Goals for 2005?

[SnappyPix]

What are everyone's goals for this year?
Mine are to complete a century in May. My training is being hindered by a combination of bad weather (snow/ice) and time - I'm moving to New Zealand in June and there's so much to do - organising shipping, making sure my bike gets there intact and is instantly good to go :D , and getting rid of a lifetime of hoarding!
I planned to do a 50 miler last weekend, but was scuppered by the weather.

So, what's driving your pedals for this year? Is it time trials, touring, races, or just to simply get out more - and are you on track for achieving them?

[nuthatch]

WOW! Moving to New Zealand sounds like enough of a goal for the year! What a wonderful place to live..

I'm going to go for the MS 150 (75 miles each day). I've never gone over 50 in a day so training is ongoing this spring. I'd also LOVE to do some self-contained overnight trips (with my ultimate goal being running away from home some day ;) ). I sure hope to up my total miles this year and I'd like to find a cycling buddy for those Sunday rides - my guy is a paddler so he's in the water on Sundays.

Thanks for starting this thread, Snappy - it makes me believe spring may really get here!

[MightyMitre]

Hi SnappyPix - so, finally had enough of good old Blighty eh! Don't blame you -N.Z land looks stunning .I also worked with a few Kiwi's last year and they're very laid back and friendly.

Goals for this year... well, Tour of Flanders randonnee again in April. Was aiming for the 90 miler, but picked up a back injury in December so will probably just do the 45 miler instead.

Would like to improve on some of my TT times from last year. Didn't do very many but most of them were Sporting courses rather than the drag strip kind and are good fun.

Will probably do a couple of short Gran Fondo's in Italy but I think my main goal is quite simple - Ride More!

Good Luck with your century training and the move.

[Veronica]

My goals are to put more miles on my bikes per month than I did last year. And to ride up Mount Diablo twice a month.

So far I'm on track. I need 18 more miles this month - easy to do since I commute. And the mountain has been done.

March and April are going to be harder for me mileage wise. I need to do at least 399 mles in March and 373 in April to best last year.

V.

[DeniseGoldberg]

My goals for the year are to return to my normal fitness levels and to touring - both derailed last year after my flip over the handlebars (http://denise2004crash.crazyguyonabike.com) in late May. When springtime finally rolls around I hope to get back to commuting to work by bike 2 or 3 days a week. And although I don't have solid plans yet, I want to do at least 2 solo tours this year. It's likely they will be short - one a long weekend and one somewhere between 1 & 2 weeks. Right now I'm leaning towards dusting off my unused 2004 plans for a long weekend tour in Nova Scotia and a week tour in the Canadian Rockies. Of course there's still plenty of time for me to dream up something completely different. So far I think I'm on track on the fitness front, doing my normal winter indoor exercise supplemented by (fast) walking outside to keep me sane and by riding outside on the weekends when the weather cooperates. (Yes, I'm a baby - can't seem to get myself out on the bike when it's really really cold or when the roads are a mess of salt and snow.)

My hopes are for 2005 to be a great biking year.

[SnappyPix]

Hi SnappyPix - so, finally had enough of good old Blighty eh!

Sort of, it's only a temporary move - 18 months, so some of my babies are going into storage, but taking my road bike with me.

The North-East of England isn't necesarily conducive to cycling, one continuous season (windy, cold, windy, rainy, windy, wet) (did I mention windy?!). Be nice to have a bit of a change. V.jealous of your southern balmy summers!

Spring IS just around the corner, it must be, surely to God!

Good luck to everyone in all their aspirations - looking forward to hearing about them!

[SnappyPix]

...And although I don't have solid plans yet, I want to do at least 2 solo tours this year. It's likely they will be short - one a long weekend and one somewhere between 1 & 2 weeks.

Wow! Hats off to a woman who considers a solo tour of 1-2 weeks a short one! Wish I had the guts! Too much of a wimp to go very far on my own. Good on yer!

Hope that both yourself and Mighty make miraculously speedy recoveries this year - injuries are the curse of the devil! I work with a triathlete who frequently injures himself from over-training (gave himself a nasty sprain on Monday on the ice, so is like a bear with a sore head this week). People who don't train/cycle/exercise don't understand the frustration and think the injured party should enjoy the rest! :eek:

[mommelisa]

Hi, I'm a lurker, but I thought I'd post my goals, too. That way they're in writing and I can't go back on them, right?

