All up to date 2021 Texas bicycle rides in one location

February is starting off small, but if you want to warm up for spring madness, no better way than to go out and ride! Check out this weekend’s amazing rides:

 

 

Friday, February 9^th:

None that we know of.

 

Saturday, February 10^th:

Resaca City Bike Tour – San Benito, TX

The second annual Resaca City Bike Tour will have three route options: 20, 40.4 and 62.2 miles, providing medals to all participating.

16th Annual Humble Lions Club Bike Ride – Humble, TX

The 16th Annual Humble Lions Club Bike Ride benefits Handicapped and Diabetic Children And Hearts Scholarship Foundation. This is a BP/MS 150 Recommended Ride with three route options: 22, 44 and 55 miles.

 

Sunday, February 11^th:

None that we know of.

 

That’s all for this weekend! Don’t forget to send us a ride report if you take part in one of these awesome events.

1. What is the official name of your rally?

The Ark-La-Tex Challenge

2. What is the date and start time of your rally?

Saturday, April 7^th, 2018. Rally starts at 9:00am and Registration is open at 7:00am

3. How many years has this rally been offered?

This will be our 6^th year having the rally.

4. What is the cost? When are the price increases?

General – $30, Tandem – $40, and Kids on the 22-70 mile course is $20. Kids on the “kids course” is $15. There is a $5 cost increase on all categories starting 03/03/2018 through the end of online registration, which is 04/06/2018 at 2PM. On 04/06/2018 the price will increase another $5 to register in person at early packet pick-up from 4-6pm. The cost will be increase another $5 on the morning of the ride, which would make general admission $50, Tandem $60, Kids ride 22-70 miles $40, and Kids on the Kids course $35.

5. When is the last day to register online?

Friday, April 6, 2018 at 2:00pm

6. Can cyclists register on the morning of the event?

Yes. See above for price increase information. Shirts are not guaranteed for day of registrants.

7. What Bling comes with registration?

An official Ark-La-Tex Challenge Shirt, a chance to be entered into a drawing for gifts cards, and a swag bag that will include a water bottle from Walgreens, first aid kit, AR cyclist guides, and more!

8. Does the rally support a cause?

What is it? Yes! 100% of the proceeds goes towards supporting a local non-profit, Texarkana Resources for the Disabled, Inc. Their mission is to, “Provide training, education, and support that will enable persons with disabilities to reach their highest level of potential in the community.”

9. What distances are offered? Are there rest stops? How often? And SAG?

• 70 Miles – Ark-La-Tex Challenge
• 52 Miles – Texas/Arkansas Loop
• 46 Miles – Arkansas/Texas Out and Back
• 35 Miles – Ark-La-Tex with Non-Supported Return
• 22 Miles – Arkansas/ Texas Challenge out and back
• 3 Miles – Kids Ride/ Look Ma No Hands!
• Fun Loop – For little kids that want to get in on the fun!

There are 4 rest stops along the route, and 1 rest stop of the kids 3 mile route. The ride is also SAG supported with the help of our local HAM RADIO team.

10. Which level of cyclists would enjoy this event?

 All levels

11. Will there be police manning the intersections?

There is only one main intersection at the start and we will have police and motorcycle escorts from the Cotton Club Riders.

12. What is the terrain like? Hilly? Flat? What condition are the roads in?

It is mostly a country road route with hills. Some of the areas the roads get a little rough due to it being in the country but I think the scenery more than makes up for it!

13. What’s offered to eat at rest stops and after the rally? Is breakfast snacks and/or lunch included?

Breakfast and Lunch is provided by the rally. Breakfast will have Starbucks coffee, granola bars, bananas, and other fruit. Lunch will be hot grilled hamburgers with all the toppings to choose from, and chips from Frito-Lay.

Each rest stop if sponsored by a local community group so each will be outfitted with different snacks from one to the next. The LifeShare Blood Center rest stop has been known to have the best home-made cookies! All will have sustainable water, ice, and sports drink.

14. The family doesn’t pedal. Is there any entertainment or activities going on for them while cyclists pedal?

Since we have a kid’s ride we also have bounce houses, a popcorn machine, and various vendors to stop by and visit such as Total Nutrition and a Snow Cone maker.

15. What’s to see on the routes?

The beautiful Texas/Arkansas Country side. This time of year usually has gorgeous wildflowers. At 3 States where Texas/Arkansas/Louisiana meet you will get to celebrate with a picture next to all 3 State flags!

