Ride Today

A commitment grows into a habit that matures into a lifestyle.

Colorado cyclist Scot Stucky started the Icy Bike Winter Commuting Challenge in 2012 to encourage others to try commuting to work by bicycle during the colder months. His basic idea was to set a goal of bike commuting a total of 52 times during the time period of October 1 through March 31. That's an average of twice per week for 26 weeks. Several of his friends jumped on board, word spread quickly and a community sprang to life. Icy Bike Winter Commuting Challenge FaceBook Group.

Since 2012, the Icy Bike Winter Commuting Challenge continues to grow and the FaceBook group now numbers more than 1300 members from many states and countries. His friend Mike Prendergast even created a documentary film of their experience. A Winter Of Cyclists. Thank you, Scot and Mike, and everyone out there challenging themselves, encouraging others and holding each other accountable.

Spring snow on my ride home from work. This view cannot be seen from a car.

The Icy Bike Winter Commuting Challenge is over for this winter. I'm posting this now to encourage you to try riding a bicycle to work or for errands, while weather is less of an obstacle. Then, when it turns colder, it will be easier to keep going, rather than to start. And then you can join the Icy Bike Winter Commuting Challenge, too.

But wait, there's more. Just as the Icy Bike Winter Commuting Challenge ends, another community starts its own challenge. 30 Days of Biking. Cyclists simply commit to riding their bike, over any distance, every day during the month of April. I've completed this before and it's harder than you think, even for a daily bike commuter and weekend cycling enthusiast. But it builds a mindset.

Decompressing on a bike ride home from work.

Undertakings like the Icy Bike Winter Commuting Challenge and the 30 Days of Biking seem daunting when thinking of the overall commitment. But neither are difficult on any particular day. You just get on your bike that day and ride. Just that day. You don't have to think about tomorrow, the day after, or more. Just that day. Get on your bike and ride.

That's not a bad approach to most anything that seems overwhelming. Break it down to what you can do today and start that.

A commitment grows into a habit that matures into a lifestyle.