This July will mark seven years since I joined One Wealth Advisors—and, quite serendipitously, seven years since I began cycling in earnest. What started as a casual hobby has evolved into something much more, thanks to my circle of San Francisco friends and colleagues who seemed to eat hills and rip off 50-mile rides for breakfast.
I had always ridden a bike, of course, and even owned a decent one. But up until then, riding was just a way to get from point A to B. Living in Philadelphia for the prior 20 years meant almost no hills, shorter rides, and no concept of what “climbing” really meant. That all changed the day I went on my first proper ride with Jonathan Steele—whom many of you know. Jonathan took me straight up Twin Peaks – a trial by fire. I made it to the top, eventually, but only after several long breathers, and a bit of internal strife.
Fast forward to last week: I completed my longest ride ever—85 miles—and climbed over 5,100 feet in one day, part of a seven-day 350 mile – known colloquially as 563K “Tour de France” (it actually was in France) with five friends who are all stronger cyclists than I am. Honestly, I felt very strong at times during the week but overall, still was the weakest of the group – no shame though, these guys are beasts on bikes. But I’ve realized something along the way: trying to keep up with stronger riders has made me stronger. Last year, we did a similar multi-day and shorter ride on gravel. This year, the climbs were longer, the days tougher—and yet I made it.
How did I get here? One ride at a time. Along the way, I’ve lost a few pounds, solved a persistent and painful cramping issue that used to plague me around mile 40, and learned to push through the physical and mental barriers. I’ve accepted that I might never be the fastest, but I am absolutely getting better and stronger – better than last year and the year before. And I plan to be better still next year.
I don’t share this story to pat myself on the back although perhaps I deserve a small one. Rather, this is a reflection on growth—especially the kind that can still happen as we get older. I can’t stop my hair from graying (I’ve given up trying), but I can make myself stronger, more resilient, and more consistent. Improvement isn’t about sudden and magical transformation; it’s about steady progress and showing up to work every day, even when it’s hard; sometimes really hard. And even when it feels like no progress is being made, or perhaps there has even been some regression, incrementally, each day is a small victory.
Whether in fitness, career, or personal life, one lesson is universal: meaningful growth happens one day and one ride at a time.