I'm a new convert to cycling, but I love it. Its just all the STUFF that is associated with it that makes me nervous :) Coming from a running background where all you need is clothes and a pair of shoes, getting into cycling has been a complete education for me!

This year my plans are to do a couple Olympic distance triathlons. The first in Rocky Point, MX at the end of May, one in Las Vegas in August, and maybe a couple of others if I can find some in my area. In September, I'm running a marathon in France, and then hopefully, hopefully (fingers crossed, toes crossed) if my training goes well, an IM distance triathlon next year.

[MomOnBike]

This year I hope to "ride the year." That is, put 2005 (or more) miles on the bike. Icky weather makes for a slow start, but I'm pretty much on track. If I manage it, this may become one of my traditions.

I'd also like to take a multi-day mini-tour with my husband. I have a lifetime of potential tours in mind, it's just a matter of finding time - and negotiating which tour with DH. I'm also toying with the idea of a solo overnighter - or two.

Closer to home, I want to get up to the opposite corner of the city. Not that there's anything there but an airport, but I've never biked up there and, well, it's there. I've said I'm going for years now, this is the year.

All the above is in preparation for the Vancouver to Key West tour I'm dreaming of. Not this year, but eventually... :rolleyes:

[Melody]

My goals are to lose more weight and generally get more healthy. Unfortunately I have numerous health issues (even had a stroke just before my 28th birthday) so any exercise is good for me. Cycling, however, is _fun_ exercise so I'm most likely to keep it up.

Besides, with my truck being weird, I'm commuting to work :) Nice constant daily exercise. :)

Other than that, to ride lots with my hubby and by the end of the year, do 100 miles in a day (just not all at once :D )

Mel

[Jo-n-NY]

What a great idea for a thread.

My goal also is to ride at least one century. I have continued to train on my trainer as not to have an "off season". I also would like my dh and I to take a mini multi-day tour. Like many of you, just have to juggle everyday life to fit in the cycling time. The light at the end of the tunnel is I don't have to put on my headlights coming home from work. Spring is coming!!!

[jobob]

So if I advertise it, I have greater incentive to do it, right? That's the idea. :D

My first big goal for this year is to start commuting to & from work, a couple of days a week for starters. It's 15 miles each way, eminently do-able. I've run out of excuses so I promised myself I would start next Tuesday, March 1st. Have to admit I'm kind of nervous about the concept of competing with harried distracted commuters for road space. Wish me luck! :eek:

I have all sorts of fun rides planned for this year, including my first (imperial) century at Bike Around the Buttes on April 16. Then there's the Top Hat [hey cruziegirl, come join us!!] where I plan/hope/pray to do the 75 mile. Apart from that, I'd like to get better at climbing hills - I'm really starting to enjoy them in a perverse sort of way, although I'd just as soon go a bit quicker than my current snail's pace - and if the planets line up, maybe even do a 200K before years end.

[snapdragen]

Broker world peace
Colonize the moon
A chicken in every pot

:p

Seriously - I'm taking baby steps this year, as last year's lofty goals crashed and burned.

Cinderella
TopHat (75 miles if the legs are willing)
Holstein Hundred

Pescadero Road to visit the flamingos again

Don't want to set any mileage goals, I'm still considering dumping the bike computer completely. I'm with cruzie on this - time to make cycling fun again.

[cruziegirl]

CruzieGirl are you going to sign up for our Top Hat team? No pressure, but it is a fun group to ride with.

Who do you do your tours with?

Veronica

My sister and I usually do the Top Hat and Waves to Wine rides together so that is essentially "my team". But thanks for the invite.

I do my biking tours with VBT - Vermont Biking Tours (vbt.com). They got hold of my mailing info several years back and sent me a catalog of their rides. I decided "what the hell" and did one in Provence...I've been hooked ever since. There is simply nothing like discovering a country on a bicycle.

