Written By You: Finding Freedom on Two Wheels
In his own words, this is Nick Barlow’s story of his cycling journey; how cycling has helped him and where his aspirations for his two wheeled journey will take him.
Having relocated to the picturesque Lake District in 2020, seemingly at the perfect moment, I delved into various outdoor pursuits, yet none resonated with me quite like cycling. Returning to my roots, the feeling of being on a bike in the great outdoors simply clicked, marking the inception of my adventures.
What captivates me most about cycling is its ability to facilitate exploration, whisking me off the grid much faster than my own two feet. It allows me to cover significant distances in a day while maintaining a mindful pace, affording ample time to contemplate life’s thoughts, feelings, and situations.
Furthermore, cycling serves as a means to exert myself, pushing me to new challenges and heights. Reflecting on this journey, it has aided in managing my weight, focusing on fitness, nurturing mental wellbeing, and fostering creativity to script new adventures into my personal history.
Despite limited experience initially, navigating the cycling industry and experimenting with different approaches, I struggled to find a group that resonated with me. As my journey unfolded, I witnessed the emergence of numerous inclusive groups, each with its unique values - a heartening development.
However, despite my proficiency as a rider, I felt disconnected from conventional cycling clubs, prompting my desire to establish a space where like-minded individuals could unite under a shared ethos.
Hence, my brother and I embarked on founding the Outsiders Cycle Collective - a sanctuary where individuals converge on common ground. Here, the focus transcends statistics like FTKs, distance, or watts; instead, it revolves around the journey itself, encapsulated by our motto: ‘the 13kph club’.
Having embarked on several notable rides, we aspire to undertake more, continuously forging connections with kindred spirits across The Lakes and beyond, all in pursuit of the joy of cycling.
In essence, cycling grants me the freedom to explore and embark on adventures on my own terms, devoid of prejudice, judgement, or expectation. In turn, I am driven to cultivate a community and safe haven where fellow enthusiasts can converge, bound by a shared love for cycling and the thrill of adventure.
Instagram: @nickwbarlow and @weareoutsiders.cc