The Year On Two Wheels

It was a year of new challenges, new wheels and new achievements. The hope is that it’s a year that sets me up for an even better year in 2026.

I meant to do a year-end review of my riding along with the usual suspects of movies and books. But once the end-of-year break arrived, I settled into relaxation mode. Time to get caught up.

First, the numbers:

• Total Miles- 1,100.29 (10% increase over Personal Best)
• Elevation Gain/Climbing- 16,908 (~6,000 feet shy of PB)
• Time in Motion – 117 hours, 34 minutes, 22 seconds (30 hours more than PB)
• Average Speed – 9.46 mph

I’m good with all those numbers. The average speed is down from previous years, but that’s the influence of the community orientation of the Bike Monday Bros rides. BMB was a HUGE part of my riding last year, and there were far fewer long rides on the Virginia Capital Trail. Those long rides average higher speeds. The same can be said for the climbing number. Richmond is not a particularly hilly city in most areas, and the group tends to avoid those hills.

A quick aside on BMB. Three or four years ago (sorry, I’ve lost track), I was looking for more social contact after the pandemic, and a riding group that would keep me moving. BMB has gotten some press this year, and one of the founding members and our ride leader, Keith Ramsey, has gotten some well-deserved kudos for his leadership. Monday evenings, gather between 5:30 and 6 at the Starbucks on Robinson Street; the ride starts 6ish. A no-drop ride with the goal of offering people a chance to talk while we ride. Let me know if you have questions.

OK, back to talking about me! I am who I am.

Late last year, I hit a wall. I did not physically hit a wall, but I hit a wall physically. I rode as much as possible during the summer. Given my condition, the weather, et cetera, that was three days a week. Add in the impact of the hot, humid summers we get in central Virginia, and more miles than ever before, and my body felt the stress. I goofed a couple of times (you’d think I’d learn, wouldn’t you?) on rides on really hot days. The worst was the high-90s, high-humidity day when I seriously underestimated my water needs. The water ran out with five long miles still to go with no easy access to additional water. I rode a little way, stopped in the shade to rest, rode a little farther, rested again. I was in trouble, but worked my way out.

Never again.

Thus, the first change I made for this year’s riding was getting a gym membership. Now, I work out three days a week. That includes 20+ minutes on the stationary and weights/resistance training. I want to be in better shape going into prime riding season and all summer long. It also includes keeping trips to the gym a regular part of my health routine, year-round.

One change that has already taken place was a new bike last summer. My old reliable Fuji Regis is showing its age, plus it’s a bit on the heavy side. So, I added a Trek FX-1. It gives me a solid ride both in the city and on paved trails, with some off-road riding capabilities too. Dubbed the “Starship Enterprise” (with the hull number on the top tube), it’s been a joy to ride.

Goals for this year:

1. Another 10% increase in miles
2. One or two RVA to Jamestown rides on the Cap trail
3. Increased Cap Trail segment rides (some cool rides around the Civil War battlefield parks)
4. To ride at least three new to me trails.
5. Not to do anything stupid this year! That’s focused on preparing for the heat. Any ride with the temperature over 80 needs to be prepared for, and temps over 90 need to include maximum water loads.

It was a fun year, and I’m looking forward to another fun one next year.

On Your Left!

Peace,

Jay