End of 2011 Review & 2012 Goals

As the New Year approaches, I reviewed the goals I set for 2011.

1. 2011 mileage goal = 8,000
2. Days riding = 240
3. Longest Ride = 186.5 miles or 300k
4. Number of rides over 100 miles = 9
5. Time on a bike = whatever it takes
6. Highest 30 day distance = 1000 miles
7. Highest 7 day distance = 350 miles
8. For the blog, more photos, more reviews, more of what I’ve learned and ride reports.

One failure of mine was to not review these goals more often.  I recalled only three of these goals (1, 3, & 8).  If you don’t remember a goal, it is pretty hard to meet it.

So, how did I do?

1. 8,000 miles: Goal missed.  The unanticipated two weeks off the bike for RAAM is the biggest factor in missing this goal.  I’m still pleased with over 26% increase in miles compared to 2010.  Total miles ridden in 2011 = 7, 715
2. Days riding: Goal missed.  I forgot about this one.  I actually rode fewer days in 2011 than 2010.  I rode 210 days.
3. Longest Ride: Goal surpassed!  The Wallops Island Ride/Seagull Century combination ride netted me 227.4 miles in about 20.5 hours.  That’s almost 22% more than the goal.
4. Number of rides over 100 miles: Goal surpassed!  Fourteen rides were over 100 miles.  When setting the goal at the end of last year, I had not decided to work toward the R-12.
5. Time on a bike: 456 hours 26 minutes moving.  Stopped time is not included.  That’s 113 hours longer than 2010.
6. Highest 30 day distance: Goal missed.  I made 974.8.  I forgot this was a goal.
7. Highest 7 day distance: Goal missed.  I made 337.9.  I forgot this was a goal.
8. Blog goals: Mixed.

So, adding it up, I failed.  Wrong!  These were lofty goals and they helped guide my riding (when I remembered them).  The goals had me riding some days when I didn’t really want to.  In other words, the goals served their purpose.  They stretched me and made me a better rider.

Unexpected Accomplishments

I learned a lot about riding and especially long-distance riding this year.  Between crewing for Randy in the Race Across America (RAAM) and achieving the R-12 Award the experience points are huge.  I have done a nice job learning the hydration and food strategies on these longer distance rides.

Welcome to Fixie Land!  I purchased a fixie this year and have discovered some new challenges.  As a result, I also learned more about bicycle maintenance, component needs, and component quality.  The fixie inserted an added element of challenge and fun into my riding.

2012 Goals

1. Distance Goal = 7,500 miles.  Yes, this is lower than 2011, but the greatest unknown I have early in the year is foot surgery on January 6th.  My doctor says at least 4 weeks off the bike, then only on the trainer for at least 2 weeks.  (I think I’ve mentioned that I hate the trainer.)
2. Longest Ride = Successful completion of the Flèche (at least 360k).  I’ve done the distance before, but the Flèche is a whole different animal.  It will take place April 14-15, no matter the weather.
3. Randonneruing = I’d like to complete an R-24.  The surgery in early January is scheduled such that I might be able to squeeze in a February 200k by the end of the month if the healing goes well.  I believe the R-24 depends completely on the February ride.
4. Blog = I want this to be much more than a simple ride report blog.  I’m still working out that vision.
5. Maintenance = This is hard to quantify, but I want to do even more of my own maintenance.  The gift of a maintenance stand at Christmas will make this a whole lot easier.
6. Have fun = The most important goal of all!