Milestone #5

When I first started out on the cycle commute the thought of riding 1,000 miles seemed a long way off. I began by riding to work 1 day a week and thought I would be doing well to achieve 1,000 miles in a year. However, once my fitness levels began to increase and the routine took hold, my targets were re-imagined. So much so that for the past 3 years I have aimed for 8,000 miles.

5,000 Miles

As ever, it was very pleasing to note the passing of another 1,000 miles in 2019 (on 5th August). Chipping away at a target like this gives a great sense of achievement when the various milestones are met. It also gives motivation when the going gets tough, which it inevitably will for a long term goal like this.

It feels like this latest milestone has been one of the easiest so far this year. The weather has definitely helped here as the warmer temperatures, coupled with calmer winds means I don’t get as tired. Just putting on all the winter gear needed is sometimes tiring enough on its own!

Of course, I also had the bonus of 300 miles cycling across amazing countryside during my summer holidays (Holiday Cycle Epic – Part I & Holiday Cycle Epic – Part II). These might not be strictly commuting miles, but there’s nothing wrong with adding them to my annual total, is there?

I’m still amazed at how well the regular commuting has prepared my legs for big rides like this. It had been a year since I rode any distance over 30 miles. Despite this I managed to knock out 190 miles in one go without feeling completely drained at the end. It’s just one of the many benefits gained from regular cycle commuting.

Here’s hoping for a few more mornings like this in the next 1,000 miles…