Unconditional Cycling: Rediscover Joy In Every Ride

Why are you grinning, anyway? Did you bag a new KOM today? Bump up your FTP? Treat yourself to a shiny new €14,000 aero bike? Or are you simply smiling because the light is hitting the trees just right?

I’ve been thinking about that question all week because it lands like a gentle jab at cycling’s biggest contradiction: we insist we ride for freedom, yet we often demand receipts. A file upload. A pace graph. A ranking. Something measurable enough to justify the time we stole back from the day.

And look—this is not an anti-tech sermon delivered from a soapbox made of steel frames and wool jerseys. I love the nerdy stuff. I’ve spent entire afternoons arguing tire pressure like it’s diplomacy. I’ve tested “marginal gains” until they felt like major life choices. I’ve also been that person who reaches for the head unit first and the handlebars second, like the ride doesn’t officially start until the satellites approve it.

But the newest GRAN FONDO issue (#032) landed with a theme that feels like a needed reset: unconditional cycling. Not cycling you’ve earned. Not cycling you’ve justified. Not cycling as a performance report you submit to the court of public opinion. Just cycling—because it’s yours.

The grin that doesn’t need an explanation

A grin without a reason makes people suspicious. It’s true in a boardroom and it’s oddly true at the café stop, too. Smile too much and someone will ask what you’re training for. Or what you’re racing. Or what you’re “working on.” Somewhere along the way, joy became a symptom we feel compelled to diagnose.

So here’s a small rebellion you can try: go for a ride with no story attached. No “base miles.” No “tempo block.” No “testing week.” Just roll out and let the day happen. The first ten minutes might feel uncomfortable—not physically, but mentally—because your brain will reach for a purpose the way your fingers reach for the shifters. Let it. Then let it go.

If you want a tangible ritual without turning it into a spreadsheet, I’m a big fan of the old-school notebook approach. A quick line about where you went, what you noticed, and what made you laugh can be more grounding than a thousand data points. If you need a prompt, start with: “Today I rode because…” (A simple journal like the Leuchtturm1917 Notebook does the job without turning your reflections into another app you have to manage.)

LEUCHTTURM1917 - Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Navy, Ruled)

• The A5 MEDIUM notebooks are the perfect size with a wide range of colors making them ideal companions for all walks of life — this notebook series is perfect for midnight ramblings, daily entries, thoughtful reflection, careful chronicling and illuminating life stories
• Thread-bound to open flat which helps make reading the contents easy and adds efficiency to note-taking
• Features 80g/m² acid-free paper with high ink compatibility to help prevent bleed through, an expandable gusseted pocket on the back cover, 2 page markers / bookmarks and an elastic closure band
• Includes 251 numbered pages or our signature 80gsm with 8 perforated detachable sheets, a blank table of contents for easy organization and notes, also includes stickers for labeling and archiving
• Durable hardcover notebook in a lovely color with FSC MIX paper made from responsible sources — measures approximately 5¾ inches by 8¼ inches (145x210 mm)

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Performance is fun—until it’s the only allowed emotion

There’s nothing wrong with chasing speed. In fact, it can be deeply satisfying. But performance becomes a problem when it’s the only socially acceptable reason to ride. When “I just needed to move” sounds less valid than “I held 20 minutes at threshold.” When “I wanted to see the trees” sounds frivolous compared to “I nailed my intervals.”

I see this especially in how we treat gear. We talk about bikes like they’re identity statements, as if riding something less than the newest aero missile is a confession of laziness. Yet some of the happiest riders I know are the ones who can enjoy a fast bike without needing it to validate them. They can buy the deep wheels and still admit the best upgrade is a free afternoon.

And yes, if tech makes you excited to ride, that’s legitimate joy. The trick is noticing when the excitement turns into obligation. If you’re logging miles solely to “deserve” the new kit, you’ve inverted the relationship.

Topeak JoeBlow Sport III Bike Floor Pump, 160 psi, 3-in Gauge, TwinHead | One Head Fits Presta, Schrader and Dunlop | Steel Barrel and Base | Long 360-Degree Hose | Padded Handle

• High-Pressure Performance: Delivers up to 160 psi (11 bar), read on an enlarged 3" mid-mount analog gauge for clear, accurate inflation on road, gravel or MTB.
• Universal TwinHead DX5: The hammer-style TwinHead DX5 fits Presta, Schrader and Dunlop valves, and the extra-long 360-degree hose reaches tires at any angle.
• Durable Steel Construction: A robust steel barrel and hardened steel base keep the JoeBlow Sport III stable during high-pressure fills, ride after ride.
• Ergonomic Comfort and Control: An oversized padded handle gives a comfortable, secure grip, reducing hand fatigue so every rider pumps up faster.
• Complete Accessory Set: Includes ball and bladder inflation needles and a built-in hose dock, making it ready for bikes, sports balls and inflatables.

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For riders who want the tools without the tyranny, a few choices can reduce friction rather than add pressure. A reliable floor pump like the Topeak JoeBlow Sport makes “getting out the door” easier. A smart trainer can be helpful, but only if it serves you—not the other way around. Even something as simple as a comfortable saddle bag like the Ortlieb Saddle-Bag Two can lower the mental load: you’re not negotiating what to carry every time.

