Hello and welcome to the last Friday of 2022, fellow cycopaths.
It’s hard to believe that I’ve sent out 56 emails (counting this one) since launching Cycotherapy in August.
This will be the last email I send you this year. But it won’t be the last you receive — we’re just getting started. So today, we’re looking back a bit, celebrating where we are and looking forward into the new year.
Then & Now
I started this newsletter with no recipients. For a while, my wife and I were the only people getting these emails. And I was OK with that, because I was a bit timid going into this.
Who would read it?
Who would care about an amateur cyclist fanboying about his favorite hobby?
In some ways, I still have those insecurities. But to my surprise, this newsletter has grown into something. I’m still unsure what it is, but it’s clear to me how much people love talking about bikes, their cycling adventures, new tech and videos about bikes and trail advocacy.
Today, Cycotherapy has been visited a total of 3,770 times. Our little corner of the internet has grown from two subscribers to 141 in four months. And we get newcomers every day.
We even have our own merch. Stickers and magnets. (And people actually bought some!?!)
It’s humbling knowing you cycopaths care about these words. But what really gets me going is hearing from you — through emails, in comments, or in person — that you enjoyed something I wrote.
Because that’s really the primary “mission” of Cycotherapy: conquering the fear du jour through bikes and whimsy.
It’s a bonus when I hear that something you read on Cycotherapy inspired you to go out and ride your bike. That’s amazing.
Where We’re Headed
We’re going to continue to talk to cyclists, mechanics, race directors, authors and hobbyist riders about why they love riding bikes. I’m in pursuit of the most complete phrase that describes the joys of cycling. I call it defining the ineffable.
Expect more chat discussions. I’ll ask you questions about all sorts of things related to bikes in the chat room.
I’m currently working on pieces of advice on how to avoid being a butthead while riding your bike. Stay tuned for that.
Essays, and maybe even some more poetry, on riding.
Personal stories about cycling treks.
Photos of bikes.
A Cycotherapy bike build, perhaps? This idea is in the very first iterations … but what if we built a bike together and gave it away to someone in need?
Speaking of first iterations: A Cycotherapy subscriber ride? I’m not sure how this would work, since some of you don’t even live in the U.S. But we’re 23 years into the 21st century … I’m sure we could figure something out.
I’ve got more ideas, but I’ll keep them to myself for now. ;)
Got any ideas? Suggestions? Send ‘em my way: brazdill.25@gmail.com.
If it’s not apparent yet, I’m excited about the future of Cycotherapy. And I’m thrilled you’re here for the ride.
If you haven’t already, please consider sharing this newsletter with your friends who also like riding bikes. Let’s build this thing together.
And if you’re new to Cycotherapy, thanks for being here. We’re glad to have you.
Happy New Year, everyone.
P.S. Stay tuned for Sunday’s email, where I share my Q&A with Trina Ortega, former editor-in-chief of Mountain Flyer Magazine and longtime contributor to the publication based in Colorado.
Good things you’re doing. Grateful for the thoughtfulness. Glad you “started” because that’s the first step. And 🧲s? How did I miss those?
I really appreciate your time and efforts writing. It’s been very enjoyable to read thus far. And I love some of your ideas for the future. But if you do a bike build maybe the steed could be auctioned off for charity. I don’t know, maybe to benefit a local trail organization or possibly a local nonprofit that helps get kids engaged with cycling...one that could use some publicity as it grows. Nothing particular in mind of course. 🙂 Keep up the great work!!