Celebrating 6,000 Kilometres: Lessons From the Saddle to the Boardroom

As this week ends, I celebrate completion of my 6,000 km cycling target for 2024 - roughly two months ahead of schedule. It’s not just a physical achievement; it’s a testament to the power of personal well-being, goal-setting, consistency, and the joy of celebrating milestones along the way.

As I reflect on the countless hours spent on the pedals (close to 400hrs this year!), I realize that cycling has offered me much more than just fitness. It’s been a journey of personal growth and business lessons that have shaped both my mindset and my approach to leadership.

Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Benefits…

Before diving into the business takeaways, I want to highlight the undeniable personal benefits of cycling, which have had a profound impact on my body, mind, and spirit.

Physically, cycling has helped me keep a resilient body. I feel more energized, accomplished, and less fatigued as I go through my day-to-day tasks. I feel a noticeable sense of endurance, and I’ve managed to maintain reasonably good health over multiple months – and with deep gratitude, I can say with extremely rare visits to the doctor’s room.

Mentally, the sense of well-being is incredible. Every ride leaves me with a lasting feeling of happiness and clarity that lasts throughout the day. I’ve found it easier to stay positive, even in the face of challenges, and the camaraderie with my cycling buddies only amplifies the joy. Some of my best business ideas and personal reflections have come to me during long or even short rides that I routinely take before I log into day’s work schedules. I started documenting quotes and reflections that come by while I am on the trails! – these are at over 50 in my journal. May be one day, I will consolidate them into a book!

Spiritually, cycling offers me moments of solitude that allow me to connect deeply with nature and reflect on life. Whether it’s the sun’s warm rays on my face or the soft drizzle of rain, I feel more in tune with the world around me—and with a higher sense of purpose. Cycling has become a form of mindfulness, a way to feel grounded and grateful for the simple joys of being alive. ?Every ride, especially the ones past hospitals like Kenyatta National Hospital, remind me of how fortunate I am to be able to move, breathe, and be healthy. It’s humbling, and I often offer a silent prayer for those in need of the very simple things in life – like to be able to just move a muscle. Nature, too, offers me lessons in patience—like the way jacaranda flowers bloom in their own time, regardless of the seasons.

Business Lessons From the Saddle…

But as much as cycling has enriched my personal life, it has also provided powerful lessons for my business leadership journey that I continue to learn from every day. Here are a few takeaways I’d like to share with you as we gear up for 2025:

1.????? Set ambitious goals then break them down to inspire action

Setting my 2024 cycling target at 6000Kms felt like a huge challenge— given that in 2023, I managed 4,800Kms in full year. ?But visualizing the big goal as smaller, manageable chunks (like 500 km per month) made it seem achievable. In fact, there was even a month where I exceeded that target, hitting +800 km! This is a powerful reminder that in business, ambition coupled with strategic planning is critical. When we break down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps, we can build momentum and hit our targets.

?2. Discipline builds momentum, even through setbacks

There were plenty of days when the weather didn’t cooperate, or life just got busy. But the discipline of sticking to the schedule—whether it was cycling in light rain or obeying my 5 AM alarm set for cycling against very attractive arguments in my head for that extended sleep time — was key to maintaining momentum. Just like in business, setbacks are inevitable and also, comfort zones appear from all corners, but consistent effort and discipline are what propel us forward.

3. Monitor progress and adapt

Tracking my kilometres every month and adjusting my goals helped me stay on track. If I was ahead of target, I’d carry that over into the next month; if I was behind, I’d make a plan to catch up. In business also, regular progress checks and the flexibility to adapt plans are essential for achieving success.

4. Accountability partners are vital

Cycling with my "cycling best buddies" (CBBs) has been a game-changer. We motivate each other, celebrate milestones every end month, and hold each other accountable. In business, having a trusted group of colleagues or mentors to provide guidance, feedback, and support is invaluable. As we head into 2025, it’s worth reflecting on who your "business best buddies" (BBBs) are and how they can help you stay on track.

5. Connect your goals to a larger purpose

One of the most powerful lessons from cycling is the importance of connecting personal goals to a larger purpose. Each kilometre I ride is not just for personal achievement—it’s for a greater cause. This year, just like last year, I’ve dedicated a portion of my miles to support education-focused social impact projects. Businesses that align their objectives with social good are not only more likely to grow, but they also create a sense of meaning and fulfilment beyond profits - no wonder, the topic of ESG is now at the fore of every business that is seeking sustainable growth!

In closing 2024, the 5Gs of Life come to mind…

As 2024 draws to a close, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons learned through cycling. For me, this lifestyle has become a source of joy, balance, and insight into both personal and professional growth. It has taught me the importance of Goals, Giving, Gifts, “Gang” (positively meaning accountability partners), and God. These five principles—what I like to call the “5Gs of life”—are essential to thriving in both business and life.

So, as we approach 2025, I will remember again; the power of setting bold goals, staying disciplined, adapting along the way, and surrounding myself with a supportive network. Whether on the pedals or in the boardroom, the journey is just as important as the destination.

To team Bikelicious 2.3, my accountability ‘Gang’ thank you for being present on the saddles with smiles even when tackling some of the elevations made us ‘see things’ or made us believe a lot of ‘lies’ about pending kilometres to destination! Fun of cycling

CPA Brian Awuor Sally Kamsa Deborah Sambu Mary Maina Charlyn Muthemba

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