Shared Spins, Stronger Bonds ❤️
Pedro Medeiros Palma - Pedal Power Marketing & Communications Officer
Growing up, I moved a lot: Brazil, the US, Argentina, the Netherlands, and now back in Australia. With so much moving around, it was hard to form friendships that lasted. Family became my constant, and finding ways to connect was paramount when navigating through life.
My dad wasn’t one for exercise, so that was never our thing. My aunt loved running, but I had bad knees. My uncle was a fisherman, but we were always separated by a couple of oceans. My mum, though she loved spinning.
Finding Our Ride
In 2015, when we first moved to Sydney, I was about 12. That year was tough for our family. We’d just lost my grandfather, my mum’s father and the biggest influence in her life. We were in a new country, speaking limited English, and we didn’t know many people.
I was able to find my footing at school, but for her, it was harder. Work was isolating, and even though we were close, we even cooked together all the time; I could tell she was lonely in a way I couldn’t fix with words or new recipes.
So, we tried something new: Scenic Cycle, a spin studio in the city. Twice a week, we went together. I was out of shape, I dreaded the burn, and I’d finish each session lying on the floor, drenched in my own sweat. But it wasn’t really about the workout. It was about showing up for her. About creating something to look forward to when life felt heavy.
What Is Spinning, Anyway?
Spinning, or indoor cycling, is a high-energy workout on a stationary bike set to music, guided by an instructor, and designed to mimic outdoor riding with climbs, sprints, and steady-paced sections. Sessions last 30 to 60 minutes and can be adjusted for any fitness level. It’s low-impact on the joints, yet delivers a serious cardio boost, builds strength, and releases those feel-good endorphins that keep you coming back.
More Than a Class
The gym bag I have been using everyday for almost ten years now
Those rides became our space, loud music, flashing lights, and for that hour, the world outside didn’t matter. The exercise helped me build some fitness, but more than that, it helped her cope with loss. It gave her a break from the grief of losing her father. And in turn, it gave me a way to support her, without needing the right words.
Scenic Cycle eventually closed during COVID, and I’ve since moved back to Australia for university. We don’t spin together anymore, but the habit and the bond it created stuck with me.
Why I’m Sharing This
I’m not trying to start a spinning craze in Canberra. What I want to remind you of is how powerful something as simple as a bike ride can be. Exercise isn’t always about getting fitter or faster. Sometimes it’s about connection, about showing up for someone, about finding a space to heal.
If there’s someone you’ve been meaning to check in on, maybe invite them on a ride indoors or outdoors. And if you’re looking for a way to meet new people, or to make cycling a bigger part of your life, come along to one of our social rides. You never know what that one ride might mean for you, or for them.
Want to hear more cycling stories?
Handlebars of Happiness: Stories About Cycling 🚲✨
When: Wed, 24 Sep 2025 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm AEST
Where: Badger & Co, ANU Campus, Acton ACT
Hosted by: Pedal Power ACT (in partnership with Canberra by Bike)
Join us for an evening full of cycling stories that will make your heart race (in a good way!) and your feet twitch to hop on your bike.
Bernadette Hince takes us through her epic 13-year journey cycling to every Canberra suburb… alphabetically! 😲
Robin Brown shares the incredible tale of his mother’s 8,000 km ride across Europe back in 1939—talk about trailblazing!
Whether you’re a weekend rider, a seasoned cyclist, or just love a good story, this night is for you.
Cost Info: $10 (includes canapés)
Grab your spot here: Handlebars of Happiness
