The Power of Consistency
In the initial flurry of enthusiasm, my biking routine was -- for lack of a better word -- chaotic. The open roads called out some weeks, and I ambitiously clocked up 120 miles. On others, 10 or 20 miles. However, as the novelty of biking (and a new bike) began to fade, the importance of consistency became clear. Pushing myself to extremes was neither sustainable nor enjoyable. I realized I needed a rhythm, something steady and achievable. Settling into a consistent 70-80 miles each week offered me a routine that challenged yet did not overwhelm or overexert.

“Bad” Weather Isn’t an Obstacle; it’s an Experience
Of course, there were initial days when the mere hint of rain or cold weather served as an excuse to skip the ride. But as the missed days piled up, I realized I was robbing myself of varied experiences. So, I adapted. I learned to appreciate the chill of a winter morning ride and the challenge of riding in a drizzle. Of course, safety always came first, but a bit of discomfort, I thought, was just part of the journey. Embracing those elements added layers to my rides, and it taught me valuable lessons about adaptability and varied experiences.

Making Biking an Integral Part of Life
For the first year, biking was an event…a specific task that required dedicated time slots in my schedule. But as I started biking more, my father suggested, “Why not make biking part of the routine?” That switch was fairly straightforward but pretty transformative. I began biking to work. What was once a separate activity became a part of my commute. This integration ensured I remained active, engaged, and connected to biking without the constant battle of finding that ‘extra’ time to bike.