2013 Riding Goals

[Catrin]

I've been thinking about this, and I've decided a few things. One of which is I don't HAVE to ride solo all of the time. It is so very easy to fall into that habit as I can ride out of my apartment to country roads. The problem with THAT is I never really change up my route this way and I start getting bored.

So THIS year I am going to make a decided effort to attend more of the great many (and free) organized rides on the north side of Indy. I've already started making plans. I've a bike rack and I am going to use it for something other than mountain biking in Brown County! Not that the latter is bad, mtb riding is just off my plate at this time. I am resisting the urge to come up with a target number of miles I want to ride this year - targets like that are too easy for me to get a bit overly focused on. Instead, I am going to focus on participating in group rides and just having fun. I have the sneaking suspicion that this will help me increase my overall miles for the year, we will see!

So do you have different goals this year? Any plans to change your approach to riding in general?

[Crankin]

Sigh, on the day I was going to go on my first outdoor ride of the season, but it didn't happen.
Basically, ride more than last year (about 300 miles more) and do more longer (50-100 mile) rides.
Do a century. It doesn't have to be an organized one.
Ride with Hirakukibou on a weekly basis again.
Lead at least one more ride than the 2 I am doing this spring.
And get to at least 5 Wednesday Wheeler rides.

[Owlie]

My two real goals for the year is to try some off-road riding, and ride more with people from work. Any more than that, I can't say, since my knee isn't fully cooperative yet, I have to finish my thesis before July, and there's a cross-country move in late July or early August.

[indysteel]

I'm struggling with this. Last year started with a bang when we did the White Rim Tour in 3 days, but we don't have anything big like that planned. In fact, we're even skipping the Horsey Hundred this year (at least I think we are), and that's the ride that normally gets me in good road biking shape. So, I'm at a bit of a loss. I think DH and I need to identify some event to motivate us; I just don't knwo what it will be.

I definitely want to continue mountain biking, hopefully with a bit less anticipatory anxiety. I'd like to do a few more group/club rides myself, too. But beyond that, I dunno. I'm curious to see if any of the increased fitness I've gained over the winter will translate onto the bike. Frankly, I mostly just want to stick to my current routine and work biking into it rather than the other way around.

[Catrin]

I hear you Indy. I do want to ride, but I don't want to change my other activities too much, though I will drop my Sunday workouts for the season. I guess that I am seeking balance in my activities, and I also want to do some hiking as well this year. Basically, I want to add a more social component to my riding.

Sorry to hear about the Horsey, I know both of you enjoy that ride. If you do skip this year then perhaps that will make it more fresh next year?

[Jolt]

I'd like to do some day-trip rides in other parts of the state, to explore some new places. Maybe even try a weekend tour. The Bicycle Coalition of Maine has links to some rides that sound really good, some of which aren't unreasonably far from where I live. I am also hoping to get involved with the rides the local bike co-op does for local kids during the summer, and maybe get some going just for girls (currently our organization doesn't have a girls-only program, but one a few towns over does and it has been pretty successful in getting more girls on bikes which is always a good thing).

[indysteel]

I hear you Indy. I do want to ride, but I don't want to change my other activities too much, though I will drop my Sunday workouts for the season. I guess that I am seeking balance in my activities, and I also want to do some hiking as well this year. Basically, I want to add a more social component to my riding.

Sorry to hear about the Horsey, I know both of you enjoy that ride. If you do skip this year then perhaps that will make it more fresh next year?

Balance is good. Doing what keeps you motivated and having fun is also good. So, just go with what moves you (literally and figuratively)! That's what I'm gong to try to do, but I have to weigh Brian's riding expectations into the mix, too. He and I both have started off the last few seasons with some enthusiasm that quickly waned because of lots of other obligations. I have a feeling that this year will be no different.

We're skipping the Horsey by choice, sort of. I've done it the past six years and some of it has grown kind of tired. Between the drive to and from Georgetown and having to shuttle back and forth between the hotel where we stay in Georgetown and Brian's parents' house about 45 minutes away, it's kind of a tedious trip. But it's also Brian's birthday, so we'll likely have to meet up with the inlaws anyway, so maybe we'll just relent.

[TrekDianna]

My one goal is not to die during Cycle Oregon.

[smittykitty]

My goal is to try to incorporate at least one hill in every ride! Cuz I'm so bad at them!

