Big Milestones and Bonuses of Bike Commuting

[kfergos]

Last night I calculated that in just about two years of consistent bike commuting, I have:

- Ridden 10,500 miles (year 1: 6 miles each way; year 2: 13 miles each way)
- Saved 22,500 miles on our car
- Saved us $2,000 in gas alone (we drive a Prius)
- Not emitted 21,000 lbs of CO2 into the atmosphere

That, I think, is pretty darn cool. On top of which, I have:

- Trained for and ridden my first century, MS 150, and the STP, all this season
- Learned the names of towns and streets most locals never see
- Seen some heart-stoppingly beautiful vistas
- Come home stress-free every day
- Eaten ice cream without a twinge of remorse
- Replaced my chain more times than I can count
- Not yet worn out my Gatorskins (but I have gotten 2 flats with them)
- Ridden extra miles on the way home "just because it's so beautiful out"
- Replaced my cassette and chainrings once
- Started seriously drooling over that titanium Seven the bike shop priced out for

I LOVE CYCLING!