The benefits of riding and being active outdoors
Over the course of 2020, we all had some intense changes to our daily lives, including, for many, the shift to home working. That, combined with the restrictions that were in place meant that we were all spending way more time isolated at home than ever before…and less outdoors, especially during the early months. What we did see though was a drive to get people spending more time outside, walking, exploring and cycling in the great outdoors. Even the government ran a big campaign to encourage people to get out and cycle, bringing a lot of new fans to the sport, and British Cycling have also done great things to promote the sport. So what was the idea? How was getting out into the natural world going to help? There are many studies showing the benefits of increased vitamin D, gained from natural sunlight, supporting both physical and mental health and well-being.
For me, the outdoors is an essential part of life. I simply feel better when I can spend time outside, breathing in fresh air, taking in the views, it’s such a positive mood-booster.
There is a term in Japanese culture called Shinrin-Yoku. Coined in the 1980s this term describes the positive benefits of being surrounded by nature, out in the natural world and away from technology, stress and the daily grind. Spending time immersed in Mother Nature is even medically prescribed to those suffering from overwork, stress and anxiety.
In our modern times we are all too available, too focused on the little computers that we all carry around with us, ready to answer, click and swipe as soon as it beeps. One of the saviors of mountain biking for me, is that because of the physical side of what you are doing, you have to be fully in the moment, focused on the task in hand. And this means that you can forget about those emails, tweets and group chats, and just be you, out riding, and purely enjoy yourself.
Nothing beats the enjoyment and adrenaline that comes from whizzing down those fast flowing trails, being fully immersed in nature and the forest, whether its summertime dusty trails, or getting plastered in mud in those winter months, the sense of being outdoors is wonderful, being totally focused on what you are doing, there’s just no better buzz.
There’s a great sense of morale amongst the mountain bike community. No matter your skill level or how long you’ve been riding, every outing on the bike is an awesome achievement. Whether you’ve ben tackling the technical trails, sessioning a particular jump, hitting a new PB on an XC trail that you’ve been building up to for weeks, ultimately each and every rider will come away with such a sense of achievement that you just don’t get from sitting looking at a phone screen all day. You feel exhilarated, have a clear mind, and are nicely buzzing from the adrenaline. Being out, taking in the fresh air and nature around you can destress and relax your mind like nothing else.
Just a quick note, although we’re advocating ditching the phones, for safety reasons, we do always carry a mobile with us on rides, however it is firmly on silent and we encourage all other riders to do the same if they do have with them.
Enjoy your riding