 

16. Tell us a secret or little-known fact about your rally.

That one of the rest stops is maned by our individuals with disabilities who live in Texarkana Resources for the Disabled, Inc. community living home (Haven Home). When you stop at Macedonia Baptist Church rest stop you get to meet the men of Haven Home and see who the proceeds will directly impact!

 

17. What has been the biggest draw for your rally?

Probably the unique aspect that you get to ride through 3 states in 1 ride, and the wonderful cause you get to support. You really get to cycle for change.

18. What time does the course close?

The course closes at 3:00pm and their will no longer be SAG support. Showers/Lunch will be completely closed and cleaned up by 4:00pm

19. What is there to do in town? Any historical features?

There is two great local breweries in town, and you can stop by Berridge Bikes, Texarkana’s local bike shop for all your cyclists needs. It is located right by State Line at the Historic Post Office where you can snap of photo being in both Texas and Arkansas at one time!

 

20. What hotel do you suggest? Does it offer a discount related to your event?

The Hilton Garden Inn and Marriott Residence Inn both support our ride. If you call the Hilton and mention our ride they will give you a discounted rate!

21. Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Our ride is 100% ran on volunteers. From the Director to the food grillers and servers to the rest stops to the SAG, every person volunteers their time to make this event possible because of the wonderful cause it supports!

Those of us in North-Central Texas have experienced a few nice days with chilly mornings and afternoons in the 70s this past week—in other words, the PERFECT riding weather! But if you’ve lived in Texas very long, you know the next winter blasts can alter our best-made bike plans and leave us dreaming of spring.

Well, while you’re dreaming…think big. Big hills. Big plans.

What if you could pedal a bicycle rally and “have it your way?” It’s entirely possible! The Easter Hill Country Tour is three days long and offers two to four routes each day, and starts when YOU want to start! Cyclists generally make plans to meet at Schreiner University at their own group’s set time. And if rest stops matter to you, please note, those open at 8am. The three-day event schedule is posted at their website (the link is provided at the end of this article). Both hotels and camping are available, too—just another way to “have your way” in your budget!

I had the pleasure of pedaling part of this tour on a beautiful Saturday in 2015. What I remember most is the vast variation in gorgeous geography all on one route. One moment I was pedaling smoothly on flat road along rocky crags that make up the cliffs along the Guadalupe River. The next, I was struggling up one of the three steep mountains—I am just going to call them mountains… Eagle’s Nest, Condor’s Nest and Sparrow’s Nest. These mountains were featured on the very nice, rich blue t-shirts that year. I careened down the other side in fear and exhilaration.

Another thing I remember…going into town for meals. The entire city was overrun with cyclists, and the people of Kerrville took it all in stride. And you’ll probably see someone you know at just about every meal!

How about a few surprises for your own have-it-your-way rally? You might see a cyclist in a rabbit suit, or someone’s bike fully decked out for the Easter holiday. Speaking of Easter, the event offers a Sunrise Service before you pedal on Easter Sunday. And, if you’re into unique history, you would probably enjoy reading up on The Camel Experiment before you go. A rest stop is nestled here, too: http://www.campverdegeneralstore.com/main/history.php

You’re welcome!

 

As it has in the past, WheelBrothers will be interviewing rally organizers about upcoming rallies and will report to readers with a sneak-peak! So get your calendars out and start making your plans!

In the interview below, Easter Hill Country Tour organizer, David Dick, answers the most asked questions about this Have-It-Your-Your-Way three-day rally:

1. What is the official name of your rally? Easter Hill Country Tour
2. What is the date and start time of your rally?             March 30 – April 1, 2018, 8:00 a.m.
3. How many years has this rally been offered? 45 years
4. What is the cost? When are the price increases? $45 thru March 15—then $50/$60 on-site
5. When is the last day to register online?             March 28
6. Can cyclists register on the morning of the event? Yes
7. What Bling comes with registration? T-Shirt (still working on more) 
8. Does the rally support a cause? What is it? No, although we make donations to support local Kerrville groups who help
9. What distances are offered? Are there rest stops? How often? And SAG?   Friday: 34, 55, 65        Saturday: 34, 57, 80, 100       Sunday:  20, 31    Rest stops about every 15 miles, SAGs available on route
10. Which level of cyclists would enjoy this event? All (but there are some steep grades)
11. Will there be police manning the intersections? No
12. What is the terrain like? Hilly? Flat? What condition are the roads in?                                        Hilly, moderately smooth roads. We try to stick to back roads as much as possible
13. What’s offered to eat at rest stops and after the rally? Are breakfast snacks and/or lunch included? Regular rest stop snacks, water and energy drinks

14. The family doesn’t pedal. Is there any entertainment or activities going on for them while cyclists pedal?  Kerrville has other activities, information is included in rider packets. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g56079-Activities-Kerrville_Texas.html
15. What’s to see on the routes?                                                                                                             Scenic Hill Country roads are the main draw, many old homes and country churches
16. Tell us a secret or little-known fact about your rally!

