A little over a year ago, on Christmas Day 2023, I found myself immobilized on my kitchen floor, alone, in excruciating pain. If I so much as twitched, pain shot through my body. Even lying perfectly still was a throbbing kind of torture. That day, I made a promise: I was not going to let my body dictate my life anymore. Narcotics weren’t an option for me, so I had to figure out another way. I sought out a physical therapist (Noah Abrams), Chiropractor Dr. Chris Cox on the east side of Tucson, and used a gifted membership at Canyon Ranch from my sister from another Mr. to begin rebuilding my strength and addressing my nagging injuries.
It turns out my injury was a sprained QL (Quadratus Lumborum)—and let me tell you, for me it was one of the most debilitating conditions I’ve ever experienced. The culprit? Shoveling 220 tons of dirt. Sure, it toughened me up, but it also reminded me that without proper care, my body can—and will—reach a breaking point.
Not a Superhuman—Just Really Stubborn
When people learn I rode my bike every single day last year (averaging three hours and 45 minutes per day), they sometimes assume I’m superhuman. The truth is, I’m not. I deal with arthritis, back issues, cramps so intense they demand my full attention, sour stomach, and lingering injuries that I’ve had to learn to manage. A crash the night before the Tour De Scottsdale led to an unpleasant injury the the labrum, the ring of cartilage that lines the shoulder socket. It is called A SLAP tear (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) It occurs when the labrum tears at its attachment point to the biceps tendon, which connects the shoulder to the forearm. In Telluride I broke a frame on the mountain bike and created some of the most splendid purple and blue colors across my body.
Despite all that, I’m convinced that consistent movement—especially on a bike—helps me stay on top of my ailments. I definitely hurt from the slap tear, the bruising, and Covid, but am certain riding through it helped me get back to form so much faster. If I waited to feel “100%” every time I rode, I’d never get on the bike. There are days where I wonder how I’m going to pedal a mile, but somehow, I end up riding 30 or more.
Weather (and the Clothing Problem)
Riding every day means facing all kinds of weather. But I’ve learned something critical: weather isn’t the real issue—clothing and nutrition is. As long as I have the right layers (base layers, vest, down jacket, windbreaker, gloves, wool socks in winter), I can handle cold. Summer sometimes gets warm in Tucson and staying hydrated and fueled is key. Living in Southern Arizona.. I still remember a time I was taking photos at an event on a frigid morning and lost all feeling in my hands. The camera was completely steady, but my fingers were basically numb. Experience taught me what works for me at each temperature range, and I always carry extra layers. In Tucson, you can start in winter gear at sunrise and be in shorts by noon—so you’ve got to be prepared for quick changes.
Saddle Sores, Cramps, and “Butt Butt’r”
It’s not all about temperature and cold fingers, though. Sometimes the biggest challenge is literal pain in the butt—saddle sores. Lubricant matters!!!! After years and dozens of products, my favorite is Joshua Tree Cycling Salve for daily rides and healing salve for sores. I’m also partial to The Eurostyle Butt Butt’r chamois cream- it tingles. Then there are times where riding without a chamois, to let some airflow circulate, is the best solution. The point is, you adapt. The same goes for cramps. I get these screaming, full-stop cramps that force me to practice breathing techniques to loosen them up and grit my teeth and pedal through them. They don’t care if I’m in the middle of a busy intersection or two hours deep into El Tour De Tucson—I have to deal with them whenever they strike.
Bike Maintenance: You Can’t Ride Daily Without It
Anyone who’s tried riding daily knows that maintenance is a never-ending chore. I went through four sets of tires last year and replaced three chains, a half dozen bottles of Boeshield T-9 Bicycle Chain Waterproof Lubricant, pints of Stan’s tire sealant, and more rags than I can count. I had a few flats, but usually my sealant got me home without too much fuss. On the extreme side of issues, I broke two frames and even cracked a fork. Riding saves gas money, sure, but it’s not free—you pay for it in tires, parts, and the occasional big-ticket repair.
Commuting by Bike: My Secret to Racking Up Miles
One of my biggest strategies for riding daily was incorporating the bike into my commute. In fact, commuting likely accounted for half my total miles last year. Riding to meetings not only gave me exercise, it also helped me clear my head. When I have a frustrating issue at work, hopping on my bike helps me process the problem in a more creative, less stressed way. I’ve closed deals, negotiated repair requests, and sent important emails using the Sena line of helmets with Bluetooth speakers and microphone. You can go 25 miles an hour and have conversations. I truly believe cycling is the greatest invention as a a problem-solving tool.
Rules of the Streak Set after January 21, 2023, the day I forgot to ride…. outside.
1. A daily ride must be outside and last at least 45 minutes.
3. Don’t Stress the Distance – It’s not about max mileage; it’s about consistency. A slow, easy ride still counts.
What was the significance of January 21? I’ll admit, there was a single day I missed riding outdoors. The Detroit Lions were playing in the playoffs, and I got so invested in the game that I ended up only riding on a stationary bike. It’s a small asterisk on an otherwise solid outdoor streak and in 2025 I finished riding outside for a year on January 21.
No One Does It Alone
Part of sticking to a daily ride is community and accountability. Years ago, I posted every ride on Strava, labeling them day by day. That was public accountability. This time, I did things more quietly, but I still have an unspoken drive to keep moving forward, day after day. I’m also a cheerleader—for others and for myself. That mindset helps me push through the tougher days.
And let’s not forget the professionals who helped me rebuild after my QL sprain, along with supportive friends and family who understand that biking isn’t just a pastime; it’s central to how I live and work. A little encouragement can go a long way when you’re faced with back pain, broken frames, or the freezing cold.
Why This Matters
Some might wonder, “Why do it?” or “Why not just rest?” My reason is simple: It’s a lifestyle that makes me feel content. I don’t want to spend my life in pain or on my kitchen floor, incapable of standing up. Cycling is my way of proactively keeping my body and mind healthy. It’s also fun. It sounds strange, but even on days when I’m suffering—when I have saddle sores, numb fingers, or my back is acting up—I still find joy in being outside, feeling the wind, and finding new places to explore.
At the end of the day, I’m just a guy with a bike (or five), a bit of stubbornness, and a huge desire to keep moving. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not athletic enough,” or “I’m too old,” let me tell you: I’m no superhero. If I can log these miles and stay active, so can you. It’s not about riding for hours or hitting top speeds—it’s about showing up, day after day, and riding your ride, no matter how short, slow, or wobbly.
Thanks for reading, and here’s to another year of daily riding—come hell, high water, or cracked fork.
