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As broad as you like in terms of what you regard as going well for you this year. Could be a long ride, getting out regularly, supporting or teaching some one else, building a wheel, fixing a trail…….
All that matters is that it matters to you. So
no worrying about whether anyone else will be impressed.
I’ve done 4 day multi day rides this year. 2 with people that haven’t done one before or haven’t for 20 years. This big one for me was the Bagman Cambrian challenge. 4,200m of up in a weekend. That was allot for me. Massive shout out to Dale and Andy who waited at the op of every hill for me, despite us all being strangers on day 1.
I joined a cycling club at age 50! Big deal for me with the anxiety 'stuff', so pretty chuffed with myself for getting out with them. Its starting to feel a bit more comfortable being in a group setting, but I still very much feel like the 'newbie'. Mostly been a few gravel rides so far, although, I did venture out on one evening road training ride. What did I learn from that? I'm more unfit than I thought, I'm fairly slow, and I prefer gravel and mountain biking 🤣 🤣
Not sure if it counts as an achievement but toured the Pennine Cycle Way this year, Penrith the Derby. It was brutal for the steep climbing in parts and feels lie an achievement at an increasing age to get through it feeling strong and maintain the fitness. Happy with that.
Completed the Jennride, 100 miles off road in the Lakes with an overnight camp. Never ridden that far in a weekend before even without a fully loaded bike and really didn't know if it was going to be possible!
Had my first overseas trip for about 7 years, going to the Alps in late summer.
Did a couple of weeks of riding, including a four-day circumnavigation of Mont Blanc (with no lifts), sleeping in refuges.
IIRC it was about 177km distance and 8,000m+ ascent overall, with about 8-10hrs of riding each day.
It was very tough, and I hadn't fully accounted for the weight of my pack or the effect of the heat. I blew midway through day three - but plodded on to the end and it's something I'm really glad to have done.
[humblebrag] On a ride in BC I came within 20ft of a brown bear, and I did not shit myself [/humblebrag]
How long before you could unclench 😉
First 200k Audax, and it was a hilly one. I'd planned to do more but work got in the way of maintaining that fitness.
Ambitious plan for next year is to do a 100/200/300/400/500/etc through the year, it's not a Mille Pennine year though so there's that to look forward to in 2025, might try and to the main loops of it as a recce as my parents live just up the road from the overnight stop.
Didn't do much of note this year - plans for what would have been my longest ride were scuppered by weeks of unrelenting illness. Then I had a good run of getting out on the road bike every weekend scuppered by family engagements and then knackering my wrist in a crash meaning I can't even commute at the moment.
So for me, I'll live vicariously through my children and say my 4 year old* knocking out 18 kms on a dads&kids ride without a single word of complaint whilst kids nearly twice his age were complaining non-stop. In fact he was loving it.
*my 7year old also did this but slightly less impressive given age and having a geared bike.
Tried to get back into "proper" riding this year but struggled to find the time to put into it. Still, on the few rides I had I did manage to get back some of my old jumping skills and did the gap (more of a tabletop these days) at the end of Transfer Line at Woburn which I thought I'd never be able to do again, which was a great feeling 🙂
I beat a lot of my personal best times up several of my local climbs, some of them more than once. Some I had set a decade ago or more and I had kind of assumed I would never be fit enough to get near them again because I am 58 years old.
The fact I spent the whole of May in Austria cycling and walking may have helped.
I finally rode off "hardtail drop"... a 5 foot vertical drop off a big rock on the hill above the farm. Not bad at 56. Not sure if I will ever be ready for the 10 foot ladder drop we built lower down the hill though.
I did a pain free ride in the autumn, first time in 3 years.
210km with 3600m of climbing on a stupidly hot day at an ave of 22kmph. Was all climbs or descents and as a fat bastard it was hard. My longest spin and not as fit as I would have hoped.
My 16yo daughter started to do spins on her own with no prompting.
4000 mile target for the year will be complete on Sunday.
Previously I've done 2500 to 3000 and originally was targeting 3650, (10 miles per day) but had to up it mid year because I was too far ahead to make the second half a challenge.
Rode Mont Ventoux.
I've done very few of the "monument" climbs so it was nice to finally ride somewhere iconic plus the weather was stunning!
Didn't do the Triple Climb thing, had another road I wanted to ride but I've done a double ascent in one ride and I did climb all three sides at different times while out there.
Built up to a hilly 150km round the Dales this summer, over several of the big climbs. That's enough for me - go any further and I'd risk leaving the Dales, wouldn't want to do that! Also rode up to the continental divide in Colorado (Rollins pass jeep track) which was a great day out.
