Why do I ride?

There is this question that, if I'm honest, I've never really asked myself.

For the last 20+ years, riding my bike has been at the core of what brings me joy in life. It's just what I do. So now it's time to pose the question:

Why do I ride?

Sometimes I ride because I feel good and full of energy. Then I'm looking for fast-paced, high-effort rides, alone or with friends, seeking joy and excitement, be it XC-style rides or bike park laps.

Sometimes I ride because I feel low and lethargic. Going for a long or a quick spin alone or with my dog. Letting my thoughts wander on the climbs while the peace and quiet of the forest slowly take over. Letting the noise and chaos of everyday life vanish behind me.

Sometimes these solo spins become big mental and physical journeys, enjoying nature and embracing loneliness. Being outside, remote, away from everything.

In these moments, riding becomes like meditation.

Sometimes I'm riding because I feel social. Riding with friends, going on big adventures, creating memories that last forever. Like feeling small in the big mountains. Getting lost while bikepacking in remote areas with my dad. Learning about foreign cultures and about myself.

Sometimes I just ride out of curiosity.

Exploring a new area. Trying to understand bikes, experimenting with different setups, seeking what works best in every situation. Some of the best rides I've had came from trying things that definitely shouldn't work. And to some extent, they did not. But sometimes it was the gateway to some of the most fun I've ever had on a bike.

Sometimes I ride for competition. Be it racing others or myself. Enjoying the process of pushing through and getting better. Then riding becomes a project in itself. Scheduling time at the gym, working on my bike setup, riding the same lines over and over again, trying to improve my technique.

Sometimes I ride to release pressure. Just blowing off steam. Knowing damn well that the perfect ride doesn't exist. Enjoying the one aspect of life where I can allow myself to make mistakes and even look forward to them as opportunities to learn without getting upset.

So, why do I ride then?

I think I ride because riding is like a ritual. A tool to keep my life in balance. Whatever I need in life to feel well, there is a type of ride for it.

Bikes are awesome. Jan Favre