Randonneurs

[salsabike]

RUSA #3502. I have absolutely found that my riding ambition comes and goes. I had a GREAT year last year and a CR@P year this year. I have learned not to read too much into the highs or the lows. And if you are on a low, ride when it is fun and because it is fun and don't *make* yourself ride because you think you should. You will find the fun again.

Wise counsel, this...

[Crankin]

Although I'm no rando, I agree, sage advice. I'm in a little bit of a down year, too, about 400 miles less than last year and 600 less than the year before. I'm blaming it on weather and time commitments (and my riding partner, Hirakukibou being away for the summer), but in reality, I just a little sick of it. My ability to want to ride in the cold is a little less this year, too. I'm not reading too much into it, as I have found other forms of exercise and I'm actually fitter.
I need a good snowy winter, with lots of x country skiing, to make me want to ride lots next season.

[Catrin]

Sage advice indeed. I had a down year as well, mainly due to occasional mountain bike injuries and a lingering whiplash injury from late 2011. This winter I am backing way off on riding, outside of some work on the trainer and spinning bike, as I need to focus on increasing my t-spine mobility, shoulders, and upper body strength. I would love to do some gravel riding this winter, but right now I need to take care of my mobility issues to increase my bike performance (and general comfort level) and, hopefully, finally stop tweaking old injuries.


Like Crankin, I am fitter than before - probably the most fit in my life so I am not hurting from this period of backing off on the bike and focusing on other things for the winter. Doing a brevet someday is still in the back of my mind, but I need to address these mobility issues before anything. I do need to find some way to get outside this winter though. I keep toying with the idea of geocaching...