Damn, now I'm thinking about sunny days in Colorado while the rain hammers on the windows here...
Did my first bivvy. One night close to home but gave me a bit of confidence and lessons for a few proper adventures next year.
Was very pleased with the number of times I rode this year, had some great times. And my jumping skills have got better.
A few things for me-
- finally riding the Glen Shiel Ridge and the photos James Vincent took of that getting on the cover of the mag.
- getting a one to one skills course and finally learning how to flow. I'm not much faster but I enjoy riding so much more because I'm not messing up every corner and using my fitness to undo that.
- winning Ten Under the Ben and Ten at Kirroughtree was good but setting the second fastest lap and leading up the big climb on the first full lap at the Strathpuffer absolutely blew my mind. I don't turbo train, I ride by feel and enjoyment but I was clearly on a tear last January and rode my heart out.
Just having a good year on the bikes because it's been looking pretty dubious for a few years. First 100 miler for the decade - Ride to the Sun being as good as it ever was. Had a uk based biking week, not been out on the mtb 6 days out of 7 for about a decade. Mostly down to a big focus on road riding then a bit of a long covid hiatus. Made a return to the deeply unfashionable world of mildly competitive map reading. Was shockingly bad at it and it mostly rained. Going to be back for more of that next year.
I did the Trans Scotland ride this year where I failed last year so nice to tick it off an imaginary list which means absolutely nothing.
It was cracking weather and I actually enjoyed it, well at the end..
Oh did my first 300k audax too this year. I now have the utmost respect for the LEL,PBP folk.
In fact that was the furthest I've ridden in my life on that day and night. So not a bad year in terms of firsts.
Raced the mega after a hernia op 12weeks earlier, lost a load of fitness and my riding buddy ripped his calf after 8minutes of riding. Crashed in quali quite hard, finished up on the front row of the amateur race. Got off the glacier in 9th ended up 14th after losing places on the transitions. A tough week but great way to round it off.
Not so much.
Did a ace loop of Arran with @golfchick
Couple of Koms but really had a bad year motivation wise.
Back training after long covid. Not dropped in a vets race. Training week in Mallorca saw 800 km.l and my first hundred miles since Covid. Sadly I’ve been off for two weeks Ill. But forward steps for 2024 I hope. Oh and one old new bike added.
I've mentioned Paris Brest Paris elsewhere, but in some ways, a Randonneur Round the Year is harder. A minimum 200k audax per month for 12 consecutive months. I'm currently on 11/12.
Covered more miles than any other year of my 52 years of being alive
Rode less this year than the last few… but highlights would be:
- got my PMBIA level one coaching qualification
- watching my eldest son finally find a group of friends and through the medium of mtb addiction
- commit to trying some gravity racing with my kids in 2024
- not put on any significant weight.
Jennride for me, with Simon, a truly amazing experience. Thanks Postierich and Simon.
And being less selfish with my own riding time, to finally get my 12 year old riding proper trails and my wife back on a bike and fit again. The buzz I get from seeing their faces at the bottom of a sweet section of Dalby off piste or BPW blue is quite possibly as good as nailing a trail myself.
Getting some fitness back and riding trails as quickly again in my 50s as I did in my 30s (with some acknowledgment that my new bike is quicker than my old one)
Done the most miles I’ve ever done, this year (though don’t feel very fit!). But biggest achievement was a bikepacking trip through some of Italy (partly responsible for these miles) - as someone with anxiety that wasn’t the easiest in my mind at times, but it was brilliant - we had the best time and are inspired to do other touring trips.
At 50 (plus) did my first Sportive (and first plus 50 mile road ride). really enjoyed it and I've now got the road bug!! More planned for 2024 too.
My 7 year old rode the blue trail at Sherwood Pines. And he loved it.
Rode MacAvalanche, didn’t finish last. Overtook some folk too.
Despite working from home the entire year, I managed to get my commuter bike back from storage, put some less commuter-y tyres, remove the mudguards on it and use it as intended on some actual trails. I vaguely thought about changing the fork back to a suspension, but it really doesn't need it.
I still need to get the full-sus fixed though, but that's a spring problem.
Cha****ng, have you got more info on Mont Blanc loop…sounds like a 🪣 list addition
It's basically the popular walking route (lots of guides and maps available), bit a couple of little detours on very busy/tight bits.
We did it anti-clockwise, though it does get ridden both ways. There's as much or more pushing up the hills than riding though TBH.