Who would have thought!

[Miranda]

Mine is to NOT get hurt in any way...and to be healthy enough to ride!

Besides that, it would be nice to be able to finish a century...which is where my epic ride and crash pattern begin about 3.5yrs ago (during my first planned century).

But, that part would be a bonus. Just the health, and happiness of riding would be a blessing.<3

[jusdooit]

I decided early on that I'm not really setting specific goals this year. I'm just going to ride & enjoy myself. I am serving on the board of the local club & leading a weekly ride. I do have organized rides on the calendar, but I refuse to obsess about training this year.

[indysteel]

Yeah, we relented and just made our hotel reservations and signed up for the Horsey. There's a lot to like about the weekend, so we decided to stick with tradition after all.

[Catrin]

Miranda - that is a great goal! That is certainly one of mine this year :)

Indy - good for you and your DH! Nothing wrong with keeping a tradition.

As for me, I think that I will finally get a century in this year. As I am doing the 24 hours of Booty in Indianapolis, I've decided to have a goal of riding 100 miles in those 24 hours. I don't mean doing all 100 miles at one time. Frankly I don't know that I could be ready for that by late June given last weekend was the first time I've ridden since Christmas. Nope, I think it will be more like ride 25 miles, take a break, ride 25 more, etc. I will be quite happy at riding 100 miles within that 24 hour window and is probably the most realistic way I can accomplish this.

[never2late]

My goal is to ride 3,000 miles this year. It's a big decade birthday year and I've been dreaming for 6 years about what I wanted to do to celebrate this milestone.

I spent 2012 putting my base in, got a new bike (can't remember how to edit my signature, but I have a beautiful Bianchi). I rode the old Schwinn until my dear
husband saw I was serious and then he gifted me with a bike last May. I managed to get just over 2,000 miles for the year. Rode my first century, along with
three other rides earlier in the season, gradually increasing my distance for the September Century.

I now have to work on upper body strength...my least favorite things to do...but necessary.

Congratulations to everyone on your goals for this year, I know we can all encourage here!

till soon,
Susan

[uforgot]

I just need to start riding again. I have neglected it for so long!

[AppleTree]

We want to do some cycle touring this year, starting with an overnight local ride whenever the next good weather weekend is. This summer we are planning a weeklong tour over in Idaho, they have some fabulous trails. I can't wait!

I'm also trying to work on upping my average speed. Even by just a few mph. I know it means pushing myself harder. But then I worry about pushing too hard and injuring myself and not being able to ride at all...hmmm. Maybe I'll just be happy being a slow spoke.

[velo]

I set a few goals for myself at the beginning of the year and actually wrote them down. Last year I didn't start riding until mid-June and managed 3300 miles - I'm hoping that if I ride that much for a full season I can get in 5,000 road miles (not counting trainer time these past few months). I said I would ride outside at least 5 times/month during the cold months. I'm not big on cold+wind, but cold alone is OK down to the high 20's. I've done that Dec-Feb, but of all things, March isn't working well (been out only twice, the rest of my riding has been on the trainer)... we're still really cold and windy!! I didn't do an imperial century, just metric last year, but want to do at least two this year - one supported mid-season and one by myself near the end of the season. I was having some right knee issues... not really discomfort, but just I "noticed" it... due to a tight hamstring and I'd like to get that taken care of with some exercises. Another goal to help with that is to incorporate yoga into my routine. I'd like to do some mountain biking again. Went a few weeks ago and forgot how much FUN it is! Finally, work on core strength - the mountain biking really highlighted how important that is. :p

I would love to do some touring, but do not have a bike appropriate for that currently. My new Wilier's purpose is comfort for long rides, but not multi-day rides/tours. I would like to get a cross bike with rack and fender eyelets that can double as a touring bike, but finding one in my size seems next to impossible. Next year, maybe.

[kacie tri-ing]

I am so excited about my goal! I am training for 2-person Race Across America with one other woman! We have been totaly dedicated, and working incredible hard towards this race. It should be a June for the books!

AND--pedal wrench is on my crew! I am one lucky girl!

[Anelia]

kacie tri-ing, you are so lucky indeed! Keep us informed how your trainin goes. You can also make a separate thread for this adventure.

