John Braynard, Brand Ambassador
Here at TIME Bicycles, we ‘re a small and closely knit team. Our brand ambassadors are also part of the family and live a lifestyle with cycling at the heart of it. Cyclists like John Braynard, from Salzburg in Austria, who rides in the magnificent Tyrol and Austrian hills, with ribboned roads that wind into the distance. In his day job, John works globally within the sports media industry, and so he knows more than most about inspiring people to ride.
Living in the heart of Europe, close to where TIME bikes are made by our engineers and artisans, John rides in all weathers, at all times of the year, and manages to fit cycling into a busy family life and chaotic work schedule. Why? Well, quite simply it’s a part of who he is, and it allows him time to relax and breathe in a chaotic world. Cycling isn’t about escapism – quite the opposite. It’s about setting yourself free and giving yourself time to pause. We sat down with John and asked him about his cycling life, and why it’s important to him.
TIME Travelling by bike!
1. Your first memory of cycling. How did it feel?
I loved riding as a little kid around my neighbourhood. I was always exploring new streets, and I loved the freedom my bike gave me. Even then, there was something special about being able to disappear for a while and discover the world on two wheels.
2. What cycling still means to you – especially with such a hectic lifestyle.
It means two things to me. First, it's social. I enjoy meeting friends, sharing rides, and having fun together. At the same time, it's deeply personal. I love going on rides where I can completely zone out and live in the moment, focusing only on the pedal stroke I'm taking right then. It's one of the few places where the stress and anxiety of everyday life simply disappear.
3. Your favourite place and ride and why. How does it make you feel? Do you immediately relax? Do you try to recall those innocent rides as a kid, or are you more focused?
I love riding where I live in Salzburg, Austria. My favorite rides aren't necessarily the fastest. They're the ones where everything flows naturally. I enjoy finding a rhythm where I'm moving in sync with the world around me. Salzburg has so many routes where I feel completely connected to the landscape and the pace of the ride. I also love riding in Mallorca, especially during the off-season. The atmosphere, the smells, and even the feeling of being surrounded by the sea make it incredibly refreshing.
4. How do you view the social aspect of cycling?
As I've gotten older and taken on more responsibility, I've become less dependent on the social side of cycling. I know a lot of people who only ride with others, but for me that's actually quite rare. That said, I really enjoy riding with close friends. Some of the most honest conversations I've ever had have happened out on the road. These days, though, there are fewer post-ride beers and long coffee stops. Life just looks a little different now.
5. Do you have a favourite ride for coffee?
Ahhh... see above! Haha.
6. At heart, are you an emotional or a competitive cyclist, or a blend of the two?
Definitely emotional. I stopped competing years ago. What I love most is the way cycling makes me feel alive. Whether it's a freezing winter day where turning the pedals is the only thing keeping me warm, or a scorching summer ride where you can feel the heat in every part of your body, cycling has a way of making you feel completely present. It reminds you that you're alive.
7. What is it about TIME bikes that appeals to you?
The quality. Ever since I first started cycling, I have admired TIME bikes. I remember walking into a bike shop in Washington, D.C., seeing a TIME ULTEAM, and immediately falling in love with it. It stood out because it was so unique, while the craftsmanship was unlike anything else I'd seen.
8. What was your first TIME bike and what attracted you to the brand?
I spent a year saving to buy a TIME RXR ULTEAM. It was white with red lettering, and I still remember how beautiful it looked. It wasn't just a bike to me. It was something I had worked incredibly hard for, which made it even more meaningful.
9. How does it feel riding the Scylon?
The TIME Scylon is a very special bike. Anyone who appreciates quality immediately recognizes it, and that's always a nice feeling. More importantly, the bike has an incredible sense of momentum. It carries speed effortlessly and feels remarkably efficient, with every pedal stroke transferring directly through the frame into the road. On descents, it's incredibly precise. Point it where you want to go, and it responds with total confidence.
10. Bucket list cycling trips and fave places...
I'd love to spend more time riding in the United States. I was born and raised there, but I never really explored some of its most beautiful cycling destinations. Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico all really appeal to me. In Europe, the Pyrenees have always been at the top of my list. I know the Alps well, but the Pyrenees still feel like a mystery. I'd love to spend an entire summer exploring them by bike.
Creating a community of TIME travellers
It’s not only our bikes that are built for a lifetime here at TIME. It’s the team that we’ve created, and which continues to grow into a community of TIME travellers. Every aspect of a TIME bike is special to us, and so are our ambassadors, in helping to inspire others with their cycling lifestyle. At heart, we all have those dreams of setting off from home on a perfect ride – be it short or long – travelling along perfect roads surrounded by that perfect landscape, with snow-capped mountains standing sentinel as we climb, before descending at speed into picture postcard villages for coffee and cake.
John Braynard has chosen to make this a reality for himself and for his family, and his images and video continue to inspire others to take on their own cycling adventure – to be TIME travellers.
You can follow John on social media, and you can follow his example by joining the TIME bikes family and creating your own timeless memories. All you need is a sense of adventure and TIME on your side to create the perfect ride! Click here to find out more about the TIME Scylon, and ride into the future on the best bikes in the world - made in the heart of Europe.
