2 mile challenge

Several people either on my way home or once I got home from Colorado, sent me messages wondering to what depths my post trip depression had risen to. I too had thought about the impending return to pancake flat Michigan, the fact that I couldn't run/hike in the mountains, and etc, but it also gave me time for reflection. A friend of mine said every time he went to the mountains or on an epic trip it changed him. I am inclined to agree because while in Colorado, both Dirrty Girl and I talked of how we should be "greener" as it seemed to be more integrated into the culture we saw in Colorado and the type of lifestyle we want to model for our children. Henceforth, the 2 mile challenge.


Clif Bar is promoting the 2 mile challenge on the premise that 40% of urban travel in the US is less than 2 miles per trip. Why not hop on your bike for some (or all) of those short jaunts about town, and save the atmosphere the hassle of dealing with your carbon emissions -- there's already too much to go around. Furthermore, America owns close to the most bicycles per capita, but is close to the bottom of the list when it comes to using them.


Seems pretty simple and something doable, since we live close to downtown Royal Oak, and many of our trips this summer have been by foot or bike. This week however, we have made a much more conscious effort to use our bikes.

Places ridden this week:

1. To local track for dirrty girl to get in some 1/2 marathon prep. little dirt dawg and dirrty feather ran a little and played on the infield. Note: bring soccer ball next time

2. Grocery shopping..only 2 bags worth will fit in Doodlebug with kids

3. Beauty treatment: eyebrow and laser...not me

4. Presidential election volunteer gig....dirrty girl

5. Kickball tournament.... sadly Double Duece bowed out after a valiant effort

6. Obligatory green cruise during the Dream Cruise

When all is said and done for the week, approximately 38 miles covered bi-pedal and just over 3 hours not stuck in a car nor emitting harmful poisons into the air. May not be much, but it is a start.