[cruziegirl]

That's the idea. :D

My first big goal for this year is to start commuting to & from work, a couple of days a week for starters. It's 15 miles each way, eminently do-able. I've run out of excuses so I promised myself I would start next Tuesday, March 1st. Have to admit I'm kind of nervous about the concept of competing with harried distracted commuters for road space. Wish me luck! :eek:

I have all sorts of fun rides planned for this year, including my first (imperial) century at Bike Around the Buttes on April 16. Then there's the Top Hat [hey cruziegirl, come join us!!] where I plan/hope/pray to do the 75 mile. Apart from that, I'd like to get better at climbing hills - I'm really starting to enjoy them in a perverse sort of way, although I'd just as soon go a bit quicker than my current snail's pace - and if the planets line up, maybe even do a 200K before years end.
I hear you about commuting jitters. That was actually the way I started cycling again and it was definitely daunting. Here is what I learned: #1 Assume the driver has NOT seen you - that's really the best default position to take. #2 Be REALLY visible - so wear clothing that practically glows...it may not be cool but they'll see you. #3 Act like a car including arm signals, pull into the turn lanes, stop at Stop signs etc. That way the drivers know what to expect from you. #4 Don't give in to anger if someone cuts you off or whatever. A 100+ pound woman on a 20+pound bike is not nearly as dangerous as an idiot guy in a 2000 lb car. Just realize that sometimes the idiots will get away with idiotic behavior. Biking is really a lovely way to go to and from work.

[jobob]

Thanks for the encouragement, cruziegirl !


A 100+ pound woman... LOL !! You're my new best friend.

Looking forward to meeting you & your sister at the Top Hat, assuming of course you'd want to be seen in the company of our motley crew. :D

[SnappyPix]

No way, where abouts are you planning on living in NZ? Are you staying for good, or just till you get sick of us :p

I'll be in your neck of the woods - North Shore, currently looking at properties to rent around Takapuna Beach.
Would love to hear what the cycling is like around Auckland/North Shore/North Island?! :)

Oh - and welcome to TE!

[DirtDiva]

Hmmmm...

1) Get fit enough to ride up more hills so that I can ride down them, fast. :D
2) Don't fall off. :eek:
3) Consider investing in better breaks. :rolleyes:

Yeah, that's it for now.

[SnappyPix]

Ride to the top of Diablo (better be cookies there)


And the size of a rear penny farthing wheel!
So many people have mentioned Mt Diablo - it seems like everyone's Nemesis! How much of a ride is it?
And Veronica wants to do it twice a month - crazy lady! :)

[paintgirl]

Got to have a goal. My goal is to commute to work all the way, 4 out of the 5 days. I live 22 miles from work, and last year I would drive to the start of the bike path and commute from there (10 miles) so it was a good 20 miles a day. I have to have a vehicle available at work, tho in the years i have been there haven't needed it. We get a travel allowance, and new manager is being sticky about it. My plan is to drive to work on Monday am with my clothes and cleaning products for the week, and commute all week driving home on Friday. Even talking about riding my bike seems far fetched, snow and cold here for so long. Realistically, mid to end of April before I can start, and will be some pretty chilly mornings in Northern Ontario even then. I am in major bike longing now, looking at new catalogues, reading lots of forums, visiting my bike, talking to it in the garage, trying to stay in shape on trainer, snoshoeing, shovelling snow etc. Hurry spring

[skibum]

Let's see... some of my goals for the year are:

Ride 4000 miles. I can usually do about 100 miles per week April thru Oct. I'm a pretty big wimp other times of the year. Even though it doesn't get that cold in GA, it's too cold for me. I've been trying to get out on nice days on the weekends to do 25-40 miles. Then I get on the trainer a couple of days a week just to stay fit (trainer miles don't count towards my goal though)

Get stronger on the hills. My BF tells me it's just mental, that I am strong, I just approach a hill with the wrong attitude... sort of tense up and think oh no, not another hill instead of relaxing and thinking oh cool, another hill to power up. Gotta work on that.

There's a whole bunch of centuries in easy driving distance around here. I'd like to pick 5-6 to do this year. Also, find a fun one to travel to so I can see another part of the country from the bike.

I took a vacation last year that included bike riding. That was fun! I want one of my vacations this year to be a cycling related trip.

Last, but not least, follow cruziegirl's advice and make sure cycling remains fun. I don't want to become so obsessed with reaching my goals that I forget why I ride in the first place... because there's so much joy in being out on the roads, seeing the sights around you, sometimes enjoying the solitude of a solo ride, sometimes enjoying the company of fellow cyclists.

