I am from Watertown, South Dakota

and just returned from the first South Dakota Bicycle Summit meeting held in Pierre. I am very excited about being a part of bicycle advocacy in my state and furthering the cause of recreational cycling. Bicycling became a passion for me when I entered my fifties. Like most people, I learned to ride a bike when I was a child. I remember my first bicycle very well. I saved my allowance and birthday money to pay for half of a $30.00 blue Huffy. At that time, my bike was used for transportation to the park, swimming pool, and ice skating rink. It represented freedom and independence! But like most people I abandoned bicycling in my teens when cars were my preferred mode of transportation. I went on to marry, raise a son, and have a career. I was never physically active - AT ALL!  I didn't have time.

Due to health issues experienced by parents, I realized that I needed to start taking care of myself. I joined our local rec. center and began yoga classes, walking on the treadmill, and improving my diet. My cousin, Janet Even, and I were walking side-by-side on the treadmill when she asked me if I would do the Mickelson Trail Trek with her. I agreed before even realizing that it was a three day, 104 mile bike ride in the Black Hills. Little did I know how much my life was about to change.

We bought bicycles - at a bike shop!  Our bikes were Schwinn Explorer comfort bikes. The first revelation was just how much more comfortable they were than previous discount store bikes I had ridden. We had six months to get in shape. We started by just riding around town, and then ventured onto the bike path, and finally road riding around Lake Kampeska. We learned about gearing and gained hill climbing skills. We joined the Watertown bike group on Saturday rides and learned about group riding. In September of 2004 we completed our first Trail Trek. It was the most exhilarating experience of my life and I was hooked on cycling.

The next summer I signed up for one day of Tour De Kota. I rode my very heavy comfort bike 74 miles on that first day. It was my longest ride ever! I learned I needed a more efficient bicycle for road riding. That led me to the purchase of my second bike - A Jamis Coda hybrid bike. I loved the speed and ease of my new bicycle and signed up for the whole week of TDK the next year. I completed my first century - I was so proud of that century patch!  It was inconceivable to me that ANYONE would ride a bicycle 100 miles in one day - certainly not ME!  That was the year I signed up for the luggage service provided by Shuttleguy and met Sonja. I was hooked on touring and graduated up to a road bike - a Jamis Quest. My husband soon joined me and cycling became part of our lives. 

Mary Jean, Kristin (Shuttleguy staff), and Cathy Logue   TDK 2010

We do Tour De Kota every year and use the camping services provided by Shuttleguy. It is truly a luxury camping experience and we enjoy being a part of the Shuttleguy family. We also completed the Shuttleguy Tri State tour and had a wonderful week touring Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. We learned that scenic means hilly but would highly recommend that tour to anyone. We regularly visit Lanesboro, an overnight stop on that tour. It was in Lanesboro that I was able to rent and try out recumbent bikes. 

MJ and her new recumbent

As a result of that trip, I added a Bachetta Giro recumbent bike to my collection and thanks to Shuttleguy was able to ride both my road and recumbent bikes on last year's Tour De Kota. I have reaped the benefits of an active lifestyle - I have lost weight and improved my health and fitness level. I have gained the confidence to try other sports.  I have hiked the Grand Canyon, kayaked on the Missouri River, completed a mini triathlon, and obtained my yoga instructor certification.

I can no longer imagine my life without cycling and am looking forward to more touring with Shuttleguy support in the future.