Rediscovering the ride: Design, grit, and the joy of getting back on the bike
After years, yes, years, away from the road, I’ve finally made my return to cycling. The excuses are familiar: work, life, family, time. But recently, something shifted. The bike was cleaned, with the help of some outstanding Muc-Off products, which made the whole process not only easier but genuinely satisfying. The kit was washed. The Wahoo GPS was charged. And my limbs, stiff from long days at a desk, have been gently coaxed back into motion with daily yoga. Ten minutes, morning and evening, a small but intentional act of reconnection.
This isn’t just about riding again. It’s about rediscovering something I once loved: the flow of the road beneath two wheels, the meditative rhythm of breath and cadence, and the quiet satisfaction of effort well spent. And alongside that return has been the quiet hum of another long-standing passion, Rapha.
Rapha: Design meets romance on two wheels
My relationship with Rapha goes back to the brand’s early days. From the start, they’ve never just sold clothing. They’ve sold identity, culture, aspiration. Their aesthetic, muted tones, sharp typography, tailored silhouettes, was unlike anything else in cycling. It wasn’t performance over style or vice versa. It was both. And crucially, it was built on story.
Which brings me to a recent acquisition: the limited edition Franco Balmamion jersey and the beautifully produced book Rapha released in his honour. No, I won’t be wearing the jersey (it’ll be office artwork), but it symbolises what I love about the brand, that blend of history, reverence, and design.
Balmamion wasn’t flashy. He was consistent, humble, quiet, and victorious. A reminder that not all champions need to shout.
And speaking of Rapha, I’ve been lucky enough to experience the community side too. I recently visited the Rapha Clubhouse in Seattle, and a few months prior, found myself sipping a perfectly poured espresso in the Copenhagen clubhouse. Next up: London and Manchester, both of which are firmly on my itinerary during an upcoming work trip. There’s something undeniably inspiring about these spaces, they’re more than shops, they’re hubs of cycling culture and design.
Getting back on: From zero to aero (kind of)
Returning to the road after a long hiatus isn’t just a physical shift, it’s a mental reset. It’s also a logistical one. Here’s what I’ve done to make the transition smoother, more enjoyable, and yes, more stylish:
Bike serviced: My Canyon Ultimate CF SLX (a marvel of German engineering) has been given the full spa treatment.
Wahoo GPS charged: The simplicity and integration of Wahoo’s ecosystem still impresses me. It’s tech that disappears, doing its job while letting me focus on the ride.
Kit ready: Rapha bibs, merino base layer, essentials case, bidons. Everything prepped and placed like a ritual.
Yoga routine: Flexibility isn’t optional anymore. Ten minutes a day has already made the bike feel more comfortable.
Indoors, I’ve built a small yet highly effective pain cave powered by the Wahoo Kickr v5, complemented by the Wahoo Headwind to mimic road conditions and keep training cool and immersive. Paired with Zwift, my indoor rides now have structure, challenge, and a global sense of community. Every session feels purposeful. And of course, Strava keeps me honest, and motivated, even when no one else is watching.
It’s a recommitment to health, but also to ritual, to design, and to intentionality.
Design, engineering and the joy of good tools
What I love about cycling isn’t just the ride. It’s the tools. The gear. The obsessive detail.
Canyon: Engineering-first thinking that still makes room for beauty. The clean lines, integrated cockpit, and direct-to-consumer efficiency, all signal thoughtful innovation.
Rapha: A brand that treats design as storytelling. Their garments speak to history, community, and a kind of understated performance.
Wahoo: Quietly brilliant. Their interface design, haptic feedback, and seamless syncing don’t need to shout. They just work.
Zwift: Turning indoor training into a digital playground, competition, social rides, and immersive environments make every spin session feel alive.
Strava: Not just a tracker, but a motivator. A map of memories, goals, and micro-achievements.
Together, these choices form an ecosystem that supports not just the ride, but the experience of riding. And that’s what I’m chasing again.
Reigniting the spark to ride and why this time is different
In the past, I rode to train, to log numbers, to chase fitness. This time, it’s more reflective. It’s about making space, finding rhythm, breathing deeper.
It’s also about being inspired by people like Balmamion, consistent, understated, effective. There’s a quiet kind of excellence in that model. One I admire more now, years later.
In line with this new perspective, I recently discovered a company called Laka, a fresh take on bike insurance. What drew me in wasn’t just the cover, but the approach. It’s a brand that feels different: community-driven, design-conscious, and innovative. I’m keeping a close eye on where they go.
So here’s to early morning spins, crisp roads (not that there are many in the UK!) and the odd coffee stop.
I’m back. Not to race. Not to chase. But to ride.
And to remember why I ever started.
It’s never too late to clip in again!
