Rediscovering the Joy of Riding Without a Destination
Posted by FormosaCovers@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 47 comments
Lately I’ve been taking my e-bike out with no plan at all. No errands to run, nowhere to be. Just riding for the sake of riding. And I’ve got to say, it’s been one of the most refreshing parts of my week.
I’ve been biking for years, but the e-bike has opened up something different. I can cover more ground without worrying about burning out. I’ve found hidden trails, side streets I’d normally skip, and neighborhoods that somehow feel brand new.
It reminds me of when I was younger and used to just ride to explore. Not to track miles or get a workout. Just to be outside and see what was around the next bend.
I’m curious, do any of you still go on these kinds of aimless rides? Not for the destination, but for the peace, the curiosity, and the adventure of it?
Would love to hear where your "pointless" rides have taken you guys.
Paco103@reddit
I used to ride all the time just for fun around town. Then I moved out to the country where to get anywhere I had to take high speed county roads totally not suitable for riding. Then I bought an electric kit and started riding my bike to work, but those roads were still not comfortable to ride on.
A couple years ago we moved back into town. I never put my bike in high power anymore, I do my groceries and go out for lunch on my bike and when the weather is nice I just go out for a ride and may be gone all day. The battery that got me to and from work at full speed will last me all day at 25%. I even took the throttle off, pure pedal assist now. I love it. I'm 40 years old and out of shape and I ride like I did in my 20's, but now I have to plug it in when I get back.
godisapothead@reddit
I know exactly what you mean! I've had some of the best rides where I had no plan at all and just heading out and seeing where my mind takes me. One day, I hopped on my bike and just started pedaling. I ended up way out in a park I didn’t even know existed. It was quiet, peaceful, and felt like I was rediscovering the world through the simplicity of a bike. The best part? My bike also helped a lot so I didn't feel tired the whole time. I was using the cycverve by the way, it's comfortable to use for long rides.
natechief@reddit
Yes this is exactly why I have an ebike. To explore. I do it all the time just like when we were kids. I mostly ride around national forests trails and singletrack with no idea of where I'm going. It's so fun!
FormosaCovers@reddit (OP)
Yes! The nostalgia it brings back when we were kids just wanting to ride out to new places or the usual spots where we feel that sense of peace.
ImMikeJamesB1@reddit
I did this my first weekend at like 1am with my ebike.
I went on a 27-mile ride just to explore. I found myself in a mountain bike trail network, and then I found myself riding around an area I didn't know existed in my town.
I was blown away by all the beautiful architecture and all the new construction.
A few years back, there was a massive fire that broke out in an industrial complex. They tore everything down in a like 3 mile radius.
Walmart bought it and is building a like home office area that they are calling the campus.
It's absolutely beautiful and is connected to the trail system of the area. I now go through this walmart campus every single day to and from work for my commute.
I'd have never known about it if it weren't for my aimless cruise in the middle of the night.
I've definitely rediscovered the same love for biking that I had as a kid.
My area offers a lot to explore, and I now appreciate my area soooo much more as a result.
FormosaCovers@reddit (OP)
Love that story brother. Those kinds of rides really do remind you why biking is special & the act of curiosity & urge of discovery allows us to have that edge in traveling. Makes life feel more fresh.
Friendly-Ad5915@reddit
I rented an e-bike last summer for the day. Still waiting for right time to afford and build one. But i just rode around locally, it was great. If you play a gps game, bikes are easier to navigate on then a car.
FormosaCovers@reddit (OP)
Renting is such a good way to get a feel for it, Hope the build comes together soon!!
Ok_Comparison1498@reddit
hi op, i’m doing this today on my day off! it’s fun and i’m watching how everyone else gets around the city. it’s fun haha
FormosaCovers@reddit (OP)
YES, love to hear that!! 🙌 Safe travels out there and ride on!
geisterscheinwerfer@reddit
you’re curious??? … this should be normal!!! specially when you hit 50s if this is not normal, it begs the question, how did we evolve to un-wonder, un-curious, un-interested creature??? word to hate: “sedentary”
drphrednuke@reddit
That’s the only kind of ride I do. I’m retired
FormosaCovers@reddit (OP)
Ride on!!
mzdameaner@reddit
My favorite thing is to go out with an audiobook in one ear and no plan till the battery starts to get low
FormosaCovers@reddit (OP)
That sounds like the perfect combo, no rush, no plan, just vibes and a good story to ride with
chrispark70@reddit
I can't really do that. Even when I am on a pleasure ride, I have a general destination in mind. Just part of my make up. However, I do try to find new roads and paths.
