Today I logged my 3000th mile cycling for the year. Tonight I set a goal of 5000 by year’s end, and think I can do it barring illness or injury. My “ride every day of the summer, come rain, shine, or vacation” plan has really paid off. I feel really strong and fit, and really comfortable on the bike. By “comfortable” I mean my bike skills (and hence my safety) have increased. I have also confirmed that this level of exercise is wonderful for the psyche. It’s not intense enough to be exhausting (and cycling, unlike running, is gentle on the body), but I’ve found that for the duration of the ride, I don’t worry about anything, I appreciate the natural beauty of the world, and because I’ve been going first thing in the morning, I feel good all day. I also appreciate that my trips this summer to Austin, New Orleans, and Santa Barbara were all improved by daily bike rides.

Provided I can make enough money by then, I am planning to ride across America next summer. This is the route I am interested in, more or less, but the version I am planning also goes through Milwaukee, North Muskegon, and Hampden, Maine … and possibly Potsdam and Massena as well.

I’ll keep you posted.