Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Background: Several factors contribute to health and well-being, including physical activity in nature, and personal connections with meaningful places and local communities. Cycling is a popular leisure activity in everyday life, serving for pleasure, relaxation and exploration, and is often practiced in company. However, little research has been conducted into cycling in rural areas and the attitudes, perspectives and needs of the local population. While previous research has focused primarily on urban areas, the availability of recreational areas in rural regions requires more attention. Rural areas are not naturally conducive to satisfying and emotionally enriching outdoor leisure activities, and many rural regions lack accessible and attractive recreational spaces.
Visiting historical sites can make experiences more vivid and intense, thereby enhancing a region's appeal and recreational value. Local history can foster connections between people and places; however, further research is needed on the role of places and the physical environment in promoting a sense of community. Therefore, it is important to examine the advantages of organised activities that combine nature experiences with local cultural history, and their influence on sense of place and community.
Aim: This study explores how an organised outdoor activity in places of local cultural heritage contributes to a sense of place and sense of community and what meaning participants attribute to the natural and historical environments.
Method: Seven qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the phenomenon of an annual rural bicycle orienteering. To gain a broader picture, participants were asked to depict their experiences and feelings using cognitive maps. For evaluation, an inductive, meaning-based content analysis was employed.
Findings: Participants were emotionally touched by learning about the local history and visiting the specific places. One's own existence became embedded in the living conditions of past generations, fostering a sense of place and community in the process. Visiting familiar places, but also discovering new ones, leads to spatial orientation and emotional attachment. The diverse rural landscape with varied natural features is appreciated. The event, as a social activity, deepens experiences and strengthens the sense of community. Navigating together to the checkpoints provides security, and participants can reflect on the local history together. Chats with locals can arise during the tour, and the event remains a popular topic of conversation afterward. Cycling is a popular leisure activity and an excellent way to explore places and landscapes. Together with orienteering, it is a captivating combination of physical and mental challenges, leading to a sense of fitness and accomplishment. Conscious exploration and slow immersion in the environment foster familiarity with the area and the development of local knowledge, which in turn strengthens sense of place and the community.