Looking back on 2023, forward to 2024

Personally, 2023 was a good year. Like any other, it had its ups and downs, but overall, most of the habits and patterns I developed are worth repeating. 

Cycling wise, I resolved to pedal at least 2,000 miles, or at a minimum, 40 miles per week. I know that for some of my cycling friends that may not seem like a lofty number, but for me, and where I was at the end of 2022 it was. In 2022 I struggled getting out and found it hard to stay motivated. Part of that was because I had not really set any measurable goals for that year. But, for 2023, it was different. 

One of the highlights for 2023 was doing a full pull of the C&O Canale from Cumberland, MD to Washington, DC. over three days.

Setting Goals.

Early on in 2023 I decided that I was going to finally do a full pull, albeit over three days, of the C&O Canal from Cumberland to DC. It really helped that my friends Paul and Becky would be along for the ride, and partake in the training leading up to it. Even after three decades of riding in the region, that was one “tour” I had failed to fully complete. I also resolved to do at least one 60 mile gravel ride in Loudoun County, again with my good friends Paul and Becky. While I often headed to visit those precious roads, my rides were often limited to 30 miles or less. 

To properly prepare I followed the advice of my friend Matt Eggleton and structured my riding. He told me that even though I was not planning on racing, that scheduling my rides ahead of time would help me get into a regular habit and, in turn, help me reach my goals.

I chose Mondays and Fridays as my rest days and resolved to do at least a one hour ride every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. On weekends I would try to ride anywhere from 2 - 4 hours per day. I remained flexible in case weather didn’t permit a weekday outing and rotated my bikes as much as I could - e.g. road, gravel, mountain, to keep things interesting. Matt was right; not long after scheduling, and starting my “structured” program it became a habit. I often exceeded my weekly distance goal and successfully completed the outings I had planned, and as 2023 came to a close, I found that I exceeded my 2000 mile goal by nearly 300 miles. I also successfully completed the C&O ride and had a blast during the 60 mile route during the 1725 Loudoun County Gravel event.

Beyond cycling I also resolved to do other things. 2023 saw me journal considerably more than I had in the past. I actually used my rides as opportunities to jot things down and used my “Strava” and “Ride With GPS (RWGPS)” accounts to document them all. The process helped me curate my extensive RWGPS route library into shareable collections. I’ve found that writing things down, either on a paper journal or in an online post like this one, helps me to visualize where I want to be, and how to get there. Journaling also helps me stay creative, and sharing the words and the images I capture brings me great joy.

I managed to travel abroad at least twice. In the summer I spent two (very hot) weeks in Seoul, Korea with my daughter. And, in the autumn I headed back home to Lima, Perú, for a quick family visit. I made it a point to cycle once while in Lima. Both trips allowed me to “connect” with my daughter and wife, and spend quality time with friends.

I also continued to volunteer locally and managed to get a couple of projects done with MORE at Locust Shade and lots more with the Quantico Mountain Bike Club.

For 2024 I’m resolving to do some of the same things I did in 2023, most importantly, set some measurable goals.

This coming year I’m going to set a higher distance goal and reach for 3,000 annual miles. To achieve that, I will work to increase my weekly distance objective to 60 miles and work on retaining the same schedule I set up in 2023, three weekly rides, and at least one long weekend outing.

As far as events are concerned, I plan to do a repeat of the C&O Canal ride, but instead of doing it in 3 days my plan is to do it in 2. I also plan to do at least 2-3 additional bike-packing trips. A local one out my door in the spring (dress rehearsal), an outing in WV and/or another yet to be determined location. There are a couple of overnight routes in MD and VA I have been researching, ideally I can ride out my door.

I plan to continue to journal and document my adventures and resolve to publish at least four issues of the Mid-Atlantic Ride Journal, a new digital magazine I’ve had in my head for some time and finally putting together, with lots of help from my friends. The first issue will be released in early 2024. I also plan to do some traveling, including at least once to Peru, and at least one destination we have never been to. We’ve been discussing a trip to Basque Country, Spain (Bilbao and Eibar) where my ancestors hail from, and a possible Christmas sojourn to Hokkaido, Japan.

My plan is that the above resolutions contribute to helping me stay active, creative, and healthy and help me continue to fuel and strengthen the relationships I’ve built over the years.

I’m excited and optimistic about 2024 and looking forward to sharing the journey with you.