A coffee break is also a great opportunity to talk about what engages us outside of work, alongside our daily tasks. This time, Sándor, our colleague working as a Manager Consultant at Clarity, tells us about gravel cycling. How did this hobby start, what makes a ride memorable, and what keeps someone going on a tough climb? We discuss favorite routes, unexpected challenges, and plans worth getting back in the saddle for.
Clarity: How did cycling start for you? Was there a specific experience or someone who inspired you to get into it?
Sándor: I grew up in the countryside as a child, and my grandmother was the one who taught me how to ride a bike. Later in Budapest, I didn't ride for decades. Change came during the Covid period, when cycling simultaneously offered an opportunity for exercise and a legal way to get outdoors. That was when I bought my first adult bike, a Kellys trekking bike, on which I rode 2,000–3,000 kilometers in a year. After that, I switched categories and bought a gravel bike, and the love affair has been going strong ever since.
Clarity: What drew you specifically to gravel riding? The speed, the longer distances, exploring landscapes – or something entirely different?
Sándor: Gravel is an excellent type of bike whether you want to speed along on asphalt, tour with panniers, or ride off-road. This versatility provides a very solid foundation for making progress without major compromises and reaching places you wouldn't otherwise go on foot or by car.
Clarity: What does a truly great ride look like for you? Do you head out on a pre-planned route, or do you sometimes figure out where to go along the way?
Sándor: Basically, I plan the longer weekend rides because knowing the distance, elevation gain, terrain, and rest and water stops is important to get the most out of the day's training and progress. On shorter rides, it often happens that I veer off onto new trails that are unfamiliar to me, which leads to very beautiful and exciting places.
Clarity: Do you prefer cycling alone or in company? What does one give you compared to the other?
Sándor: Previously, I had a group of 4–5 friends with whom we rode almost every weekend, but due to family commitments, moving, and other reasons, they were able to join less and less frequently. Now I mostly ride alone, but this allows me to do longer rides at a higher pace. I ride all year round, and the cold weather is uncomfortable for many.
Clarity: Which cycling memory do you look back on most fondly? What made that particular day or route special?
Sándor: My best tour this year was in Salzburg. I spent five days out there with a friend, and we rode every single day. Beautiful landscapes, alpine pastures, diverse terrain, and mirror-smooth bike paths across Austria and Germany made it a memorable riding experience. I will definitely be back.
Clarity: Was there ever a situation where you really had to fight to keep going? What helped you push through the rough patch?
Sándor: I had a serious crash and an injury resulting from it. Although I got back on the bike a few weeks later, I remained very cautious for months, with a persistent feeling of fear. What helped me process it the most was accepting the situation and the difficult feelings, and continuing to ride consistently afterward at a lower speed and with more caution. After a while, my self-confidence returned as well.
Clarity: What goes through your mind while riding? Do you switch off completely, focus on the road and pace, or do your best ideas come to you then?
Sándor: Usually, when I set off, I'm still dwelling on everyday personal or work topics at first. Then, after 5–10 kilometers, I typically enter a flow state and become completely absorbed. At that point, thinking gives way to enjoying the speed and the landscape.
Clarity: How does cycling fit into busy workdays? Do you have an established routine, or do you adapt to current circumstances?
Sándor: In the summer, after work around 5–6 PM, I can still go out for a 2–3 hour ride in the surrounding area because it stays light for so long. Lately, cycling tends to shift more toward the weekend, typically with longer rides on Sundays.
Clarity: Is there something cycling has taught you that you also find useful in your consulting work?
Sándor: One of my key takeaways is that most new paths seem difficult at the beginning. Then, as I gain experience and prepare consciously for a longer ride or a climb, it’s surprising how easy the very thing can become that previously caused hardship and that "I don't know how I'm going to do this" feeling. It’s important to remember that hardships are only temporary and are necessary for growth.
Clarity: Do you have a bucket-list route or a next cycling goal? Why does that one specifically appeal to you?
Sándor: Next year, the plan is to circumnavigate Lake Garda. Essentially, the landscape and the atmosphere of the area have been attracting me for years, and I hope it will really happen next year. 😊
We thank Sándor for the conversation and for giving us a glimpse into the world of gravel biking! We wish him many memorable rides and new experiences on the roads ahead. As for us, we'll be back soon with another coffee break so you can get to know another colleague beyond their work.
