From Kerala to Girvan: My Journey on Two wheels

By Abijith Manoj, Active Travel Officer at Biosphere Bikes

Growing up in Kerala, India, cycling was never just a hobby—it was freedom. I still remember the thrill of my first proper ride through the winding lanes of my hometown, with coconut trees lining the road and the warm monsoon breeze on my face. My old cycle was a bit rusty and way too tall for me back then, but that didn’t matter. It was my ride to school, the market, my friends’ houses, and sometimes, just a quiet escape when I needed some space to think.

Fast forward to life in Scotland, I rediscovered that same joy in Stirling. There’s something about the mix of history, hills, and open skies here that makes every ride feel like an adventure. I started cycling more regularly—at first as a way to get around town and then as a way to explore further. Whether it was riding along the River Forth or up to the Wallace Monument, the landscape inspired me to keep pushing the pedals.

Now, I’m proud to be based in Girvan as an Active Travel Officer with Biosphere Bikes. It’s a role that allows me to combine my love for cycling with community impact. I’ve also trained as a Cycle Leader, and I’m ready to guide others, whether they’re just starting out or getting back on the saddle after a long break, to build their own cycling stories.

There’s a special kind of joy that comes from helping someone get back on a bike after years, or watching a child go from wobbling to whizzing along on two wheels. And whether it’s along the Girvan coast, every ride reminds me how cycling connects people to places, to nature, and to themselves.

From the humid roads of Kerala to the breezy trails of Girvan, my journey on two wheels has come a long way—and it’s only just beginning.

See you on the saddle!