Welcome!

It's a new year and time once again to give a new look to this blog. New graphics and colors. Same bike writer!



This blog is created not only to track my own progress on my biking journey but it is intended to also assist others who have either osteo or rheumatoid arthritis or both like I do. I hope as you read about the progress I have made that it gives you inspiration and hope that you can overcome the dibilitating effects of these conditions.



If your doctor agrees that you should be capable of expanding your limits read on and don't be afraid, just listen to your body and give it challenges. Biking is a great non-impact form of exercise and greatly enhances flexibility and range of motion.



It's not a substitute for Doctor visits, taking your meds or otherwise getting off your health plan but it auguments what your Doctor does for you and can give you a better quality of life. Go for it!





Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Stats

This may explain my absence and time lapse with blog posts...what can I say, at times I'm a nut for stats.



156.26 miles pedaled campaigning via bicycle. Now that's not a big number for bicycling in general however this all took place within 36 square miles. Our township is 6 miles by 6 miles.

2100 homes visited and campaign literature dropped off.

1150 pieces of campaign lit mailed out.

750 pieces of campaign lit passed out at the parade.

It's winding down and we have but a week left till the primary election.  I can't wait to go for a ride where I can pedal more than 20 yards without stopping.  It'll be nice to let the wheels go round and round and ride just for the sheer joy of riding.  I do have to say that this has really been fun.

Friday, July 13, 2012

On The Bike Campaign Trail - 100% Green

A big thank you to all the supporters for your encourgament, your friendly horn tooting, shout outs and cheers of support as I bike my way through the township visitng neighborhoods door by door. Your support is appreciated and it makes the hot days and miles fly by!


Last year I committed to riding every road north and south and east and west in the township to get to know the road issues, homes and natural features up close and personal. This year with the campaign I am also getting to ride every side road and side street and greeting every resident on their doorstep. This has been a 100% green campaign by bicycle and a great way to visit every property in the township. Again, thank you for your support. We have a gorgeous and beautiful community to be very proud of.
 
The Green Campaign is rewarding in so many ways, I get to meet our residents while canvassing and I'm getting fresh air and making healthy choices.  Did I mention how much fun bike riding is? 

Sunday, July 8, 2012

The Mitten Pedaler

My friend Jim is touring the perimeter of our great State Michigan by bicycle and logging his adventure at the following link Mitten Pedaler.  The photos and journal of his adventure is a worthy read for bicycling adventurers.  His travels take him along side several of the Great Lakes as we are a penninsula state surrounded by fresh water oceans.

Michiganders, celebrate Pure Michigan with Jim!

Peace Jim.

Saturday, July 7, 2012

4th of July Parade Photos

Thanks to my team of supporters we had a good presence during the parade.  Not only walking or riding along with smiling and waving but engaging the crowd along the route.  We passed out over 1400 pieces of campaign material and 80 pounds of candy.  Lots of happy kids.  You can see the slide show at http://www.debforsupervisor.com/.  Besides the convertible and golf carts a few chose to ride their bikes along with me.

Here's a couple of photos of parade.

 

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Back In The Saddle

For the time being I am back in the saddle, having another flare up and taking more steroids to combat it allows me the opportunity to ride again.  However my riding has been confined to my door to door candidate campaign.  Leisure and exercise power rides are on hold, mileage is eeking up in a cumulative way but it's all "stop and go" miles.  Riding up and down neighborhood streets and up and down people's driveways.  It does make the campaigning go quicker and give me time on the bike and exercise too.

I do enjoy the very most getting out and talking with our citizens about what's important to them and the things that impact their day to day living.  Mostly it is roads, taxes, the economy and having more places to shop and dine locally, people don't like having to drive far for services and goods.  Falling home prices due to the economy concern some people as they watch their investment dwindle.  Personal safety and security for their family is high on their list of priorities along with good schools and neighborhoods, fortunately we are blessed with providing good servies in those areas. 


So far the support has been widespread and encouraging.  People have noticed improvements in the township and are appreciative of the fiscal responsibility and restraint that has been evidenced.

So far I've logged over 65 miles campaigning and visited about 950 homes.

You can visit my campaign website at http://www.debforsupervisor.com/