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It’s Time

05.17.2015 by Ray Niekamp // 55 Comments

It’s been awhile in coming, but I have finally concluded it’s time. This is the end of Bike Noob.

I’ve enjoyed writing the blog over the last seven years, watching the page views rise, and fall, and rise again. I’ve gotten to vicariously know some of you from your comments on my posts.

But lately, I’ve been less than enthusiastic when I realize it’s time to write another post. I’ve stockpiled ideas, and pulled them out when I needed them, although more often than not, the blog is a reflection of what I’m thinking about at the time I write it. When I started, I had a plan to post three times a week — Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. I stuck to that plan for longer than I thought possible. But sometime in about 2013, I fell out of that routine. Missed a post? Not a big deal — you can write one tomorrow.

Except that when tomorrow came, I’d be in the same blase state as the previous day. Lately, I’ve been going a week without posting anything new. It’s really bad when I go more than a week without posting anything.

But lots of blogs don’t post on a regular basis. I’ve got several of them bookmarked in my feed reader. I wonder if they’ve abandoned their blogs without taking note of the fact. Then, lo and behold, one of them will write something — and disappear for another several months. I don’t want to do that. First of all, the rewards disappear. Page views plummet when new posts don’t appear regularly. I suspect bloggers who put up something every day — even if it’s not really worth putting up — have more traffic than I do. I know I have more traffic than folks who don’t post for weeks on end.

I’ve been able to keep this blog going because of some wonderful help from two guest posters — Jeff Hemmel and Don Blount. Jeff’s a freelance writer from Florida, and Don is a newspaper editor in California. They both started out as noobs like me, but unlike me, they both made rapid and substantial progress in their biking. Their contributions have kept Bike Noob around longer than it would have been otherwise.

I’ve watched my biking evolve over the past few years. Century rides don’t appeal to me anymore, but I love rides in the country of 30-45 miles. I used to train to get faster. Now, I couldn’t care less about that. It’s more about the ride than about the records. I discovered mountain biking — something I ignored for years, but when I tried it, found it to be tons of fun. I don’t worry about the weather anymore — if it’s raining, like it was this morning, I just find something else to do.

I’ve even been getting back to the basics of biking, as they were before MAMILS crowded the roads. I’ve been riding in cargo shorts, with (horrors!) cotton socks. They don’t get saturated with sweat, not by a long shot. I forgot my helmet the other day, and just kept going. Heck, when I was a kid, I’d ride my bike everywhere, and never wear a helmet.

Well, anyhow, all of those things put together have convinced me it’s time to pull the plug. Keep on pedaling, keep the rubber side down. I’ll still be on the roads and trails with you — you just won’t be hearing about it from me any more.

[UPDATE: While the author has stepped away, the blog will continue. Read more…]

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Comments

  1. helodrvr says

    May 17, 2015 at 11:20 pm

    Ray, Thank you so much for the extended effort! I have enjoyed the ride!

    Mel Hughes
    Sparta, TN

    Reply
    • Bike Noob says

      May 18, 2015 at 10:55 pm

      Thanks, Mel. I think you and I approach biking from similar mind sets.

      Reply
  2. fossilcyclist says

    May 18, 2015 at 1:09 am

    Cheers for the time & effort. I only ever set out to do a blog a week at best so maybe that will help keep me going longer? All the best and enjoy those rides!

    Reply
    • Bike Noob says

      May 18, 2015 at 10:56 pm

      I’m counting on you to keep me entertained!

      Reply
  3. John edmund Hirst says

    May 18, 2015 at 3:12 am

    Well I am really sorry to here about that. I have looked forward to your blogs ever since I discovered them while deciding to take up cycling more seriously. Living in Blackpool Lancashire UK it gave me a different view of the world. A bit like a peep hole into the country side around where you live. All the best for the future John

    Reply
    • Bike Noob says

      May 18, 2015 at 10:57 pm

      Thanks, John. I read British blogs for the same reason.

      Reply
  4. Tony says

    May 18, 2015 at 4:28 am

    Since you have blogged longer than the five years I have into it, I probably can’t give you any valuable advice on quitting or not. However, that doesn’t seem to be stopping me. I am 75 and feel that in some way my blog sustains me. Unlike you, I write about health which is more pressing than just riding a bike, although biking happens to be one of the keys to my own good health. So there is a similarity. Maybe you just need a break. I have to believe that you are going to miss blogging before very long. In any event, good luck. I have enjoyed sharing the road with you.

    Reply
    • Bike Noob says

      May 18, 2015 at 10:59 pm

      Tony, I read your stuff regularly, I just have too many other things going on right now. Will I come back? Too soon to tell.

      Reply
  5. johnt says

    May 18, 2015 at 5:19 am

    I appreciate all the info over the years.

    Reply
    • Bike Noob says

      May 18, 2015 at 11:00 pm

      Are we ever going to ride together again?