My goals...I want to win the national champoinships for XCO and XCM. I don't have high expectations for the Balkan Champoinship but at least maybe not get lapped :)
Also if I have the time to do some ultra marathons like 120 km would be great!
My goals are olso more organizational. Usually I organize one race in a year in my area and this year I want to make them two.

[velo]

Kacie - I was just reading your blog and some of the links from your blog and I am just in awe of what you are doing. I think it is so cool (and makes me wish I were younger). You have a new fan and I will be cheering on you and your team for RAAM. You are one amazing woman and cyclist and I hope you do set the record. Be sure to keep us updated in June! Best of luck!

[kacie tri-ing]

Thanks ladies! It has been an adventure--truly, and we haven't even raced yet! I honestly do appreciate support and encouragement!

[Catrin]

Thanks ladies! It has been an adventure--truly, and we haven't even raced yet! I honestly do appreciate support and encouragement!

Looking forward to following you this year!

[DocZan89]

My first goal...to get around my "block". My block is 4 miles around which is not much but it has some pretty decent hills. Like you smittykitty, I need lots of work on hills. They are my nemesis and the thing that psychs me out of riding close to home.

Rosanna

[TrekDianna]

kacie tri-ing - you are amazing.

[marni]

I turn 65 in May. I have been saving for a new "special " bike since I was 60. I am buying it for my birthday present to myself. That will happen sometime after June 1, as I have challenged my three biking sisters to ride a century with me in the Little Red Riding Hood Ride in Utah. My other goal is to continue to ride my age each week, only this time to make it more than 2/3 of the time. On my new bike it should be easier right?

[Atlas]

I mentioned that I want to ride a century before the summer is over and my boyfriend will hold me to that (which is what I need). We just moved to a new city so I hope to get more comfortable with traffic and get out of town more on my bike. I'd also like to try mountain biking since we now live in the mountains instead of the flat plains.

[indysteel]

I turn 65 in May. I have been saving for a new "special " bike since I was 60. I am buying it for my birthday present to myself. That will happen sometime after June 1, as I have challenged my three biking sisters to ride a century with me in the Little Red Riding Hood Ride in Utah. My other goal is to continue to ride my age each week, only this time to make it more than 2/3 of the time. On my new bike it should be easier right?

Sounds like a great plan, marni! What bike do you have in mind?

[GLC1968]

My goal is to ride regularly again. I think that in 2012, if I am remembering correctly, I rode a total of 75 miles. Ouch.

2013 is a rebuilding year for me. I've developed a bunch of imbalances from being on crutches and limping for the first half of the year and it's time to work them out. I'm starting with Pilates and easy rides and bike commuting. We'll go from there.

We just signed up for the Crater Lake Century in August and have plans to ride the Tour du Blast in September...so there is plenty of motivation!

[Catrin]

Marni - I think that is a great goal! Please keep us posted!

GLC, I wish we were closer so we could ride together :) I am excited about (hopefully) being able to ride tomorrow - for the second time since Christmas!!!! I've the Booty ride at the end of June (if I can raise enough) and I am determined to FINALLY complete the Hope ride in September without injury!

[Crankin]

I've ridden three times in the past week, for a whopping total of 35 miles. Yes, short rides. And today, I even got rained on. Have i mentioned I hate riding in the rain?
But, I'm out there. My goal is just to ride and ride more than last year.

[shootingstar]

Well, I did meet part of my 2013 goals..to ride several times per wk. during the winter. Short rides, some super cold rides in Alberta, but all good and ..now I'm reminded how helpful it is for today's longer ride..in Vancouver for 42 kms. up several hills and in such fine weather with cherry blossoms. And I didn't die. I haven't done a ride this distance since last November.

As for rest of this year, ah heck. For me, just ride longer every day when I can and wherever I go/visit. At least 1-2 touring trips 2-3 days long. I haven't figured out the total target annual mileage. I just want to keep on enjoying cycling as much as I can. Not sure, I guess last year I did probably under 3,000 km. So if I do that this year, great or more, that'll be great. But I'm not keeping accurate count and haven't been for past decade. I just know the trips where we've done 80-100 km. in 1 day vs. other trips 15-45 km. around town during the day.

[Bike Writer]

I set these up in late winter while dreaming about spring time and a new riding season.

