For many, the Covid lockdowns sparked new routines. For writer Alan Vaarwerk, it ignited a passion for cycling that evolved from timid rider to confident bike builder, discovering a profoundly satisfying escape from the digital world in the process.
The Timid Cyclist's Transformation
Alan's journey into regular cycling began during the pandemic, quickly becoming a cherished source of joy and stress relief. However, his approach to maintenance was initially decidedly hands-off. He admits to walking his bike to a shop for a puncture repair and fearing that even cleaning his chain might cause damage. This changed dramatically after an accident wrote off his bike, leading him to purchase a late-1970s Malvern Star for just $50.
The vintage bike's rust spots and crumbling tyres belied a smooth ride, and its low-tech, affordable nature sparked a new curiosity. Guided by YouTube tutorials and advice from his father, Alan began tinkering. He sourced second-hand parts from a local community bike co-op to install new handlebars, brakes, a chain, a rear rack, and a front basket.
The Joy of Building from Scratch
This initial project hooked him completely. The ability to diagnose issues and fix them for minimal cost generated a powerful sense of accomplishment. He found the process of understanding how each component functions within the whole to be intensely gratifying.
His ambitions grew last summer when he purchased an old steel frame and built a bicycle entirely from scratch, complete with a spray-can paint job. This project taught him the intricacies of compatibility with older bike parts and delivered the unique satisfaction of creating a functioning machine from nothing.
A Meditative Antidote to Screen Time
Alan discovered that the practical, hands-on work of stripping, cleaning, and reassembling bike parts provided a highly relaxing and meditative counterbalance to a week spent staring at words on a screen. He describes missing these sessions when life gets too busy or the weather turns bad, noting that "grubby fingers are a great way to avoid doomscrolling."
Even his phone use transformed, as he began exploring a positive online community dedicated to bike repair—a corner of the internet focused on affordability, chill rides, and cheerful tinkering rather than high-performance gear. While he acknowledges the challenges, like parts wearing out or replacements causing new issues, he sees them as part of the journey, always offering another reason to dive back into the parts bin.
Ultimately, learning he is capable of building and fixing something has boosted his confidence across all areas of life, proving that a hands-on hobby can be a powerful tool for mental wellbeing and digital detox.
