A clear mind and dirty tyres: Mountain biking for mental health

At 24/Three we take mental wellbeing seriously, both in our work and our wider lives. For our technical manager, Matt - mountain biking has become a powerful way to clear the mind, boost energy and find balance beyond the studio.

I came back to mountain biking about 10 years ago, after trying running, swimming and the obligatory gym sessions. For me, the appeal wasn’t just about the physical gains, there was something about taking a couple of hours away from weekly life and heading out on the trail that really blew off the cobwebs. The combination of feeling the weather against your face, and the repetitive steady pedalling felt like meditation. When you’re solely focused on pushing the pedals, not falling off, and maybe the attainment of a new personal best on a hill climb, there’s no room for work emails or life stress.

If you give it a go, your body will thank you too. Those miles really do build physical and core strength,  boost energy levels and lift your mood. For myself and a lot of riders, mountain biking isn’t just exercise, it’s two hours of two wheeled therapy.

Author: Matt Sharp