One of the nice things about January is that the whole year looks like possibility still, a blank canvas to project dreams and goals onto. Even if you’ve had an inauspicious start, as I have, the yawning season in front of us holds out hope for fun of whatever type you like.
My big ideas for this year are to try to get back to Wales for the Traws Eryri. I was in Wales last summer but came down with the flu while I was there and so got zero riding done. At the time, I swore I’d be back this year, just to ride. It was a nice idea at the time. Family commitments and expendable cash may put paid to that vow, but it’s January, and I’m leaving it in my daydreams for now.
There’s also been talk of a trip to Moab or Sedona, with the crew I ride with here in New England. We’re all getting older. I haven’t been to either of those spots, and it kinda, sorta feels like I oughta have those experiences while I can.
Stevil and I discussed, very briefly, meeting up to ride in Colorado. Where would that be? Fruita? Crested Butte? Buffalo Creek? Who cares, it’s all better than another spin around the local spot? I have a hard time imagining we’ll make this happen, because trips normally require one person organized enough to figure out the details, but like I said, it’s January. Kill no daydreams now.
2024 was not my most productive year on the bike, and when I say that, I want to be clear about what I mean by ‘productive.’ That could mean riding that bolsters my fitness, riding that’s fun, or riding that takes me places. I just wasn’t on the bike enough last year. There weren’t enough commutes, enough road rides, or enough trail days. There were reasons. Could I have overcome some of them? Definitely.
Life will always conspire to keep you away from the bike if you’re not resolute. It’s easier to not ride than to ride. There’s always another bit of work, another family thing, another day you’re just not feeling your best.
But I know I like being alive better when I’m on my bike more, and so I’m determined to make 2025 count. Don’t call it a comeback. Call it a readjustment.
This week, we’re wondering what your adventure plan is for 2025. Does it have big trips on it? Or is just about getting more time in the saddle?
Shooting for 156+ riding days this year (3 per week average). No agenda or specifics on which bike or where. Just ride.
As far as adventures go—heading to Cady Hill in Stowe VT with some friends next weekend—I’m told fat bike groomers are best they have been in a few years. Also wife and I going to see what all the hype is about in Bentonville first week of May.
I’ve had the good fortune of riding Moab(late 90’s) and Sedona(spring break with my son last year) and would be entirely stoked for both again. Truly great riding. I hope that lines up for you this year
I have a dream… It’s a modest one that entails more days in the saddle and getting back to some of the rides that I used to do, all localish. Like the D2R2, more laps at the Domnarski Farm Marathon, the VT50 and to get my sorry butt back on a cyclocross course later in the year when I’m (hopefully) most fit. I’m most interested in that ride you’re planning in CO but I’m all booked up- maybe next year.
Unbound Gravel 200.
I volunteered in Emporia last year, which allowed me to bypass the lottery and slap down my credit card with no obstacles to entry. (IMHO, volunteering is the least expensive way to buy your way past the random draw.)
In addition to gaining entry, I had the opportunity to see the aid stations where my partner will be crewing for me, so we won’t be navigating that element of the day blind. I tent-camped at the fairground and learned that that will work for us and our camper van. And I rode 50 or so miles of the terrain, so I have a sense of what I’m getting into on that front as well.
Can’t wait to click my heels together and get back to Kansas!