Silver Surfer: A lesson on Incremental Gains

When I first bought Silver Surfer, a 2006 Trek 1000 road bike, I was a novice rider (spoiler: still am). My goal was to make cycling a somewhat regular part of my life, the pandemic had really shifted my lifestyle to a sedentary one. I set a goal for myself: to ride three times a week. At the time, bikes were a luxury item, fetching over $1000 for a brand-new, entry-level bike. I didn’t have that kind of loot. So, I did the next best thing and found a used road bike that was a little rough around the edges, but still had spirit.

 My first ride was a mere 5km round trip along part of the Nokiidaa trail. It was an absolute catastrophic disaster. I didn’t bring any water, I didn’t know how to use the bike I had just bought, and I was dripping in sweat. After a brief 20 minutes, I had to turn around and head home slowly on the lowest gear. My ego took a massive hit that day. Nevertheless, I took a day off to recover and rode again the next day.

This time I was a bit more prepared. I looked up some YouTube videos (Global Cycling Network, Cade Media) to learn how to set up my bike properly. Armed with a bit of knowledge, a route, and a water bottle, I began my cycling journey.

Over time, I noticed the incremental gains. I was able to ride a little further without stopping, and my legs didn't ache as much after each ride. It was a slow process, but it was progress. I felt proud of myself for sticking with it.

As the weeks went on, I continued to push myself, and I set a new goal for myself: to ride 100km by the end of the summer. It wasn't about being the fastest or the strongest; it was about pushing myself a little bit further every time.

I learned that incremental gains are the key to achieving your goals. No matter how small the progress is, it adds up, and with enough determination and perseverance, you can achieve great things. It's not just about cycling; it's about life in general. When we set goals for ourselves, it's important to take it one step at a time. Every small gain counts, and it will get us closer to our goals.

Silver Surfer had been my faithful companion throughout the journey. It wasn't the fanciest bike out there, but it had carried me through every ride, every hill, and every valley. It had taught me that if you want to go further, you must push yourself a little bit more every time.

In conclusion, my journey with Silver Surfer taught me the power of perseverance and incremental gains. It's not about making huge leaps in progress; it's about taking small steps and building upon them. Whether it's cycling, work, or personal goals, the benefits of incremental gains can be applied to every aspect of our lives. So, if you're just starting out on your own journey, remember to take it one step at a time. Every small gain counts, and it will get you closer to your goals.

Special shoutout to my cousin who joined me on this ride. A way more experienced rider who pushed me along the entire way. An amazing human being who bring out the best in everyone. Thank you.