Numbers in November

The cycling season is winding down with just one month to go. The cold conditions are producing two consequences at polar opposites — more clothes and less mileage. In no way should this be interpreted as a complaint. After all, I'm still riding my bicycles and enjoying the heck out of it.

So what about November? Before I delve into the numbers, there were two highlights that occurred during the eleventh month.

Firstly, it was the opportunity to complete another century before the end of 2023. With the use of seven different two-wheeled machines — and all the switching around — it took a lot of effort and coordination. Obviously, the weather was a big factor in such an undertaking, but it was a perfect day for cruising 102 miles around central Maine. I will add that my legs were "toast" for the following couple of days, but it was worth it.

My second big moment happened a week later, when I went for a ride on my seventy-first birthday. Anytime one can go for a pedal that late in the year on the same date they were born is pretty special. I hopped aboard my 2023 Trek Domane — with its still eye-pleasing Deep Smoke color scheme — and covered 21 miles of countryside on a beautiful sunny afternoon. A nice gift to myself.

So now for the numbers in November.

I managed to ride every day but two of the month's 30 days. The seven bicycles utilized on the century — the most for any month — included my fat bike, my mountain bike, my two gravel bikes, and my three road bikes. Brand-wise that involved two by Specialized and the other five by Trek. The one missing out was my sleek, steel-frame 1988 Schwinn Circuit. Truth be told, I don't believe I've even ridden that particular beauty all year, which is a shame on my part. The odometer hit 689 miles for November. Not too bad considering the big drop in temperatures.

As for the 2023 season, thus far, the numbers are revealing personal highs. I've only missed 46 days of being on a bicycle, giving me 289 rides for the year. My total mileage is currently 7,352. My previous best was 7,121 miles, which I reached in 2022. So an improvement of 231 miles, with the month of December remaining.

I'm still gunning for 8,000 miles for the 2023 season, but I honestly don't see it happening. We will see. Stay safe!

Heading out for my birthday ride in Hallowell, Maine.