When the world slowed down during the pandemic, Lily discovered something unexpected: you don’t always need a plane ticket to feel like you’re on holiday. A simple bike ride through nearby fields, a detour along a canal, or stumbling into a village square she’d never noticed before — suddenly her own neighborhood looked like a travel guide waiting to be explored. Now, with her kids grown and the house far too quiet, Lily feels the urge to fill her newfound spare time with more fun. Empty nest syndrome, she thinks, could be treated with two wheels and a map. Her only problem? The list of bike trips she wants to take is endless. “I could plan a staycation every week,” she laughs, staring at her scribbled routes — castles, riversides, forest cafés, even that strange tower nobody ever climbs. She discovers, she isn’t alone. Lisa, her sister, is always game — and always armed with snacks “in case the bakery’s shut.” Sophie, her best friend, doesn’t need convincing either. She’s the queen of detours: “We cannot bike past a flea market without stopping!” Together, they turn every Sunday into a mini-holiday, cycling through landscapes they’d once driven past without noticing. Her husband Ben is always curious when she gets back, peppering her with questions about the route and the surprises along the way. Sometimes Lily wonders if he’s a little jealous, watching her have all the fun while he stays behind. On the next trip, she decides, she’ll bring it up — maybe Lisa and Sophie would like to invite their husbands too. It could turn into a whole new kind of adventure, with even more laughter (and probably more snack breaks). Want to try it yourself? Check out Ideas & Stories – On a Bike Trip, the e-magazine to inspire you to make your next ride unforgettable. Download here.
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