Four different clubs have taken turns in rotation as hosts for the 45 years the rally has taken place. From the start in 1974, there were four clubs: Lubbock Bicycle Club, San Antonio Wheelmen, Houston Bicycle Club, and the Fort Worth Cycling Association. Lubbock and San Antonio have dropped from the rotation, but the Austin Cycling Association joined the rotation in 2011. So now it is actually just three clubs. Houston Bicycle Club is the 2018 host. Next year is Ft. Worth, and Austin will be in 2020.

16B.    How much have the routes changed in those 45 years?

Each club decides the routes in the years that they host. So the routes change every year, although many of the more popular roads are frequently used.

17. What has been the biggest draw for your rally?

Three days of supported rides for only $45 (or $50 or $60, depending on when you   register)

18. What time does the course close? 3:00 or 4:00 p.m., depending on the route.
19. What is there to do in town? Any historical features? See #14
20. What is the most unusual thing that has happened in those 45 years? Any legendary stories?

Since this is a three-day event, even if there is bad weather on one of the days, there are usually two more days of good riding weather. The closest that we came to a total washout was in 2007 when we got a surprise ice storm, very surprising since our event was in the middle of April that year. The Friday riders who started early got a very nice ride in, but throughout the afternoon the weather started deteriorating and it was raining by the end of the day.

 

We woke up to sleet and rain on Saturday, and it only got worse. There were about 800 people registered that year, and only 10 people decided to brave the weather. So, it worked out to be the only ride I can think of where every rider had their own SAG vehicle. We had told the rest stop volunteers to stay at home, so no rest stops. On the radar, we saw another wave of sleet coming and finally convinced all but one rider to get into the SAG vehicles because it was just too dangerous. The one guy who insisted on riding to the end was in from Vermont, so I guess he had ridden in worse weather. He was the only rider to ride on Saturday that year and make it back under his own power.

Sunday morning was still very cold, but it had cleared up. So after the ice started melting, many of the riders who were still in town ventured out for the last day of riding. Even with the ice and sleet, some people still got to ride two days.

Event Website: http://ehct.com/

Winter sucks. The wind carries a thousand icy knives, which cut from head to toe every time you transition from house to car, or car to destination. It’s even worse if you spend any amount of time outdoors on the bike. No amount of bundling seems to cure the sharp, aching bite of the rushing air that can be can felt down to the bone. Once home, you cozy up in your best sweats and crank up the heat or fireplace, but there are still parts of you that take hours, even days to “thaw.” Miserable.

So, what’s a roadie to do? Head to the bar?

YES! To the Cyclebar!

Recently, I took advantage of something that is available to every first-time rider at Waterside Cyclebar, located on Convair near REI in Fort Worth…a FREE visit at the premium indoor cycling facility! It’s like spin on dope! I’m telling you now, this facility is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, and can keep your road game in check during the winter months. And, if you have the will and drive, this place can transform your road ride for the coming spring. But let’s back up a minute…

When you go online to Waterside Cyclebar, it’s like reserving your favorite recliner at the movies. Before you arrive, you get to reserve your bike! Get a front-row seat and shine, or tuck yourself in the back row. It’s up to you. And, once you find a spot you love, you can save the bike as your preferred seat. About 50 bikes are available, but the experience feels very personal. The bikes are set up in a Cycletheater, where instructors are provided with a great sound system, control of concert-style lights, and a state-of-the-art program which allows them to match music and workout cadences.

Cyclebar instructor Kim Sissen posted about Cyclebar on her Facebook page, and I promptly invited myself, though I was a little concerned because I didn’t own spd clips to clip in. Well, that wasn’t a problem. The Bontrager shoes are provided at each class, and then cleaned and disinfected for future riders. Apparently, you could want for nothing here! Towels are also provided—neat white towels, freshly laundered, rolled up and waiting for you on your bike. I forgot my hairband on my first visit. Also not a problem. There are jars of hairbands and earplugs (if you prefer to dull the raging concert you’re about to pedal to). There are lotions, deodorants, shampoos, hair dryers…on and on and on.

