All in cycling
It should surprise no one that I'm a goal-driven person. I don't always achieve my goals, but I really enjoy the process of setting a goal, working towards achieving it, and the self-reflection that follows regardless of whether I achieve or don't achieve the goal. This past year, I was looking for a new goal besides an annual mileage target. In addition to my annual mileage target, I decided I would also try to ride for thirty consecutive days.
2017 has been a blur. I haven't necessarily prioritized things that bring me joy this year, including writing on this site (my last post was 01 Jan). I'm conscious about the lack of balance, and that's why I took a much needed mental health day. Taking a mental health day can only mean thing for me - a long bike ride. Today's destination was Mt. Baker. It's been three years since I last rode Baker, so another visit was overdue. And, to make this mental health day even more special, six of my friends were also taking a mental health day.
I am really lucky to have friends in many different disciplines that possess amazing talent in their field. In the photography field, one such friend is José Mandojana. He's the guy who you can give any type of camera to and he'll make an amazing photograph. When he recently asked if I was interested in getting up ridiculously early to go make some photographs, of course I said YES!
It all started innocently enough. About eighteen months ago, I found myself becoming more interested in pursuing a different type of riding rather than just commuting, fitness rides on the weekend, and the occasional cyclocross race. I had started noticing more images and stories of bikepacking, ultralight touring, etc. in my feeds and my interest was piqued. "This is exactly the thing I'm craving," I thought to myself. And so it began.
