Still Streaking

Posted on June 1, 2025 by bikegoddess

The risk in talking about a streak is that somehow you will jinx it. You will attract some sort of mischief that will kill the streak. Better to just hunker down and do the thing and not draw any attention to it.

I’ve been reflecting on this streak and happy to keep spinning and reviewing some of the days. Recently Day 260 proved to be very complicated because I was traveling and wasn’t quite sure if I could ride a bike through the aisles on an Amtrak. Fortunately, it didn’t come to that. I squeezed in a ride during a layover in Seattle. That was the closest call I’ve had in my adventures.

The 260s came and went and the 270s also. I’m on the #297th day of consecutive days of riding my bike as of this post. Why not wait until #300? Well, I may not have time to write about it.

With this streak, I’ve gotten used to seizing the moment—and also sensing when something might go wrong. A snag. I can feel it, like shaking a Magic 8 Ball, and hoping for the “Yes-Definitely,” but some days are leaning toward, “Very doubtful.” The outlook of each day holds a bike ride, and I work diligently to make sure it happens, part of my daily rhythm.

As much as commuting was a necessary part of my week getting to and from school when I worked, I wasn’t for certain how my graduation (retirement) from work would influence my future riding. I didn’t want it to but how could it not alter my schedule and commitment?

When I started this streak 297 days ago I didn’t know I’d get this far. All you can do it try.

Puttering in my yard a week ago, I decided to move a big bucket of water. Think 40 pounds. I know better. Plus it’s water! Why did I think it was so necessary to move it. It was on grass and I should have pushed it over which my cycling legs, but no… the weakest part of me, my arms were put to the test and I hauled it over to a flower bed to water some plants. I felt the twist in the small of my back and thought possibly a giant knife was thrown at my side. But still I got on my bike the next day (after an hour of alternating hot and cold) and the next day after that for a week and rode.

I’m accustomed to getting a massage now and again. But it has probably been over a year since I had one. After the bucket incident I made an appointment and today I feel like a voodoo doll with pins sticking out everywhere. I used my ebike today and I persevered and rode. In the last 297 days there have definitely been days when my body was not up for the challenge.

A rest day for me on my streak means riding, but not as far or as long. That’s okay! Coming off of the commuting miles or the days when it was raining sideways during my commute, now I can pick my time of the day and just go! I can wait for that break in the rain to get in my ride. How liberating!

Everything falls away when I ride. Correction, most everything falls away. I take in the scenes and scenery and I feel as though I’m on some new path of enlightenment. Not quite a reclining buddha but a pedaling goddess and even when distracted drivers annoy me I still feel blissful and renewed at its conclusion.

Ride #260 was a $17 Lime ride. But I got it done.

I stared my streak on August 8th, 2024 and I even started it before that but I had foot surgery so I stopped and resumed once the doctor gave the green light. Now I’m on the threshold of 300 days and only 68 days from a whole year and I’m amazed. But we’re going to be aloof about it and chill so as not to anger the gods.

People ask me, “What happens after that?”

I’ll keep going is what I say. Day 366 and day 400 and 500. Of course I’ll need a little treat, for the bike of course, but I want the streak to continue.

Thanks for reading my blog and some of you on Strava have been following me and giving me Kudos, and I want to thank you for your support. It means

BikeGoddess is also a YouTube Channel and I’m planning more for it in the upcoming 68 days, including some video of my trip to Vancouver B.C., and my bike tour recommendations. Have a look and Subscribe because doing this streak has been a sort of biking bootcampt for me.

Here’s to more riding for you and for me.

Get out there and ride.

🚲 Bike Goddess

My Retirement Plan

Featured

Posted on September 21, 2024 by bikegoddess

I found this path on @RideWithGPS. It’s called The Trolley Trail and it’s absolutely lovely! I must ride it again.

Since my last post, which was 118 days ago, I retired. Yes, I took the leap off the ledge of employment and plunged into the unknown. Forty, that’s a 4 and a 0, years of working, add more for working while in high school. There’s a lot of planning, of course, and I had been steering in the general direction of retirement or as I call it, graduation, since lockdown. It’s all theoretical, vague and abstract until you meet with people who have access to your employment history and you realize you can get off the treadmill and move on to what you want to do. When you get serious about it then you can only see the possibilities of the unknown and it’s weirdly very exciting, like a detour on a bike route you’ve been on for years. If I go literary on you, it’s like opening the door to Narnia. There’s something beautiful about time spread out in front of you like the horizon and all you have to do is think about the path you want to try. Or you can read another chapter of your book and settle in with a coffee refill.

What’s it like? Liberating! Free! Like the wind on my back. I look at my watch at various times of the day and think, “Wow, if I was working, I’d still be at work.” From the time I turned 15, I have been working. My career as a teacher-librarian, while rich, interesting and stimulating is now replaced by volunteer endeavors at both my local library and nonprofit bike shop are rewarding and interesting. Spontaneously considering options that before retirement you’d talk yourself into NOT doing because there wasn’t time.

