Why 2019 Was The Best Year Of My Life Part 2

As I mentioned I was and am a volunteer/connector for Everyone Rides and through that I had opportunity to meet with and interact with a few neighbourhood associations. Having moved myself last winter this gave me a great chance to connect with a few of my neighbours and talk about the neighbourhood and of course cycling. This opportunity also led to me being part of the board of HBSI.

I also really like taking part in Gregs Ride which is hosted by Share The Road Cycling Coalition. And was looking forward to doing the longest ride I had done. ut because of a small injury I just did the the 10km route which led to a couple of great conversations and connecting people with Dundas Rides and Cycle Hamilton.

In October I had my diabetes check up. My A1C was up a little and this alarmed me a little. My nurse practioner and I came up with a plan that involved a new medication. I had all the most common side effects almost immediately. And found the best way to deal with them was to power through and go for a ride.

The year finsihed off with a small victory with a couple of the yellow vests being banned from the City Hall Forecourt. My Strava numbers were down a little bit over 2018 but my activity in the community is way up. I took part in 2 different cycling studies and was asked for a ancedotal story retaining to air quality. Most importantly I finished the year with good news from the diabetic clinic. My A1C and cholesterol were the lowest they have been in 5 years.

The biggest lessons for me were mostly practical and putting in to practise ‘Seek first to understandthen try to be understood.’ So many people through the last year have helped me with this life lesson. Growth and learning as a person doesn’t end as a adult it just keeps going and I am glad it does. Sure I didn’t get to cover the distancees on my bike or the milestones I wanted to but somethings and most people are woth the detours in life.