MY STORY

Ride Again was started because of a burning need inside of me, to do what I really wanted to do.  This idea has been in the making for a number of years and it will surely take a number of years more to really see Ride Again reach full fruition.

I sometimes tell people that mountain biking ‘literally saved my life!’  What I mean by this, is that I found an activity, which filled a void in my life and gave me so much to live for and covered so many aspects which are often related to healthy living and which contributes to a healthy earth!  Yes, mountain biking can be a form of escapism, but what better way to find that release without affecting anybody else, without doing harm to yourself (except for the odd bump when I fall off), whilst being kind to the planet.

There are some major pillars, as I like to refer to them, which set mountain biking apart from any other sports that I have tested and having a background as a physical education teacher, I have tested a few!

1). Fitness. Yes, obviously a mountain bike is a great tool for getting into fitness. It is a non weight-bearing exercise, so most people can get into it, whatever their current level of fitness. The fitter you get, the hills just don’t get any easier, but you ride up them a lot faster! People who ride will know what I mean! Also with mountain biking, compared to let’s say road cycling is that you move around a lot more on the bike as the terrain and obstacles vary so much.

2). Social or quiet time. It was the social side that got me into biking and the great network of friends that I have met and meet in this sport. Not everybody I know likes to ride alone, but personally I love both group riding with trail ‘whooping’ at each others tomfoolery or the peace that being alone, out in nature brings. Time to rest the mind and just put all your focus on the constantly changing trail and scenery around you.

3). Nature. As stated above, a mountain bike is a perfect way to get out in to nature. You can cover much greater distances than say walking or running using less time and energy. Getting out into nature has often been linked to wellbeing and healthy lifestyle.

4). Buzz. For me it’s the fun part that links it all together. Progression is fast in the sport if you ride regularly, so you quickly pick up skills to be able to get you riding more easily over challenging terrain. When you start to ride faster, it can be a real adrenaline sport. It does not have to be, of course and I appreciate that not everyone would have this as a selling point, but the option is there, if you let your fingers off the brakes a bit!

My mission is to introduce others in to the sport that I love, and to create a lifelong habit which can bring joy, health benefits and environmental sustainability in a world which too often than not neglects these fundamentals.

Tom – Founder of Ride Again