Although many people may hop on a bike to lose weight or embrace an active lifestyle, a very valuable side effect is a happier, more stable life. Feeling connected helps us feel more secure and confident in ourselves and we become more aware of our surroundings — we see beauty in things we didn’t before. It makes us feel more alive and better able to deal with the ups and downs of life. It is an adventure, a journey of discovery that provides a sense of freedom and a connection to oneself that can be new and reinvigorating.

From the outside looking in, cycling looks simple—all you have to do is pedal, right? But it can sometimes come off as intimidating if you’re brand new to getting back on the bike for the first time in a few years. You might find yourself thinking, “Wait, I need more gear?” or simply, “Yikes. Spandex.” But once you take that first ride, we’re sure you’ll be hooked by the sense of freedom, adventure, and joy so commonly felt on the bike.