As we fantasise about hitting the brakes this festive season to spend time with our loved ones, and to relax and recharge, some of us may be struggling to pedal through the rocky terrain of year-end fatigue.
For all professionals struggling to cross the finish line, finding an outlet that liberates you from the pressures of your day-to-day life is key. And if you’re struggling to find one, why not hop on a bicycle while your mind races through ideas? Here’s why Tim Cordon, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East and Africa for the Radisson Hotel Group, recommends cycling as a way of taking a mental break.
-
It’s a sustainable sport – With rising temperatures, the change in seasons, the increased prevalence of natural disasters, diminishing wildlife species and the growing reality of a global climate disaster, practising sustainability is more important than ever. Whilst averting a global climate crisis is a major undertaking, it begins with small, realistic and sustainable changes to your lifestyle – like cycling. Opting to ride your bike when travelling short distances instead of driving your car is one way that you can reduce your impact on the environment. Cycling does not only reduce air and sound pollution but it also promotes biodiversity and ultimately reduces your contribution to global warming.
-
There’s magic in mentorship- As a young professional there is perhaps nothing more valuable than finding a mentor to help you navigate the working world. Any successful business executive will tell you that you’re only as good as your network. Joining a cycling club could allow you to meet new people with various professional backgrounds. Due to its increasing popularity among executives and CEOs, cycling is a great way to network with accomplished business professionals. It gives those who are early in their careers a chance to connect with more experienced professionals and vice versa in a relaxed environment.
-
It motors your mind – Most exercise is good for your mood and mental health, and cycling is no exception. A study published in 2019, observed 100 adults of which one-third were non cyclists, another third cycled at least three times per week, and the final third used e-bikes. Over an 8 week period, participants were asked to maintain these cycling (or non-cycling) routines. It was discovered that the participants who cycled at least three times per week — either on traditional bikes or e-bikes — demonstrated notable improvements in mental health, cognitive function, and overall perception of health and well-being compared to the noncyclists. This is because different types of riding stimulate different cognitive functions. For example, mountain biking is technical and so requires you to be focussed, which improves your concentration whereas road cycling allows you to ride at greater speeds, which spurs a rush of adrenaline and endorphins and allows for a greater sense of enjoyment. The versatility of the sport also allows you to service your emotional need for self-reflection during solo rides as well as your need for socialisation during group rides.
-
South Africa’s scenery – Cordon has cycled in a total of twelve countries across Europe, the United States, Canada, the Middle East and even South Africa. It’s no secret to him or anyone else that South Africa is known for having some of the most breathtaking views in the world, from monumental mountain ranges, to romantic vineyards, meandering rivers, to rugged fynbos and luscious forests. There are many stunning cycling routes to explore, but here are few to consider:
-
Helshoogte Pass, Cape Winelands
-
Cape Point Nature Reserve
-
The Owl Route, Eastern Cape
-
Karkloof, KwaZulu Natal
-
Glengarry Holiday Farm, Kamberg
-
The Knysna Forests, Garden Route
