EVERY.DAY.RIDE #2 with Ride More Bike

Tell us a little about yourself?

Gude*! I am Goran, a 46-year-old sports enthusiast and cyclist living in Frankfurt, Germany. My professional life revolves around working in digital technologies and the education sector. Outside work, I have a keen interest in design, travel, and culinary arts. These passions fuel my creativity and bring joy and excitement to my life.

How and when did you get into riding?

My riding journey began at the age of only three. Cycling has always been a part of me. Of course, I embraced the mountain bike hype in my early days and loved riding through the Taunus hills and forests, which are located just in front of my hometown. Unfortunately, a bad crash led to a broken shoulder joint and torn ligaments, causing a long pause in my riding. After several years, I returned to cycling and started with road cycling in 2016 and have been riding almost daily since. This adventure has brought new challenges and joys to my life, and the excitement of riding has never been stronger. That’s also when I started @ridemorebike as a channel, a hashtag and a (small limited batch) apparel, to motivate and remind myself, friends and others to just enjoy cycling.

What are the best and worst things about riding?

The best aspects of riding include the constant movement, the time it provides for self-reflection, exploring new places, and getting lost in the best way possible. The community and connections made with fellow riders provide a sense of belonging, and the suffering endured during a ride can be both a high and a low point. Conversely, the fear of crashing or having your bike stolen can be considerable downfalls.

Tell us about your most memorable ride to date?

My most memorable ride was a week-long and my first bikepacking trip during the pandemic years. I journeyed with a friend from Hundsrück through Vulkaneifel to Luxembourg, then back through the Belgian Ardennes on the way to Düsseldorf where the tour ended. The ride offered breathtaking natural scenery, amazing weather and the opportunity to meet wonderful people. Sharing this experience with a good friend and pushing my boundaries made it unforgettable and made me fall in love with day-long rides and bikepacking.

What's the best piece of riding advice you've ever been given?

The most valuable advice I've received is to "go with your own pace." This simple yet profound guidance has allowed me to enjoy riding without unnecessary pressure and to grow at a comfortable and rewarding speed. In a more technical term, it also taught me to watch my pedalling and give my cadence a significance in my performance.

What do you bring with you on every ride?

I always carry my mobile phone with me on rides. It serves a dual purpose, allowing me to enjoy music on the go and to capture the beautiful moments I encounter with its camera. It also gives me freedom to have a break on longer rides and pay for a cold coke and a bowl of spaghetti ice!

How do you keep your bikes secure at home and on the go? Share your best tips to help others keep their bikes safe.

Security is a priority for me, since my first MTB (my beloved Spezialized Rock Hopper) was stolen back then. At home, I keep my bike indoors and locked at a wall mount and my LITELOK Gold Original, which gives me an absolute feeling of security, so that I don't have to worry at all when I am away. When I am riding with my city bike, the LITELOK GO is always with me, because it's just so easy! Put it on, lock your bike and don't worry about it anymore. When I'm out and about with my road bike, I don't take too much with me and just make sure to keep the bike within sight, to be honest. :) On longer rides I often carry a small lock with me that fits into my back pocket or handlebar bag, just for peace of mind when entering a supermarket or while sitting in a café.

When someone asks what kit you recommend, you say?

Besides my own kit, which I naturally enjoy, I kind of got locked in with the Italian brand of La Passione. The simplicity and top-notch quality of their products align with my standards and needs.

What's on your riding bucket list?

My riding bucket list is filled with exciting challenges and destinations. I aim to conquer the Stelvio this September and other classic cols like Alpe d'Huez and Tourmalet. Next year, I also need to keep my calendar clear to finally participate in the Tour de Friends of Rad Race. Their events are always epic, and it would definitely add to my collection of memorable rides and adventures.

*That’s how we say “Hi!” in Frankfurt!