FormosaCovers@reddit (OP)
Totally get that, some of us are just wired to ride with a sense of direction, and that’s just as rewarding. Exploring new roads along the way just keeps it fresh.
No_Hetero@reddit
I live by a river trail that has quite a few connections to other neighborhoods or areas of the county so I'm excited to just pick a compass direction and cruise it out once my new XP4 arrives
FormosaCovers@reddit (OP)
oooo, you gotta let me know how you like the XP4
No_Hetero@reddit
I've been contemplating the XP3 for like a year and once the XP4 launch deals came out I was like come on... They're practically paying me to get one lol. But UPS has been terrible lately so it will probably be a couple weeks before I actually get it
External_Dimension18@reddit
This is exactly the type of feeling I get as well. Back when I was 7-12 we would be on bikes nonstop just exploring. Good memories and I do the same thing with just cruising around.
FormosaCovers@reddit (OP)
The nostalgia of it all gets to me. Riding as kids wanting to find the next adventure, the next meet-up spot or the one place you can gate-keep from people.
GrumpyOik@reddit
One of the great joys of cycling is "mmmm - I wonder what's up there".
FormosaCovers@reddit (OP)
This is the exact thought and I never regret it.
VegaSolo@reddit
Where I live, it's not safe to commute or run errands on my ebike, so I strictly ride it just for fun!
There are some amazing paved bike trails near me. Just miles and miles of cycling through nature. One goes over a bridge with oceanside trails and the other is 20 miles through forests and fields.
In fact, I'm trying to finish up work so I can head out for this afternoon! Funnest hobby I ever had in my life.
FormosaCovers@reddit (OP)
That sounds incredible, those trails sound like pure therapy on two wheels. Hope you make it out today!
Tuxthapenguin666@reddit
I really like the idea of having a destination but no set path to get there, i sometimes go back to go forward if that makes sense, just so i can get an even longer ride. My work commute is 3 miles but i take a 9 mile route because its so damn fun to rip around with the torque sensor, get some leg pumpin going and rip around.
FormosaCovers@reddit (OP)
YES and honestly, that’s the best kind of riding. Turning a 3-mile commute into a 9-mile joyride sounds like a solid win. That torque sensor feeling when it kicks in? Addictive.
HackD1234@reddit
At the present, i am medically retired. No 'real world' obligations that make me stick to a schedule. It's all governed by how well i feel (or don't) on any given moment, and taking advantage of when i do feel energized enough to get out there - whether that's at 2:00pm, or 2:00am.
One of my favorite activities when temperature is above 15 degrees C. ambient, is the 'midnight crawl'. The time period in which the world outside of my door is most quiet and peaceful. No agenda, no plans, no itinerary, no destination required. A good music playlist to ride by, is all that is necessary for my enhanced enjoyment of the moment.
Just enjoying the moment of peace and solitude, in whichever direction that it goes.
FormosaCovers@reddit (OP)
That sounds incredibly peaceful and honestly, kind of profound. There’s something special about those late-night rides when the world quiets down and it’s just you, the road, and the music. Glad you’re able to tap into that kind of freedom on your own terms.
HackD1234@reddit
Peace well beyond the cost of admission in investing into an ebike or two, IMHO.
I am fortunate in that i live on the periphery of a major Canadian city, with a fair amount of cycling infrastructure in the suburban portions of it, as well as that city being subdivided by various large green-spaces and double track multi-use trails, along with several rail-trails and inter-connections going elsewhere. An escape into relatively untouched forest trails, is approximately 200 meters away from my own doorstep. Rides have ranged from a few km's and then quick return, to epic impromptu 50-60 km aimless jaunts, that see me in a random Happy place at the end of it all, facing the reality of finite battery range, and the need to turn back for only that factor.