      Reply
  6. Bryan says

    May 18, 2015 at 5:45 am

    Sorry to see you go but totally understand as my blog is a good example of ones you describe. I’m reluctant to just let it go though as I hope to be able to return to it on a regular basis. Anyway, you’ll be missed. Thanks for the inspiration and support over the years.

    Reply
    • Bike Noob says

      May 18, 2015 at 11:04 pm

      Hang in there, Bryan. I’ve suffered from much the same ups and downs as you. Right now, biking is on an up, even if blogging isn’t.

      Reply
  7. gparrGary says

    May 18, 2015 at 6:45 am

    Sorry it’s come to an end but I understand. Have always enjoyed your posts and thank you for all that you’ve shared.

    Reply
    • Bike Noob says

      May 18, 2015 at 11:05 pm

      Thank you for sticking with me and commenting, Gary.

      Reply
  8. Dan In Iowa says

    May 18, 2015 at 7:55 am

    Blogs are just one way to express ourselves! At times, I’ve found that it’s nearly narcissistic for me. That’s not always a bad thing, but I do think about that when I write. WHY am I writing.
    The point is to LIVE! That doesn’t mean we have to tell everyone about it! Thanks for the ride!

    Dan

    Reply
    • Bike Noob says

      May 18, 2015 at 11:06 pm

      Are you planning to resume anytime soon? You’re in my feed reader.

      Reply
  9. folksnake says

    May 18, 2015 at 8:08 am

    Thanks for all the good stuff over the past few years. I’ve really enjoyed it–and as someone who has tried to blog and found I lacked the discipline to do it regularly, your comments hit home. Have fun, and thank you!

    Reply
    • Bike Noob says

      May 18, 2015 at 11:09 pm

      Thanks much. Always looked forward to your comments.

      Reply
  10. Ray Garza says

    May 18, 2015 at 9:08 am

    It was always fun to read your blog and the adventures cycling took you. Sad to see that you are hanging up the keyboard. Perhaps you can reimage your blog to a monthly or bi-monthly format or be a guest blogger for someone!

    Either way, best of luck to you and keep on pedaling.

    Reply
    • Bike Noob says

      May 18, 2015 at 11:10 pm

      Thanks, Ray. Keep us posted on happenings in the Valley.

      Reply
  11. David Hood says

    May 18, 2015 at 10:35 am

    Thanks for your posts! I always found something I could relate to or learn from in your blogs. Sorry to see it go away. All the best in whatever lies ahead!

    Reply
    • Bike Noob says

      May 18, 2015 at 11:10 pm

      On the plus side, there’s plenty of good info to be had out there.

      Reply
  12. Paul in CA says

    May 18, 2015 at 10:42 am

    I too am sorry to see you go. Thanks so much for the great information and good humor, and best wishes from a fellow noob.

    Reply
    • Bike Noob says

      May 18, 2015 at 11:12 pm

      Thank you, and good riding to you.

      Reply
  13. Steve says

    May 18, 2015 at 11:03 am

    Thanks for your effort. I appreciated all of the information and entertainment over the last several years.

    Reply
    • Bike Noob says

      May 18, 2015 at 11:12 pm

      Thank you, sir.

      Reply
  14. Kevin Glynn (@Ovasi) says

    May 18, 2015 at 1:55 pm

    Bon Voyage. If you ever find yourself in Seguin…

    Reply
    • Bike Noob says

      May 18, 2015 at 11:13 pm

      Been on the outskirts. I’ll have to get into the city limits at some point.

      Reply
  15. RamonH says

    May 18, 2015 at 2:56 pm

    Your blog was very influential into turning me into the cyclist I am today. I would always look forward to reading weekend ride recaps, the always-engaging CO2 vs. pump debates, and the new adventures you would partake in. The “I’m always learning something new” tagline always resonated with me because even after all these years on the bike, there is still one thing we can say for sure when it comes to cycling: we are all still noobs. Thank you for those conversations through email and in person, whenever I would end up in your neck of the woods and whilst riding the veloway together. I wish you the best in whichever endeavor you decide to partake next. Keep on riding.

    Reply
    • Bike Noob says

      May 18, 2015 at 11:17 pm

      Amigo, I think you can ride circles around me now. But if you’re around here again, let me know, and I’ll do what I can to keep up.

      Reply
  16. Mountainstroh (Tony) says

    May 18, 2015 at 4:12 pm

    It’s been fun pal

    Reply
    • Bike Noob says

      May 18, 2015 at 11:17 pm

      Back atcha!

      Reply
  17. capejohn says

    May 19, 2015 at 4:39 am

    It’s too bad your leaving. My opinion is that you have evolved with your easy rides and off road rides. The club hammerheads only have their power ratings and Strava stats. Riders like you have adventures to talk about.

    We will miss your writing but also know you will keep riding.

    Reply
    • Bike Noob says

      May 19, 2015 at 7:30 am

      I will definitely keep riding.

