New year, new start

OK, so what about 2022? Any goals? Strategies? Hopes? Dreams? As far as the bicycle is concerned ...

As mentioned in a previous blog posting, time in the saddle for the new year has already been registered in my logbook. Speaking of which, I had to go on to volume two, as 20-plus years of recording data had left the pages spilling over in the first one.

Anyway, I'm on the bike. I did have to take a four-day break after a quick test indicated I was positive for COVID. Although no symptoms were present, I figured it was best to stop pushing the pedals to err on the side of caution. As it was, the more detailed virus indicator, the one that tickles your brain, came back negative. I felt fine, so I remounted my bike.

For the most part, I generally don't prescribe to any stated goals. Yes, I keep track of my mileage and spin my wheels to accumulate ever-increasing totals. But I never have a finishing number in mind when the season commences. Basically, my objectives involve cycling safely, and just having fun and enjoyment when riding my bikes.

One last footnote on miles. I've always been curious as to how far professional cyclists pedal in a season, and compare it to my 7,050 miles for the just completed year. According to Strava statistics, in 2021, topping the male pros' list was Richie Porte, who cycles for Ineos Grenadiers. Combining races and training, the Australian cruised a total of 37,643 km, covering 441 rides and 1,217 hours in the saddle. That equals 23,390 miles. Just a little bit more than I did!

So what about this year? Besides what was stated earlier, there are a couple of items that come to mind.

First, I would like to do one century (100-mile) ride every month, just to help keep track of my fitness levels. My plan is to begin in March — if road conditions are cooperative — but certainly by April. The century would be either a sanctioned event or self-supported, like the two I did in 2021.

Second, and this is the one I'm really looking forward to, we are renting a cabin located on the southern shore of Lake Superior for two weeks this summer. So I will be bombing along the roads and trails in Michigan's Upper Peninsula — my favorite place in the entire world — on my Specialized cyclocross bike. I can hardly wait. I just hope my Yooper friend Jon C. is getting in shape. Stay safe!

It's sad that Specialized stopped making fat bikes. I certainly enjoy mine.

'Thought for the day'

"Get a bicycle. You will not regret it, if you live." — Mark Twain

From "Words To Ride By ... Thoughts on Bicycling" by Michael Carabetta (Chronicle Books, 2017)