Greg took this shot of me on a bikepacking overnight last fall. Its a marker and a reminder of the stark contrast to how I have felt for the last several years – finally kicking fitness and health into a higher gear, dealing with an auto-immune disease, and finding my riding and adventuring spirit again. At the end of last fall I don’t think I felt as good on a bike since I was brevet training back in 2006. I couldn’t ride brevet distances right now – but things were just clicking along. Single speeding most of the summer helped – but also having energy again to actually enjoy being ‘out there’ – be it on a hike or on the bike.
I’m glad you are feeling better. Could be the healing power of the Mighty Krampus. 🙂
Indeed Vik! It is such a fun bike – with Rohloff, SS, with gears, bikepacking or with the bouncy front end on for local trails.
The auto-immune disease is a forever thing – but diet and focus have reigned it in… now that I know what I’m dealing with I can train around it, really it feels like I’ve gotten life back.
Great and inspirational capture. I am glad to hear of your improvement. Here’s to your continued good health and pleasant outings!
Hey Mike,
great to hear from you and that you’re getting back out to ride. Funny you updated this and happened to check in after quite a while, same day.
I was wondering if you’d be interested in the book signing we (velo vermont vintage) are putting on on Feb 17th.
Find all the info here. Share away! Hope to see you soon.
http://velovermontvintage.blogspot.com/
Best,
Per
Hey Per – nice that you check in over here… I’ll take a look – currently running around the north east working…
Thanks, been a long slow battle figuring out what the hell was going on… getting there.