For Waheed Hassan, mountain biking isn’t just a sport, it’s a way to stay grounded, reconnect with nature, and strengthen his faith. Whether navigating rugged Lancashire trails or riding through the long days of Ramadan, Waheed blends passion, discipline, and purpose on two wheels and now, he’s helping others find their place on the trail too.
Born and raised in Lancashire, now living in Chorley (“pronounced Charlie,” he jokes), Waheed has been riding for over 20 years. But when the holy month of Ramadan arrives each year, his time on the bike takes on a different kind of meaning.
As he fasts from sunrise to sunset, Waheed continues to hit the trails, blending spiritual discipline with physical challenge and finding something much deeper in the experience. His journey, rooted in faith and a fierce love of mountain biking, is also part of a much wider shift, one that’s pushing for greater inclusion and representation in the cycling world.
Riding through Ramadan
“I’ve learned a lot about guiding others, not just on a trail, but through fear, uncertainty, challenge. Whether it’s encouraging someone down a steep descent or through something tough in life, I believe in helping people see what they’re capable of.”
To manage his energy, Waheed often rides his e-bike in eco mode, which still demands effort but offers flexibility. On stronger days, though, he chooses the analogue bike, like he did on one particularly gruelling ride last year. “I was out in the Peaks with Arun from the Colour Collective. It was a scorcher of a day, and we were in the saddle for five hours, and I was fasting. I remember thinking, ‘This is tough.’ But I also remember thinking I was in safe hands as Arun is a medic”.
“I felt really privileged to be part of what felt like a ‘startup’ for change in cycling,” he says. “The big takeaway? Leadership isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about being yourself with skill. Listening, learning, showing up as your authentic self. That’s how you grow. That’s how you help others grow, too.”
Still, he’s quick to point out that inclusion isn’t just about bold gestures; it’s also about the small things. “I was helping out at an MTB dig day recently, and it felt awkward that the organiser had only considered that the volunteers would eat bacon butties. Marginal gains and acceptance of requirements for others would make a massive difference”.
By sharing his journey, mentoring others, and championing inclusion, Waheed is helping create a mountain biking community that’s stronger, more diverse, and more welcoming to everyone, one ride at a time.
“I’ve been riding for over two decades,” Waheed says, “but honestly, I still treat every day like it’s my first.Enduro MTB helps me unwind, connect with nature, and keeps me buzzing, especially when I’m hitting the downhills or working through tough terrain.”
Waheed joined the leadership training programme launched by British Cycling and Colour Collective in 2022. The course was led by Aneela McKenna, one of the few people of colour in MTB leadership at the time. For Waheed, it was transformative.
That love for riding doesn’t take a back seat during Ramadan; it simply adapts. Waheed begins each day before dawn with Sehri: “a protein-rich, low-carb, low-glycaemic index meal and plenty of fluids with electrolytes,” he explains. “That sets me up for the day, especially if I’ve got a ride planned. I usually head out before sunset, so I know I’ll be able to eat again soon after.”
Leading with purpose
Mountain biking has been a source of healing for Waheed, especially in the years since losing his father to Parkinson’s disease. “I’ve become more mindful of mental health, for myself and others,” he says. “Riding isn’t just physical; it’s a mental workout. You’re constantly assessing risk, making decisions, and solving problems. That helps off the bike, too.”
Managing food and water cravings while cycling through long days of fasting takes more than discipline; it takes mental training. “I tap into sports psychology, managing the ‘monkey mind’ and controlling the controllables,” he says. “It’s all about self-awareness.”
This year, the pair are planning to ride together again, this time up Helvellyn on his analogue bike on the penultimate day of Ramadan. It’s the kind of challenge Waheed relishes. “Cycling through Ramadan brings me closer to Allah. It reminds me to appreciate what I have: a healthy body, a clear mind, and this amazing world around us. There’s so much sadness in the news lately. Being out on the trails helps me reset, reflect, and stay grounded.”
Waheed’s story is a powerful reminder that sport isn’t just about performance; it’s also about identity, growth, and connection. His decision to keep riding through Ramadan isn’t about pushing through pain but rather pushing toward purpose.
His time on the trails has taught him how to manage stress and anxiety, and Ramadan deepens those lessons. “When I ride during Ramadan, I feel stronger. More focused. More confident. More human.”
For much of his riding life, Waheed biked solo or with clubs that “did not consider my needs such as Asian and Muslim values”. That changed when he discovered the Colour Collective – a group working to support riders from diverse ethnic communities and build leadership across the sport.
“It was the first time I felt totally comfortable,” he says. “They respected my values, and I didn’t have to explain or justify anything. Everyone was just… open, supportive, and real.”
With his coaching background and lived experience, Waheed is already stepping into a mentoring role in his own community. He’s been making connections at his local mosque and plans to take a group of novice riders to explore the Rivington trails soon.
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