• Ride 5 new trails or paths
• Do at least 2 urban rides in a city
• Take my bike on at least one vacation
• Rent a bike on one vacation in a style different than what I normally ride
• Take on one bicycle advocacy initiative
• Go on a bike ride with one kid under 10 yrs old who is not a relative
• Test ride some different bikes than what I normally ride
• Ride a tandem
• Do at least one charity ride
• Do at least 2 group rides
• Train to ride a trip of 40 miles
• Ride 1,000 miles
• Increase my riding average speed to 10 mph
• Ride a real mountain bike trail

I ride slow and want to increase my mph so that I can cover more miles on an outing. My goal for annual mileage for the year is considerably lower than my best year but after all the interruptions from last year I'll be very glad to make 1K this year.

[Owlie]

Oh yes, here's one.
I want to do a century, self-supported. I want to ride the entire length of the Little Miami trail and back. I promised myself I'd do this before I left Ohio and this summer's my last chance.

And another two:
Explore some more of the bike trails around Xenia.
Ride to school at least once. Possibly ride to work. That one's going to be harder.

[NbyNW]

If there's one thing I've regretted about the last few years, it's that I wish I had ridden more.

So my goal is to just start riding again. I will be happy with 5-10 miles RT.

But first I have to go shopping! And I need to handle this delicately with DH because I just plunked down a bunch of money on a DSLR.

My bikes are all in storage back in the US .... we didn't have space in our air freight allowance to bring any over.

I wanna test ride some bikes this month. Might be a challenge with a baby in tow. Or maybe shops will hook up a trailer so baby can come along for a ride, and I can see what it's like to have a trailer! Or a child seat. I'm really not sure what to get, but that's probably a whole 'nother thread.

[Skippyak]

I want to do a ride that is more than a century, maybe something like a 150. I want to do more, longer flats as climbing is just always part of any ride in the Wasatch. I like to climb but I hate hate hate descending and I don't really know how to do anything about that. I still do it but I take it slow and stop on long descents whenever I can to recuperate LOL. I look at people riding up my local climb with total envy as I am weenying my way down. I do sing, I do try to breathe. It is dumb as I want to improve my avg speed and this is where I can make it better LOL. My garmin is just rolling it's eyes at me.

[azfiddle]

Last year my goal was to ride 5000 miles. I upped the goal to 6000 when I was getting in extra miles, and didn't quite make it, but was at about 5700. That's an "A" in my book- over 90%.

This year I'm doing a little more music, and the weather hasn't been as nice and my DH has been injured and not riding, so I'm not quite as focused on a mileage goal. Not sure what my cycling goals are, but I'm riding with a women's "team"- and we are trying to improve our road skills. It's not a race team, and still having some growing pains and a bit of an identity crisis, but working/riding with them is part of my goal this year as well.

[WindingRoad]

My goal this year is balance. I want to emphasize on balancing out my body and training routine.

[Catrin]

My goal this year is balance. I want to emphasize on balancing out my body and training routine.

Me and you, this is so important! I've a couple of significant cycling goals this year, but not at the cost of returning to limited flexibility and mobility due to riding too much. Balance is important for all of us, but as we get older it becomes even more important.

[indysteel]

Me and you, this is so important! I've a couple of significant cycling goals this year, but not at the cost of returning to limited flexibility and mobility due to riding too much. Balance is important for all of us, but as we get older it becomes even more important.

Same here. I think too much riding contributed to a lot of problems with my back body (my glutes and hamstrings), which get underused in flat Central Indiana. Plus, it really did nothing for my core or upper body. Mountain biking is a bit more of a full body workout, but I don't do it enough to rely on it to actually keep me in shape. So, I'm going to try to keep up with my workout classes and weight lifting.

