Mighty May

So why the word "mighty?"

I guess it has to do with the fact that I rode a bicycle every single day during the recently completed month of May. Yes, all 31 days. It's the first time I've ever accomplished such a feat; not that I set out to do it. Mostly, the weather cooperated here in Maine, and as the end of the fifth month grew nearer — I decided to go for it. A nice little challenge, indeed.

I realize there will be those who advocate for the importance of rest days. In general, I would wholeheartedly agree. But I never felt tired or worn out. And a handful of my outings were only in the 12-to-15-mile range. My wife, Vicky, always gets a kick out of my usage of the word "only" when referencing to the length of a ride, especially when I might say something like "I'm only going 20 miles" or "I'm only going 40 miles."

Taking part in the madness of May, as far as which two-wheeled machines I rode, they were all of the Trek variety: my 2017 Domane, 2023 Domane, and 2.3 road bikes, and my 2023 Checkpoint gravel beast. Highlights for the month? My first off-road excursion with the brand-new Trek Checkpoint on rugged terrain in Brunswick and the first century ride of the season on May 21. Don't tell anyone, but it was actually 101 miles.

The odometer for the month of May registered a total of 798 miles.

So, what about the 2023 season, thus far? With no off days in May, I've still only missed 23 days of riding for the year. That puts me at 129 total trips, at the present time. I hit the 3,000-mile mark on May 21 — the same day as my century pedal. In 2022, I didn't reach that milestone until June 11 — a difference of three weeks.

And for those keeping track, my total mileage for the 2023 season currently stands at 3,250.

I still love riding a bicycle; my passion for the sport is as strong as ever. I often look down at the two wheels spinning beneath me and just reflect on how lucky I am to be doing something that brings me so much pleasure and freedom. Riding bikes that I never imagined having and riding on roads right from my front door that are — by and large — relatively free of traffic, with beautiful scenery around almost every corner. Long may this feeling last. Stay safe!

RAIN IN MAINE: It's been a tough week for bicycling.