyle factors sent it soaring to dangerous heights. Being a bit of a hypochondriac at the best of times, I didn’t take the news very well.

For an incredibly long time following the diagnosis, I convinced myself that I wasn’t going to be around for too much longer and was about to be cut down in my prime by a heart attack or stroke.

Depression led to weight gain, and that led to more depression. You get the picture — all this wasn’t helping my blood pressure, or my general health.

Taking Back Control

Buying a bike turned my life around and let me take back control of the situation.

Having not ridden a bike for more than 15 years, at first, I struggled to pedal five miles along the beach close to where I live. I was gradually able to increase my stamina and distances up to the stage where I now think nothing of doing a 50+ mile ride at the weekend, and I have also become a proud member of the 100-mile club (albeit a very slow 100 miles).

The more I cycled, the healthier and happier I became. It also helped me create space in my mind to be more creative and…