What happens when you slow down, take the scenic route and rediscover the simple joy of getting from A to B?
This summer, yoga teacher, wellness enthusiast and content creator Lillie from Loving Life Lillie swapped four wheels for two, exploring Dorset by bike on the Reid Ladies Classic 7-Speed Vintage. From beach days and coffee stops to bookshop trips and cycling to teach yoga, her pink bike quickly became part of her everyday routine.
In this guest blog, Lillie shares how cycling has encouraged her to slow down, notice more and find joy in the everyday, proving that sometimes the best journeys are the ones where you don't take the quickest route.
Finding joy in everyday movement
This summer, I’ve been working with Reid Bikes and spending my days pottering around Dorset on their Ladies Classic 7-Speed Vintage bike. Naturally, I went for pink. And naturally, I chose the one with a basket - I am Loving Life Lillie, after all.
Somewhere between cycling to teach yoga, beach days, bookshop trips, coffee stops and taking the unnecessarily scenic route home, this pretty pink bike accidentally became part of my wellbeing routine.
I’ve been teaching yoga for nearly eight years now, and the longer I work in the wellness world, the less interested I am in wellness being something we have to perform. I think some of the most powerful practices are actually magically woven into the ordinary. Like choosing movement because it feels good, not because you’re trying to change your body.
Cycling has reminded me how much I love moving simply for the joy of moving.
Slowing down and seeing more
But I also realised something else… I’m naturally someone with approximately 700 ideas happening at once. Slight imposter syndrome admitting that as a “yoga teacher” but I run a busy studio, a team of 15, I teach yoga, run huge events, create things, dream very big dreams and I can be VERY good at racing towards whatever comes next.
But you notice so much more when you’re not sealed inside a car trying to get somewhere as quickly as possible. Cycling slows me down and not just physically! Enough to notice the changing leaves at the end of August, the smell of the sea, little streets you never notice when driving, conversations with people who have passed by and fell in love with the bike, the refreshing breeze on your face.
A little more colour, a little more play
Perhaps, my little summer with this bike is actually a reminder that life needs more play, more colour, more connection with nature. Self-love doesn’t always have to be serious inner work. Sometimes it’s buying the colourful thing, dipping in the sea, taking your book somewhere pretty, putting snacks in your basket and absolutely choosing the pink bike simply because looking at it makes you happy.
I think creating a life you love happens through hundreds of tiny decisions like these. Choosing to ride your bike instead of driving can be a small change that makes everyday journeys feel different!
Choosing the bike for shorter everyday journeys has been such a simple way to spend more time outdoors, rely a little less on the car and make getting around feel more enjoyable.
Why the Reid Ladies Classic became my summer bike
The step-through frame makes it super easy to hop on, the upright riding position is dreamy for leisurely rides. And, perhaps unsurprisingly for a yoga teacher, I love the posture it encourages! The seven gears have taken me all over our hilly little corner of Dorset and I have discovered that a removable front basket is essentially a handbag for your bicycle, which I now consider non-negotiable!
The bike behind the storyReid Ladies Classic 7-Speed Vintage A classic-style women's bike designed for comfortable everyday cycling, with seven-speed gearing, an easy step-through frame, an upright riding position and a practical front basket.
7-speed gearing | Step-through frame | Upright riding position | Front basket Explore the Ladies Classic → Here |
You don't have to change your whole life
My biggest self-love lesson from this summer with Reid Bikes is this: “You don’t have to completely change your life to fall a little more in love with it.”
There is so much life hiding inside the ordinary when we slow down enough to actually be there for it. Here’s to creating a life you don’t always feel the need to escape from and enjoying the journey while you’re at it. Thank you Reid Bikes for giving me a very pink reminder of that this summer!
Find your own reason to ride
Whether it's a trip to the beach, the school run, your commute or simply taking the long way home, cycling can make everyday journeys feel a little more enjoyable.
Explore more Reid bikes designed for everyday adventures >> [Add link to homepage]
Explore the Reid Ladies Classic 7-Speed Vintage bike and discover a bike designed for comfortable, everyday riding.
View the Ladies Classic 7-Speed bike here.
About Lillie
Lillie is a yoga teacher, wellness enthusiast and content creator behind Loving Life Lillie. Based in Dorset, she shares yoga, wellbeing, lifestyle and everyday adventures with her community.
Follow Lillie: Loving Life Lillie