It’s taken quite a while but I have finally managed to reach the magic 200 mile mark for the year. Now some of you may do that in a couple of days, but it’s taken me just short of 4 months to ride my second 100 miles.
I’ve ridden through the wind and the rain, seen glorious sunsets and stunning views and today I even rode through hail stones (some of which I got in my mouth). So its been fun for the most part, some days have been a hard slog, some I’ve nearly been sick, but I’ve made it.
The first 100 miles was done a little quicker, time wise at least, but in more rides. I guess the cold weather and the shorter days has made it more difficult to get out, that coupled with a small operation in September which left me unable to ride.
I hope that Santa will bring me some more gear this year, I could do with some long cycling shorts (tights I believe they are known as) for riding in the colder weather, not that it could be too much colder than today! I am also hopeful of getting a Camelbak for those longer rides in the mud and a running top for that fateful day that I start to jog.
I did the first 100 miles in 20 rides, the second I have done in 13 which shows that I am going further when I go out, I am just going out less. I have also done some of the miles quicker as it has taken about an hour less to do the second 100 than it did the first. As I have mentioned in previous posts its not just about the time it takes and how fast I go, after all I ride a mountain bike, its about enjoying the time I get to go out and have a ride.
The main stats are as follows, these are year to date
Distance: 212 miles
Rides: 33
Elevation Gain: 14,915 ft
Time taken: 24 hours 25 mins
There are still a few days left of this year so I may get out again and increase my total for the year, it will all depend on the weather and more precisely the wind. There is nothing fun about cycling to a standstill in wind that would blow me over if it hit me side on.
Onwards and upwards towards 2014, I want to at least double my distance next year, maybe I will set myself a goal of 500 miles for next year! I also want to get off road more so that will reduce both times and distance as it’s much harder. Its all about the enjoyment, not breaking records (which are always nice) or how far I go. The fact that I am still going out, sticking with something is the best thing.
All The Gear, No Idea 