Near the end of December, Melissa Wenzel wrote this post and on January 1, I decided to commit myself to the goal of biking every day of the month.
Day One, as usual, was the toughest part. I was carrying a lot of personal sadness stemming from our ever unseasonal weather, from increasingly dire climate reports, and having no idea what will come of this planet Earth. But I set out that first day to my local coffee shop, and I am so glad I did.
Despite using my bicycle as a tool for commuting and transportation 95% of the time, the effects and benefits of recreational cycling quickly became very clear:
- I started seeing nuance in my neighborhood and surrounding community when I was out on recreational rides that I would never notice when my time in the saddle is just for commuting.
- I was able to witness from afar the diversity of other people using the Greenway and Mississippi River Road by the tire tracks they left behind: Studded, Fatbike, Knobby, Skinny, Trailers, etc.
- I was able to remember how good it feels to be out of breath after exercising.
- Experiencing my community in a recreational manner led to me wanting to spend more time outside, and even push myself beyond my comfort zone:
As the month of January came to an end, I felt myself just getting started. We are now 50 days in to 2019, and I have been in the saddle for every single one of them.
Obviously some days are better than others, but I am so glad I have set and continued this challenge. Even the days where my commute is the only riding I do, any uncomfortable experiences with motorists seem less substantial since I know I will have a day off where I can stay on the many excellent off-street trails we have in Minneapolis. Biking helps pass my time and improve my mood every day. Baby Steps are key.
Lastly, the internationally lauded #30DaysOfBiking is now taking registrations for April’s annual 30DoB. Sign up here and join the party.
Ride on!