Happy New Cycling Year!

It's that time of year again, the start of a new year, carrying a load of extra timber following the Christmas celebrations, time to look forward and plan out what to do on two wheels this year. It can be difficult getting out in January due to the weather and loss of fitness, but thanks to the unseasonably mild weather I've been out twice already. The second time I was feeling tired and a little hesitant about going out, but after ten minutes or so the feeling of happiness at being out and moving under my own steam kicked in, and I enjoyed a great couple of hours. I have frequently found that a ride that started in tiredness and lack of motivation quickly changes into one of tremendous enjoyment and fun. It's one of the benefits of exercising, the endorphins kick in and all is well with the world.

I've never set any real cycling goals in previous yeas, however for 2022 I decided it would be useful to put something down on paper. The first one is one I was looking at last year - doing a century ride (i.e. 100 miles). I'd almost done this twice when completing the Devon Coast to Coast in 2019 for Cancer Research, however I 'only' managed 96 and 95 miles over the two days. I've already got a route planned, to include refreshment stops at sensible points, it's just a matter of getting back to the required level of fitness and waiting for a good day weather wise.

My second goal is to ride 5200 miles this year. Last year I rode 4600 miles, in a year that was hampered by my broken collarbone at the end of June, and various illnesses towards the end. I keep a count of my 'rolling year' mileage total, and up to the point of my accident had got to over 5300 miles in the twelve months to the end of June. Hopefully I can steer clear of illness and injury this year and hit that target.

I'm also hoping to do some more riding in other areas of the country, Scotland again perhaps, rougher areas of the Peak District (rough surface that is, not suggesting there are any dodgy places in the Peak District), something to make a change from the local roads that I am more than familiar with after more than three years of cycling on them. Above all, I want to ensure each ride is as enjoyable and fun as it can be, and that I never lose my love of riding a bike.