2022 Rewind

As I compile my year-end blogpost, a theme often emerges. Like 2020's "gratitude" and 2021's "forward momentum", 2022 will be remembered as a year of welcome changes to the number of bicycles in my possession, keeping a select few - the perfect amount for versatility - ultimately feeling liberated. The hardest part was admitting that a couple bicycles had to go, but once the decision was made - as is often the case - I didn't look back.

January to March was all about making 2022 intentions, investing in new studded tires, and working towards long-term bicycle choices. Spring is all about new beginnings. Feeling content with other parts of my life, it was time to follow through with other changes. As I grow older, accepting that some things are just more important than others, namely that experiences are important and not material accumulation, which includes too many bicycles, is key to my happiness.

April to June felt like I was moving forward at a rapid pace. Our young son - avid bike mechanic - simplified my commuter Peugeot, converting it to a single chainring. Later in the year he surprised me and upgraded it again! I thought about my overall bicycle journey and where it was heading, went on a bike overnight to a hotel, rode trails on Cape Cod, and perhaps the biggest decision, putting the Rivendell Clem-L for sale.

Dahon Boardwalk vs. Bike Friday's All-Packa

July to September continued the transitions. I purchased a Bassi Rachel frame (later built up); sold the Rivendell and my Peugeot UO-14, had an amazing opportunity to test an all-terrain folding bike: Bike Friday's All-Packa, which left a huge impression - something that continues to resonate with me. In late September, I went on a solitary and satisfying vacation, visiting part of the Empire State Trail.

The lovely bridges of the Northern Trail.

October to December unfolded in expected and unexpected ways. Adele and I resumed our Canadian adventures, visiting the lovely Ottawa region despite the chilly forecast. I inadvertently discovered New Hampshire's longest rail trail, the Northern Trail, during peak foliage. I completed 10 years of the Coffeeneuring Challenge, but understanding, contentedly, that it may be my last year of participation. I rounded out 2022 with 3300+ miles, pleased that for the second year working from home, I've kept the momentum going, riding year-round.

Riding Cape Cod Trails

Shining Sea Bikeway

In June we went to Cape Cod for a wedding, but why not tack on extra days and call it a vacation? It was a lesson in packing two vehicles with five bikes and five family members, who fortunately were also happy to help drive, as I was still feverish from a shingles vaccine reaction (3 weeks!). We arrived a few days before the wedding, so we explored the area trails and beaches. I was mostly well during the day, distracted by all the Cape's beauty.

Eastern Box Turtle.

I'd never seen an Eastern Box Turtle before. This 6" creature was at least 20 years old, the age when reaching maturity and maximum size, though they can live up to 50 years old. Such a cute, colorful little guy!

At the junction of the Cape Cod rail trail and the Old Colony trail, waiting for my family.

We rode the main Cape Cod Rail Trail in opposite directions from our conveniently located condo in Brewster. Some days we never used the car!

Eldest son visited from Colorado.

His girlfriend and my husband.

Once we drove to Lighthouse Beach in Chatham.

Other days we pedaled to nearby beaches.

One of my favorite trails was located in Provincetown. While dropping off eldest son to hang out with friends in the busy arts district, my husband, youngest son, and I visited nearby Province Lands National Seashore. We didn't plan to hang out on beaches this time, especially because young son had a nasty burn on his torso - what sunscreen? 

Rather, Province Lands holds the distinction of having the oldest cycling trails on Cape Cod. And not just any trail, but a paved trail rolling up and down huge dunes with flowering bushes and through a section of woodland, with one way feeder trails radiating off it to visitor centers, beaches, and historical lifesaving buildings. It was a hoot and only difficult on a couple occasions for me as I was riding my folding bike. A short walk to regain a hilltop was worth it to experience this unique place.

This mini vacation holds a special place in my heart. From experiencing a wedding on the beach, to spending time with our two sons, to renting a comfortable condo, to watching seals play in the surf, and enjoying sand between my toes, to riding shady trails in early season comfortable sunshine, the vacation will resonate with me for a long time.