...2756

2756. That's how many miles I put on my bike this year. I was hoping to round it off at 3000, but it's not to be. I didn't keep track of my miles in 2008, my first full year of riding, but know the number was much smaller than 2756. This past Sunday the roads were clear and dry, and I went out for a short jaunt. I hadn't seen the weather forcast, so envisioned getting out each day this week to bump my number up. But now there's snow on the roads, and the only seat time I'll be getting will be in my living room. Rats. There's always next year.

...setting a goal

I've had my beautiful cobalt blue and black road bike for a year and a half now. A year and a half of riding with my buddies from Scott's. I've graduated from the slow group and, once in a great while can hold on to the fast group, but I usually hang out somewhere in the middle. And I seem to have reached a plateau. My average speed appears to be stuck at 15 mph. So. I have nothing, nothing planned for this summer except to ride my bike. (Well I do plan to visit my folks--and ride my bike, visit Katie--and ride my bike, visit my sister--and ride my bike.) My goal is to move that durned average speed number up a few notches. How about 20 mph by the time my two year anniversary rolls around in late August? I'm not even sure if that's a reasonable goal--but I'm sure going to have fun trying! And bad news...I missed the Tuesday night ride due to my flat tire adventure so didn't learn until tonight that Ivan crashed and broke his collar bone. Poor guy! He didn't have to have surgery, which is good news, but ohhh to be off the bike for the summer?! Torture!
Friday night update: I hung out at the shop this evening before it closed (yeah, what else is there to do in a small town?) and chatted with a young guy who has been riding for several years. I told him about my goal and he thought maybe 17mph would be more reasonable. Sounds good to me!