[Giulianna23]

1. Winter Cycling classes (About 4 months 3 times a week. Completed about 2 weeks ago). best decision ever made!.. I have improved soo much!
2. Do The Hilly Hundred and a couple more events
3. Climb in one shot Fox Hill and Centenary Hill ... Did Fox Hill on the first try!... climbed Centenary Hill all the way up yesterday on my third try and I couldnt believe it!...So excited about it!.
4. Conquer before the end of the season the Observatory Hill. (Cat5)
5. Keep attending the weekly rides with the Indiana Cure Chasers JDRF group (Tuesdays Riding Hills : get stronger and better at climbing. This ride covers Fox Hill, Centenary Hill and Observatory Hill.. about 32miles total. And Thursdays Ride of the Rollers to improve speed and fitness 25-35 Miles through Johnson and Morgan Counties).
6. Mountain Bike at least 2 times a week (weather permiting).
7. Attend the Women Mountain Bike Clinic in Brown County.(Already Registered).
8. Go to Brown County Trails once a Month.
9. Lose 25 pounds by the end of the year (hopefully) :(
10. Commute to work every day if possible. (until winter)

[lovelygamer]

I have gotten into road cycling this year. We are planning to train for a century in October. We have a long way to go! I am also working on speeds. Starting next week, I am commuting to the farm to pick up our CSA. I think those are my goals for the year.

[indysteel]

Yeah, we relented and just made our hotel reservations and signed up for the Horsey. There's a lot to like about the weekend, so we decided to stick with tradition after all.

Well, we have another Horsey Hundred behind us. We had planned to ride Saturday and Sunday, but DH ended up getting called into work at 3 a.m. on Friday morning and working through the night and well into Friday. By the time he got home, we had decided to skip Saturday's ride. So, we drove down to Kentucky Saturday afternoon and started early on Sunday. The weather was great; cool and overcast. The horses were out in droves, which was fun.

We ended up with 55 miles and a 15 mph pace over rolling terrain. Prior to the ride, I'd ridden a grand total of 20 miles since sometime in mid-October. So, while it didn't always feel good, I'll take it. But I need to figure out how to get more motivated to road ride. I've felt pretty blah about it for awhile. But that's a subject for a separate thread.

[colorisnt]

This is a great thread. It's cool to see all of the goals on here.

I have two main ones:
1. to ride a century by the end of the summer/early fall
2. to try out cross before the end of the year.

I also have been trying to bike commute pretty regularly but, unfortunately, it's been kind of a PITA thanks to the awful weather. I never thought I'd rather see heat!

[Crankin]

I don't have very many miles this year, even though I've been riding regularly since March 24th. However, I feel like I'm meeting my goals of doing longer rides this year. Last weekend I rode 90 miles in 2 days. I've also ridden twice with the faster riders of my group. Today, we're doing a 30 mile ride which is hilly, mostly at the end and we are thinking of riding to the start, although I have a feeling that if I do this, I won't be happy at the end. That will turn it into a 50-55 mile ride. On June 9 I am doing a hilly metric and at the end of June we are going to the Berkshires and (finally) doing what our friends call the "Taconic Challenge." Apparently, it's a 7 mile climb with a steady 4% grade, that goes into NY and back to Williamstown.

[Catrin]

Great that you were able to get down there for at least one day Indy, good for you!

I've few miles this year so far compared with the last couple of years, the weather and my increasing dislike of riding in cold temps being the culprit. I also find that I want to maintain much of my current gym work, so I cannot ride every day of the week like I used to. I do want to do a very long ride in September (the Hope ride), and possibly the Hilly Hundred. I've a couple of friends who want me to do it with them. If I can manage the train well enough to face those hills (the ride has that name for a reason), then I will do it.

This year I am intent on making riding fun again, and if that means shorter rides then so be it! I am also determined to make 2013 the year of no cycling related injuries...most of which have been from over-doing things (outside of the mtb accident - that was different)

[Giulianna23]

1. Winter Cycling classes (About 4 months 3 times a week. Completed about 2 weeks ago). best decision ever made!.. I have improved soo much!
2. Do The Hilly Hundred and a couple more events
3. Climb in one shot Fox Hill and Centenary Hill ... Did Fox Hill on the first try!... climbed Centenary Hill all the way up yesterday on my third try and I couldnt believe it!...So excited about it!.
4. Conquer before the end of the season the Observatory Hill. (Cat5)
5. Keep attending the weekly rides with the Indiana Cure Chasers JDRF group (Tuesdays Riding Hills : get stronger and better at climbing. This ride covers Fox Hill, Centenary Hill and Observatory Hill.. about 32miles total. And Thursdays Ride of the Rollers to improve speed and fitness 25-35 Miles through Johnson and Morgan Counties).
6. Mountain Bike at least 2 times a week (weather permiting).
7. Attend the Women Mountain Bike Clinic in Brown County.(Already Registered).
8. Go to Brown County Trails once a Month.
9. Lose 25 pounds by the end of the year (hopefully) :(
10. Commute to work every day if possible. (until winter)

