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Today is my 100th blog posting. Truthfully, I find that hard to believe, but I'm also pleased.
When I started Pedal2Page, a title created by my daughter Sophie, back in late January 2019, I never imagined it would go on for this long. While I knew my passion for cycling would not wane, the thought of coming up with different and interesting topics just didn't seem possible to sustain on a weekly basis.
But you know what? It's been as easy as riding a bike. And it's been a ton of fun. While my aim has always been to convey to my readers the pure joy I receive when pedaling any of my seven two-wheeled machines, I've tried my best to present fresh words that enlighten and entertain. So far, I believe I have achieved my goals.
My blog has a small, but dedicated audience throughout the country, in such places as Utah, Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida, Wisconsin, and, of course, a large following in Maine and Michigan. And I really appreciate the support. The normal number of views for most postings is between 30 and 75, with a few at more than 200. I hit the jackpot once when I wrote about proposed legislation for more rail trails in the Pine Tree State. That particular entry garnered greater than 800. Simply put, the more people who share my stuff on Facebook, the more reads I receive.
There have been a few highlights with Pedal2Page. My blog was checked out by John Burke, the president of Trek Bicycles, which in turn produced a follow-up response from one of their representatives. An invitation to Waterloo — Trek's headquarters in Wisconsin — for a tour and ride was part of that package. Two of my writings — My "short" Tour de France and Memories of my youth — have been published in Maine Cyclist, the magazine of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, with a third — the laughable posting on Butt Butter — slated to appear in the next issue.
Coming up with all the postings isn't a chore because I really enjoy the writing aspect. By far, most of my regular duties during my 44-year journalism career dealt with the designing of newspaper pages, so there wasn't much time for my own storytelling. Writing my blog also greases the wheels for my "real" part-time job as editor and columnist of the monthly newspaper at People Plus, a community center in Brunswick.
I know this will not surprise any of you, but cycling is such a regular part of my day. In 2020 alone, I've ridden nearly 250 days and accumulated — for the first time — more than 6,000 miles. So writing about it seems so natural. In fact, riding produces most of my postings, either through actual experiences or ideas sprouting from my mind as I pedal down the road or trail.
I guess I'll keep going with Pedal2Page, as long as it remains gratifying and I don't start repeating myself or become boring. I like my Friday routine of taking one last look at my written words, having my wife Vicky — who really knows the Queen's English — proofread it, and then posting it to all of you.
I'm a pretty lucky dude. I get to ride bikes, I work at a bike shop, and I write about bikes. Thank you for being a part of my paceline and be safe.