[Crankin]

Seeing this thread has forced me to actually write down my goals. Well, here in snowy Massachusetts my immediate goal is to be out on the road at least a couple of times before the end of March. After that, I want to ride at least 2500 miles this season. I rode about 1900 last year and i have the summer off, so that's probably do-able. Let's see... learn to change a flat (finally), get better at descending (I'm a wimp), and do at least one or two 75 mile rides. I am going on a six day cycling trip from Prague to Vienna for my 25th anniversary. I want to enjoy this and be able to ride each day without injuries or having to ride in the van! Plus, I want to keep feeling that cycling is fun!!! After a couple of years of working on speed, hills, etc., I feel that I am OK, but I don't want to get to the point that this becomes a job. Plus, I need to find someone to ride with during the day, this summer. My riding partner has a new job and won't be able to ride all the time this year.

[Surlygirl]

Hey Robyn where do you live? There are a bunch of us from Mass. and check the Northeast posts. There was a movement to all meet at some point. Another 6-12 inches of snow tonight. Its hard to set goals when the white stuff never goes away:(. My goal is 1000 this year, depending on weather, kids, and everything else.

[SadieKate]

And the size of a rear penny farthing wheel!
So many people have mentioned Mt Diablo - it seems like everyone's Nemesis! How much of a ride is it?
And Veronica wants to do it twice a month - crazy lady! :)

Weellll, I'm doing this from memory. V can correct me. We started a mile or so outside the north entrance at about 200 ft elevation. The summit is over 3,800 ft and the climb is fairly unremitting. Our route was about a 24 mile round trip. You can read this person's ride report for a pretty good description. Just look for the references to riding the North Gate road to the junction (ranger station) and then on up to the summit. There are some terrific pictures on this site. I think Mt. Diablo and Mt Hamilton (see Jo's reports) are the two biggest road climbs in the Bay Area of northern California. Both V and Jo have posted some beautiful pictures.

Ride Report from Someone (http://www.gsoto.easynet.co.uk/cal_ride1a.htm)

Here's the link to the state park. There is a brochure with a good map. You ever come out this way I suspect you'll have some volunteers to take you up it. Just don't do it during our miserably hot summers.
Mt Diablo State Park (http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=517)

[yellow]

OK, so maybe I'll need to revise my lofty goals. Seems I wasn't quite thinking clearly. Detail:

A. I have all kinds of other things that I want to do, such as backpacking, etc. I need to fit that in as well and I have a limited amount of vacation time available.

B. Will the spouse support this century-a-month habit? Possibly for a couple of months. Especially problematic if we run in to the dog babysitting issue ("who will stay with the dog?? Who gets to ride??").

So, my revised goals are:

1. Ride as much as possible but still maintain balance in other areas of life (for example, if I don't have clean underwear but I really want to ride, I should stay home and do laundry and maybe do a longer ride next time).

2. Remember that Brian loves to ride as much as I do and sometimes we won't be able to ride together (see "dog babysitting issue" under B above), which means that sometimes he'll be the lucky rider and I'll be the lucky ball thrower and dog snuggler.

3. If I'm tired, I will rest.

I think item 3 may be the hardest!!!

y

[pedalfaster]

3. If I'm tired, I will rest.

I think item 3 may be the hardest!!!



So true!

I didn't mean to make light of the subject when I stated my goal to pet a dog on a certain route. I really don't have any *serious* cycling goals this year.

What you said about balance hit home with me. I've been very fortunate in that I've been able to accomplish many of my athletic goals in the past....and I have to say other areas of my life (hellllo careeeeer) have suffered.

So, this year my goals are all pretty much NBR (not bike related).

I'm taking the Zen approach: I ride my bike to ride my bike.

[Crankin]

Hey Robyn where do you live? There are a bunch of us from Mass. and check the Northeast posts. There was a movement to all meet at some point. Another 6-12 inches of snow tonight. Its hard to set goals when the white stuff never goes away:(. My goal is 1000 this year, depending on weather, kids, and everything else.

I live in Boxborough, near Acton/Harvard. Yea, more snow, but it's the last chance to cross country ski. I am going to Vermont tomorrow.

[snapdragen]

B. Will the spouse support this century-a-month habit? Possibly for a couple of months. Especially problematic if we run in to the dog babysitting issue ("who will stay with the dog?? Who gets to ride??").


