Labor of Love

Eleven days ago I turned thirty years old.  This is just a number, but to a surprising number of friends, family members, and acquaintances, this is a fairly significant number (which is not the same thing as significant figures).  I was repeatedly asked how it feels, which to be honest, wasn't different at all.  Unfortunately, as much as I would like the opinions and thoughts of others to not impact my thoughts and opinions of myself, it seems almost unavoidable.  Whether from media or loved ones, the subconscious is incredibly vulnerable to persistent messages.

In order to combat these messages I developed a couple strategies, one of which, and the purpose of this blog, being to ride a bicycle everyday for one year.

I have committed to a number of monthly challenges in the past.  Some of which were successful, others I've come up short.  Success in this challenge is not in riding 365 consecutive days, as I will likely fail, but to make a concerted effort to participate in activities that make me feel young in mind, body, and spirit.  Cycling is simply the most easily identifiable of these activities to date.


Day 1:
Today I rode my fixed Tommasso approx 15 miles up and down the Monon, first to the Indy Hostel and then to HopCat, a new eatery/drinkery featuring 130 brews on tap.  Rain threatened consistently, but the day ended up being pretty nice.  After an elaborate scavenger hunt for Deep Eddy and drinks with a new friend, it was time to return home just before dusk.

Indy Hostel - photo by tripadvisor.com

HopCat "Crack Fries" (not as good as actual crack) - photo by Indystar.com

Weather will certainly be a concern for this challenge, but a bigger challenge will be my own motivation and ability to look past set backs.