50,000 Words

I didn't do a year-end post for 2019. Considering how bizarre 2020 was, I felt I had to do one this time around (side note: I realize it's January 1st, 2021 by the time this is posted). Rather than try to string together a bunch of words, I decided to do what I feel I do best: share the story with photos. Besides, pictures are worth a thousand words, right? You've probably read all you need to about 2020 by now anyway. So without further ado, here are some of my favourite photos from the past 12 months, and occasional commentary if I feel it's necessary.

January

First ride of 2020 on January 1st, Philadelphia, PA

Bike share in Cincinnati, OH

February

March

A short ride to the gas station on March 22nd that started

a consecutive days of riding streak that still continues to this day

April - 30 Days of Biking

May

I found myself helping our company in Indianapolis for a couple days.

I brought my old folding bike out of retirement to tag along with me.

Our family was forced to visit NYC to see our daughter's surgeon.
Not ideal during a global pandemic, but it was quite eye opening.
Thanks to CitiBike for helping me keep the streak alive.

Biking is a great way to spend time with friends while

also maintaining social distance!

June

My girlfriend and I found ourselves in Amish Country for a weekend.

There was no better time to explore the trails - they were mostly empty.

We found ourselves back in NYC for a lengthier visit and surgery for Faith.
This picture is from my 100th consecutive day of riding.

July

There's no real significance to this picture of Yankee Stadium.

I literally rode up there just to say I did it.

In the process, I was able to ride in 4 of the 5 boroughs

during the week we were in NYC in July.

Before 60 miles on the last Saturday in July

After 60 miles. Endorphins, man...

August

The folding bike came along for another trip, this time

when my girlfriend and I went camping - another great

socially-distanced activity.

September

After more than 6 months away, we were finally able

to return to my hometown for Labor Day weekend.

October

After a very positive experience on my long July ride,

I decided to make a lengthy ride a monthly thing

for positive mental health. Needed in 2020.

November

Another brief visit home, which unbeknownst to me

would be my last trip home of the year

Before leaving PA, I stopped down to Philly

for a quick 11-mile ride

I finally got around to organizing the garage!

Maintenance is an important part of being a cyclist, ya know...

Thanksgiving was day 250 of my streak, and Rachel's sister

helped keep it alive by letting me borrow her bike while

we were visiting them in Cleveland.

December - Bike Your Birth Month

One final brief jaunt to NYC to visit Faith's surgeon

for a follow up before the end of the year

I like to dress for the seasons.

On day 285 and the very last day of the year

So, wow. That's a lot, right? 50 photos, to be exact. The benefit of having smartphones at the ready is that we can document all the small activities we do on a daily basis. I know it could seem like a depressing exercise, but if you haven't already, take a look back and see what you've done over the previous year. You might surprise yourself. Case in point...

I rarely set mileage goals for myself, but I do like to check in from time to time to keep up to date with my progress and see if there's anything within reach that I can obtain. I ended up with just over 2,000 miles of overall activity in 2020 (including hikes, walks, kayaking, and so on). On a bike, I totaled 1,891 miles, which is far more than the 1,523 I had logged in 2019. That was only possible by making a concerted effort to do just a little bit every day, and that's the biggest takeaway I will have from 2020. Small efforts can add up to make a big difference.

I'm not much for resolutions, but I will make one of sorts, and that is to keep doing the things that make me happy. Spending time with family, and riding a bike are tops on that list. Oh, and I'd like to get to 365 days of biking, if I can. ;)

Happy 2021 to you, and I hope you're also able to do the things that make YOU happy this year.