Tuesday, December 31, 2013

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.

4 comments:

  1. Enjoyed reading your wrap-up... and wishing you the best of riding in 2014!

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  2. Thank you for everything you've shared in 2013 and I'm looking forward to all you do in 2014.

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  3. Thank you for your sweet comments. As I think about you three and your riding environments -- which are are all very unique, as is mine -- there remains that connection that binds us all: ride a bike, photograph, and write.

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