2013 Rewind

As 2013 draws to a close I reflect on how lucky I am to be wife and mother, friends with two awesome local ladies—whom I wish were cyclists—and one faraway friend that in spite of 3000 miles between us we share a bond that remains forever close. She is a cyclist. I am daughter to wonderful supportive parents who've contributed countless hours watching our boys so I have the opportunity to strike out on my own or go on long distance rides with my husband. I am surrounded by love.

Cycling in 2013 was a year of firsts.
It was unplanned, but I rode every month of the year, starting with a ride in January during a typical Vermont thaw.

Chasing Mailboxes' Errandonnee Challenge took me out my comfort zone. Like a bear coming out of hibernation, I pedaled to complete errands on sunshine-filled, cold February days.

This is the first year I complete a record three bike overnights. Yay!
Elmore State Park, A Simple Family Overnight, and 3 Ferry Bike Overnight.

A new bike enters the stable: Peugeot UO 14.

A first: Local Motion presents Womens Ride Series. I help women learn how to patch and change a tire. In September I lead a Garage Sale Ride.

We start GAPCO in downtown Pittsburgh at Point State Park.

I check another item off the bucket list: riding GAPCO, otherwise known as Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal.

It was the first time I failed to ride 3000 annual miles, which initially caused some trepidation. However, I had put too much emphasis on achieving a predetermined number of miles. Yes, it's nice to have a goal, but falling short is not failure. What matters is that I'm proud of my firsts in 2013.