Why? It’s a powerful question that often leads to some of the most insightful stories that have shaped our human history and it’s the question we asked local riders here in South Wales. Since autumn last year we’ve been meeting bikers on the trails and pump tracks and asking them the simple question of why. This first series of Rise With Us seeks to unpack why rising to ride brings joy to people’s lives; it’s a personal yet inspiring decision to simply put foot to pedal and get outside. So, join us for a whistle stop tour of some inspiring stories of risers from across the South Wales corridor.
Rhys Pillai
Rhys is an entrepreneur, father and bike lover based in Swansea. As the owner and head brewer of microbrewery, Beer Riff Brewing Company, he also has the most envious morning commute on his Charge Grater along the seafront with views across the bay to Mumbles.
“It’s a 10 minute cycle to work which is pretty nice. I know I’m lucky to get to do that every day. It’s good to have the space to clear my head before work. Unless I need to go out delivering, I’ll just cycle in.”
Rhys has been riding bikes all his life but more so since he was 11. We asked him what cycling brought to his life:
“I guess it brings freedom. Whether I’m commuting, it’s just nice to start the day by cycling along the seafront, clearing my head before work. But I also get the same freedom when I’m
bolting down a hill. I guess for me it’s still relaxing but in a different way.
I’ve been riding for over 25 years now and I couldn’t imagine not getting out. I just do it as much as I can around work and having a child – all that fun!
But we’re pretty blessed here in Swansea for good riding. There is Clyne Valley and Kilvey which is right opposite the brewery. Kilvey has a nice mix of everything: plenty of different tracks that are a bit more aggressive.
“I guess cycling makes me feel good and just overall healthy. Happy. For me, it doesn’t matter if I’m at a trail centre with friends or just a solo ride, it’s that space for my mind.
That time to forget about all the other noises – the pressures of life and just being able to focus on something right in front of you that’s really fun.
Whether you’re with a group of people or on your own, you’re very much in that minute. Then when you stop, you get to share and enjoy those moments with everyone else. We relive and talk about the experience everyone has just had on the trail, which is great!“
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