My life changed on the bike. In 2011, I had never hiked, camped, biked more than 20 miles, ran a mile, slept outside, none of it.

In 2012, I biked 1,500 miles unsupported with two guys I barely knew- we've been very close, nigh-inseparable friends since.

It's 2014, I'm 23, and I have upwards of 7,000 miles, 15+ mountains, hundreds of nights outside, and thousands of stories to share. I'm a different person. I'm strong and fit, for the first time in my life. I'm a more interesting person and I love who I've become, just by pushing outside my comfort zone. Bike touring redefined my life.

Slow side, indeed. My girlfriend (out of my league three years ago! Would I have had the confidence to go out with her? Who knows!) is catching the bug...