I arrived for a Monday night class with Kim. I changed from work clothes to my gym clothes and was shown to a free locker which corresponded to my bike number. The lockers are in the common area, which also provides drinking water, both room-temp and chilled. I received my complementary Cyclebar water bottle, top quality, and sat down on one of the benches and chatted with other newbies and seasoned Cyclebar riders. The music from the class ahead of us pulsated from the swinging doors like a rave.

Soon, tons of sweaty spinners emerged from the Cycletheater, clearly having worked out at their threshold. There was a pause before the next group filed in, as bikes were wiped down and towels replenished. Once you enter the Cycletheater, you know you are in for a treat… and some very hard workouts, if you embrace them.

The theater is darkened, all 50+ bikes face the instructor, and behind the instructor was a mirrored wall. I found my bike and make adjustments for fit. There were plenty of people around if you happen to need assistance with anything.

The music began, Kim welcomed everyone, and we began to spin. I barely remembered to start my Garmin…I wanted to see what this workout looks like in reference to my heart rate. But here’s another surprise feature: your spin bike is programmed to YOU this session, and it has a computer attached to it that reports your stats to your online account. WOW!! This is another dimension to getting your road ride ready for spring…understanding the science behind it and having YOUR specific details. As Cyclebar describes it, “Achieve your personal best every single ride. CycleStats measure the six key metrics of your daily and historical performance <Calories, Miles, Watts, MPH, RPM, and Time> —and emails you the result after every ride to help you track the progress of your fitness journey. Your CycleStats are always available at cyclebar.com, so you can check in on your calories, power, RPM, and more at any time.” Awesome! And in real time, you can see where you measure against the group as ranks are posted on the screen. Not your thing? Just make sure you have chosen an unidentifiable nickname online when you set up your account.

Kim lead us through a fantastic workout including spins, hill climbs, exercises that involve push-ups on the bike, standing up/sitting down…etc. New to me was the workout where we pull out a weighted bar from a holder on the front of the bike. We did light weightlifting as we spun, which also worked on abs due to balance.

It did not take me long to realize that the music and lights also helped to mask some of the pain. I was engaged and inspired to push harder and harder, knowing what great benefits this would have for my weight-loss and future rides. This spin class was a last-minute, spur-of-the-moment choice for me—I had already done a full-body workout that morning… I watched my rank and couldn’t help but wonder where I’d rank with fresh legs and arms. I’ll find out soon! I am already signed up for my next class.

If all of this greatness wasn’t enough, there are themed nights too, and this evening was Wined Down Wednesday. Wine and cheese were served after the ride! Heaven. The theme for my next ride is Twerkout Workout with an *Explicit warning. OH MY! I’m blushing! And to bend your mind even further, you can hold fundraisers here, inviting people to pedal and raising funds for your cause. Check out the website for more details! https://waterside.cyclebar.com/info/new-to-cyclebar/

Since I have only visited once, I am sure there are details I’ve missed. But don’t wait for me—come see for yourself! Whether you are a roadie needing to escape the winter blues or up your road game, or perhaps Valentine’s Day has you staring down your love handles, get yourself to Cyclebar in Southlake, Fort Worth or Flower Mound ASAP! See you there!

Enrich Your Bike Life: Volunteer!

Featuring the 2017-18 Skill and Age Based Cyclocross Championship of Texas!

 

This weekend the 2017-18 Skill and Age Based Cyclocross Championship of Texas was held at Panther Pavilion in Fort Worth, TX. It was a fantastic weekend featuring a very challenging cyclocross course, including a sand pit, a flyover and some talented heckling! Many cyclists were there as participants, volunteers or both. It just so happens that my bicycle shop, Bicycles Inc., was the event sponsor and my bike club, MBBC, brought the designated volunteers (in addition to others) that helped make the event a great success!

 

Winston Churchill said, “You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.” Where you spend your time is a reflection of yourself and your intentions, and in this ultra-busy life, the giving of your time is a priceless commodity. May I ask, have you and/or your club thought about giving back to your sport? There are plenty of reasons why you should—and you will be all the richer for it.

