Yesterday’s ride was exactly what I needed—smooth, quiet (well, mostly), and one step closer to getting my Marin bike dialed in just right. It’s been a process, learning how to make the bike fit me instead of trying to force my body into a position that just doesn’t work.
I’ve caught myself too many times lately gripping the bars like I’m hanging on for dear life. My neck starts to ache, my shoulders tense up, and suddenly I’m not enjoying the ride—I’m just trying to survive it. That kind of strain isn’t sustainable, and it sure doesn’t make cycling fun.
But I’m learning. Learning to check in with my body. To loosen my grip. Relax my shoulders. Breathe. Riding shouldn’t feel like a fight.
The Marin: A Solid Investment
I picked up the Marin back in February 2023, and while I didn’t get much riding in last year (thanks to a carousel of medications and three-day-a-week physiotherapy), I still feel like it was money well spent. It’s a solid bike, and as I make small adjustments, it’s starting to really feel like mine.
There are still things to tweak. That rear rack? Noisy as hell and tends to work itself loose. I’ll sort it. But overall, I’m happy with where things are heading.
Health, Healing, and Moving Forward
Last year was rough. A lot of try this medication for 3 months and let’s see what happens. One of them came with a bonus side effect: weight gain. I put on about 40 pounds. Not ideal.
But here’s the good news—I’ve dropped about half of that, and I’m working on the rest. I’ve been consistent with my daily stretching routine, doing resistance band work to build muscle, and staying active with low-impact exercise. For me, that’s cycling and hiking.
Both are great for managing neuropathy, though the degenerative discs in my back make certain terrain tricky. It’s a balance. But I always say, it’s not about speed—it’s about soaking in the scenery and enjoying the ride.
Looking Ahead
Every ride is a chance to check in—with my body, my mind, and the road ahead. I’m not out here trying to set records. I’m here to explore, to stay healthy, and to keep moving. And as I keep riding, I’ll be sharing more of what works for me—gear reviews, upgrades, and the little things that make a big difference in comfort and performance.
Until then, I’ll keep adjusting, keep stretching, and most importantly, keep riding.