My e-bike which I love is less important only because I don’t have to be faster to get to work in a hurry. I don’t commute, I can just ride wherever, whenever and that’s liberating as well. I did splurge on a Garmin Edge and an annual subscription to Ride With GPS to do some route planning and have turn-by-turn directions for new route-tines and new places to bike.

For example, I have missed writing in my blog for the last 118 days. Working wears you out. You have little energy left to do anything but go to sleep and get ready for the next day of work. I was lucky and I’m very grateful for my career and the people along the way who believed in me, but now… retirement, wow, it’s mind-blowing. There is space in my brain to consider other callings. It reminds me of those few months after you graduate from high school and everyone wants to know what you plan on doing next. I plan on doing whatever my heart desires, within reason of course, but you know I’ve been leaning into new routines. After 40 years of planning nearly every second of my working days, I’m happy to flow the go, (go with the flow) and just be open to seeing the leaves turn and relax.

As with graduation, people always seem to have ideas about what you should do—or, more importantly, what they would do—if they didn’t have to work. For me, there’s never been a September where I wasn’t busy with something. You squeeze time out of weekends to ride a bike, go for a walk, or sit with a book, but now… Now I can while away the hours however I choose, in whatever way befits my mood. I literally can ride my bike on routes I’ve passed hundreds of times without a second thought.

This is a path in the woods for walking or riding and I finally had a chance to enjoy it.

I’m not of avian persuasion, but there’s something liberating about this newfound flight of my own fancy. No longer tethered to schedules or deadlines, I can aspire to other activities. I can soar through the day on my own terms. Whether it’s coasting along on the bike path or getting lost in the pages of a book, every moment feels like a breeze—unrushed, untethered, unbound.

There’s a variety of jokes about retirement and cyclists, but I like this one the most.

What do you call a retired cyclist who still rides every day?
A wheel-y dedicated retiree!

I hope that’s me. Now, I gotta get out there and ride.

Thanks for reading my blog. If you found some value or inspiration, give it a Like and Follow along.

Miles To Go

Posted on October 1, 2019 by bikegoddess

Fall is glorious. It’s prime time for riding because the temperatures aren’t too hot or too cold yet. It’s that golden time of the year when it seems like every sunrise and sunset is Mother Nature’s attempt at showing off.

The skies have these marvelous mood swings and a ride that starts out sunny could end up in a ferocious storm. Every moment seems more impressive than the last.

I keep my rain gear close at hand and just go. I enjoy the seasons changing it up and skies spreading their wonder and I pedal on breathing in and out and in and out. Thrilled to ride.

Do you have a favorite season? Mine is everyday.

Happy October eve.

Get out there and ride.

Bike Goddess

Along For the Ride

Aside

My cousin Danny with his new bike, a Trek Dual Sport 3.

Have you ever helped someone buy a bike? Even though the cyling math rule says the number of bikes a person should own is three, the rule says, (N+1) because you can always use another bike. I’d love to buy a bike whenever the whim strikes or something catches my eye. It’s fun to shop and see what’s new in bikes. When I buy or help someone on the road to buying a bike I have a few things in mind.

Purpose: Consider what you want to do first and foremost with your new bike. Is this a bike that you will use to train for an event such as a triathlon? Or is it for some other purpose? Thinking of saving the planet from the harmful effects of CO2? Do you plan to ride year round? Be honest with yourself about what you want. Half of my garage is devoted to my bikes and gear. When I was a kid, that was my dream. Actually, it was the whole garage! All the bikes in my small fleet get used for different tasks. Plus, they represent an evolution in my biking life. I have sold two bikes in my life and I wish I hadn’t. I’m glad they went to good homes, but I don’t like parting with my bikes, so I’d prefer not to sell.

The Browse-About. It’s not a official term, but it’s browsing around and seeing what catches your eye. Along with that there’s the test ride. Start looking and test riding. It doesn’t cost anything to look, except time. Be realistic about your timeline. I think most will agree that if you’re in training for an event you should train with and on the bike you will use for the event. But I’m not an expert on event training. If you’re looking with the intent of buying in a few months then let the person assisting you at the store know you’re looking and hope to purchase in the next six months. Do your homework and visit multiple bike stores. Even if you have favorites, visit others and get a feel for their expertise. Introduce yourself and tell them about what you need.

Greg A. Heath and my cousin talked a few times before the purchase was made. I went along for the test ride and tried to ask questions about the ride.