You could get a trailer and bring the dog with you......

Signed,

The Dog

:D

[Veronica]

So many people have mentioned Mt Diablo - it seems like everyone's Nemesis! How much of a ride is it?
And Veronica wants to do it twice a month - crazy lady! :)

This is my HRM data from my last ride. You can see it's essentially straight up for 10 miles. The flat parts on the graph are places we stopped. I forget what the average grade is. I think it's 5% on the lower half, with at least one section that kicks up to 9%. The upper half is a 7% average I think, with the last one tenth of a mile 17%. It's a pretty ride. When you've finished it, you feel like you've really accomplished something.

I'm hoping this will be the year I talk myself into doing it twice in one day. :D

V.

[SadieKate]

V, it looks like there are 3 lines on this graph. Can you give us a legend? I was reading the brown line as the elevation gain/loss. Wrong?

[Veronica]

Brown is elevation, blue is heart rate, pink is speed.


Here's a picture from Sunday. It was some wild weather up there.

V.

[jobob]

hey waitaminute! You said you averaged under the speed limit on the descent the last time down. Isn't the speed limit 15 mph????

( all together everyone: busss-ted!!! )

- jo "mother hen" bob

[SnappyPix]

This is my HRM data from my last ride. You can see it's essentially straight up for 10 miles. The flat parts on the graph are places we stopped. I forget what the average grade is. I think it's 5% on the lower half, with at least one section that kicks up to 9%. The upper half is a 7% average I think, with the last one tenth of a mile 17%. It's a pretty ride. When you've finished it, you feel like you've really accomplished something.

I'm hoping this will be the year I talk myself into doing it twice in one day. :D

V.

And you only teetered around your max heart rate for the majority of the ride, :eek: shame on you! That's amazing, one stonker of a hill - well done to everyone!
Surprised you didn't do it Lance style, and hop back up and down for good measure?!!

I really enjoyed reading the reports and looking at the photos - you ladies put me to shame and make me want to whip out my lycra and head for those hills!
I've very jealous that you've been able to meet via the forum and go ride together - must be great fun!
It's fun for all of us to read about your exploits, thanks for keeping us involved!

[LBTC]

this is a cool thread. Very inspiring to read all of your goals....and even the non-goals are goals! yay, zen!

my goals all have to do with mountain biking and fitness in general:

1. find a winter sport that I love
check. kickboxing 3 nights a week does it. bum is even a bit smaller and higher already! and I've even made new friends!

2. compete in three races.
Merritt (mid May) is fun fun fun, but I'll be doing the two lap course, so it will be harder than last year was. I should be able to win my category, though...it's a very small race

Test of Metal (mid June) scares the bejeezuz out of me. I'm on the wait list, but likely to get into the race. My friend and riding partner did it in 6 hours last year. I hope to do sub 5.

Barking Spider year end race (late September) too much fun race with all the ride regulars. with any luck there will be another girl racing this year so I don't have to be first AND last.

3. develop a ladies racing team....with the goal of a ladies 24 hour team at Whistler in 2006. My husband is on a champion team from last year that will compete again this year. He and his bike shop buddy from Barking Spider are talking about doing the team captaining, organizing and bike mechanic-ing for the all-girl's team next year. I want us to be strong contenders which ought to put us on or near the podium. the more we ride and train, the stronger we'll be, the better we'll do and still have fun. yahoo! I've got my girls together, we just need to get our 3 rides a week organized.

4. keep kickboxing during biking season. one night a week. woah

5. ride with the guys without it being a big deal. I accomplished this last year and hope they haven't out-improved me this year!!

6. to accomplish all of that, ride way more road rides! at least one a week early in the season - and way more hill climbing on the road

The tough part is balancing this against my other passion....photography. Since I love taking pics of flowers and bugs and birds and critters, I take tons of pictures in the summer, so I usually miss out on commuting rides as I opt to walk in order to take pictures. It's handy that there are 2 border collies to walk daily. They don't seem to mind much when I stop and take pictures along the way, thankfully! And then there's all that darned adult stuff....paying bills, doing laundry, food preparation, and we've got to completely redo our back yard to prevent flooding again during the next super fast crazy thaw! Can you say many many dollars and lots of time? Oh, right and add to that support for the men's 24 hour team, support for the sister-in-law at one marathon, and creating photo cards to sell at a local shop. hmmmmmmmmmmm Could I opt for independent wealth so I don't have to work full time? If I didn't give up that 45 hours of work and commuting a week, I could get WAY more riding in!!

