Exploring longer routes

It’s all too easy to get stuck in the same routine, riding the same loops and routes until they become mundane and potentially compromise your enjoyment on the bike. The weekend is a time to explore, to find out where that unknown road goes, or to try completely new routes. With the luxury of GPS navigation the likelihood of getting lost in this day and age is pretty slim but heading off on unfamiliar roads can really bring back that survival instinct and heighten your awareness to where you are.

Now there’s nothing wrong with a bit of traditional map work but if you’re tech savvy then sites like RidewithGPS.com really make plotting a route and uploading to your GPS device very quick and easy. You’ll be able to tailor your ride based on distance or elevation depending on how long or high you want to go and often you’ll find a whole host of roads you never even knew existed. If exploration is more your thing then give yourself enough time, take a bit of cash and some essentials like phone and spares just in case you’re out longer than intended.

Either way, finding new roads and having a change of scene stimulates your mind and sets new challenges, taking you out of your comfort zone and towards a new world of adventure.