This was the last ride of 2011 for me. It was cold and windy but a beautifully, gorgeous winter Day. Even thought it's been nice to have very little snow, I'm a bit worried this seasons snowfall may cause some severe droughts next year. My lungs are still recovering a bit from some lingering congestion so I took it easy... well as easy as I could for how windy it was. But in all it was nice to get out on the bike. On my way out to Mendon, I passed a field of horses and one zebra. I was going to stop to take a picture of the zebra but just at that moment everything was in chaos. There was car approaching a jogger on the oncoming lane, I was far to the right but a big Ford Truck pulling a flatbed trailer converged on me, the other car and the jogger all at the same time. I've never seen a tiny two lane road so crowded in that moment. It was more than a coincidence so I decided just to press on.

I've been a bit lax the last several weeks. I've felt guilt, happiness, sadness, joy, peace and an overwhelming sense of love from God, (I prefer to use the term Heavenly Father it means more to me) that I just can't quite explain. I am who I am. I live my life as best as can in the right with Him and I'm thankful everyday that I have many of life's precious moments to thank Him for. Everything from family to friends and all those that have influenced me in my life.

I'm at yet another crossroad in my life. (New Year) Cycling has been so addicting for me yet as I reflect upon this past year, it's been marred by mistakes, let downs mingled with the sense of accomplishment. I've ridden 3891 miles for the year. Not quite my goal of 4000 but still an 'A' for me.

Yet, I will press forward with hope; hope that in the coming year it will be better than last year. I will rediscover friendships and make new ones. But most of all I hope to find joy in what I'm doing when the fun is let out and things become mundane it's time to move on. I don't want just to ride my bike for exercise or to accomplish some grand goal, I want to ride because I enjoy it. The fresh air, the sense of peace as the sun rises to greet me. The sense of accomplishment as I discover new limits and push myself to greater limits. But most of all this next year I want to help others. I want to lift their spirits and help them rise up. It's not about what we do for ourselves but it's what we did for others. So with this new resolution in mind help me remind myself that I'm here help others, beyond that nothing really matters. Keep me in your prayers and pray for others because only Heavenly Father knows how truly finite we really are. Happy New Year everyone!