An odd but decent on-bike year. Cycled similar mileage to 2022 but can definitely see really good areas of improvement, particularly in my fitness and lifestyle choices - eating healthily, less drinking, combining to drop me down to a much more natural weight of around 70kg (170cm).
I also feel far more comfortable on the bike with a combination of improved flexibility (thanks Yoga with Adrienne lol) and better bike-handling. My main struggle of 2023 has been staying healthy - a combination of stress, weather and (from time-to-time) pushing myself too hard and expecting too much (watts, power, speed).
I’ve improved a lot and know I want too much too quickly, so 2024 aim is to be a bit more intentional with my training, get a coach/trainer and just manage my expectations.
Sadly cycling oversea’s eluded me for another year, but really did enjoy a lot of UK roads and fields, mostly in-and-around Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, as well as a couple of excursions into Yorkshire. Nearly did a bike-packing trip around Cornwall (overnight sleeper), but storm-stopped play, but is back on the list for 2024.
Favourite trip of the year was our club social trip to the Yorkshire Wolds sustrans route – beautiful valleys, hills, weather and views, all the way to the coast at Bridlington, for a repeat journey the next day.
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| Completing the first day to Bridlington - ready for a pint |
On the hottest day of the year I cycled our local ‘Rutland Churches‘ ride. When we moved to Stamford I saw the yearly challenge ride in a local newspaper, and have had that as a goal in the back of my mind to try/complete for a while. Of 57 active churches I visited 36; really hoping to complete it next year & get more of the club involved. img below.
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| Rutland Church ride with my pal John, from TCOS (The Cyclists of Stamford) |
The last achievement, which was firmly on the 2023 goals list, was to cycle my first century. Arguably the Wolds ride was tougher, but a 101-mile ride to Lincoln was a really enjoyable day, and not as back-breaking as I would have imagined when I first started cycling 20-30miles.
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| TCOS ready for the 100+ miler to Lincoln & Back |
Probably my greater (personal) achievement this year is just my general learning in and among all things cycling – becoming a director in my local club, developing our new club kit, being part of a small/new bike company, talking about bikes (a lot, and with a lot more confidence!) and watching all sorts of bike races and gaining a huge appreciation for its culture.
Attending bike events (Rouleur London), talking to bike suppliers. All of it has contributed to my overall enjoyment and appreciation of cycling culture and feeling more confident discussing bikes, watching races and finding more inspiration!
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| Taking a leak, 2023, ride to Lincoln (lol) |
Split between on-bike goals as well as club, company and health (in no real order):
- A cycling holiday abroad (minimum) – Norway fjords, Majora/Girona, Netherlands, Belgium, France
- At least 1 gravel event, 1 sportive and 1 audax
- Watch a pro-stage in person, probably a 1-day classic, a Paris-Roubiax or Amstel Gold
- Cycling in Wales, Scotland or Ireland on mixed terrain – possibly a coast-to-coast..
- Building a successful local gravel club (Off-Piste - time to prepare..)
- 5000+ miles of riding
- Many club activities!
- Enjoy the Standert!
- Stay healthy & get down to around 66kilos
- Write more posts!
Ciao 2023. Been a blast.
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