Hadn’t done one in a while, the last being back in 2020. Then as now feels significant. Each having somehow triggered a threshold, cumulative effect of many changes. It seems that all year-in-reviews are mixed. There will always be ups (getting into the Unbound 1000 mile club)

And downs (pulling the plug, mile 265 Long Voyage)

The good news, positive indicators are more plentiful than negative ones. We’re moving in the right direction.

I’m not an elite athlete. Just a regular Joe. Like to think pretty good at riding a bike. Done for health benefits. The adventure. Try to often and with friends whenever possible.

Not going into challenges. No fun to talk about, nor all that interesting, or even unique. We’ve all got them. No complaints for 2024.

It’s more fun to discuss the benefits of being outdoors. The many reasons why regular exercise is good for us and how cycling fits.

All as an excuse for the amount of time that I dedicate to it. Happy to argue that it’s better spent than in other ways. Can point to remote work as the enabler. When you take the time formerly spent commuting, and transfer to riding, it becomes easier to defend. Almost, but not quite a no-brainer.

Does it mean I’m not crazy? Let’s lay the facts bare. We’re talking about hundreds of hours.

Enough time to start a new business (been there, done that), or to pursue an advanced degree (not interested). Instead, I’m out there, as in literally.

No trainers. Everything outside this year. Did do a bunch of events. But, most of the miles was grinding over local routes. We can talk about not driving to ride. Meaning, start from home. That rule’s tough to follow when it comes to events. Who will ride TO the event? Hundreds of miles away. I know some people who do. Strong minded and well disciplined individuals. I’m not that committed. I can respect it though. It makes sense. Just not ready for it, yet.

Not always riding on a trail, although they are given precedence, much of it on the roads, paved or not. About the same number of miles as I used to put on a car.

Riding on the roads can bring dirty looks and words. We’ve been driven off. Targeted by enraged (or disengaged) motorists. It doesn’t happen often or even all that much. Very rarely. But, when you ride a lot, it happens. Call it an occupational hazard. Can’t be taken personally. It’s about us and them. Roadway designs. Defenses and solutions. There are better places than others. We’ll save that discussion for another day.

Given the drawbacks, can’t recommend this level of commitment for everyone. It works for me. Pretty sure that drivers aren’t all that happy, so it would work for some of them too. Less time spent in a car is better no matter how you look at it.

What I’m pretty sure about is to be back next year. Have some ideas on how to shake it up and extend into new territories.

We’ll see how it all plays out.