Why
I started riding my bike after struggling to breathe as a result of COVID-19. As a severe asthmatic, I have often heard that aerobic exercise (such as cycling) is a great way to improve breathing*. After 300+ miles (482+ km), I regained a significant amount of lung function.
The following year, I rode over 1,000+ miles (1609+ km) with an average daily elevation of 1,850 to 2,300 feet (563m to 701m). The next time I saw my cardiologist, I learned that I had reduced/eliminated a rare aneurysm and restored my lower aorta back to normal. I could even run a hundred feet (30.5m) without mumbling expletives (ooops ... I mean colorful metaphors) between dire gasps for air.
I have found many other benefits to riding, such as a reduction in depression, aggravated PTSD symptoms, and anger. Due to a recently diagnosed condition, the doctors never understood why the plethora of medications did not work and why I was suffering from anger. Riding has made such a difference in my quality of life.
Just get out there and ride. It doesn't matter if you can only do seven miles an hour (4.3 kph). In fact, when I first started octogenarians and little kids passed me like I was standing still. Your speed and endurance will increase with the miles/kilometers you travel.
I have listed some of the various trails in Dutchess, Sullivan, and Ulster counties in New York.
There's also a page dedicated to the gear you will often see on my bike. It's not a complete list, but I get asked about those items the most.
Empire State Trail 2024
My goal for 2024 is to complete the 750 mile (1207-km) trail throughout New York State. It starts at Battery Park in NYC, goes to Canada, and then to Buffalo.
New York Empire State Trail
Trans American Trail 2025
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can complete the 4,200 mile (6759+km) trail across America in 2025. It starts in Virginia and ends in Oregon.
Trans American Trail