My biggest goal next year is the Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee. It will be in northeastern Tennessee and will be a bit (or a lot) more challenging than this year's BRAT. Beyond that, I would like to do the Horsey Hundred again in May, as well as RAIN in July. There's a local century called JAWS that I'd like to do in June, but it will depend on the timing. Last year, it was just a week or two after the Horsey and I just wasn't up to it. Finally, I'm hoping that both my schedule and bank account will allow me to do Shoreline West in Michigan--another weeklong tour like BRAT. Mileagewise, I'd be happy if I equaled the mileage 5k that I did this year. The weather was so dry this summer and that contributed greatly to doing that many miles. I'm not sure if I should count on that again! For reasons beyond cycling, I hope we get adequate rain this year.
My goals for next year have less to do with mileage or specific rides and more about building my confidence. I accommplished a lot this year, but it was always with a lot of handwringing and anxiety. I'd like to continue building my speed and learning how to train and ride effectively. I'm pretty sure that I didn't build in enough recovery time this year, especially after bigger rides. I paid a price for that by the end of the year.
Good luck to all of you in reaching your goals!
Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate your friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.
--Mary Anne Radmacher