Went for an awesome evening ride tonight, just spun the cranks and had no idea where I was going until I got there. Along the way, had several encounters where folks would smile, or wave, to the point where I was surprised. Funniest one was a van who passed me close to campus, slowed way down, turned around in the middle of the street, then waved. haha, that was awesome!
Today has been amazing, I've gotten some of the most amazing emails from people considering making the leap, in the process of leaping, who have already done it and are glad that someone else has been there, or who just dig reading what I've written. Just awesome, and I'm working on a couple posts/pages with the stuff I use, and answers to some of the common questions I've received since the start, and links to some posts (like this one - the report on the 135 miler I did last summer, and am doin' again this summer) that have been most popular or that I like best.
Of course it's funny to see my personal blog suddenly approaching the daily traffic numbers that my two work sites receive (thanks to some linkage from MSNBC), but I'm goona answer something quick: this isn't for fame and fortune, and you aren't suddenly/ever going to see a bunch - or any for that matter - ads on this blog. I don't think that's good web design for a personal blog, and that's not what this blog is about.
What this is about is sharing goodness, and paying back the goodness sent my way when I started. It's awesome to see that's happening, and it warms my heart greatly. Email me. IM me. What I found is that there are support groups for everything, and excellent ones at that (like the Livestrong foundation), but for obesity you really don't have anywhere to turn. I'm working on some ideas on that front, but for now - I've got email and I know how to use it.
This is also about lots and lots of ride reports, and pics. Even taken on a cameraphone, this picture still brings about the feelings from tonight's ride:
Even a cameraphone captures how awesome an evening ride can be, gliding down the bike trail with an hour to kill, and nowhere specific to go. This weekend: more gravel, limestone, and fun. Man, this little vacation has rocked.
p.s. I'm finally catching up on emails and blog comments - sorry it's taking so long, didn't expect 'em to come in this fast!! :)
4 comments:
Ben, you're too damn awesome. Not awesome in that you are some super-hero, but awesome that you're just a normal guy who decided to change his life for the better. And awesome that you decided to share your trials and tribulations along the way.
Perhaps it's your honesty that makes you awesome, or perhaps it's your dedication. But when it comes down to it, the most awesome thing is that you're just "Some Guy" who made the effort, and stuck with it.
As MG said as a comment to yesterday's post:
"Nobody deserves this recognition more than you, Ben.
Congratulations.
Cheers,
MG"
...And it couldn't have been said better!
BF.net's "J.C. Koto"
Well Im back for another day. Forgot to mention handle on BF is Scotlandtb. This post reminds me I need to take more photos on our rides. One of my friends did that our last ride and I just cycled past. I think I missed some nice scenery. I picked up a handlebar bag for my gear and I carry my phone in it, really need to stop and snap.
Steve
JCK - Thanks man! I'm glad that comes across, which is exactly what I want people to know - YOU can do it too without anything spectacular, just a little willpower, some research, a bike and a smile.
Stephen - Welcome back! You know, there's much to be missed when you focus on the path ahead of you - part of the reason I take pics is to remind me of the gorgeous scenery around. Slow down a little, take the camera out, when you have a sucky day or the weather kicks in it'll help you remember what it's all about.
This is all just pretty darn awesome... I know that!
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