Today’s the day when Strava does its ‘Year In Sport’ thing, and your social media feeds will be filled with miles ridden, feet climbed, cups won and other such data driven achievements. For those of you without a virtual trophy cabinet, or maybe just with busy lives, it can be a demoralising time. But fear not, for we have here an Alternative Year in Sport. Tick off those achievements, recall those fond memories, and stick your tongue out to those data slaves. This is the Real Stuff. This is where it’s at.
1. A really good sandwich
Was it the perfect proportion of beef to mustard, the restorative power of a peanut butter and jelly piece, or just a plain old cheese and pickle with a really spectacular view – and just the right shaped sitting rock to enjoy it from? That moment was an achievement to be savoured, just like the sandwich
2. Beat a trail nemesis
You’ve been looking at that root for too long. Finally, this time, you looked it in the eye and defeated it. Whatever your trail nemesis feature is, that buzz you got beating it is better than any internet points. Well done.
3. A great view
Whether it was an epic ride up high where every view was a feast, or a momentary glimpse where the clouds and the light were just so, you were there. You came, you saw, therefore you conquered the lure of the sofa. Aren’t you great? Where’s the Strava crown for Best Horizon?
4. A good chat
Maybe it was you that put the world to rights, or maybe it was your riding buddy that just needed to unburden. Between the turning of the pedals and the intakes of breath, things were said that needed saying. It’s good to talk.
5. Saw an inversion
Despite the lack of promise in the day, you pedalled out and up and were rewarded with the discovery of blue skies above the murk. Extra points to you for making the effort.
6. Had a wild swim
The air was hot and sticky and so were you. Until you found that perfect cool swimming spot and stopped for a dip. Skin tingling, every inch of you alive. This is really living.
7. Saw a rainbow
Soggy feet, chilled hands, lips pursed against the mud. And then, sunshine, a rainbow, and your day got a little bit brighter.
8. Communed with animals
Maybe you talked to an especially velvety cow. Maybe you saw a heron catch a fish. Or a rare lesser spotted something or other in a nest. Whatever creature it was, you were there to see it and it made you glad. Give yourself a pat on the back for taking notice of your surroundings.
9. Dodged the rain
All ride long the dark clouds loomed, yet somehow you stayed ahead of them, or behind them, finally getting home and closing the front door just as the heavens opened. Some days, things just go your way, and this was one of them.
10. Saw a perfect sunset
Was it the height of summer, when the long lazy sunset brings a pleasurable cooling relief from the heat of the day? Or a wintery chiller, when the sudden darkness after the sun’s last fiery display brings sudden icy fingers that have you dashing home for warmth? Sunsets are never not good, type 1 fun all the way.
11. Stared at the clouds
Little puffy wisps that float across blue skies, shifting shape, flitting across your imagination… great threatening black storm clouds with pink or green tinged edges… impossibly fluffy cumulous clouds piled high like candy floss… you stared and you wondered at the wonder of the world. It’s a pretty cool place to be sometimes.
12. Line-choice win
An inch to the left and that bog would have had your front wheel, well done for judging the depth of that puddle and hopping over it. You win at line choice. Your mate behind you wasn’t so lucky.
13. Accidental matching outfits
You turned up to ride and discovered someone else in the same outfit. No, it wasn’t on sale, you just both have impeccable taste.
14. Found an unexpected food outlet
Why there was an ice cream truck way up on the edge of the moor, you’re not sure, but there it was, and boy was it a welcome treat. Or maybe you found an honesty box, stocked up with home made cake, far away from the nearest village but perfectly placed for the hungry mountain biker. The surprise pie, the extra cake stop… we’re not counting miles or calories. This is the happiness index, and we’re riding high on it.
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15. Came to the rescue
Was it a minor achievement of having just the right tool in your pack, or something a little more critical like getting someone injured to safety? Looking out for each other makes you feel warm and fuzzy, and surely all that good karma will pay off if you’re ever on the needing end of things.
16. Got home just as your bike battery runs out
Things were a little tense on that last climb up to the house, you really didn’t want to be walking the last mile… but the gods of electricity shone upon you and delivered you home, just as the final bar vanished. You really couldn’t have played out a minute longer, you’ve had maximum available fun. Brilliant!
17. Finding a fiver in your riding bag
For a maximum super boost of achievement, best combined with option 14, but when is a free fiver ever not good? Did you buy piping hot chips, super salty and vinegary, making your lips a little numb? Or a cool pint of ale, creamy head on top and slipping down just so? That bonus fiver makes your ride end with a little extra shine.
18. Made a new riding buddy
You probably passed each other a few times on the trail before you finally stopped to exchange numbers. Maybe there was a spot of Instagram stalking before you slid into the DMs and said ‘shall we go for a ride?’. However you met, you’ve joined forces, trail knowledge and motivation. Egging each other on, you’re an unstoppable duo, riding more and better because each other is there. Synergy in action.
19. Found a new trail
You’re not sure why you’ve never been that way before, or how you missed that turning in the past, but finally you went to check out ‘what’s over there’. It turns out that sometimes the grass is greener – or rather, shorter, with a perfect ribbon of earth wriggling through its perfectly undulating form. You’ve unlocked a whole new level – now what runs from the end of the new trail and over there…?
20. Fixed some drainage
You paused, you kicked at the leaves, you moved a rock, and the perma-puddle drained away. Now every time you ride past, you remember that moment of victory as you watched the water leave the trail, and every time you’re glad you bothered, because now your feet are dry. Well done you, oh virtuous one.
21. Picked up some litter
You saw it, sparkling on the horizon as you rode over the moor. Caught in the bilberries, it glinted as you approached it on the trail. You stopped, and bushwhacked your way through, unwrapped its plastic ribbon, curled around a branch, and stuffed it in you backpack. One less foil balloon in this world. One positive action.
22. Found a good mushroom
This was the year of fungi. Giant ones, small ones, weird ones, ones that make things weird ones. They were everywhere, and yet we never grew bored of spotting them, wondering which edible/edible only once/edible only if you like adventures category they fell into, taking a picture, and then pedalling on. The world is an incredible place, mushrooms are really weird, and everything is connected, man.
Whatever your motivation for riding, we hope you’re having fun and it makes you feel good. Here’s to another year of sport. Or just riding along. Whatevs. Enjoy.
