This Season of Love, do you need some inspiration for a romantic date with your significant other? Whether you're heading out on your 50th date with your partner or preparing for that nail-biting first date with someone new, choosing to explore together on two wheels is a unique and fun option! Read on for our guide to getting the most out of a cycling date.
Positive vibes
Did you know that cycling can be a fantastic mood-enhancer, thanks to the release of endorphins as a result of exercise? These feel-good hormones are known to help improve your sense of well-being, so both you and your date will be in the perfect frame of mind for a fantastic shared experience! It's the ultimate hack to get the ball, or in this case wheels, rolling.
Keep things flexible
Compared to some of the 'classic' date options such as dinner or a movie, a cycle ride isn't quite so tied to the specific schedule of your nearest cinema or restaurant. You and your date can work out a time and place that suits you both, and if you want to freestyle it a little and decide to take a different path, that's totally up to you both, too! Not forgetting that a cycling date can work out to be much less expensive than the traditional route – no need to purchase a bucket of popcorn with a sky-high mark-up!
Hatch a plan
Keeping things flexible and spontaneous is great, but do have a destination in mind. Be realistic about how far you and your date can – or would want to – ride on your date, and don't forget that coming back to your starting point needs to be part of the plan. You could keep a few destinations in mind, so that if your date is going amazingly well, you can suggest an extra leg to your trip at your first break spot.
Chat with your date beforehand about the planned route. If you're used to long cycle rides but your date less so, a 40km round trip may not be the best idea – you're meant to be enjoying some quality time, not attending boot camp! Come to a decision together, based on a decent understanding of both your capabilities in the saddle. Of course, if you're riding e-bikes, feel free to add on a few extra kilometres without any stress.
It's also a good idea to have a plan B in case the weather turns out to be a real shocker on your chosen day for the date! As heart-breaking as it may be, you can always postpone the bike ride for a few days.
Getting to know each other, naturally
If you're planning this cycle ride as a first date, there are some real positives to heading out on two wheels compared to sitting opposite your date over a restaurant table. Whether there's space to cycle side by side or you follow each other along the track, you don't need to do too much talking as you ride – any silences will feel natural, rather than awkward. When you do stop for a break and a bit of small-talk, you'll be able to find out quite a bit about what your date finds interesting from their response to the things you've experienced or seen during the ride so far – a great insight into what makes them tick!
Exploring together
For already-established couples, a cycle date is a great opportunity to create some new memories. Scout out some nearby landmarks or attractions that you've not yet visited and hop into the saddle together. We can all be guilty of forgetting to explore the locations that are right on our doorstep, so why not get more in tune with your local area along with your other half?
Think ahead
As with any cycling trip, it's best to be prepared for the unexpected. Carry a basic bike repair kit in case of punctures, plus drinks and snacks for topping up energy levels along the way. If this date-by-bike is early in your relationship, it's a great idea to find out what your date's favourite snack is beforehand and bring it along. This will show real thoughtfulness, plus, when it comes to cycling, a bag of dried apricots has a better survival rate than a bunch of roses.
Seize the moment
Feeling inspired? To help you get ready for a fabulous cycling date, we've a special Valentine's Day offer over on our site, with discounts on TENWAYS e-bikes and accessories, including extra surprises for those ordering 2 e-bikes!
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