1- Accomplished and getting ready to start again in November :)
2- Still thinking about the Hilly hundred and already done a few charity rides like Garys rde Hope Ride (where I did my first Century), Beer Ride (in pouring rain :( ) will be doing the BEars ride this weekend.
3- Accomplished (piece of cake now :) ..)
4- Accomplished a couple of days ago. Yay!!. can't wait to climb it again :)
5- Accomplishd - Today is the last official ride of the season. But I will continue riding until weather permits.
6- Failed
7- Accomplished. Had lots of fun :)
8- Failed
9- Failed :( Note: didnt lose that much but about 9-10# but gotten way stronger and faster. Still have 2 1/2 months to keep trying to lose the rest.
10- Failed (due to work variable schedule and locations I was forced to drive to work )
16739

[Aromig]

1- Accomplished and getting ready to start again in November :)
2- Still thinking about the Hilly hundred and already done a few charity rides like Garys rde Hope Ride (where I did my first Century), Beer Ride (in pouring rain :( ) will be doing the BEars ride this weekend.

16739

Hi Giulianna -- I did the Beer Ride too (trying to decide on the Bear Ride -- I have to be somewhere at noon so I'd have to do a shorter route). I had a lot of fun and I will definitely do it next year again. I live in Columbus so it was fun doing an organized ride and trying a few new roads I'd not explored yet. I always ride around Grandview Lake counterclockwise (because the hills are easier that way) but it was empowering to do it clockwise and succeed! I didn't mind the rain that much since it was at least warm. Since I was within riding distance of home, it was a temptation not to cut the ride short and just go home, though.

I was still thinking about the Hilly Hundred -- but think I'll pass this year and make it a goal next year. I'm not a strong hill climber -- and I think if you put thousands of people walking up the hill in front of me I'm just not going to be comfortable. I'll keep working on it and hope to feel more confident next year!

Amy

[roo4]

Oh, the Hilly Hundred! I rode that one when I was in graduate school. Beautiful ride. :)

[Crankin]

OK, I failed at most of them. And, I don't even care! That's a good goal for me.
I won't end up riding more than last year; in fact last year I rode 2,700+ miles and right now I'm not even at 2,000. My goal is now 2,000.
I did do more long rides, 2 metrics and a few 50 milers.
I signed up for a century and crashed out at mile 44... still might go do that one over.
I only rode with Hirakukibou twice, but we did meet for social stuff!
I went to 4 Wednesday Wheeler rides, not 5, but I expect I'll get 1-2 more in before the snow flies.
I've been going to boot camp consistently, so that's a plus. But, I need to ride more.
I also helped lead 2 more rides than the 2 we do every year. And the response to the newly designed route I did for my club's rally was overwhelmingly positive.

[Catrin]

Well, I've managed to meet my goal about no more overuse injuries...I won't even try to guess how far I've ridden this year. No group rides. No long rides and I've barely ridden in traffic. All of that is ok as I've been dealing with a jacked shoulder and neck. I've certainly been exercising!

Next year my goal is 1, 500 miles, considering my other activities and the glacial speed of my neck recovery that seems a reasonable goal. I want to continue my gym activities and also run a half marathon but on the trails. That last one is optional depending on how well my body adapts.

[rebeccaC]

I think of goals as dreams. I also know that sometimes the procrastinator in me can affect those dreams if I get away from an ‘I know I can’ mentality and thinking my abilities will outweigh my doubts……but then sometimes it’s just unavoidable that a part of a dream disappears. That doesn’t mean I don’t continue being a goal junkie though :)

My goals this year were riding a few double centuries and my last one is this Saturday, the Solvang Autumn double. I enjoyed most of the training routes I found to do especially the Santa Ynez valley ones. The Santa Monica Mountains were like a weekend home to me. Training was actually just finding 80+ to 150+ routes with some harder climbs and then also going to visually interesting area’s like Josuha Tree national park, Big Sur/Carmel, the Oregon coast and the San Juan Islands to relax and do less strenuous rides. Although the training goal was building my endurance up it was also just a great series of weekend rides in some beautiful rural areas. Besides the strength/endurance I gained I think more importantly I found some great routes that I now know well enough to ride during a weekend whenever I feel the urge. I’ve been thinking about the Furance Creek 508 for next year. Even though I balanced work and training this year I have to really think through the training needs for the 508 though.

