Instant coffee - but not as you know it.
This instant coffee isn't designed to sit in the back of your cupboard longing to be used, this is a coffee with adventure in mind. By expanding our offering to be more ‘on the go’ we seek to be a part of your journey. Finally, a Hard Lines coffee you can slip in your pocket or shove in your rucksack. Wherever you’re going - we want to come!
And what better way to test launch this product than with a Cardiff-based off-road cycling community.
We all know a deep connection exists between coffee and cycling, so putting our instant to the test in this environment felt natural. Of course, there are the obvious benefits of a caffeine boost when riding, but there’s so much more to it than chasing a buzz. Stopping for a coffee feels ingrained in the rituals of riding - it's a time for socialising as well as refuelling.
The influence of good coffee is strong (pun intended), sometimes even dictating routes and lengths of rides - it’s part of the conversation and the experience. Coffee stops mark milestones, give direction and often add purpose to long winding rides.
This unique relationship fascinates us. And so, to better understand the social aspects of riding and how coffee plays a part in it we took to the trails with Ysgol Greigiau Caerdydd, a women-led community that empowers riders to find joy in off-road cycling.
Ysgol Greigiau Caerdydd follows The School of Rocks framework founded by Elanor Jaskowska, offering an alternative space for individuals who don't see themselves reflected in the typical gravel riding scene. The school notably encourages women, LGBTQIA+ riders, and individuals of diverse backgrounds and abilities to discover the joy of cycling. (Source: i-ris.cc)
Cardiff-based community leaders (from left to right) Ella, Marta, Jess and Zoe volunteer their time to host a safe space for learning, socialising and exploring. The enthusiastic, supportive environment created by the team helps riders learn new skills, gain confidence, build connections and discover hidden trails around the city. Community over competition is key amongst the group, which explains its relaxed nature and growing popularity.
Inspired by such a positive and thriving community we packed our bags full of instant coffee, dusted off our bikes and joined the gang for a quick spin to learn more about what keeps Ysgol Greigiau fuelled.
Straight off the bat, Ella sprung to action pumping up some of our (very) flat tyres “In a nerdy way cycling and coffee are very similar. Cycling is all about making little changes to maximise speed/power, coffee is very similar to this. With coffee, you make small changes to make the perfect brew. The satisfaction of making these small tweaks and them resulting in a positive change is what I think draws cyclists to coffee” she observed.
The team are a mixed bunch and all bring a unique set of skills to the weekly rides. Coffee has a place in all kinds of cycling, from a cuppa pre-morning commute to a much-needed brew mid-endurance race as Jess explains “I finished the Pan Celtic last year, and coffee does help you keep riding! It’s just that bit extra to keep those pedals turning and your mind focused.”
We learn that for cyclists, coffee is something to enjoy at the start while planning routes, to savour at a much-needed pit stop or to look forward to at the end of a long day riding, as Marta puts it “Coffee turns rides into more social events - it's not just about grinding on the pedals and counting the miles; it's about the whole experience—cycling with your mates, laughing over a good cup of coffee, and being outside in the sun (oh, wait, we're in Wales...)”
Zoe also notes “If it's an overnighter, coffee is an essential part of getting going again in the morning!” she adds “Having a tasty instant option will save a lot of precious bike packing space too!”. And if you’ve ever tried to pack everything for an overnighter onto your bike you’ll know every inch of space is valuable. This is why our instant coffee is the perfect cycling companion, small enough to slip in your jersey pocket, simple to brew and delicious. It can also be enjoyed cold for those hot summer rides or when you just can't wait for the stove to heat up.
“Good Coffee Made Easy”
are the words surrounding our newest product launch, a phrase we kept repeating throughout the development and design stages, the words that kept us on track.
This project, driven by excitement and curiosity adds versatility to our coffee range. More ways to enjoy good coffee can only be positive right? Especially if it's easy!
The overlap of coffee and cycle culture stems from a mutual love of simple pleasures, a break from everyday life and a chance to reconnect with yourself and others. Jess shares “I love riding my bike. I do it for the love of adventure and escape. I enjoy the quiet simplicity of it as it helps me sort my thoughts and leave my stress behind”
Generous with their support and friendship, Jess, Ella, Marta and Zoe create an uplifting space for learning and developing bike skills, “I've gained a community to ride with” says Zoe.
And what’s not to love about a welcoming community that values riding with joy and confidence?! Just make sure your tyres are pumped, your breaks work and a box of our instant coffee is packed for the adventure.
If you prefer trails over traffic visit @ysgolgreigiaucaerdydd on Instagram to keep up to date with rides and adventures.
Photography by Tom Collins | @tcols.studio