1. Volunteering for a cycling event both promotes and sustains our beloved sport.

Throughout the weekend, we were able to promote our sport to the impromptu visitors to Panther Pavilion. I encountered roadies passing by on the Trinity River who had never seen cyclocross in action; I saw friends who saw all the hype on social media and came by to both pedal and spectate; and I even chatted with non-cyclists who were just happening by and stayed for the afternoon because they were entertained by the event. This, in turn, caused all of them to be shoppers at our vendors’ tents—we had coffee, specialty foods, BBQ, Bicycles Inc. and so much more. Compound that CX love by all the shares of the event in social media, and we successfully promoted cycling with a greater reach than ever before.

Without the help of volunteers, many—and I would even err on saying ALL of the events we enjoy—would not be able to occur. From simple club events, to rallies, road races and the like, events big and small would cease to exist. If you truly love something, you will do what you can to sustain it. Hello, My Heart!

2. Volunteering for a cycling event can give you an introduction to versions of a sport you may never have considered before—and, in this weekend’s case, it can even benefit your roadie skills.

An excerpt from VeloPress says it well:

“Given the amount of effort required in a ’cross race—not to compete at a high level but just simply to get around the course—if you’re a road racer there is no better way to supplement your winter training than by taking part in occasional competitive outings off-road. ’Cross requires great strength, agility, and cardiovascular fitness, and these are all qualities that road riders try to develop during the winter months. Long, steady distance work on the road bike, regular ‘crosstraining’ such as stretching and running, and core and circuit training are all essential and should be continued, but ’cross can add the competitive element to keep you going.” Source: https://www.velopress.com/why-road-cyclists-should-try-cyclocross/

Comment after comment this weekend were cyclists and non-cyclists amazed at the level of challenge of the course, and the strength and bravery it took just to complete it. Inspiration! If you have been considering dabbling in something other than road, volunteering is one way to get a front-row seat.

3. Volunteering for a cycling event offers behind-the-scenes perspective, causes you to be much more appreciative, and allows you to truly say thanks.

In the beginning we’re obsessed. As new riders we’re concerned about our first bike purchase, first group ride, how to clip in, our first rally, or training for far more miles than we ever imagined…That’s all part of the bike fever. A rite of passage. But as we progress, we might question events we think fall short of expectation… and we recognize/enjoy/praise/celebrate the events that are well thought out and organized.

I wonder, have you taken the time to truly say thank you to the organizers of the events you love most? One of the highest forms of thanks is the giving of your precious time.

As a new employee to Bicycles Inc. a couple of years ago, I was astounded at the number of hours the staff put in above and beyond store hours. Whether they are paid or not on a given day, I feel proud of the reflection of love and support for a bike life for all (no matter which type of cycling you do) that exudes from these events! Whether it be supporting a fundraiser for a young man who needs a bike, or serving a lovely Italian dinner to Bike MS participants after a full day on the bike, or being the biggest party at the Hotter’n’Hell Expo—the Bicycles Inc.’s staff’s dedication has won my admiration forever. This weekend was no different. Bicycles Inc. served at the title sponsor, and supported from before sunrise to sunset, in the rain and probably in several more ways I don’t even know about.

I am also exceptionally proud to be a member of MBBC. We are called upon to support area organizers, and in the midst of busy lives we come through. Last week, MBBC club members took time off from work to help build the cyclocross course, such as the stairs, the flyover and the course itself. Then over the course of the weekend, MBBC club members were there before the sun was up, after the sun went down, and in the rain to do what needed to be done. Whether a few hours, all weekend, or most of the week, individuals from MBBC as along with many others supported the event. And of course, those who both raced and volunteered were truly giving the most of themselves!

Once you have volunteered a few times, you realize the vast effort it takes to pull off a flawless event. And here’s a secret: The success of the event is exuded in its volunteers. Nine times out of ten, if I have loved an event, I can think back to those making it happen…They were engaged, interested, friendly, hard-working, chatty and simply happy to be there. This weekend was no different. Thank you to Bryan Roberts and Matt Laughlin, for your countless hours (probably still adding up) and ALL of your amazing volunteers for making this a great event!

Author: Lisa Tilley

January 1, 2018. It’s just a calendar date. And this is NOT a story about New Year’s resolutions. This is simply about you.

For as many years as you’ve been pedaling, there are probably twice as many reasons you can list as your motivations to pedal. How did you even start? Was it serendipitous? Has cycling always been a part of your life? How much have you changed as a rider since your first time on a bike? Have you encouraged, inspired and supported others to pedal? Are you anxious to embrace a new goal, or three?

