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
Impressive. That’s a lot of miles. Looking good. Keep up the good work.
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Thanks! Hopefully I can up the ante in the coming year.
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The most I’ve done is 2000 in a year and that was two years ago. I didn’t ride much last year. Maybe I can do more than 2000 this year but no where near your milage.
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2,000 is awesome!
I find it really helps my mileage to not own a car, I really don’t have a choice, I have to bike 😉
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Agreed. How far to you commute? I work about 30 miles away and it would not be feasible for me to ride my bike to work and back. I guess if I had too I would.
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I have it easy compared to that! My commute is 20 miles round trip.
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That’s terrific. You have a great attitude and are an inspiration for everyone out there looking for a simpler, more satisfying life. I particularly like your photographs. It is nice to see you out of your helmet and goggles. You look happy, healthy and fit. Keep it up.
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Yup, I have stopped wearing my balaclava and ski goggles 24/7. It was hard to give them up, but such is life.
I think it is about time to update my avatar…
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Amen sister!
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Congratulations! It’s been a blast following your experiences. Thanks for motivating, encouraging, and inspiring.
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Thank you so much 🙂
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What an awesome way to look back at a year. You’ve done great. I’ve been writing about being the better me, and you’ve gone out and done it. Congratulations.
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Thanks Anthony!
Let’s bike this summer to pieces!
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Congrats on the miles and the difference they have made in you physically, mentally and spiritually. I will finish my first year of commuting in a couple weeks and hope to be close to that though my climate is a little more hospitable than yours. You should join and log your miles on the National Bike Challenge.
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Thank you Mark! I had no idea biking would make such a profound impact on my life, I am excited to continue this journey and see where it leads.
And congrats to you as well, commuting 15 miles to work takes commitment!
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Well done! This is great. Love your blog!
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Thank you 🙂
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My best year was 2011. Rode 3,750 miles that year. 4,000 is alot of miles. Congrats.
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Thanks Ray!
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Congratulations on your achievements! I have found many of the same points you mentioned in your post.
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Isn’t crazy how a two-wheeled contraption can make such a difference in our lives?
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Congratulations, that is something to be very proud of.
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Thanks Josh! I can’t believe I actually did it!
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Way to go! You look great, but most importantly, it sounds like you feel great. Never stop challenging yourself.
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It is funny, “challenge yourself” is one of those things I have read over and over again but until I really started challenging myself I didn’t understand how vital challenges are to my personal growth. I don’t plan to stop anytime soon, thanks for the encouragement 😉
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You were supposed to put in a WARNING; PICTURE AHEAD. Geesh…
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Oops?
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