This was the year that I went from riding a bike to becoming a cyclist. My little idea of trying something new, quickly became a challenge to train & participate in endurance events and now has become my sanity and new passion. I'm so thankful for my little partner in this adventure, my bike "B". This old retired bike that I was able to dust off and give a second chance to (had been stored in many pieces in a shed for years) has been an amazing gift to help me on my journey. This bike had seen better days and took a lot of work to become my constant and reliable (most of the time) companion this last year.
With the limited abilities of this bike (est. 1998 Bianchi) and my body, I was amazed of what we have been able to accomplish together! I believe tenacity is our main ingredient for success. I have ridden well over 2000 miles this last year between events and training. Having had the opportunity to ride all around the bay area and see the most amazing places has been wonderful! This year I traveled to Solvang, Moab Utah, and Lakeport California to ride in their endurance events as part of Team in Training (TNT). Each event was amazing and special to me for different reasons.
Outside of TNT I entered and rode The Cinderella Classic, Diablo Century and The Tour de Asti with friends. All beautiful and fun rides that I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing with my cycling buddies. It was a great year and I felt very accomplished with my cycling goals. I definitively exceeded my personal expectations for year one of riding.
So now what...tomorrow is 2011 and the start of a new year and cycling season? Well, I continue to ride at least once a week and more if weather and my schedule allows. I've also begun to formulate my goals and rides for 2011. Part of my criteria involves riding with friends. So far, I have not actually entered any rides but plan on riding The Cinderella Classic, Tahoe/AMBR, The Konocti Challenge and The Tour de Asti. I'm positive that the list will grow as the weather and my motivation improves. I want to ride in some different events and expand on my current ride list...I'm sure new opportunities will present themselves.
Happy New Year and ride safe in 2011~
