"Get Ready for Wheel World: A Relaxed, Feel-Good Ride Without Lycra"

Here’s a confession: I’m 37 and have never driven a car. I made one attempt in the summer of 2021, and during my second lesson, the instructor asked if I played many video games. When I said yes, he responded, “I thought so,” in a tone that was far from approving. Unfortunately, it turns out that countless hours spent defeating friends in *Mario Kart* or causing mayhem in *Grand Theft Auto* don’t immediately translate to real-world driving ability. I enjoy racing games precisely because they aren’t realistic.

Since I still don’t have a license, I rely on my bike for almost everything. It’s an enormous orange contraption, large enough to carry both my kids, and it looks absurd. I feel especially out of place alongside the middle-aged cyclists in sleek gear who whiz past me without effort. This bike isn’t built for rugged trails or steep descents—for that, I once again turn to games.

There aren’t many cycling-themed games, but like my unexpected fondness for virtual golf, I’ve developed a lasting fascination with them. One of my favorites is Lonely Mountains: Downhill, where you navigate increasingly perilous slopes with careful adjustments, accompanied by nature sounds and the occasional crash into rocks. Knights and Bikes is another charming option, evoking nostalgic summer adventures as two children explore an island by bike.

Recently, I’ve been playing Wheel World by Messhof (the studio behind Nidhogg). It lets you cycle around a large island, discovering hidden paths, ramps, and spare parts while occasionally racing other riders. It’s a relaxed, colorful take on open-world biking—more about the experience of movement than competition. Unlike controlling a car, you don’t fight against physics or road conditions; you simply ride.

For much of this year, I’ve been recovering from a frustrating injury (which also explains my breaks from writing). Easy, uplifting games have been ideal. Wheel World is a rare racing game that soothes rather than stresses. You’re selected by a mythical bike spirit to reclaim legendary parts from the island’s fastest riders. It’s not particularly challenging—I won most races easily—but the joy comes from coasting through fields, climbing hills, and gliding back toward the island’s central city, sharing the winding roads with...