      Reply
  18. Cathy Chapaty says

    May 19, 2015 at 4:47 am

    Just now stumbled on your blog. Well, at least I have plenty of archived posts to keep me reading. Pedal on, brother.

    Reply
  19. Bike Noob says

    May 19, 2015 at 7:30 am

    Seven years’ worth. Happy reading!

    Reply
  20. Don says

    May 19, 2015 at 1:35 pm

    Nice to see a number of people wish you well, Ray. It shows how much your work was appreciated. It is not easy to sit down several times a week and “poof!” create something others want to read and return to time and again. Thank you for your work.

    Reply
    • Bike Noob says

      May 19, 2015 at 2:24 pm

      WordPress informs me that this post has set a new Bike Noob record for the number of “likes.” I don’t know whether to be flattered or offended.
      Please stay in touch, Don. I’ve enjoyed hearing about your rehab and your cycling goals.

      Reply
  21. Kirby Reese says

    May 19, 2015 at 3:26 pm

    So much fun reading of your adventures, trials, and tribulations. I will miss your down to earth talks

    Reply
    • Bike Noob says

      May 19, 2015 at 9:56 pm

      Thank you.

      Reply
  22. pat says

    May 19, 2015 at 4:28 pm

    Ray, I will miss reading your blog every week.
    It is my favorite bike blog and really helped me when i got back into
    biking in 2010. I hope you turn the posts into a book after you retire?
    We should go MTbing soon when the trails dry up.

    Reply
  23. Bike Noob says

    May 19, 2015 at 9:56 pm

    My schedule is wide open until June 1. Email me.

    Reply
  24. Bill W says

    May 20, 2015 at 10:24 am

    We have enough “need to do” things in our lives, and when a “want to do” turns into the former, it’s time to let something go. I learned a lot about cycling and life in general from your blog. Your great ride descriptions allowed your readers to participate with you vicariously. Thanks for the rides, and the best of luck to you!

    Reply
    • Bike Noob says

      May 20, 2015 at 10:31 pm

      Bill, you were an early reader of Bike Noob, and I enjoyed the communications we had. All the best.

      Reply
  25. Darrell says

    May 20, 2015 at 7:23 pm

    I haven’t been following your blog very long, but I have enjoyed reading of your cycling adventure and such. Sorry to see it end, but I know better things await you down the road. God Bless.

    Reply
  26. Bike Noob says

    May 20, 2015 at 10:32 pm

    Darrell, I’ve enjoyed your comments on my posts. Enjoy the humid summer riding coming your way.

    Reply
  27. rodderemer says

    May 21, 2015 at 2:04 pm

    Wow, I had to get at the back of a long line to post here. I’ve enjoyed reading you as my parents spent their retirement years in Austin and I have two brothers still living in the area. Plus, I too, can identify with being a noob. Perhaps your rides will now be even more carefree.

    Reply
    • Bike Noob says

      May 21, 2015 at 2:33 pm

      Carefree? Hope so. But in this fast-growing town, I doubt it. Lately, my awareness is heightened when I’m on the bike.

      Reply
  28. justjon says

    May 24, 2015 at 9:06 pm

    As far as enjoying the ride is concerned, i gave up on the strava thing almost as soon as i started. I also gave up on the high intensity pace line rides just as quick. Why would i spend my time looking at the @&$ in front of front of me and miss seeing the rest of the world? So i can absolutely relate to that carefree aspect! As for the end of the bikenoob blog, well sir, i agree that life is too short to chain ourselves down to unnecessary “chores” and if the blog has become one for you, then im absolutely in your corner! But MAN! I sure will miss your adventures and your perspective! Be safe out there and have fun!

    Reply
    • Bike Noob says

      May 29, 2015 at 8:42 am

      Thank you. I plan to.

      Reply
  29. Cthefog says

    May 25, 2015 at 10:13 pm

    Thank you Bike Noob for your unpretentious cycling blog -a rare find. I especially liked the stories that involved Mrs. Noob and shared those ones with my wife.

    Reply
    • Bike Noob says

      May 29, 2015 at 8:43 am

      I don’t think she’ll miss it — she always hated being called Mrs. Noob.

      Reply
  30. Jeff says

    May 29, 2015 at 3:27 pm

    Looked forward to a new post for many years. Congratulations on a great run, and thanks for letting me be a small part of it. Highlight will still be meeting up in Austin and riding the hill country. Enjoy your bike without worrying about the next post!

    Reply
  31. John Romano says

    May 31, 2015 at 9:03 am

    Thank you Ray for sharing your adventures with us I will miss your posts!
    Good luck and best wishes.

    Reply
  32. Scott Jangro says

    June 1, 2015 at 7:43 am

    Best wishes to Ray, and thanks for trusting your creation to me and allowing me to keep it going…
    https://bikenoob.mystagingwebsite.com/2015/06/01/bikenoob-2-0/

    Reply

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