Another Cycle Around the Sun: 2018 Edition

2018 is nearing its end, and like many of you, I've been thinking back on the year that's been and beginning to look forward to next year. I generally don't put much stock into the flip of a calendar being responsible for any dramatic changes, but nonetheless it seems an appropriate time to check in with oneself, right?

As much as I try to keep my eyes forward, I do enjoy compiling my year (of cycling) on this blog. That's one thing that's never going to change, but 2018 was full of change, to say the least. In June, I moved out of the city I love to be with the woman I love, while attempting to continue to do all of the things I love to do. To say this was a game-changer would be an understatement.

I no longer need a bike to make my commute more efficient. I no longer ride a bike at work. In many ways, my life has seemingly been flipped upside-down. So obviously, I have experienced some growing pains this year, but what I realized more than anything while putting together this compilation was that there were still many great moments throughout the whole year, and that's what's most important.

Of course, moments don't mean nearly as much if they're not shared with friends and family. Many of you joined in my adventures, and many more have followed along here. I don't place much value on statistics (I think you know by now that I don't write here for the sake of gaining readers), but as I keep doing this, I do find it interesting to see what piques others' interests. Without further ado, here are my top 5 blog posts in 2018 by readership:

1. For the Love of Wash Cycling - My emotional farewell to the job (and city) that helped define my life.
2. Bike to School - Not only did we welcome our third and youngest member to our cycling tribe this year, but our child did something we've never done: she rode her bike to school!
3. Zippity Doo Dah - A 22 mile family adventure braving the heat on the 4th of July.
4. Triggered - A short blurb on some new (to me) cycling infrastructure.
5. Today Didn't Suck - Powering through 11 arduous miles on the Wash Cycle while facing some severe winds.

Surprisingly, for the first time since I started this blog, the Philly Naked Bike Ride didn't make the top 5! But you know it had to make the list, so here are my top 5 blog posts outside the top 5 (with the caveat that some of the above were some of my favourite moments from this year):

1. Dare to Bare - The Philly Naked Bike Ride will always be one of my favourite moments of the year. This time was extra special, as I returned to the City of Brotherly Love for the first time after moving to Columbus.
2. 6 Seems to be a Theme... - My third year celebrating a friend's birthday with a bunch of friends biking his age in miles.
3. Bikin' on the Bayou - Among all of the amazing times I experienced in my weekend in NOLA, carving out some time to ride their bike share system was one of the best.
4. Pedaling for Pints - A beautiful evening exploring some of Columbus' oldest areas, while also enjoying some excellent beer and meeting some equally excellent new faces. My first real "aha" moment out here.
5. The 700 Club - Crossing over 700 miles for the month of April during 30 Days of Biking, a favourite if only because I'm not sure I'll ever reach that total again.

Honourable mentions:

1. Citi Cycling - Sneaking in a ride in NYC before my girlfriend and daughter arrived. I believe this is the 6th different bike share system I've used.
2. I Already Live With too Many Ghosts - My first Ride of Silence, just days after Philadelphia lost another cyclist due to traffic violence. This was quite memorable, but for very melancholy reasons.

Sometimes pictures are worth more than words, and what's a good blog without pictures? I took hundreds of them this year, most of which will never see the light of day. Here are some of my favourites from 2018 that did make the cut:

Being touristy in NYC

Brisk Winter mornings in Philly

High above Carbon County early in 30 Days of Biking

A throwback special to my early days as a Wash Cyclist

Midway thru my friend Todd's 59th birthday ride in April

The Wash Cycle trike looked a little out of place on the trail...

My last ride on the SRT before moving out of Philly gave me this bittersweet view

My former bosses and me on my second last day as a Wash Cyclist

And of course, my final day as a Wash Cyclist

My first commute in Columbus

One of my first rides on the Scioto Mile

22 miles on the 4th of July!

PNBR end of ride - I don't know the lady who took the picture (in the foreground)

A triumphant first ride to school!

Beautiful Autumness

Starting the month of December in NOLA, in the best way possible.

The best bike lane market ever

Errands led me to Ireland! OK, not really, but...

I did bike on Christmas Day, in my third different state this month

And of course, this year still isn't over. I don't usually have set goals for mileage, but with 4 days remaining in the year, I find myself sitting 26 miles short of 3,000 for the year. It goes without saying that I'm going to do my best to squeeze one more moment in to 2018.

As always, thank you so much for riding along, and cheers to another year of cycling and adventuring in 2019!