Small Steady Steps, and Big Transformations
“It happens slowly, and then all at once” has been echoing in my mind lately. This reflection came up as our team gathered for lunch in December to celebrate the end of the year. Kyle reminded us of Ernest Hemingway’s famous line from The Sun Also Rises. In the novel, a character is asked how he went bankrupt, to which he replies: “Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.” [fortunately, I’m not writing to you about bankruptcy!]
It’s a reminder of how change unfolds—how the imperceptible shifts of everyday life gradually build until, suddenly, transformation becomes undeniable. This truth has revealed itself in my personal healing journey after a mountain bike crash that required arm surgery this fall, as well as in the steady, patient work of the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition.
When I got surgery on my arm eight weeks ago, progress felt non-existent at first: wiggling my fingers and tapping my pointer finger to my thumb. But last week marked my first full run on the trails since the fall, and this week I was able to slowly xc ski in the snow around town.
Each small movement was a triumph, but it was hard to feel the momentum. Until, one day, it wasn’t. One day, I was running again. Skiing again. And soon, I will be riding again!! I imagine there has been a point in your life where you experienced the same. These “all-at-once” moments that punctuate our steady progress have a way of sneaking up on us.
It’s the same with the Coalition. Forty years of incremental work—of advocacy, trail building, and community weaving—have added up to something extraordinary. Changes happen slowly, often unnoticeable at first, but they accumulate into meaningful action. One day, we’re riding a completed trail system, or celebrating 4,000 hours of weekly trail work. But “one day” is never sudden; it’s gradual. It’s a culmination. It’s a journey that becomes a milestone.
This truth hit me fully as I turned onto Briery Branch Road, heading toward Reddish Knob to catch the winter solstice sunset and reflect on the year. It’s a place I’m so grateful to access and see progress continue with our new Timber/Wolf train enhancements, with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Typically, I appreciate it on foot or bike, but this time felt different.
As fate—and what felt like a fitting metaphor for the year—would have it, I had to pull over halfway up the mountain because of ice on the road. I wouldn’t make it to the overlook for the sunset. But this wasn’t a loss—it was a shift.
As I hiked up the icy road, I reflected on how different this journey was from the ones I’ve taken before. The climb became an adventure: hot cocoa in hand, a bounding, snow-crazed pup by my side, and a joyful slip-and-slide ascent. It wasn’t what I planned, but it was beautiful in its own way.
In 2024, we learned to adapt, to meet ourselves where our resources and opportunities were, and to celebrate what we achieved.
That day, and throughout last month, I kept noticing the slow, steady turning—sure, in the movement of my arm, but every day, in our work that Coalition—progress is always happening, even when it feels imperceptible, whether we notice it or not, whether we like it or not.
But here’s the thing: when we do notice it, we have the chance to celebrate it.
So let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made as individuals and as a community. Let’s celebrate the work of the Coalition, the beauty of our region, and the small victories that add up to profound change.
As we welcome 2025 and wrap up a generous season of giving, we’re grateful for the incredible support we’ve received—from donations, volunteer hours, and countless ways you show up to improving biking and walking in the Valley. Because of you, our trails, schools, and streets are more connected and accessible. But we know there’s still work to do, and if we are being transparent, while we need more financial support to continue to leverage grant funding and upcoming trail builds, there are so many ways to make an impact beyond financial contributions.
This year, we’re inviting you to take action: lead a volunteer event, sign a petition, or help us dream bigger for our community. If there is a past or new event you’d like to champion – please email us! Your involvement is what turns small, steady changes into transformative progress.
Out on these trails, I’m reminded of the privilege it is to connect with this land—on foot, on bike, or simply by observing it. And I’m reminded how much there is to celebrate, if only we take the time to notice.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s keep moving forward—slowly, steadily, and, eventually, all at once.
Amanda Presgraves,
Director of Community Enchantment
