2019, all in all, was a pretty good year. I certainly had the difficulties and downtimes that come with life. Of course, I also had the goodness and up swings that go along with that. The biggest influence on my life in the past year was my Mom's battling of cancer, and the ending of her battle with the passing of her life. Even that came with happenings and occasions that gave me smiles and fond memories. I am in awe of my Mother's life and she will always be with, and part of, myself and my siblings.

In my mind, my most important accomplishment for 2019, is the amount of knowledge and skill, lack of a better word, that I acquired in the mechanical aspect of bicycles. BikeForums members have been a huge help in that development. I also got much needed help from my LBS and a couple of local cyclists. I am grateful for all the help and give much thanks for the insights, thoughts, criticisms and compliments from all that came forth with all those things.

I try to stay away from resolutions and expectations. I do try to have a bit of vision and imagination. Into 2020, my vision is to continue with the process of gaining the skill and know how in the world of bikes in order to be of help to myself and, hopefully, others. There is not an actual co-op here in south-coastal Delaware, but there is a local church that sponsors a bike program for foreign and domestic students that come here for the summertime jobs, and for people with the need, but not the means, to acquire and maintain a bicycle. I plan on getting involved in the rejuvenation of donated bikes, parts and accessories for that purpose. For me, I see that as a way of helping myself by helping others. I also hope to use more control and selectivity in the acquisition of my bicycle wants and needs. I really want to focus more on the needs than the wants. If I can put that into practice, it will certainly simplify my 2 wheel world, and drastically lower my funding needs.

For 20​​​​20,I am looking forward to many miles and many hours pedaling my way to continued health and contentment. I will not call it a goal, but I envision myself being a more patient and understanding person, not only to others, but also to myself. I imagine myself being accepting of the declination of my abilities, both physical and mental, and letting go of some of the baggage that weighs on me and bogs down the progress that I seek.

I had the thought this afternoon that bicycles are my best friend. My involvement in riding, and now working on my bikes, gives me much satisfaction and childlike joy. The feeling of freedom, the displacement of stress, the clearing of the mind that bicycles give me, I find nowhere else. When I am on a bike, I feel most like I am who, what and where I am supposed to be at that moment. I sure like that feeling.

In 2020, for all, I wish for good and safe pedaling. Let the spinning begin!