Mathias’ Story

I had always loved cycling, but for a long time it lacked direction. I rode purely for the enjoyment of it. No structured training, no clear goals, just me and my 1970 Peugeot road bike, which, in hindsight, wasn’t exactly suited for the kind of riding I aspired to do.

Everything began to shift one Tuesday night at Holiday Park. I joined a group ride there and, for the first time, met members of the RSTLS group. They welcomed me in and invited me to their Thursday night ride. I showed up, not fully knowing what to expect, but that decision marked a turning point for my cycling journey.

Riding with RSTLS changed everything. They introduced me to the fundamentals I had been missing, how to ride efficiently in a group, how to effectively ride in a pace line, and how to think more intentionally about my training. They also helped me understand the importance of proper equipment, guiding me toward choices that made a real difference in both performance and comfort.

What started as casual, unstructured riding gradually evolved into something much more focused and meaningful. With their support and guidance, I grew not only in skill but also in confidence and commitment. I went from being an amateur cyclist to becoming a dedicated road rider, with a clear sense of purpose every time I got on the bike.