Rediscovering Myself on Two Wheels: A Joyful Journey from Chaos to Cycling

Hello and welcome to my story about finding joy, freedom, and a little bit of magic on two wheels.

The Rocky Start to a Lifelong Love

Cycling didn’t sweep me off my feet as a child. At about 10 years old, I was mountain biking with my dad and brothers in Keystone, Colorado. I grabbed the front brake too hard, and the result was a crash that left me with road rash, tears, and a fear of the bike. That moment ended my mountain biking adventure before it really began.

Despite that rough start, I stayed active with skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. I always had a bike, but it was just a commuter, a tool for getting from point A to point B. I avoided cycling in the mountains, but loved weekend escapes from Denver to play and explore in nature and the wilderness.

Life in Paris and Losing Myself

In 2011, life took me to Paris. I got married in Denver, then moved across the ocean with big dreams and a camera in hand. I launched Pictours Paris, a photography business that combined my love for the city and my creative spirit. Those years were incredible. I worked from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week, pouring my heart into building businesses fueled by my passions.

I loved what I did. I was living the dream.

But in the whirlwind of work, I stopped caring for myself physically. Then came motherhood, the challenge of building two restaurants with my then-husband, and the weight of endless responsibilities. I was a mother, a business owner, a full-time provider in a world where restaurants often don’t turn a profit for years. Slowly, I lost sight of who I was — the woman who loved the outdoors and the freedom it brought.

Life in Paris became loud, full, and relentless.

The Breaking Point and a New Beginning

COVID hit. Everything changed. The chaos of business and family life forced me to pause. It was during this time that I found my way back to cycling. We were locked down, but I used each day to be present with my young daughter and rode hours per week on my stationary bike - loved the Peloton app and inspiring cycling coaches!

These bike rides indoors became my escape, my therapy, and my way to reconnect with myself.

Post Covid I started cycling through Paris for exercise, not just commuting. I began to crave the fresh air, the rhythm of pedaling, the stunning views — it all brought a happiness I hadn’t felt in years.

The Most Unexpected, Most Beautiful Love

Soon, I was in the process of starting my life over. I stood up for myself and asked for a divorce. It felt so freeing to free myself from a toxic, draining marriage.

I was alone but proud.

Focusing on being the best mother to my daughter.

Cycling regularly and feeling strong in body, mind, and heart.

And then the unexpected happened, and I met the most beautiful man — an avid cyclist, mountain lover, and the kind of steady presence who quietly encourages you to go just a little farther than you think you can.

We shared a love of photography, the outdoors, and movement. Cycling became our love language.

One day, encouraged by him, I rode solo from Paris to Versailles for the first time. I was nervous — worried about getting lost or not being strong enough. But I did it.

Sitting behind the château, overlooking the Grand Canal, I felt something shift. I wasn’t just riding a bike. I was reclaiming myself.

From that day, the Paris to Versailles route became so important and special to me. And now, I want to share that route with you. Revel Rides truly was born from my love of time spent in the vast forests between Paris and Versailles. I can't wait for you to feel that magic...!

How Cycling Changed Everything

Cycling gave me freedom — to explore at my own pace.

It gave me balance between work, motherhood, and myself.

It brought me back to nature, to stillness, and to strength I didn’t know I had.

I started to see life differently. The bike became a symbol of rediscovery and happiness.

Embracing Life on Two Wheels

Cycling didn’t just give me fitness.

It gave me resilience.

It gave me love — for myself, and for the man who now rides beside me.

Together, we share this simple belief: life is better when you move through it.

And that’s the heart of Revel Rides.

Not just cycling.

But connection. Freedom. And the courage to keep going.

That's that. Thanks for reading - let's ride!

xx

Lindsey