[kajero]

Well, here I thought my goal was good. 500 miles for the 2013 riding season. I guess I better up that pretty high next year if I want to be in the "club"
Still, I can't find anyone who will ride long distances with me. Riding between 12-15 mph is just too slow for them. I don't care for big group rides.

[Owlie]

Recap:
Ride off-road? Did a little bit, between just tootling around/taking shortcuts and taking the Charge on the mountain bike trails. Not as much as I would have liked, but work, moving and a wet summer sort of killed it.
Rode to school? Once. Realized I hated riding with a backpack.
Riding more with people from work? Yes! We started doing "shop rides" every Sunday before work.
Century? Yes! With people from work. And it was probably one of the more awesome things I've ever done. It wasn't the whole length of the trail, but I've done the whole thing (south of Xenia, anyway) in bits and pieces, and I'll take it.
Ride to work? I could never find a route that I was comfortable with, so no.
Explore more trails: Yes, and no. I rode on one a little to finish off that century, but it was pitch black and right before I left. The other trail that I'd wanted to try this year was closed due to construction.

I was hoping to be able to get 2000 miles in this year, but I don't think that's going to happen unless I somehow manage to do another 1000 between now and the end of the year. :/

[velo]

I'm happy with 2013 so far. It's not over by any means, but I've met my goals and exceeded them. Learned a lot and broadened my horizons. Met some goals I didn't even think I was capable of. :) Rode some challenging rides, will have close to 6,000 miles depending on the weather, and used my car less. Also got to ride with some really special people this year and enjoyed that immensely, as I ride 95% of the time alone on the road. It's been a good year.

[tulip]

Well, I don't recall what my goals are and I'm sure not going to go looking through this thread for them. But I spent two months cycling through Europe and I finally rode my first century. I say that's a pretty good year, and there's still lots of local riding to do.

[smittykitty]

I got better at the hill!!!! :) Turns out that a positive attitude goes a long way! I started looking for ways to add hills to our rides instead of avoiding them. And with lots of practice and a "Yes I Can" attitude, I really improved.


I was really happy with my riding on our two-day, somewhat hilly ride, the RSVP from Seattle to Vancouver BC. I had two great compliments while climbing a very long hill, one from my adult son: "Mom, you've really gotten better at hills", the other from a gentleman about my age that said "and now I'm being passed by a midget!!!!" (I'm 5'1").

I think I really need to have a "Big" ride planned each year to get me in shape for the season. I've discovered its not so much about the ride, as have a motivator for all the fun training rides! So, we'll see what we come up with for next summer.

And now I have to figure out how to get the rest of the house painted!!! Played too hard all spring and summer and now the rain has arrived! Guess I totally forgot to add homeowner responsibilities to my goal list!

[shootingstar]

Well, the calendar year is not over yet, so to me, cycling is not over. I realize snow will fly soon in our neck of the woods since the temp. have dropped to freezing. But it has been pretty dry this year... I've been cycling daily for the past 5 weeks. Now, don't tell that's not enough cycling...

Sheesh, one thing for certain I didn't know that a local major river flood this summer was going to disrupt a lot of local cyclists' cycling routes/travel patterns. It has been one heck of year with such a major disaster.

But hey, it included cycling from Washington into Vancouver ...which to me is great when I could been housebound in Alberta with floodwaters.

I guess I might have cycled around 3,000 km. so far. I'm not even sure. But have discovered some longer local routes this summer and fall with dearie. I still don't even know my own city very well and I've been here for 3 yrs.

One thing for certain, my body has become acclimatized a bit more to cool dry temp. since I moved to present city. This means I sweat more with same layers of clothing that I normally wear in Vancouver or Ontario.

[Giulianna23]

Hi Giulianna -- I did the Beer Ride too (trying to decide on the Bear Ride -- I have to be somewhere at noon so I'd have to do a shorter route). I had a lot of fun and I will definitely do it next year again. I live in Columbus so it was fun doing an organized ride and trying a few new roads I'd not explored yet. I always ride around Grandview Lake counterclockwise (because the hills are easier that way) but it was empowering to do it clockwise and succeed! I didn't mind the rain that much since it was at least warm. Since I was within riding distance of home, it was a temptation not to cut the ride short and just go home, though.