If the thought of going into a bike shop is overwhelming, then find a bikey friend and tell them what you’re thinking. Don’t buy until you’ve tried out the bike. There’s no rule about how many times you test ride, just ride. I’d even suggest you test ride at least three bikes. You might have your heart set on one in particular, but still if I were your friend, I’d insist on trying a few others which are comparable to the one you’re considering buying. Know your budget. Talk about what you can get for $500, $800 and up. Disc brake will cost more than pads, but they are worth it! That doesn’t mean you have to have disc, brakes, but you should ask to try one with pads and one with disc just to feel the difference. If there’s some wiggle room then ask the bike sales person to show you something in a range of $whatever to $thelimit with similar components.

I love the smell of tires in a bike shop.

There might be someone in your life who says they’ll go to Wal-Mart or Target and get a bike. Reconsider that relationship. Just kidding! If you’re in that situation, counsel the buyer to have a bike mechanic put it together. It might cost $50 to have someone else do it, but at least it will be done right. Another option is to go with them and ask what they like about the bike they’re looking at. See if you can get them to elaborate on what exactly is drawing them to that bike. It could be about the color or the basket or something else. I’m not trying to be a bike snob about it, but there are countless reasons NOT to buy from the bike box stores.

When you decide to buy a new bike consider the other gear you might need. Locks, water bottles, kickstand (don’t let anyone shame you out of a kickstand) helmet, tire pump, extra tube, bike bell and other items since you will likely get a discount at that time. If you are an avid rider you probably know that you should get a new helmet every 4-5 years.

The test ride is very important. Wear clothes you would most likely wear for a bike ride. Put on that racing kit (road bike) or wear your shorts and Birkenstocks (cruiser or commuter) and see how it all feels. Remember that you can always upgrade your saddle so if you sit on the bike and decide right away you despise the ride, tell them what you don’t like. “This saddle feels like a plank of wood on my ass.” Use your words and explain what isn’t working for you so they can help tailor your needs. If possible, test ride the bike on a path that has some ups and downs. When you ride the new bike candidate you should get a feel for how the bike will perform in different situations. If that’s not an option because you live someplace flat and that’s not a priority for you then it’s not an issue.

The test ride is important to get a feel for the bike.

Ask the good folks at your bike shop about getting a bike fitting. It will cost between $65 and $150. I strongly recommend it. A bike fitting isn’t always necessary, but I think if you are small or tall or maybe if you have issues with your shoulders or knees, a fitting can help dial in exactly what you need.

Danny and I rode over 50 miles in four days which means we gave the bikes a workout.

Last week I went to San Diego to visit family and one of the family wanted to buy a bike. I consulted with my cousin on buying his new bike. He has been biking with Zwift over the last year and he was interested in a bike that would do more and feel better. About a month ago he called me and we talked about what he was hoping to do. We talked about the purpose of the new bike.

It was great to be on the advice side of buying. I also enjoyed being present for someone else’s New Bike Day!

Enjoying the new ride.

Danny bought the bike on Monday and we rode around each day of my visit. After four days of riding around together he went back to the bike store and Greg dialed in the ride a bit more with some fine adjustments made to saddle height and shifting. Bikes aren’t that different from any machine that needs attention. I take better care of my bikes than my one car, but often people think they don’t have to do anything except ride. You have to check tire pressure and look over your bike each time you ride.

After four days of riding and a new saddle Greg checked over the saddle height and shifting.

Saddle height measuring.

Buying a bike is an investment in your health, wellness and well-being. If you love it, you’ll ride and find reasons to ride, so be sure you’re happy with every pedal stroke and every spoke. Plus, it’s good for the environment. Mother Earth will thank you. Another reminder. Ask the bike shop about their return policy. If by some chance you decide it isn’t the bike for you there might be a 30-day period when you can change your mind and choose something else. Talk about the details at your bike shop.

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Now maybe you’re wondering how if I took my bike with me to San Diego. I didn’t. During Danny’s test rides I also took the bikes he was considering for a ride. We could compare notes and experiences. Also, I rented a bike for the time I was in town. Danny and I went out every day for a ride. I rode an FX1 and loved it. It’s a basic bare bones sort of bike. Nothing fancy and this bike is affordable. Riding it reminded me of my road bike except the FX felt more responsive and agile.

Thanks Greg for the ride! The FX1 was perfect!

Yep, the rule is N+1. I was helping my cousin. That’s what family does. I learned that even when you’re not looking sometimes a bike finds you. I didn’t buy, but it was fun to look.

Thanks for reading. Now get out there and ride.

What suggestions do you have for buying a new bike? Leave them in the comments below. Thanks!

Bike Goddess

Insight into Illumination

Aside

bikey Rolling into another season of commuting, I wanted to pamper my commuter rig. I gave my bike the gift of dynamo lights. It’s one of those upgrades I’ve wanted to do for quite some time but always found an excuse. Mostly it was cost. I have a vast array of USB lights and a few others which take batteries. I had more than a few occasions last year when I neglected to recharge my lights at work and ended up with only the blinky light on my helmet to find my way back home at night. Something is better than nothing, however, I was doubting my ability to remember to charge my lights before leaving work this year so at the end of the summer one of my favorite bike shops posted a picture on Instagram of a Kona bike with these awesome fenders and dynamo lights and I felt compelled to get it done. Sadly, the bike mechanic said the fenders wouldn’t work for my bike, but the lights were a go!

