Auckland to New York City …is about 14,150 km.
This year, 2025, that's the distance I will have cycled. Am I bonkers?
Why do that?
What motivates me?
It is not for bragging rights -- friends have done double that, and one has done 4x that.
Instead, it meets three needs:
- Health goals. I want to stay fit and well. Watching my data keeps me motivated to keep going - I don't want to get slower.
- Challenges. Measure myself against my past performance. But also race others - either individually or in team events.
- Connection. I cycle online. It's essentially a global video game, but your player - your avatar - moves as quickly as your leg power on an indoor bike can produce. I ride with friends who are all over the world. We chat or even talk while riding or racing. (And yes, I share dad jokes, too!)
And 2026?
On the Fit & Healthy front, much the same. I'd like to ride some longer NZ MTB trails - with friends.
Sleep definitely needs work. How to regularly be in bed before 11:30pm?
And dad jokes. Yes, I collect them. Here's one for today - my plagiarised gift for your New Year:
My New Year's resolution is to buy a massive Velcro wall. And I plan on sticking to it.
I wish for you for 2026, a year that aligns with your purpose.
And, if you're not sure of your purpose, then a year in which you take steps to figure out the reason you get out of bed when no one is watching.
Happy New Year!