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Why I ride: Norwegian Rider Iselin Næss

An insight into a cyclist and mum living in Norway

We recently reconnected with local Norwegian rider and mum Iselin Næss, based in Oslo, where the city gives way to Nordmarka freely translated as “The North Forest.” Joining us on our AW25 shoot, Iselin represents a side of cycling rooted not in numbers or podiums, but in joy.

Living just up the hill from the forest, she has immediate access to a vast network of gravel roads and trails, winding through pine trees and past small cabins that serve fresh waffles and coffee most days of the week. It’s a landscape that invites you to slow down, explore, and ride simply for the love of it. For Iselin, this is what makes Oslo special and why she rides.

Shot from Le Col photoshoot of Iselin
Iselin's typical picnic to bring on a bike ride: avocado, fruit, nuts and sandwishes.

Why I ride?

I think there's so many aspects to why I love riding. 

First I got hooked on the speed and the flow state you can get from riding fast on the road. It's just the best feeling. Like skiing super fast downhill. Same thrill. 

But then there's the exploring part of it. I did my first bikepacking trip in the summer of 2019, spent a week in Denmark, and it has ever since been my favourite way of travelling. 

And I also just love commuting in my day to day. Going from the office to meetings or doing errands on a bike seems like the biggest life hack on how to sneak more joy into your everyday. 

Above view of Iselin sat in cycling kit, sharing a pastry with her toddler.

What’s the feeling you are chasing when you’re on the bike? 

I used to chase the feeling of pushing myself to the absolute limit. Because I do love the feeling of being dead tired from moving all day. But after having a kid I really try to avoid pushing myself to that limit, because at the end of the day I need to have energy left to be a fun mum. So these days I chase adventures in the forest. In ex. bringing my cooking gear, and riding to a beautiful spot in the forest, picking mushroms, cooking, swimming, just using my bike to explore. 

But of course I also still chase speed. Shorter rides with more speed just to get into flowstate and get the adrenaline. 

Iselin cycling towards on a road with forested moutains behind

What's the real reason behind it all?

I think in the end it comes down to the fact that I love to move my body and being active. And going on my bike lets me explore and go fast and experience new places and have community all while being active. It ticks all the boxes of what makes me smile - mentally and physically. 

What’s the best part of winter riding?

I think it's the same feeling that you get from all winter activites: The fresh air, the contrast between riding and stopping somewhere for a hot coffee and warming up inside. And I also think that the fact that it requires something extra from you in terms of dressing properly, getting your head on board in going outside when it's dark, raining or cold – the reward is even higher then during the summer months when everything is easy. There's something very rewarding about pushing through even when things are hard. 

What’s the hardest part of winter riding for you? 

My toes get so cold, maybe I just haven't found the right shoes, but I really think that's what's stopping me from going out on the coldest days. After we moved up the hill it can also be quite intimidating starting every bike ride with a 400 m descent if it's cold, so I tend to prefer gravel biking in the forest – where it's more up and down. Oh and cleaning my bike afterwords, I wish I loved it but I don't. 

Iselin cycling round a road bend, with a view down a fjord behind.

For someone getting into cycling what advice would you give them? 

I would say find someone to get started with, maybe you know someone who knows someone, or you can look up community rides, but just finding people who love the sport is inspiring and can help you get on the bike. It can also be intimidating not knowing where to go, so learning good routes from other cyclists makes it easier to start. 

I started out on a home-built second-hand carbon bike that cost me about 500 pounds. You don't need an expensive bike, but you need a bike that is good to ride on that will make you actually enjoy riding. For me getting a lightweight bike was key to feel like I was flying even from the start. So getting help in choosing the right bike is also very valuable. 

Take some time to look at youtube, learn how to fix your chain if it jumps off, to change a flat tire. 

Always bring tools.

Oh and if you feel like you are empty and have no more to give while riding, you most likely just have to eat more and you'll be good to go again. 

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