Why I Ride Long Distances — And Why I Always Will
Long-distance cycling might seem like a strange obsession to some. People often ask me, “Why would you ride 80 to 100 miles a day, sometimes for days in a row — often alone, towing a trailer?”
To answer that, I have to rewind the clock back to the 1960s.
I was a kid then, growing up in a time when parents didn’t worry quite so much about where their kids went during the day — as long as we were back by dinner. My friends and I had one shared freedom machine: our bikes. We’d set off to explore the edges of our neighborhood, then the next one over, and before long, we were discovering places we never would’ve seen on foot or with our parents.
That feeling — wind in my face, legs pumping, discovering something new just around the corner — that was the spark.
More than 55 years later, that spark still burns.
🚴♂️ The Call of the Open Road
Today, I don’t just ride for exercise or even for the sense of accomplishment. I ride because it taps into something deep — a love for exploration, for solitude, for testing my limits one mile at a time. On long solo tours, with just my bike and maybe a small trailer in tow, I still feel like that same kid from the 1960s — chasing adventure, one turn of the crank at a time.
The only difference? The rides are longer now. And the stories are even better.
💬 Join the Ride
If you're a fellow cyclist, I’d love to hear what drives you. Why do you ride?
And if you're not a rider — but something about this speaks to you — stick around. I’ll be sharing tales from the road, reflections on aging and riding, and helpful advice on everything from gear to nutrition. Whether you're a lifelong cyclist or just thinking about getting started, there's a place for you here.