Here's to us all achieving the goals we really need to!! Have fun, everybody. Enjoy the journey!

Namaste,
~T~

[DirtDiva]

I think what is in order is a few more hours in the day (that can only be used for fun stuff and sleeping)! Would make my life a lot simpler at the moment, that's for sure! Am insanely busy. I leave for the UK in 17 days and between now and then I have to fit in 6 more days at work, getting two wisdom teeth out, selling my car, sorting out some financial bits and pieces, not to mention seven rehearsals and a concert (St. Matthew Passion, if anyone was interested)! I get the feeling the fun stuff and the sleeping are really going to suffer over the next couple of weeks....

Hmm, I need to add a more imediate goal:

Just get out and ride! I mean, I won't even have a bike once I get to the UK... :eek:

[nuthatch]

I leave for the UK in 17 days

Now wait a minute, tlkiwi, you are moving to the UK and snappypix is moving to NZ? Are you guys trading houses? Maybe snappy would leave a bike behind for you! :D BTW, are you a vocalist or do you play an instrument?

LBTC, you are speaking for most, if not all, of us! All those nagging chores really get in the way of the important things in life. My other outdoor pursuit is the garden and it's going to start calling me just when the weather gets right for taking my bike outside! Of course, hungry children, whining dogs, dirty floors are all waiting like a Greek chorus in the background! :p The ladies racing team sounds very exciting - good luck!

[mtnbikenmama]

It's hard to not get too ambisious and not keep it simple. But I'll try.

#1 Finish loosing the weight. This requires finding what works for me. I loose weight really easily on a high protein diet, but I bonk almost every ride :( . And long consistant rides & hitting the gym 3xw.

#2 I'd like to do my 1st race. Hopefully at WOW in Big Bear if they have the event this year.

#3 Get my kids out on the trails 3xw. The boys live to mtb. We have a nice beginner trail close and I have been taking them when the weather co-operates.

#4 KEEP IT FUN :p

Good luck everybody!
donna

[DirtDiva]

Now wait a minute, tlkiwi, you are moving to the UK and snappypix is moving to NZ? Are you guys trading houses? Maybe snappy would leave a bike behind for you! :D BTW, are you a vocalist or do you play an instrument?Heh - I'm living with Mum and Dad again at the moment to make the saving for travel easier, and I bet her bikes are better than my solitary entry-level machine. Would hardly be a fair trade. :o

I'm a member of a chamber choir made up of mostly 18-30 year olds. I used to play the oboe, but I haven't for four or five years now. Sometimes I miss it, but I'd got to that point where you have to commit to doing a lot of practice and becoming genuinely good, so, although I continued for a couple more years just for fun, I eventually gave it away. I played the piano when I was a kid, but I gave it up when I got to high school. I was never that great, most likely because I hardly ever practiced. :rolleyes: Oh, and I taught myself to play the recorder when I was about seven (my brother had a book). :D

And now to get vaguely back on topic, I did go out for a ride today, and I reckon I can get another in on Tuesday evening. That, however, will be it (aside from the getting from A to B type rides) for the forseeable future. :(

[SnappyPix]

My baby's going with me, I'm afraid - already fretting about it arriving safe and sound! Might have to ship it soon though, so parting's gonna be such sweet sorrow! :(

[Susan126]

This winter (October through present) has not been a good one for me. Unbelievable that it will be March this week! So time to get off my duff and start riding! Road . . . Mountain! 2005 here I come! :)

[LBTC]

Go, Susan, go!! 2005 is the woman's year of cycling. or so I have dubbed thee. heehee

Namaste,
~T~

[jobob]

My first big goal for this year is to start commuting to & from work, a couple of days a week for starters. It's 15 miles each way, eminently do-able. I've run out of excuses so I promised myself I would start next Tuesday, March 1st. Have to admit I'm kind of nervous about the concept of competing with harried distracted commuters for road space. Wish me luck! :eek: I did it!! :D

