4,000 Miles

Thank you, little bike!

One year ago today I decided that winter was officially over and I took my bike out for a ride…

I haven’t stopped riding since. In my first year of year-round biking and living car-free I clocked over 3,000 commuting miles and more than 4,000 miles altogether. I have learned and grown so much this year, it has been by far the best year of my life.

So what has 4,000+ miles in the saddle taught me?
Here are just a few things.

-I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength

-I am more powerful and brave than I thought possible

-Living an active lifestyle, aside from its health benefits, is fulfilling and just plain fun

-It is possible to be healthier even without changing how I eat (Not saying that I shouldn’t eat healthier in the future though…)

-Beauty is everywhere

-A slower, simpler life doesn’t mean a less exciting life

-Adventure is out there and riding a bicycle is the perfect way to find it

-The journey is often more exciting than the destination

-To never live a certain way just to satisfy “cultural norms”

-I have so much to learn about cycling

-I have so much to learn about bike mechanics and maintenance

-Skunks rule the night

One year ago, I appear to be contemplating life and the possibility of eating my own hair. (Sorry, I couldn’t find many pics from this time last year, I avoided cameras like the plague at that point.)

Today. Truly, this shows the power of an active lifestyle because I sure didn’t change my eating habits! My fitness is still a work in progress, but at least there is progress.