I felt a bit humbled when I came back and saw this (which gives a bit of a taste for it): Video: Matthew Fairbrother in 'MTB vs Ultra-Runner - The Tour du Mont Blanc' - Pinkbike
Personally, doing a full XC season and getting half decent results in Vets and actually getting a semi-reasonable end of year ranking, granted it was 51st out of 200 points scoring chaps in their 40's but I'm still happy with that and I can also throw in scoring my first ranking points in cyclocross also, something I've managed in 4 out of 7 (BC) races this season.
On a family front, seeing my two eldest boys progressing and being really competitive across MTB XC, XCM for the eldest, Crits and cyclocross. Both he and his middle (9yr old) bother are going to finish the 'cross season as North of England Champions in their age groups, at least top 3 overall in the North West CX league, middle one could win the U10 if results go his way and North Wales CX league top 3 overall, the eldest should win that one if he carries wins the next 2 rounds. So pretty good really.
As an added bonus the eldest (11yr old) is learning to cope with his Dyspraxia and attention issues by bringing himself "back into the room" so to speak and not letting how others around him are doing create essentially intrusive thoughts about how they're beating him and just concentrating on what he's doing.
Put my bike in a box, got on an EasyJet to Rome, reassembled bike at the airport, gave the box and a bacon sandwich to a street guy, rode home.
Followed the Strada Bianchi through Tuscany, then west to Cinque Terre, over those absolute bastard mountains outside Genoa to Turin, over the Alps via Alpe d’Huez to Grenoble, along the Loire (puncture fest because of hedge trimming), across to Caen, ferry to Portsmouth then home via Stonehenge, Bath and Bristol.
Now I know I can do anything again like when I was 20, I’m off more more adventures this year, starting with riding across Spain on the off road Via de la Plata to the Picos, along them then ferry back.
I bikepacked the Rebellion Way in Norfolk with my 12 year old son
Been out a lot, ridden a lot, including loads of work miles on the cargo bike, but i'm pleased with two things: Montrose to Glenelg to Inverness coast to coast to coast over six days, and a 100km / 2300m MTB ride with my son around Calderdale.
Had couple of weeks in Andalucia at start of year riding and not dieing on some great enduro trails. Doing my first gap jumps at 53, always given me the heebies before. Came home started riding Dyfi BP fairly regularly. Rode The Hebredian Way with some mates and had one hour of rain. Went back to Spain for two months and did lots of uplift, roady and gravel riding all great, hit a tree on my last week, mostly recovered now, Spanish hospital was very good and not that bad considering the amount of riding I did.
Rode up and down my first Alp, as much as I enjoyed the down, it definitely revealed my lack of bravery but first ride abroad! First 100 mile road ride ( just scraped in under 6 hours riding solo ) in memory of my wife who rode the event the previous year, wonderful day.
Managed a couple of rides in the Pyrenees with Chipps whilst staying at one of their gites. First time riding outside of the UK for me and it was worth the wait. Long climbs, surrounded by butterflies, vultures circling above, waiting for the pasty Scotsman to expire in the midday sun. Long, dry, dusty descents followed. Water bottles were refilled at local water fountains(?) and more climbs and descents followed. We finished in a fortified town, eating sorbet in the shade of the town walls. Actually we weren't quite finished, we still had to ride uphill to the gite in the scorching afternoon sun. Can't wait to go back.
Survived (in the literal sense) a nasty DVT/Pulmonary Embolism/infection/consequent heart strain in Feb then recovered enough for 4k road/gravel miles and 1.5k running miles.
A lot less than the past few years but considering it was almost lights out, good enough 👍
Moved on my hardtail after realising I was totally aware it hadn't been ridden for over two years - my riding has moved on. Used the moola to buy bikepacking gear.
Embarked on first bikepacking trip. Just an overnighter but a big step for me.
Non cycling achievement... opened a cafe! Which is why I've barely ridden this year 😅 which is why I was totally ****ed on my bikepacking trip 😂
Got more coaching qualifications, started coaching at the local club, (finally) got permission from FE to allow me as an individual to coach on their land (only taken 3 years!!).
Got my Daughter more in to riding so much that she did a couple of DH races.
I’m a part of an inexperienced but talented team who have set up a bike and trail group this year. We’ve been a part of the organising team behind a mini DH, Enduro and xc national champs as well as getting our group set up and established. The support and help from businesses and our local riders has been both awesome and inspiring.
Rode 4 full days in a row.
Used my bike to get to some remote mountains for hiking.
For my riding I put this on the brag thread but I can finally ride properly off small drops. A skill that has eluded me for 30+ years until now as I've never had the confidence or commitment to focus on learning.
Most of my other achievements this year are proud parent things. I've not ridden as much as I would like but I've really enjoyed what I have done.