I set out from home around 6:45 and made it into work at 7:50, a very good pace for me, it's a bit over 15 miles. The early part of the ride just before the Dumbarton bridge was into a bit of a headwind and I felt like cr*p, I've discovered it takes me about 5-10 miles to warm up and get into my stride, and I think I sapped a lot of my energy early on simply from the anxiety & excitement of finally doing the commute. So, heading towards the bridge on the bumpy access road I felt like I was crawling and I was seriously questioning my sanity for doing this. Then, once I got over the bridge and onto the smoothly-paved bike route on the other side, a conveniently located wait at a stoplight (which gave me a chance to relax and recharge) and an even more conveniently located direction change which got me out of the brunt of the wind, my energy came back, my speed nearly doubled and I felt like I was flying along the bay. The last couple of miles through an industrial area really wasn't bad at all, that was a part I was dreading. All through a hectic day at work I had this little self-satisfied smile on my face ...

It was a mad dash for me to head out for home before 5, I wasn't too keen on riding too much past sunset (although I do have lights), and heavy rain was predicted for the evening and it was already looking mighty threatening out. Lee had offered to come pick me up but I wanted to see if I could go the distance. So off I went, smack into the the gusty wind, but once again that same conveniently located direction change (this time just before the bridge) was my best friend, and I rode over the bridge and most of the way home with the wind at my back, yee-hah. I got home a bit before 6, just as it was getting dark, and the rain came down in buckets about 20 minutes later (whew).

I had almost bailed out on this because for one reason or another I'll need to drive into work for the remainder of the week, and I'm away on a business trip for most of next week, so I was wondering what was the point of starting this now if I can't resume for at least another week? ... but I promised myself I'd start on March 1, so dagnabit, I did.

It'll be a lot easier for me as the days get longer, I'll have less of the mad dash at the end of the day, that was the only really difficult part.

Just thought I'd share my little personal victory :D

- Jo.

[Veronica]

Yay! Good job Jo. Sometimes I envy those of you with real bike commutes and a place to shower. Although when it's pouring I'm mighty glad my ride is short.

So when are you doing it again?

V.

[Susan126]

Go, Susan, go!! 2005 is the woman's year of cycling. or so I have dubbed thee. heehee

Namaste,
~T~

Thank you! My body is protesting a bit too much but I am sticking with it. I am off to a good start too. My husband and I rode last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Friday and Sunday mountain biking and Saturday a nice road ride! Oh it feels so wonderful being back on my bikes again after a long long long winter without them! :D Ain't spring grand?!!!

[cruziegirl]

[QUOTE=jobob]I did it!! :D

Good on you, Jo! Sounds like you've made a great start to commuting...the hardest part is the first ride. And that little self-satisfied smile we get to wear all day long helps a lot :cool:

[Melody]

Jo, congrats! :) I'm commuting in the morning to the shuttle and take the shuttle in, but I ride all the way back. My problem is I just don't seem to have alot of energy first thing in the morning. I don't normally eat breakfast, but I try to have a banana or something before I head out. I really need to eat more first thing. :/

Susan, I know what it feels like to have your body protest. ;) But I've been commuting daily to and from work. (see above). Though I drove on Monday and Tuesday because I had interviews.

I did notice that when I went from platform pedals to clipless (SPD), my muscles were pretty sore. I was working some that have never had this kind of exercise before. :eek: But, that soreness is finally gone. :D Being able to take a day or so off (I did a short 3 mile ride on Tuesday) really helped after riding non-stop for 15 days :)

Congrats to both of you!

Mel

[Jdimson]

My goals are to put more miles on my bike. I'm also testing out adding some variety to my workouts with running. We'll see how long it lasts and if I can become as addicted to running as I am to riding.

[LBTC]

Way to go, JO!!! wahooo!! Great description, too! Yup, my 5 minute bike commute doesn't compare (and hasn't started yet due to the ice on the trail....although I could make it a 10 minute commute and go by road)....and I know what you mean about having to drive for this reason or that reason, and what a relief it will be when the days get longer!! That first ride is such a challenge: did I bring all the stuff I need? will I get to work in time? will I get home before dark? will a big truck try to run me over? and once it's done, such satisfaction!! You rock, girl!!

Namaste,
~T~

[nuthatch]

YAH, Jobob! Welcome to commuterville - what a wonderful way to start and end the day! Be careful, now..

