20,000

Together a bicycle and a human are the most efficient transportation machines ever known. Apart they are less efficient or altogether inanimate. Apart one is the most sophisticated life form; what we lack in physical prowess, agility, and speed is countered through ingenuity. The other, born from this ingenuity, allows us to travel great distances at speeds otherwise unachievable under our own power.

20,000 miles is what I have logged on a bike. To be able to power oneself across such a distance is phenomenal and liberating. Three and a half years, several sets of tires and chains, and plenty of time later, cycling has changed me. It has both transformed and consumed me. No longer sedentary, I find myself in better shape now than I have ever been. I have more appreciation for things. Spending all of that time in the saddle will do that for you. The time spent alone on the road allows for much personal reflection, self doubt, failure and achievement, and more than anything, an outlet. Even in the social environment of a group, the mind does battle with itself. It has made me think.

I wish I could use a bike as my primary mode of transport for everything: commuting, running errands, exercise, and recreation; and I could if it were more socially acceptable in America. Cars and highways dominate the landscape. Cyclists are viewed as nuisances; delaying motorists from getting to their destination. It is unfortunate that rather than being seen as another human (one with a family mind you), I'm a moving roadblock. I impede others from being able to hurriedly get to such important destinations as WalMart, their job (that they hate), or church. I'm not suggesting that bikes would solve all of our societal problems, just a lot of them. Until we come to our senses, I will continue to do my best at shirking the norm and racking up miles on my bike.