The Four Fs Of Cycling, By Lee ‘Hollywood’ Turner

Much more than just a sport but a way of life, Lee ‘Hollywood’ Turner breaks down the four F words that best summarise cycling.

For me the fundamentals of cycling can be broken down into four simple categories: Fun, Fitness, Friends and Fashion. This is what makes cycling so special to me and many others and without them your love for cycling won’t last.

Cycling is a symphony of the Four Fs, each note playing a crucial role in the overall experience. It’s the fun in the journey, the fitness in the effort, the friends along the way, and the fashion that adorns us. Together, these elements create a lifestyle that promotes wellness, connection, and self-expression.

Cycling offers a unique blend of these enriching experiences, making it more than just a sport – it’s a way of life. Embrace each aspect, and you’ll find that cycling has the power to transform not just your daily routine but also your perspective on the world around you.

Fun

For anything to last it has to be FUN and cycling is no different. If something is not fun and enjoyable why bother doing it? We all have 24 hours each day and 6-8 of them are spent asleep and some are spent working so with the small change we have left we need to do things that are fun and that we get enjoyment from.

The element of fun in cycling is intrinsic and highly subjective, reflecting the personal joys that each rider finds along their journeys. For some, fun is the thrill of a fast-paced bunch ride down Beach Road, for others it’s the escape into nature, riding in the quiet hills with only the sound of the wind and wildlife as company (and the odd irate driver you’ve held up for 3 seconds). Fun also emerges from the challenges cycling presents – competing in a big ride like the Bowral Classic or Around the Bay, conquering a steep hill like Baw Baw, or navigating through new terrains. Every ride offers a chance for a mini-adventure, making cycling an endlessly enjoyable pursuit.

Getting out and supporting the regions is what it's all about - plus filling an esky with local produce and supporting those who need our help. Image: Coco Henry. — Fitness is one of the standout bonuses of cycling.

Fitness

Whilst cycling is fun the best thing about it is the FITNESS boost you get with it. Drinking in a bar is fun but you don’t get any fitness benefit out of that. Cycling stands out as an effective and enjoyable way to improve physical health and fitness. It doesn’t put the stress on your body like running does.

Cycling’s full-body engagement ensures a balanced workout that can be easily adjusted in intensity to suit fitness goals, from a gentle social roll to intense interval training aimed at getting ready for a race.

Moreover, cycling’s low-impact nature makes it a sustainable fitness activity that can be continued into older age, helping maintain agility and muscle tone.

Friends

So many of my FRIENDS today are based around cycling. Cycling is the glue that keeps many friendships together. How good is post ride café stop banter after a big bunch ride together when your loud talking mate got dropped, or the WhatsApp Chat group after someone bailed and didn’t turn up because it was raining?

It can get savage but it’s all in jest and it’s fun. When on the bike you have some of your best conversations with mates where you spill the beans on your problems or help solve other friends’ issues. One thing for sure is you always feel better after a ride with friends.

The communal aspect of cycling cannot be overstated. It fosters a sense of belonging and collective identity among us, whether you come together for casual weekend rides, organised weekend away events, or racing. These social settings enhance motivation and enjoyment, making cycling a social event rather than a solitary pursuit. Through these interactions, we often find not just acquaintances but a supportive community that shares their passions and values.

Fashion

Now to my favorite, FASHION. Fashion in cycling goes beyond mere aesthetics; it integrates functionality with style. Cycling kit is designed to offer comfort and performance enhancement; fabrics are breathable, and aerodynamic, while still showcasing vibrant designs and innovative patterns.

The style of our gear can reflect our personal taste or our allegiance to a brand we love, making fashion an integral part of the cycling experience, celebrated through personal expression and community identity.

I used to love dressing up in the old retro gear and thinking I was a rider from yesteryear. On the stylistic front, modern cycling fashion allows riders to express their personalities through designs and patterns that range from minimalist to bold, ensuring that cyclists look as good as they feel while on their bikes. Now that I have learnt Adobe Illustrator I am having a lot of fun designing kits, so watch out.

Cycling offers a unique blend of these enriching experiences of the four Fs, making it more than just a sport – it’s a way of life. Embrace each aspect and you’ll find that cycling has the power to transform not just your daily routine but also your perspective on the world around you.