[LBTC]

Wahoo Susan! 3 rides on the weekend is fabulous!!! your body will definitely get used to it! no question! You're all so inspiring! I almost wish I wasn't going away for the weekend....it's okay, though. It all starts again next week! yahoo!!!

Keep it going, and keep telling us how you're doing! I love this checking in thing!!...

Namaste,
~T~

[jobob]

....and I know what you mean about having to drive for this reason or that reason, and what a relief it will be when the days get longer!! That first ride is such a challenge: did I bring all the stuff I need? will I get to work in time? will I get home before dark? LOL! You mind reader! I was laying awake part of the night agonizing over this & that - don't forget the underwear, that sort of thing...


...will a big truck try to run me over? THAT very nearly happened! Two blocks away from work, there's a wonky intersection where I cannot negociate the turn from the road (I'll not bore you with the details) so I pressed the walk signal to get across. The lights all turn red, the walk signal lights up, I just began to push off to roll into the intersection, and along comes this big-@ss truck barrelling thru the red light and across the intersection :eek:. I had no problem stopping in time, but I'm thinking "@$%#$%#, I rode all this way to get squashed with 2 blocks to go??? I don't THINK so!" :p

[CorsairMac]

My goals are to put more miles on my bike. I'm also testing out adding some variety to my workouts with running. We'll see how long it lasts and if I can become as addicted to running as I am to riding.

Good Luck JD. I run at night when I get home from my bike commute. I've done both for years and can't imagine doing without either one!

*insert applauding emoticon here*
Congrats Jo-I Knew you could-Bob! Sounds like you have quite the adventure and fun all at the same time! Wait til it reaches the point where you lay in bed and try to figure out how to do all the things you need to do the next day without your vehicle! Like today, I drove but gosh darn I spent several hours last night looking at maps and pouring over trails trying to figure out how to make my appt on my bike! :D Keep up the good work!

[yellow]

I thought it was a good time to bump this up. I was up against one of my goals this weekend and it made me think of this thread.

My update:
I had originally planned out all of my rides for my century of the month plan thusly:
March-Solvang, CA
April-Wildflower, Chico, CA
May-3 State Challenge, starting in TN
June-choice between Sierra Century, America's Most Beautiful, and Comstock, all in eastern CA

So I did Solvang and Chico and ended up not going to TN as my friend there couldn't have me to vist just then. If I'd had my act together, I'd have done the Wine Country (NO, NOT Lodi!). Ah well, what's a girl to do?

Ride one on her own (or with friends). So today Brian and I did a "metric" century plus--78 miles--with about 9000' of climbing. Ouch. My local buds all bailed. But it was a great ride and we saw a whole lot of the county we live in!

And for June I'm signed up to do the Sierra Century. Not sure about my July goal...

'kay, fess up!

y

[LBTC]

My goals for 2005 got floated away with one little bout of sickness after another. *sigh*

It wasn't that much. Merrit Cow Trail Classic in May (35+ km of sweet mountain biking) and Test of Metal in Squamish in June (approx. 5 hours of mountain biking). blast.

There's only one little race at the end of September....my buddies' shop race - should be between 1 1/2 hours and 2 hours of fun fun mountain biking. Last year I was the only girl, but I'm hoping for 6 this year (and, yes, I'd still like to kick their collective butts! heehee)

so, June begins with training season starting all over again. Going a bit lighter, increasing a bit slower, and hopefully not getting sick anymore!!

next?
~T~

[Veronica]

I missed my mileage goal for April. I've still got a day to get May's. But focusing on miles has kind of made riding not so much fun. So I may kick that goal out. I'd like to be doing more mountain biking than I have been- which means fewer miles.

We have done Diablo twice a month though.

V.

[LBTC]

I'd like to be doing more mountain biking than I have been- which means fewer miles.

How about making those mountain bike miles count as double? Or at least 1 1/2??

:p

Wouldn't it be great to have fun AND reach your goals??

~T~

[SadieKate]

I missed my mileage goal for April. I've still got a day to get May's. But focusing on miles has kind of made riding not so much fun. So I may kick that goal out. I'd like to be doing more mountain biking than I have been- which means fewer miles.
So, does a ride on Mt. Tam work? :)