By now most people will probably have abandoned their well-intentioned New Year’s Resolutions, with gym cards carelessly left lying on desks and cigarette packets that have sneaked their way back into coat pockets. No shame there – resolutions are so OVER. It’s time to ditch resolutions and go for our version of bucket lists instead! Keep reading to find out how they’re the real key to achieving your goals.
Enough of eMTBs just being for expanding waistlines and pensioners! EMTBing isn’t just one of the coolest sports around, it also unleashes a legion of opportunities to explore the world. If you’ve already got a bucket list floating around your mind or scribbled down in a notebook somewhere, it’s time to revisit those doodlings. Contrary to the 2007 film The Bucket List, we don’t think you should wait until just before you kick the bucket – that doesn’t give you nearly enough time to do all of those amazing things that surely have to be done in life. We’re talking about realising your dreams, nurturing relationships, changing your life, or even just being a little bit more daring.
But because we’ve all got such madly, wonderfully different dreams and targets, we thought it best to avoid creating a definitive list. Instead, here’s a list of questions that will help steer you towards more excitement and spur you on to truly live in the moment:
Success in crossing off the points on this list doesn’t mean having to travel around the world – this list is about achieving more than you thought possible and experiencing new highs of freedom. It’s about trying new things and reaching a new attitude. This inspiring list isn’t about the significance of each action, but more about your perception of each act. Think fresh, live fresh, and see things differently – 2019 can be your year. Those who dare could unlock the greatest and most significant, change in their lives to date – one that turns you into a happier, freer and more adventurous rider and human!
1. What makes you twinge with jealousy?
While we aren’t advocating stealing your neighbour’s envy-inducing items, we do think this is a valid question. Try it this way: did your neighbours or buddies do something in 2018 that you would have really liked to do? Write your answer on a post-it note then cross it out and rephrase the beginning with “In 2019 I would like to…”. Then, go directly to the source and ask your neighbour or buddy how they prepared and what you need to know. This insider knowledge will put you in the perfect position to start your ultimate adventure! If you can’t find sufficient inspiration from your friends, try looking on Instagram and checking out our articles.
2. How romantic are you?
One great benefit of eMTBs is that they help you to ride further and, depending on the level of pedal-assist, you’ll get up virtually every climb. So why not use your e-pack horse to whisk your nearest and dearest up the mountain for a no-holds-barred luxury picnic? Grilling campfire bread definitely wins bonus points, but don’t forget ample red wine supplies and other non-essential mountain bike provisions. Good news if you’re single: this is also a great recipe for a date, or just for some me-time. #cosy
3. What was your last adventure?
Discover a new region! Of course, there’s a ton of great things about riding somewhere you know and love, but isn’t variety the spice of life? Marco Polo and James Cook aren’t just travel agents, they were once explorers like Christopher Columbus. So rustle up some courage, take a page from their book, and pedal off into the distance in search of the new. Can you imagine how many of the world’s most dreamy trails haven’t once seen or welcomed an eMTB? And unlike days gone by, adventures these days are a little easier in terms of logistics – for example, take these tips on how to have the best ride possible. Drop a pin on your Garmin or rely on Komoot for your navigation. Strava’s Safety Pack will put your family’s mind at rest, as no one wants you to go AWOL.
4. Where can you get the best snacks?
We highly advocate culinary explorations. It’s time to search for your region’s best mid-ride snack locale. Who does the best bacon butties or homemade ice cream? Whatever you’re into, go and try something new. Plan each route to include a detour to an unknown beer garden or previously unvisited café. Top tip: Tell the baristas or bar staff about your mission – you’ll either be met with a curious glance or an extra slice of cake!
5. What’s your biggest dream?
We’re masters of scuppering our best intentions by putting off our big plans for yet another unspecified day in the future. If your dreams really matter then it’s worth leaving your comfort zone and committing! Don’t let yourself get distracted like Austin Powers in Goldmember when he meets the Japanese twins (with the not-so-authentic Japanese names) Fook Mi and Fook Yu. Before you get equally as carried away, here are some ideas: ride across the Alps with your eMTB, take your family out on the e-bikes, go eMTBing in Namibia or Madeira, or even just in your backyard.
6. What’s your longest ride so far?
Make a new record this year! Be prepared, rally the troops and plan a ride that will exceed all other rides. Goals are there to be reached! And even if you don’t manage the whole route, don’t worry – just enjoy the ride. Keep an eye on your battery and carry a spare one in your backpack for all eventualities, or perhaps there are mid-ride charging stations on the route. Unsure of where to go? Ask other local eMTBers or riding mates.
7. What skills do you still want to develop?
Keep learning and fine-tuning those skills. Bunny hops? Wheelies? Silky smooth cornering? General bike maintenance or even first-aid? Check out our series of skills for beginners or book yourself onto a servicing, technique, or even first-aid workshop. There’s so much in this world to learn – and, you know, learning is fun! What’s going to be the next string you add to your bow?
8. When did you last make a new friend?
eMTBs are the ultimate platform for meeting new people and cementing friendships. Be it virtual ones on social media or Strava, or out in the forests. Talk to the next eMTBer you see, exchange stories and contact details. Who knows, after a quick hello they could become your next go-to riding buddy and potential life-long friend.
9. What are you afraid of?
Before you got your eMTB, did you expect eMTBs to be this much fun? Had you reckoned on the ease with which you glide up tough climbs? The fear of new things is completely normal, but usually, it’ll vanish as soon as you have a go. So go face those fears. Don’t always rush in head first. Tread with care and attention and you’ll be richly rewarded. Armed with an eMTB, mobile phone and first aid kit, you’ll be covered for most eventualities. Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus will look on proudly!
10. The final point isn’t really a question, it’s more of a command:
Share your passion and joy! Help the eMTB community to grow. Inject your non-eMTB riding friend with the same passion simply by inviting them on a ride. Can you loan them an eMTB or organise a hire bike from a local shop? Male or female, whatever their age! Keep their stoke high after the ride and send them some inspirational articles – from E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine, naturally 😉 Celebrate eMTBing and the freedom it brings. Happy season!
This article is from E-MOUNTAINBIKE issue #016
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Words: Robin Schmitt Photos: diverse
