Cycling has always been a popular outdoor pursuit. Pounding the tarmac on your trusty two-wheeled steed is the perfect way to relieve stress and stay fit. With the Tour de France in full swing, I'm more motivated than ever to get back out on my bike. And you should really think about whether you want to buy carbon fiber full suspension mountain bike, a road bike, or even an e-bike, and get out there too! There are so many benefits to your personal and mental health. It gives you a little perspective on life and helps you see more of the world. If nothing else, you might just get to work a bit quicker!

Clear your head - With our hectic lives, it's easy to get caught up in destructive thoughts. The stress of work and other commitments build up quickly. Now and then, you need a big release to clear your head and see things clearly again. Cycling helps you do that. It's a form of meditation out in the open. Hit the long open road and let your mind wander. Forget about all the stress of everyday life and take some time to think.

Get out in the open - Exercise should be about escaping the daily grind. But, all too often, we turn a gym trip into another part of a dull routine. There's an amazing world all around us and we should all take more opportunities to see it! There is stunning countryside right on your doorstep. Every city is only an hour from any national park. So, pack your long sleeve jerseys, get on your bike, and explore the countryside.

Community - The biking community is a lovely thing to be a part of. You'll find tons of community groups online in forums and hangouts. Your local area is bound to have a small cycling club too. They'll organise trips and tours that you can take part in. These communities are always happy to help offer advice on gear and routes. It's always better to find a cycling partner to share the experience with!

Beat the traffic - I don't know about you, but I gave up the 9-5 commuter life long ago. The stress of the daily grind isn't worth the hassle! If you hate the morning traffic, cycling is a great way to skip the whole routine. You can breeze past the congested roads and power your way to work quickly. Best of all, you'll get out in the open air first thing in the morning. There's nothing better than waking up to a fresh morning bike ride.

Fat-burning - Finally, there are the brilliant health benefits of cycling. It's one of the best aerobic exercises you can do for your body. It burns fat and calories, and sculpts your core muscles. You can really push your energy to the limit here and test your endurance. It's not uncommon for some cyclists to power through 40 or 50 miles a day. If you can find the time, there is some serious fat-loss potential!

I'm already excited about getting the bike out and hitting the roads! Dig your old bike out this summer and try it.

credit