100,032 ...

No matter how you slice it, that is a big number.

In preparing for today's blog posting, part of which includes the monthly report, I was perusing my cycling logbook to obtain the needed statistics. Then I had an idea. Why not add up all the mileage that I've pedaled and recorded in my well-worn blue binder? A valued possession that's been a part of my bicycling routine since 2001.

And the above figure is the result. So, taking into account the whole enchilada, I have ridden my bicycles a total of 100,032 miles. That's like circling Earth at the Equator four times — and still having 428 miles left over. I'm thinking, "Holy Toledo!" Truth be told, I was quite surprised that I'd spun my wheels that far. And by the way, every bit was done outdoors.

So, anyway, what about the month just completed?

For February, I managed to ride 22 out of the 28 days. So just like January, I missed six days during the month. Bicycles used included my Specialized Crux with the studded tires, Schwinn Circuit and Trek Domane road machines, and my Specialized Fatboy fat bike. Total mileage for February registered at 521.

As for the 2023 cycling season thus far, I've jumped aboard my two-wheeled steeds 48 times and accumulated 1,124 miles. The only real disappointment is that I still haven't ridden my new bike — the 2023 Trek Checkpoint SL 5. Just waiting for nicer weather and better road conditions.

Obviously, I've achieved my first 1,000 miles of the year. It was accomplished on Feb. 20. For comparison sake, here is when I reached 1,000 miles in the last five years:

— 2022, March 15

— 2021, March 3

— 2020, March 24

— 2019, May 15

— 2018, April 21

So way earlier in 2023 then at any other time in the recent past.

In closing, I wanted to go back to my logbook. I had a blog posting in April 2019 titled "My logbook tells stories" — which recalled the various notes I'd jotted down after completed bike rides. I decided to see what has been written since then and share what was penned. For clarification, some notes have an accompanying explanation. Here goes:

— Bonus miles ... The phrase used when I do get a ride in, when at the start of the day it didn't look possible, because of iffy weather or scheduled appointments.

— First ride after COVID

— Computer loses power

— Heavy legs ... Just no power for pushing the pedals.

— Shed built ... The day a crew constructed our new garden shed at the Gabrion household.

— No chain ... Words indicating an effortless ride; just flying.

— Saw beaver

— Brutal ... usually means a cold or extremely windy journey.

— Collected new car

— First e-bike ride

— Pulled over by cop

— Nearly killed ... motorist threatened my life with his vehicle.

— Not feeling well

— Front flat

— Cable snap

— New puppy ... the day our dog, Dudley, joined the family.

— House paid off ... probably had a huge smile on my face during that ride.

— Studs great

— Mom died ... plenty of thoughts and memories with every passing mile during that ride.

As always, thank you for reading. Stay safe!