It’s Friday evening, and I am writing this blog. I remember not long ago when cycling felt like the ultimate escape. Circa 2020-2022 to be exact. Back during the height of the pandemic, the streets were quieter, everything around seemed fresher, and the streets? Oh my goodness, were filled with people on their bikes.
It felt like the Philippines had rolled out the red carpet for cyclists.
My friends and I would meet up early in the morning.
We were unstoppable.
Meeting up at the crack of dawn. And sometimes before the sun sets.
Helmets on, tires pumped, ready to pedal on.
And that was when every ride felt like an adventure, every kilometer a small victory.
But now on a Friday evening when I was supposed to be looking forward to the supposed to be the usual Saturday morning bike ride, I’m left wondering: where did all the excitement go?
Why does cycling not feel as exciting anymore?
Sure it didn’t happen overnight. But since the end of 2022, I’ve noticed a slow and troubling shift. Lately, I’ve noticed fewer familiar faces on the road.
Those same friends who once eagerly planned rides have started to disappear from the cycling scene. Some have sold their bikes, others have shifted to different hobbies, and let’s be honest, life just gets in the way sometimes.
The comradeship that made cycling so enjoyable feels like it’s slipping away.
And without that shared excitement, cycling has started to feel… empty.
And then there’s Metro Manila’s traffic.
Oh, the traffic.
What used to be a refreshing ride now feels like navigating an obstacle course of cars, motorbikes, and jeepneys.
The stress of squeezing between vehicles, and many other things that came when everything went back to normal, drains the joy out of what’s supposed to be a leisurely or energizing activity.
The lack of proper bike lanes doesn’t help, either. It’s as if the city itself is conspiring to make cycling as challenging as possible.
I guess that’s for another blog. But you know what I miss most?
I realized how much I miss the collective thrill of riding with friends.
There’s something magical about being in a group ride. You’ll just feel it rushing through you—while you prepare before the ride, sharing stories during the ride, up until the post-ride coffee. All the in-betweens.
During the pandemic, cycling became more than just an exercise, it was our life and our way of staying connected in a socially distanced world. And now without that shared experience, the bike suddenly feels heavier and the roads longer.
Sometimes lonelier.
So, what now? How do we rediscover that excitement that cycling once brought us?
I listed down a few things in my journal. And there I wrote in 2 bullet points: explore new routes and join new cycling groups to meet fresh faces.
Perhaps it’s all about falling back in love with the simple joy of riding a bike. No goals, no pressure, just us and the road.
Or maybe—just maybe—it’s okay to take a step back for now and let ourselves miss cycling.
Maybe the spark will return when the time is right.
So if you’re feeling the same way, now you know that you are not alone.
The way we perceive cycling may ebb and flow, but the beauty of the bike is that it’s always there.
Always waiting for us to rediscover its magic. Whether that’s tomorrow, next month, or next year, the road will still be there, ready for us to ride once again.
Let’s answer it when we’re ready—with a smile, a helmet, and maybe even a friend or two.
Comments
I am not a cyclist, but your words are wise for much of life, thank you! “Always waiting for us to rediscover its magic. Whether that’s tomorrow, next month, or next year, the road will still be there, ready for us to ride once again.” Yes!