For me, I went to a brutal spin class, and afterwards I literally fell down the curb when my legs were too weak to carry me to my car. But I came back to that spin class. And again, and again. Our instructor eventually invited us on a field trip to the Texas Motor Speedway, which has a perfect five-mile loop. We borrowed or rented road bikes, and we learned some roadie basics. I never looked back. (I had no idea that in the years to come, I would finish my first Century ride with Bike MS, right there at Texas Motor Speedway! That really is serendipity!)

I bought my first, all-wrong, two-sizes-too-big-for-me steel bike (nothing wrong with steel, by the way) from Craigslist. I pedaled it thousands of miles, on which many of my “firsts” took place. Rallies. Races. SO. MANY. MEMORIES. Then, N+1 took over. I had my Cannondale, “Stormy”, and now my Specialized Ruby Comp “Sabine” and my luxurious gravel bike, a Specialized Diverge I named “Calypso”. Thank you, Bicycles Inc.! These bikes deserve more miles and memories than I have put on them so far. Enter 2018.

January 1, 2018 is just a calendar date, but if you participate in social media (or have walked into a supermarket lately), you know that the date provides significance to many. Looking back is extremely valuable in reminding you how far you’ve come, and stirring in you the dreams, desires and questions that remain unanswered for yourself. What are you capable of? How much does it matter to you to know the answer to that question? Where do you want to go next?

Looking forward, for the majority of us there’s so much more we want to do. Though cliché, simply starting is truly the hardest part. Do something painless to begin: write it down. Start by thinking about how and why you started pedaling in the first place. Ask yourself what you still want to do. Why haven’t you done it? What fears are enabling you to stay where you are? What hurdles must be addressed to be successful? Write those down, too. Then obliterate them.

But, how?

By facing them dead on.

I raced my first endurance race with the Manly Bulge Bike Club, my forever bike family. I signed up for the 12-hour solo at the Tonkawa race near Crawford, TX. When I arrived the other racers looked fierce, certainly far more in-shape than I was, and they stood in the dark writing their numbers in black ink right on their skin. Out-of-shape and completely inexperienced, I was petrified. I put myself on the start line. I had a flat in the first turn of the first lap of the day. Being so new, I had to call for help. Hellish. The sun wasn’t even up yet. But I pedaled my 12 hours in a day that registered 113 degrees on the road. I managed to keep a great attitude and ultimately had a fantastic day. And I look back at it now as one of my fondest beginner memories.

Now that I’m in my later 40s, I am enjoying the pure freedom of caring very little about what I assume the general population must think of me, which—to be honest—stopped mattering to me altogether. It’s quite exhilarating to plan things out however I wish. But, how much time did I spend worrying about that make-believe stuff before? Too much. Get rid of that thinking as soon as possible. It benefits no one—least of all you. And if you do find that you have a hater or two, you are probably doing something right, something different, and/or something progressive. Hold onto that. It’s your power. It’s what makes you, you.

January 1, 2018 does not have to be the day you make a resolution, a new goal, or changes to your routine. Turn the resolution tradition inside out. Take some time to figure out what motivates you. What makes your devotion click? What lights an inextinguishable spark that fuels you for months to come? Is it something you failed at before? Something you have never tried that remains elusive? Answer these questions and build the ideal springboard for yourself.

It’s January 1, 2018 and I have a confession to make. Friends are sharing their yearly miles and their Strava Year in Review. I had a sucky year in the miles department, very successful elsewhere, but I admit I am envious of those mile numbers… So, I will work to make it so for myself. My desire is my fuel. I bought a new Garmin that works as a Fitbit, measuring my runs and my cycling miles. I look forward to my 2018 Year in Review.

In conclusion, January 1, 2018 is simply a calendar date. Your date-of-measure (the day you begin to make changes, or the day you are expecting a certain outcome) could be today. Or, you can take the time to reflect, analyze, know yourself, figure out what works, what doesn’t, and test a few theories and be far more intentional with your direction and goals. Your date-of-measure can celebrate other great milestones in your life, or even honor another person. What matters most is that your direction and goals are tailored specifically to you and a personal awareness of where you want to go.

One of the best mantras I have adopted for myself is: Start where you are, do what you can, with what you have (Theodore Roosevelt). I am learning tremendous things from sprints and hill climbs and endurance rides. I have found segments for all of those near my home. I have found effective options in the gym, and I have seen first-hand how gym workouts can benefit the bike. There is a myriad of resources on YouTube for every question you can possibly have, not to mention the cycling groups you are already a part of, as resources. Build your bricolage: something constructed or created from a diverse range of available things. There is confidence, convenience and power in building something all your own.

May the road rise to meet you! See you on the road!