With Age Comes Stoke on Two Wheels

There is a huge segment of dirt bikers who love to throw the leg over an MTB from time to time. In fact, all three of us here at Transmoto regularly hit the trails around the Northern Beaches on both peddle and powered whips. We figured our audience might be of the same mindset, so we hit up Australia’s foremost authority when it comes to MTB/e-MTB, [R]evolution + [E]volution Magazine, to showcase the new world of peddle-assisted riding and understand how these things really work. In this instalment, the lad’s dive into why riding bikes make us feel so good and free from the world around us.

A 70-year-old retiree, a school kid and Aaron Gwin are all standing at the top of a hill. No, this is not the start of a joke, rather it is the start of the weirdest downhill race to happiness, and the thing is that they are all going to finish first. You see, they are all going to feel the same amount of stoke by the end of the ride. It doesn’t matter about age or ability when someone rides a bike they love; it’s still one of the best feelings in the world.

Try to remember the first time you rode a bike, that sense of accomplishment, speed, and for some, the first sense of true freedom. That feeling of almost flying as you roll through the grass while learning to change direction is a feeling that will remain with you as you grow older. As you get better, flying and freedom becomes faster and more exciting, therefore harder to become mundane.

There are many physical and psychological benefits to cycling, but one of the most significant advantages to riding is learning how to overcome obstacles while understanding your abilities. It could be something as simple as riding up a curb as a beginner or picking a line through a steep section filled with microwave sized rocks. Whatever the accomplishment, you are still going to get a huge sense of stoke from it. It doesn’t matter how good or new to riding you are there will always be something out there to challenge you.

Let’s not forget the obvious health benefits, both mental and physical, that come along with riding a bike. We all know how much better our mood can be after a good ride. Some of us enjoy entering the hurt locker, throwing away the key and going so deep the problems burn away. Others find a steep hill to go as fast as they possibly can, to find a state of mind (flow state) where the only thing they can concentrate on is coming out in one piece. Either way, you come out feeling lighter and ready for anything. Even for our older generation, or people suffering various physical ailments, the emergence of e-MTBs has increased their ability to get out and feel the benefits. I have seen first-hand people who have had knee replacements or people who thought they were too old for bikes literally change demeanour because of e-MTBs. They are back out riding thanks to the little bit of assistance, even if it is not used! The psychological comfort of knowing it is there if needed can be the difference between going for a ride and staying home. I’ve even known people to get a non-assist bike after an e-MTB because their ability and confidence has improved so much.

The reason I am writing this is because of something even I am guilty of…. bike snobbery! Yes, we have all had our moments of maybe looking down our chin guards at someone riding a 26-inch hardtail, struggling on a section, or looking awkward on a bike. The thing is that it really doesn’t matter because I bet, they are still at the same level of happiness as you. So, I challenge you, as long as the rider is receptive, is to offer some advice or knowledge to help them progress. I guarantee that if you see a grom out there struggling and you show him the line then watch him clear it, I bet both of your stoke levels will hit 9000 and lead to one of the best high fives in your life.

Obviously, we aren’t all going to have good rides, I mean I am sure more than a few people have had their ride abruptly ended with you laying on the ground and your arm resembling a twisty straw. Even as bad as that can be, I guarantee that 90% of those people are thinking about getting back on the bike, even after the green whistle wears off. And that is the power of mountain biking. Whether you are Gwin, Glenda, or Gary, you will find your own happiness on a bike, and it will be a place where nothing else matters, and you will be a part of the best community on earth.

You can keep up to date with everything there is to know about e-MTBs at revolutionmtb.com.au and their epic magazine, which features loads of interesting stories and interviews.