Naturally the next part is the immense regret and heavy burden I bear for not having the wherewithal to install the lights a long time ago. What was I thinking? This is the best thing I’ve ever done on behalf of biking and commuting! What are you waiting for? If you don’t have dynamo lights and you are on the fence about getting them—get off the fence and get it done! Talk with your mechanic about what it will look like and how it will be mounted and then choose your lighting system. I wanted the safest, brightest light I could get without taking out a second mortgage.

I did spend some time getting quotes from three shops, but service and willingness won out. I was going to be out of town for a week and I opted to leave my bike at the shop for a few days. The hubs and rims needed to be rebuilt and I needed new rims anyway, so it all worked out. Be prepared for spending $400 to $600. It might be less, but I didn’t realize how much I needed to rims. While it was there I had the break pads done and a few other little tweaks. My final bill was $560.

After. The first thing you’ll notice if how liberated you feel. Pure unfettered biking with little regard for time. I can go to Happy Hour and still get home without worrying about the whether my LEDs have enough to get me home or if I will get plunged into darkness and need to catch a bus. Those days are over! I feel like I’m in control, not the lights.

My first encounter with integrated bike lighting was in 2009 when I rented a bike in Potsdam.

My bike rental in Potsdam, Germany in 2009 had a lighting system that was bulking but effective.

Wide taillight makes me easy to see.

Even in fog, I feel safe and seen.

The other great thing is that these lights can be taken off this bike, in the event that I ever replace the Kona, and installed on another bike. Personally, I can’t imagine buying a bike without having a dynamo system installed. I commute 50-70 miles a week and there are days when I’m at a meeting which goes a little too late compromising my ability to get home safely. Dynamo lights on my bike mean I can think about loftier issues and not worry if I’m going to make in home before it’s pitch dark.

What do you do for lights on your bike? Do you have a dynamo or similar system?

Be safe out there.
Happy riding,

Bike Goddess

Getting in Gear

Posted on January 2, 2016 by bikegoddess

Last year I joined Strava. I like tracking my rides because the data is illuminating. I had been using MapMyRide, but it seemed like most of my friends were on Strava and they loved it. Peer pressure took over. All the cool kids were using Strava and I wanted to be one of them. I tried the free account for a few months and then went Premium at the tail end of 2014.

Why bother? Two reasons: motivation and data. In 2015, I started the year with ride #1 and ended with ride #303. The data says I completed more than 303 rides, but that’s what I named them. There were rides that were not numbered, but that’s fine. You can choose your own system. I decided to start 2016 the same way; ride #1 was today.

Also, when you see how many miles you ride every week, month and year, you see your progress as a rider. Essentially, you compete against yourself. Either app (and I’m sure there are others) provide features that keep you riding. You can determine your weekly mileage goals or annual totals. Plus there’s a community of riders out there who have your back. I love it when another rider gives me kudos on a ride. Also, I enjoy seeing their routes. I wish I knew more about all its intricacies and I’d love to have a manual to explore some of the features, but most of what I’ve learned in the last year has been by experimenting or looking up stuff online. For example, the graphic above is an annual summary provided by another app or extension I found here, and it uses the Strava data.

My goals for 2016 are to keep riding and recording my rides. I’m not sure about my total mileage yet. I’m setting the bar for 4000 miles. My Kona Roundabout gets the most use use since it’s my commuter bike. I have Luna, a Cannonade Synapse road bike which is a fair weather bike. No fenders, just speed. There’s the Trek Portland and it was my commuter up until 2012. I don’t ride the Trek much and I’m considering selling, but it’s a good backup bike.

I love bikes and I love riding. Your gear can be your kit, clothing, shoes, your bike, bags and tools but one tool in particular that allows you to quantify your riding. I use Strava for everything, even walking my dog Max. It’s a new year and it might be time to explore a tool to help you track your rides.

Strava is not paying me to sell you on the idea although this post does sound like a pitch. I was dubious about making the move from MapMyRide to Strava and now I can’t imagine a simple ride without Strava. When I travel I try to rent a bike or use a city’s bike share and tracking my rides is becoming a sort of keepsake for me. It’s a great way to share your
adventures and remember your routes.

Thanks for reading. Have a great day and get out there and ride!

Bike Goddess

Get out there and ride!

Category Archives: Mixte

Still Streaking

My Retirement Plan

Featured

Miles To Go

Along For the Ride

Aside

Insight into Illumination

Aside

Getting in Gear