Bikes and good vibes, my 3000kms escape for physical and mental health.

While the resolutions and goals setting season for 2024 is still open (hopefully), I am reflecting on my journey since #cyclinglifestyle challenge started in 2023 and how it has shaped up so far.

My cycling tribe (I belong to this amazing tribe of cyclists) started 2023 with personal commitment to hold each other accountable, to pursue personal lifestyle that promotes our wellbeing and balance while having fun. Cycling is FUN, lots of fun till there are climbing encounters that provoke silent tears but once the climb is over, the joy of flying with the wind on pedals is unparalleled.

Set out with a target of 2500Kms for the 2023 full year…that looked impossible to even wrap around my mind. Had to take a step back and plan how this was to be achieved.

         i. Chunked the total target into monthly targets with room for slow months, even factored self-pity party days when I would need serious motivation to even find my bike.

       ii.  Set realistic day targets that would feed into my week and month.

     iii.  Adjusted to cover for gaps in slow months, finding small windows to do a little more and reduce the overall gap.

      iv.  When El Nino threatened to drench our land and derail the phased plan, quick course correction to secure 90% of my target before rains started. I guess I have learnt something from my business partners that I can borrow for my pedals.

       v.  Find accountability partners; we kept the tribe's monthly score updated vs overall target. Gave me visibility of what I needed to do to get to my target.

 Plans are backed up by action, this tribe showed up every week, every month. I joined the 6am club that hits the trails before/by 6am and benefit from the wholesome balance this gives to my days.  It is the consistency that builds the desired resilience. Pep talk to myself; you don’t get to cycle when you feel like it, tired or not, pedal days GETS DONE. That’s how I clocked over 3000Kms in 2023.

 While we have serious challenges with physical and mental health in our society, taking personal responsibility and finding what works for me has helped navigate difficult days and seasons. I am able to focus and give more of myself because I found a way to fill up my cup, every so often and on a bike. I am acutely aware I cannot give much to myself, my family, my employer, or society if I am running on empty.

Find what works for you and purpose to take back the years /months /days lost. It’s the first step towards your personal wellness journey that makes all the difference. To BALANCE, to wholesome WELLNESS, to GRATITUDE.

@ Sallynavia Kamsa, Enock Wandera, Charlyn Muthemba, Deborah Sambu, Brian Awuor, Paul Maina Thank you for pedals 2023. Looking forward to 2024, Majaliwa.