The only traffic hazard of any type generally encountered, is the similarly nocturnal rabbits, skunks, and coyotes lurking in the bush. I have an eMTB as well (physically limited to short rides on that), but my go-to for such rides is the tadpole recumbent trike.
FatSaddle@reddit
That is the way. I've visited places in my city that I would never have otherwise gone to.
__Lynzahai__@reddit
This is usually how I ride when i'm not riding my bike to work. Usually about a half hour in I get "lost" and the euphoric feeling of "adventure" takes over. It's awesome.
I recently moved to a new apartment, and I just went on a ride one day, I ended up a few neighborhoods over, it was a place with multiple connecting cul-de-sacs. I eventually found my way out and it spat me out right near my apartment. I found my step daughter a new playground in the cut I'll take her to one day.
FormosaCovers@reddit (OP)
That’s the magic right there when getting “lost” somehow leads you exactly where you’re meant to be. Love that your ride turned into a little future adventure spot for your stepdaughter too. It’s wild how bikes have a way of helping us rediscover the places we live
sLaNj0r@reddit
I moved to the mountains of Western NC last September. I bought my ebike about 2 months ago and couldn't agree with you more. My dog and I love exploring with no destination. Recently added a duplicate "All who wander are not lost" sticker to the bike. I've had one on my Honda Element for a few years now. :) I've also started looking at the new Hailong Max 48v/30ah battery to extend my range. Ride on!
FormosaCovers@reddit (OP)
BEAUTIFUL & that sticker is the perfect motto. That sounds like an incredible place to ride, those daily views must never get old. Love that your pup’s part of the journey too. Let me know how that Hailong Max works out if you go for it, I’ve been eyeing range upgrades too. Ride on indeed!
ResponsibleBend2195@reddit
I do that a lot of the time I live inside a national park and it's great to head out with no destination in mind and see where I arrived. Sometimes rivers, forests or beaches with small villages and Hamlets on the way . I'm almost 70 and my Orbea emtb has opened up another dimension for me I'm currently on an island in the south of the UK doing just that ! Ride till You drop my friend, at least that's what I intend to do !
FormosaCovers@reddit (OP)
Wow, that sounds like an absolute dream riding through national parks and coastal villages with that kind of freedom is the kind of thing I hope to be doing at that age. Your energy is inspiring!
ResponsibleBend2195@reddit
Thanks Budd!
funcentric@reddit
Yes, all my PEV's are for recreational use. Don't forget the advantage we have. We don't have to stick to a particular road and we're not in a hurry. That can equate to a lot more safety than others may be experiencing.
FormosaCovers@reddit (OP)
Being able to take the slower, scenic routes without pressure really is a huge plus. It’s freedom and safety rolled into one.
Laserdollarz@reddit
On my days off, sometimes I do most of the trail-half of my commute. I like to ride around under bridges and in No-Mans-Lands and find places to shoot my slingshot. I have a family of bald eagles I check in on everyday, pack some binoculars!
FormosaCovers@reddit (OP)
That’s next-level commuting, love that!
Away-Revolution2816@reddit
I go often with no plan, always been a no plan guy. Being retired doesn't make it seem as irresponsible now. I was on a ride and diverted to a area I hadn't been near in years. I found a house with a historical marker that Henry Ford had built in 1888 soon after he got married. The house was moved to this location in 1952. It's also behind the site that was the first Kmart ever.
FormosaCovers@reddit (OP)
That’s such a cool find! Those unplanned detours always seem to lead to the best stories
onlyfreckles@reddit
I would love aimless rides but the lack of safe bike infrastructure prevents that.
I plan every bike trip choosing the safest routes w/o having to wig/wag in extra miles (so sometimes jumping on the sidewalk) to stay safe/alive around distracted speeding car drivers.
I enjoy riding residential streets that parallel arterial ones but sometimes switch it up to see if its a better route.
Don't live close enough to actual bike trails to enjoy :(
FormosaCovers@reddit (OP)
Totally get where you’re coming from. Riding shouldn’t feel like a constant game of survival. I’ve had to do the same dance with sidewalks and zigzag routes just to avoid the worst traffic spots. It sucks that real freedom to roam is still such a luxury in so many places.