There’s a lot of stress going on in the world right now. The pandemic and climate change related weather disasters to name the big two. But I’m focusing some of my attention–because it helps me stay on an even keel and get the work I need to get done done, while being a caring, engaged family member–on book and bike related personal challenges.
One of the ways my life changed with the pandemic is that absent all the activities in the world that involved other people–conference travel, holiday travel, theatre, concerts, and so–I’ve had more time to read books and ride my bike. They’re also both things that make me happy and given the state of the world, I’ve been lucky to have room for both in my life.
This year I set my GoodReads reading challenge to 24 books and my riding challenge to 5500 km. The books challenge doesn’t include things read for work and the bike challenge doesn’t count everyday commuting (for no good reason except I don’t track it using my Garmin and I can’t be bothered manually adding those rides, it’s all arbitrary anyway.)
With 19 days to go, will I make it?
Books
On the reading front, the answer is clearly ‘yes.’
My daughter has booked a yurt for a few days away in one of the National Parks. We’ll walk and bike, cook food, play cards, but also, read books.
Here’s the next two on my list:
I just finished My Brilliant Friend, which I loved.
What are you reading over the holiday season? What do you recommend from 2021?
Bikes
On the riding front, I’ve got some work to do but I think it’s an attainable goal. I have 358 km to ride in 19 days, which works out to just under 20 km a day.
I’ve been doing some more group rides and badge hunting to get the kilometers in. December is #daily20km for me.
Wish me luck!
Good luck!