Bike Blog Love - 9th Edition and Various Thoughts about Blogs

Exploring and thinking miles, 2020-21.

I have cycling friends all over the world! How cool is that?

Reading blogs during the pandemic has become especially meaningful to me, a connection with like-minded souls who are out exploring, clearing confused minds in a what-comes-next world. I have not taken this community lightly. I've appreciated everyone's thoughts about coping during the pandemic, because, surely, it has helped not only me but others across the Internet.

Waning Interest in blogs

It's not surprising the lack of interest in writing blogs, and thus, by extension, readership has fallen. Instant gratification and connection can come from abbreviated social media sources that certainly satisfies instant connection. Who knows what the longevity of the blog format will be? In a nutshell, I think of bloggers as writers, folks with a passion who enjoy the process of explanation and sharing. It's nearly impossible to do that on Instagram, though some have tried. Whatever the long-term outcome of the blogging format, we will adapt, as 2020 has proven in other aspects of our lives.

Getting back to title of this blog. At the end of this post you'll find the 9th and probably final blog suggestions (for obvious reasons) if you prefer to skip ahead.

But first, I have to ask:

For what reasons are you drawn to particular blogs?

I have been a regular reader of some blogs (the ones that survived anyway). There are key ingredients that make me a regular follower.

• Sticking with blog title or theme - If I'm following a bicycle blog, I want to hear about bikes or bike-related content. Occasional diversions accepted!
• Glimpse into personal life for context - Brief references to personal circumstances makes for better reader understanding. Personal histories, work life, family, climate, etc. affect how we see the world. 
• Writing style - Well thought out content goes a long ways. I like to see at least one photo to anchor each blog post. I can think of only one blog over the past ten years that didn't need photos - exceptional writing painted wonderful pictures!
• Regular posting - Regular blog posts are relative. Once a month, twice a month, once every six months. There are prolific writers too! I shy away from reading daily posts (I check in once a week), but that doesn't mean they're not worth my interest. It's your blog and you do what makes you happy! 
• Natural curiosity about things - I enjoy blogs where people challenge themselves, show passion, are true to themselves, admit failure, always learning and striving, ultimately growing as a human.

Without further ado, here are a few blogs that have appealed to me:

It's ALL An Adventure

A long haul driver who spends overnights on the road, the author recounts his layover excursions in new places. He is an adventurer, sometimes squeezing in long mileage starting from his home to visit family. 

Out and About on the Bicycles!

A retired couple living in Colorado Springs enjoys daily outings on the region's bike trails. They have owned various styles of bikes over the years and are currently contemplating yet another switch.

DFW POINT-TO-POINT

Splitting time between Texas and Washington State, the author espouses on anything from bike infrastructure etiquette to recent interesting stats on disappearing blog interest.