Guiding my boys round their first proper rocky natural ride without incident and then being told on a Peak District route thread that my route wasn't bad by a local (which I'm not!). 
I've also introduced two of my older son's friends to mountain biking, we've done a couple of good days out with him and them at QE Park. They've been brilliant.
Kept it going
For a few reasons it hasn't been the easiest year. I've done fewer long rides than any year I can remember - though I managed couple - my mileage is way down and my speed is noticeably slower. I'm still chugging away though. I only have a short commute but I do it every day.
My niece has just moved close to Woburn, so next year I'd like to take her riding there. Is there a really easy trail for a not especially experienced 12 year old?
You can create a ride at a wide range of levels at Woburn. Both the marked trails are quite physical, the ups as much as the downs. The bridleways offer some mellow riding and can be combined with bits of the official trails
I could do a gpx file or or meet up if that would help
- Built a bike up from a frame for the first time, re-using the parts from my old bike.
- Got my suspension sorted on my full sus after a year of struggling with it, and realised that the bike does make a difference.
- Found out why people love hardtails.
- Rode well in the alps.
- Made progress in riding tech and jumps.
- Got thanked by a fellow guest in the Alps for making their holiday enjoyable.
After not being out the UK since pre Covid a month tour in the USA. California coast, Route 66, to Arizona and back to San Diego.
"Achievements" were riding through downtown LA and adjacent urban sprawl. Actually it was fine. I was a bit apprehensive before I went but it was just like riding in any other city bar a few blocks in skid row where I didn't feel like stopping anywhere. Second challenge was up to 42c temps crossing the Mojave Desert. Again, slightly worried beforehand but actually it was fine with pre dawn starts and early finishes bar one tough day where I ran out of fluids and was dehydrated when I hit a small town where I hid in a bar for 4 hours.
A year carrying on riding and xc mtb racing with rheumatoid arthritis knocking ever harder on my door. Pleased with some decent race results this year in the old geezers 50+ cat and even a podium at Pippingford.
Most happened in the same week:
- Competed in my first ultra-distance MTB event.
- 706 km, with 15166m climbing in 5 days, 5 hours, 9 minutes (including detours for supplies etc.)
- 273 km with 6582 m ascent in one session (day-night-day), only stopping to take on food (and open gates!!)
- Managing to nurse an injured knee along for 4 days including a huge section of the PBW, (after very nearly quitting on day 2).
Thank you, that's a really generous offer - either would be great.
It won't be for a while as her current bike is a BSO - I'll have to find something suitable for her first. I'd love to have a look at a gpx file to get an idea what's what.
Thanks again
This should link to what I’d describe to an adult as a gravel ride. It’s bridleway and the permissive path in rushmere, which also has a cafe and very mellow pump track, which is free. The bit by the A5 you are separated from traffic by a crash barrier. The plotting is rough and ready particularly the rushmere blue
https://explore.osmaps.com/route/19668722/woburn-and-rushmere-gravel
I could extend this but you starting getting into more demanding climbs
Rushmere details
https://www.greensandtrust.org/cycling
Woburn details
https://www.greensandtrust.org/event/woburn-bike-day-pass
Of course some 12 year old would race you round the red then head for the jumps….
Finally this is the red and blue at Woburn
https://strava.app.link/ErsclIMqNFb
Thanks, those are great, and just the sort of thing I was looking for.
On the Strava link you sent I can see your name which is quite memorable. Have you always lived in this area? I think I might know you irl from many, many years ago, from rock and mountain climbing trips when at school. Does that seem likely?
Good thread 🙂. A couple of things stand out this year for me. One is building a new bike (my first new bike in 12 years) from scratch, including the wheels, and then having a blast riding it, including a holiday in Torridon (where I managed not to freak out when I needed to use a plug to patch a pinch flat for the first time in a tubeless setup). The second is getting out on it with my 10/11yo almost every week - mostly Hamsterley, but also had a couple of days in Wasdale and a couple of days in Rosthwaite YHA where we rode the Borrowdale Bash and visited Whinlatter. At the start of the year there were quite a few parts of the red routes at Hamsterley he was wary of and often opted out of. Now I struggle to keep up with him pretty much everywhere downhill (but I still win on Root 666 😛) - it's been amazing to see his progression in such a short time.
I like to get over 5000 km in the year and, after pretty much all of January off ill, followed by not feeling particularly well until May, it looks like I'll recover to finish the year on about 5600 km distance and 132 km climb, which is decent for me. Also dropped the 14 kg which I put on while I was ill. Little wins.....