Ortlieb Unisex - Adult Saddle Bag Two Saddle Bag, Grey, One Size

• Light
• Durable material
• Velcro attachment.

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The escape that follows you

Many of us ride to escape. From stress. From constant availability. From the feeling that every minute must be productive. The irony is that we often bring the same habits onto the bike: optimization, comparison, pressure to improve, pressure to post.

We plan adventures like military operations. We simulate routes until the ride becomes a rehearsal instead of a discovery. We can’t “just ride” because we’re afraid a ride without a deliverable is a ride we’ll later regret. But what if the deliverable is simply the quiet that arrives when you’re finally moving?

If you’ve been stuck in the loop of overthinking, try a tiny constraint: leave the route unplanned for the first 30 minutes. Turn when you feel like turning. Stop when the view asks you to stop. Bring a small layer so you don’t rationalize your way back home early. A packable option like the Gore Wear C5 Windstopper Jacket (or anything similar you already own) can be the difference between “I should head back” and “I wonder what’s around that next bend.”

GORE WEAR mens C5 GORE WINDSTOPPER Thermo Trail Jacket, Black, X-Small

• Warm and versatile men's cycling jacket, Ideal for cool weather conditions
• REGULAR FIT: Straight cut from shoulders or pelvis to lightly skim the body, Cycling-specific cut
• GORE WINDSTOPPER Technology: Windproof, water-resistant and extremely breathable
• Breast pocket with zip and cable opening, Front and back zip pockets, Backpack compatible
• GORE C5 GORE WINDSTOPPER Thermo Trail Jacket, Size: XS, Color: Black, 100376

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Fuel the ride, not the narrative

Even nutrition has become part of cycling’s moral economy: “clean,” “optimized,” “race-ready,” “worthy.” Sometimes a gel is just a gel. Sometimes a café stop is the point. Sometimes you want the numbers; sometimes you want the stories.

If you’re trying to make riding feel simpler, remove the guilt from the basics: drink when you’re thirsty, eat when you’re hungry, and carry something you’ll actually consume. I keep it boring and effective—electrolyte tabs like Nuun Sport and a couple of bars I don’t have to force down. The goal is not to “win fueling.” The goal is to keep riding until your brain unclenches.

Nuun Vitamins Electrolyte Tablets Mixed Fruit, GF & Vegan, 4 Pack | 48 Servings with Vitamin D, C, E, A, & B6, Folic Acid, Magnesium & 4 Other Essential Electrolytes, Gluten Free & Vegan

• HYDRATION WITH A VITAMIN BOOST: Nuun Vitamins electrolyte tablets are packed with Vitamin D, A, B, C, & E along with folic acid and electrolytes to keep you hydrated while also contributing to your daily vitamin intake
• 5 ESSENTIAL ELECTROLYTES: Nuun Vitamins electrolyte tablets include 5 essential electrolytes to proactively help you hydrate and stay hydrated; electrolytes included are Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, Magnesium, and Calcium
• ENHANCED WITH VITAMINS: Nuun Vitamins provides electrolytes plus multi-vitamins for everyday wellness
• VEGAN, NON-GMO, AND 2g OF SUGAR: Nuun Vitamins is made with clean*, plant-based ingredients, is gluten free, vegan, kosher, and non-GMO; and each tablet contains 2g of sugar
• 4 REFRESHING FLAVORS: This 4 pack contains one tube (12 tablets each) each of popular Nuun flavors Tangerine Lime, Strawberry Melon, Grapefruit Orange, and Blueberry Pomegranate for a total of 48 servings; the tubes are also perfect to take on-the-go

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Unconditional means you don’t need a witness

Here’s the most liberating thought I’ve borrowed lately: freedom is not being understood. You don’t have to translate your ride into something impressive. You don’t have to prove it was “worth it.” The moment you stop auditioning your cycling life for other people, the whole thing gets lighter.

Still want structure? Great. Use it like scaffolding, not a cage. Still want to race? Amazing. Race because it’s fun, not because it makes you legitimate. Still love the dopamine hit of a new gadget? Enjoy it—then remember that the best feature of any bike is that it goes.

If your joy has been feeling fragile lately, consider a small reset ride: leave the computer at home, or at least cover the screen. Put your phone on “do not disturb.” Wear whatever kit is clean. Bring a simple multi-tool like the Crankbrothers M19. And chase the kind of grin that doesn’t need a caption.

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Crankbrothers Multi Tool M 19 Matte Black | Crank Brothers Multi-19 Bike Multitool - Stainless Steel, Compact & Durable

• TOOLS INCLUDED: Hex Wrenches #2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8. Open wrench 8mm, 10mm. Spoke wrench #0, 1, 2, 3. Screwdrivers Philips #1 & 2, flat #2. Torx T-10, T-26
• CHAIN TOOL: 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 speed compatible
• DESIGNED TO BE ERGONOMIC: Side grips provide a secure handhold even with gloves on
• LIFETIME WARRANTY
• COMPACT, SLIM-PROFILE AND LIGHTWEIGHT: 89mm length, 175g

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That’s what unconditional cycling looks like: the tires humming, lungs working, mind quieting. No justification. No audit. Just movement—its own reward.