As the new year kicks off, many cyclists find themselves reflecting on their progress and setting ambitious goals. A quick glance at social media, especially Instagram, reveals countless Strava stats, where cyclists proudly showcase the impressive distances they’ve conquered over the past year. For some, these numbers are a point of pride. But is it time to rethink this culture of constant distance targets? For one cyclist, 2025 will be a year of embracing the joy of cycling without the pressure of numbers.
A Shift in Focus: Cycling for Enjoyment, Not for Numbers
Over the past several years, cycling enthusiasts have become increasingly fixated on their Strava stats. The app, designed to track cycling performance, has turned exercise into a numbers game. While tracking progress and setting personal goals can undoubtedly provide motivation, there’s growing concern that this obsession with statistics might be overshadowing the true joy of cycling.
For 2025, one cyclist has decided to abandon the pursuit of arbitrary distance targets. “I want to cycle just to enjoy it,” they said. The aim is to focus on cycling as a fun, fulfilling activity rather than a task driven by the need to hit specific kilometre markers. Instead of thinking “I have to ride today to stay ahead of my target,” the goal is to embrace the sentiment, “Cycling makes me happy, let’s go for a ride.”
This shift in focus signals a broader trend among cyclists who are tired of the pressure to constantly outdo themselves. Whether it’s a monthly target, a personal best, or a comparison to others, the emphasis on numbers often transforms cycling from an enjoyable pastime into a stressful chore. The plan for 2025 is simple: prioritize enjoyment over distance.
The Challenge of Letting Go of Targets
It’s no easy feat to let go of the ingrained habit of tracking numbers. For many cyclists, seeing their total distance grow provides a dopamine rush, a small but satisfying reminder of their capabilities. But this cyclist believes that it’s time to take a step back and remember the true reason many of us started cycling in the first place: enjoyment.
“I’ll still go on big rides and enjoy the sense of achievement,” they explained. “But I don’t need to worry about staying ahead of a target set at the start of the year.” In fact, they hope to cycle more in 2025—just without the added pressure of hitting a specific number. The aim is to focus on the experiences of cycling, not the miles accumulated.
A Word on Challenging Distance Targets
While some distance challenges, like Cycling Weekly’s Big Ride Challenge, are a great initiative to motivate people to cycle more and get fit, this cyclist has made a firm decision to opt out of distance-based targets in 2025. The struggle to meet an arbitrary kilometre goal, such as cycling 5000 km in a year, can feel less like a reward and more like a slog. Rather than forcing oneself through the pain barrier just to meet a number, the focus will shift to simply enjoying the ride—whether it’s a solo journey or a group ride.
This philosophy of cycling for fun is especially important when it comes to events like the Festive 500, a challenge that encourages cyclists to ride 500 kilometres between Christmas and New Year’s. While the achievement is certainly impressive, the notion of pushing oneself during the holidays, when many other responsibilities compete for attention, feels excessive to some. And it’s not just the Festive 500; there’s also the newly introduced January Resolution Challenge by Danish cycling brand Pas Normal, which encourages riders to complete 1250 kilometres in January.
For some, these challenges might feel like a motivating force, but for others, they can feel like an unnecessary pressure—especially in the middle of January, one of the coldest and darkest months of the year. As the Pas Normal challenge suggests, cycling is about “forming new routines,” but asking cyclists to average 40 kilometres per day in the bleak midwinter for a virtual trophy might be a step too far for many. The message: cycling should be about fun, not just a numbers game.
Embracing the Joy of Cycling
Ultimately, cycling at any time of year, even in the cold depths of January, should be celebrated. Simply fitting in a ride amidst other commitments deserves recognition. It’s a reminder that cycling doesn’t have to be about breaking records or meeting distant targets—it’s about enjoying the ride, the fresh air, and the sense of freedom it provides.
As we head into 2025, let’s shift the focus back to the heart of cycling: the pleasure of movement, the excitement of new experiences, and the joy of riding for its own sake. Whether it’s a short jaunt around the neighbourhood or a long weekend adventure, the goal is to ride more, but without the pressure to meet arbitrary milestones. Let this year be about cycling for fun, not for numbers.
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