Turns Out, I’m A Philosopher With A Helmet

TDA Office manager Olha Kurochkina was recently helping out on the 2025 Trans-Europa Cycling Tour from Tallinn to Vilnius.

When you ride a hundred kilometres a day, something funny starts to happen.
Your legs are busy, but your mind? Free to wander.
Sometimes it lands on big, philosophical stuff.
Sometimes it just loops a terrible pop song from a gas station.
But often, what starts as a thought about cycling… turns into something about life.

So here it is: my unsolicited collection of saddle-side wisdom. You’re welcome.

Things I’ve learned while riding (and maybe also living):

1. When you see a big climb ahead, you might panic – but if you just keep pedalling, it often turns out easier than expected.
2. Just when you think a tough climb is over and a chill descent is coming… surprise! It’s another, even steeper hill.
3. Even when it feels like you’re flying downhill, a little extra pedalling now can save you pain later.
4. Small, unexpected potholes can ruin the whole ride. Stay alert.
5. Choose your underwear wisely. Some mistakes you only make once.
6. People who disappear when you’re struggling probably don’t need a spot at your celebration either.
7. Having a route is great. But some of the best moments happen when you go a little off-course.
8. Switching gears at the right time can change everything.
9. Don’t compare your pace to others – you don’t know what kind of bike they’re riding, or how much it cost. Focus on making it to your own finish line.
10. Breathe it all in: the grass, the river, the forest air… but if it smells like cow dung? Pedal faster and breathe through your mouth.

A bike is a simple machine, but it has a funny way of becoming a mirror.
Of your mood. Your rhythm. Your thoughts.
Some of those thoughts are worth writing down.

So here they are. See you on the next hill.

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