I was still thinking about the Hilly Hundred -- but think I'll pass this year and make it a goal next year. I'm not a strong hill climber -- and I think if you put thousands of people walking up the hill in front of me I'm just not going to be comfortable. I'll keep working on it and hope to feel more confident next year!

Amy

Hi Amy,


At the Beer ride on one of the hills we approached it pretty fast coming from another hill... I thought I was going to fly like a sky rocket from my bike, because once we got to the top it went straight down just like a roller coaster, was hell of a fun segment but pretty scary at the same time, my heart came up to my throat and the vertigos Big Time.
After it rained one of my females friends crashed on a downhill pretty bad, she cracked her helmet broke the derraileur of her bike but fortunately just had a few scratches.
I already decided to do the Hilly Hundred. I am volunteering on Friday and planning on riding both days of course thats if I survive the first. I know and I am prepared to walk some of the hills if I need too. This will be my first time doing this ride and even though I rode a lot this year and trained on some pretty challenging hills on the southside of Indianapolis, I know I am still not a good climber. lol

Wish you where closer so we could ride together, but next year if you let me know ahead of time and would like too...I might be able to meet you down in Columbus with a few of my cycling friends an ride with you. Maybe that same route of the Beer Ride... I liked it a lot...the scenery was beautiful.

[Aromig]

Wish you where closer so we could ride together, but next year if you let me know ahead of time and would like too...I might be able to meet you down in Columbus with a few of my cycling friends an ride with you. Maybe that same route of the Beer Ride... I liked it a lot...the scenery was beautiful.

I work in Indy, so its not impossible to bring my bike and ride after work! I'm just not very fast, and I'm always working on hill climbing.

I think I know what hill you are talking about -- I hit it early when it was raining hard and it was about the only time I was scared -- I was scrubbing off speed the whole time and hoping that my brakes would just keep working through the wet!

How did the Hilly go? I had several friends ride it, but I just wasn't up for it. Last Wednesday I was in French Lick for a work event and took my bike -- WOW! I thought we had some hills around Columbus and Bloomington! I found one behind the resort that I could barely make it half way up. I later drove it and that thing was steep and went forever and ever and ever. It's my new goal -- maybe I'll be able to get up it by the next time I go there!

[Boudicca]

I didn't really have a goal this year, but I am now at 3,860 km for the year to date, so I have decided 4,000 km is my goal for this year, which means 140km to ride between now and the end of the year. It will be challenging though. The days are shorter, and I'm not too keen on the idea of riding more than 20km at a time if the temperature is heading down toward freezing.

But there's another couple of months to go. All I need is a warm spell, and a few good days.

[Giulianna23]

I work in Indy, so its not impossible to bring my bike and ride after work! I'm just not very fast, and I'm always working on hill climbing.

I think I know what hill you are talking about -- I hit it early when it was raining hard and it was about the only time I was scared -- I was scrubbing off speed the whole time and hoping that my brakes would just keep working through the wet!

How did the Hilly go? I had several friends ride it, but I just wasn't up for it. Last Wednesday I was in French Lick for a work event and took my bike -- WOW! I thought we had some hills around Columbus and Bloomington! I found one behind the resort that I could barely make it half way up. I later drove it and that thing was steep and went forever and ever and ever. It's my new goal -- maybe I'll be able to get up it by the next time I go there!

The coach wil start the indoor training in November it will be 3 times a week. I believe Tuesdays, Thursdays at 6p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. It will be at Performance Bike store in Greenwood and its free, you just have to bring your bike and have your own trainer.I wish you could come..it helps. They have music , a tv with cycling videos , you make new friends and the best part is that they will provide storage for both (bike and trainer) for the convenienve of the participants.

About the Hilly?..I think all the training really paid off. I really thought and was prepared mentally to walk some of the hills if needed, because I heard so many things about them hills, everyone talking about them like " never again" !... but fortunately I went up every single one of them and I was very happy and proud about it. I didn't do the Saturday route because the weather was pretty nasty and my sinus kicked in really bad . But enjoyed the second day of hills with a beautiful day and great people. Will def do it again next year.