Cycling and nature: how they complement each other perfectly

Reading the headline, it might be sound obvious that cycling and nature go hand-in-hand, like a perfect pair of jeans.

If you haven't had a chance, read my original reason why I started cycling and particularly enjoy cycling in nature. Along with the below outlining the various ways how cycling and nature are so intertwined.

1. Access scenic routes that are unreachable and/or take a long time to reach

On a number of cycling trips, I have come across various scenic routes within the vicinity of my city of Edinburgh that I didn't know existed. I literally stopped and said "wow" on a number of occasions because I was in such awe of the scenic views that were around me.

I wouldn't have known nor reached it if it wasn't for my bike.

The opportunity to see a near endless amount of picturesque mountains, forest, coastal areas...that's exciting.

2. Creates a sense of adventure and exploration

I remember going dozens of kilometres out of town for the first time on my bike and it created a sense of adventure in my soul, which made me want to go exploring even further out. I have encountered so many hidden trails and off-the-beaten paths that led to me to some amazing journeys.

Some might argue that you could do the same by walking or running. But there's something different about cycling that creates an extra sense of adventure and gives you the unique ability to venture out further.

3. The chance to exercise in the open air

Like many people, I have spent hundreds of hours in a gym. It's a brilliant form exercise. But there's nothing like exercising out in the open fresh air with little to no pollution, plus some sunlight.

I have always preferred exercising outdoor, which is why I tend to enjoy football and golf more. But those tend to be in polluted cities and towns, situated on top of manufactured grassy areas that are designed by humans rather than being raw, untouched nature that you come across when cycling.

4. An eco-friendly way of getting around

There's no doubt that cycling is one of the most environmentally friendly of ways getting around. Having such a low-impact travel option is naturally (no pun intended) a good fit.

Granted, the construction of the bike has to be taken into consideration when it comes to its true carbon emission cost. But it's miniscule compared to cars and planes.

Even e-bikes (like the one in the image below) are much more eco-friendlier than most method of transports.

5. Increases your awareness of the environment and your surroundings

This is definitely something I've noticed in myself; I have become more aware of where I am. It's all well and good going fast and whizzing through a forest. But I find that there's a huge missed opportunity in truly being in the environment.

Which is why I make a conscious to either slow down or stop, just so I can take it all in. This also allows me to appreciate the surroundings more, gives me a sense of responsibility and pride to look after it, and practice mindfulness, as explain in the next section.

6. Creates a sense of mindfulness

By doing the above, it forces me to be present and practice mindfulness more often. I find this valuable and allows me to enjoy cycling even more as I'm not lost in my thoughts or in a bubble.

You don't have to stop cycling completely to be mindful. I often find that the rhythmic pedalling motion and the soothing sounds of nature contributes to creating that sense of mindfulness.

7. Encounter wildlife along the way

It's impossible to ignore the beauty of the wildlife if you are lucky to have come across some. During my cycling trips, I have come across various birds of prey, galloping deer and red squirrels.

I can't imagine what kind of wildlife I will face in my future trips, both locally and abroad. That really excites me as the experience of observing creatures in their natural habitat does add an element of further excitement to cycling...provided that they don't bite me or anything like that!

8. Connect with rural communities

I admit that I haven't done this yet, but I've heard a number of stories on how some paths can lead you to specific communities and allows you to connect with local communities, learn about its culture and heritage, and gives you an opportunity be part of something potentially special.

9. Create moments of solitude

It doesn't matter if you are cycling alone or in small groups, cycling through nature gives you an opportunity to create a bubble for some solitude and self-reflection. This is priceless for those moments where you want to clear your mind, appreciate where you are and gain perspective.

10. An opportunity to do some bikepacking/cyclo-touring

I haven't done this yet personally but I'm definitely keen to attempt some bikepacking, which is essentially combining cycling and camping. To me, it sounds like another way to really ramp up the benefits of being out in nature.

11. Access a diverse nature across all seasons

I remember one particular cycling trip during the height of Autumn, I spotted in a distance a range of trees that were in various shades of yellow, orange and red. I have never seen anything like it, and it was one of those "wow" moments that made me stop and appreciate it.

During another trip in the summer, the rays of sun were spraying all around me while cycling on a path that led me through a small forest.

Sure, those sound like beautiful weather. But even during bad weather, you can get something out of it.

12. Connect with various elements

You can't leave out the weather when discussing nature. They are like siblings; they sometimes fight each other, they sometime need each other but they always exist together.

It's so easy to not bother cycling during the cold time of the year. But where's the fun in that. Not to mention, I wouldn't want to go through many months of not cycling until the warmer weather arrives. And in Scotland, that's a long wait.

An avid cycling friend of mine, Ross Steedman, once said to me:

"Winter miles makes summer smiles"

This was on the back of going on a 35km ride during a very wet, cold and muddy day in the middle of December. But you know what? We embraced it fully. And despite having a moment where I fell off my bike because of slick mud, I still ended the ride with a smile in my face.

Because that's just part of the experience.

13. Reduce noise pollution

One thing that nature is good at is creating a peaceful environment. This is unlike urban environments where all sorts of transport create so much noise pollution, even if traffic is at standstill.

Noise pollution can affect the health and wellbeing of all of us. According to the CDC, hearing loss is the third most common chronic physical condition caused by noise pollution.

It can also have a damaging effect on wildlife. It can threaten the survival of over 100 species as animals use sounds for scenarios such as navigation, finding food, attracting mates and avoiding predators.

It goes without saying; if there are 100 cyclists, it is a lot quieter than 100 cars.

14. Boost biodiversity

Combining all the elements together (reducing noise pollution, reducing carbon emissions, respecting environments, etc.) can help to create a healthy and nourishing environment that promotes biodiversity, and that is crucial.

Biodiversity can help to create a healthy ecosystem, encourage better quality air, water and food, regulate the Earth's temperature to control climate change effects, and encourage wildlife to flourish.

At the end of the day, if we want to live and survive in this planet, we need to boost biodiversity, and cycling can help play a part in that.

Connecting with nature is a huge reason why I bought a gravel bike. It gives me the versatility I need to be able to go almost anywhere.

There is no doubt that using nature as part of my cycling journeys has given a whole new experience that is unlike any other. And that can only be a good thing for my health and wellbeing.