Welcome to BIKE Magazine December 2025
As the year draws to a close, December reminds us why cycling is more than a sport, it’s a lifestyle, a culture, and for many, a lifeline. This month’s issue celebrates that spirit in all its forms: from mud-splattered cyclocross battles in Belgium to sun-soaked adventures on the Iberian coast, and even a 2,000-mile odyssey across the UK that proves the power of endurance and hope.
Winter riding often divides opinion. For some, it’s a time to retreat indoors, spinning away on smart trainers while dreaming of spring. For others, it’s the season of grit, literally. Cyclocross dominates the European calendar in December, and we’ve packed this issue with everything you need to follow the drama. From the iconic dunes of Koksijde to the night lights of Antwerpen, the World Cup rounds are a masterclass in resilience and technique. If you’re tempted to swap tarmac for trails, our event guide highlights grassroots duathlons, festive gravel rides, and ultra-distance challenges that will keep your legs turning long after the mince pies are gone.
Adventure, of course, knows no season. In Arrábida, Portugal, we uncover a hidden paradise of punchy climbs and coastal descents, where cycling heritage meets modern vibrancy. Further afield, the Red Canyon of Teruel offers a surreal backdrop for MTB explorers, a slice of Arizona transplanted into Spain’s heartland. And for those chasing the ultimate test, our feature on the Pyrenees is a love letter to the mountains: a solitary rider’s journey across legendary cols, where pain and beauty collide in unforgettable harmony.
This issue also shines a spotlight on innovation. From Santini’s bold winter collection to ORNUS’s audacious wooden gravel frames, cycling continues to evolve in ways that surprise and inspire. Sustainability, performance, and style are no longer competing priorities, they’re converging, shaping the bikes and apparel of tomorrow.
But perhaps the most powerful story this month is Project Endure. Drew Jonkmans’ 2,000-mile run-and-ride challenge across Britain is more than an athletic feat; it’s a mission to raise awareness and funds for mental health support. His journey reminds us that cycling isn’t just about watts and KOMs, it’s about community, resilience, and the belief that change is possible. In a world where one in five adults struggles with mental health, Drew’s message is urgent and universal: there is hope, and help is out there.
As you turn these pages, I invite you to embrace the season in your own way. Whether that means braving the mud, planning a spring escape, or simply finding joy in the quiet rhythm of winter rides, remember why we ride: for freedom, for connection, for the sheer thrill of movement. Here’s to finishing the year strong, and starting the next with fresh legs and bigger dreams.
Ride safe, stay inspired, and keep pedalling.
Nick
