Fifty Plus (50+) - First "Goals for 2008 Post"

Winter comes early to Montana, and even though October was pretty nice weather wise, I did not ride much, and decided it was going to be my recovery month. So, as its November I am starting my planning for next season. My Goals are:

Complete a 200K brevet in Late May
Complete a 300K brevet one week later
Ride a century each month April through September
Finish our club century in under 6 hours(This ride is in August)

Now, how do I come up with a training plan for these goals? I think that for November its riding indoors 1 to 11/2 hour 4-5 days a week, then add in some intervals in December, January and February. Maybe by late March I can start building up the miles outdoors, and so on. I think that next season I am going to try to do one long ride a week, 2 interval sessions and one other ride.

Too Much? Too Little??

We have been banging the training topic to death lately.
My goals for next season are:
1) Centuries in May, July, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov - Do at least one of these in 5 hours.
2) Feel strong enough to attempt a "fast" club ride by late summer. Usually a 20 mph avg hill climbing metric.

I have a long way to go to get there as my fastest Century was this year at 17 mph (granted there was a fair bit of climbing in that one as well).

How will I train - I will continue to ride during the week on the trainer doing an hours worth of intervals at least 3 times per week. I will ski hard all day on Sat & Sun, rain, snow, or shine and I will keep my weight in check. I will get back outside on the bike by April 1 and get ready for the May Century.

We'll lets see if I have the drive to do all that. If I onlt get 1/2 of these goals I will have done a lot.

Goals for 2008? With the way I ride, I'll be happy to make it that far :D

Richard
oh, were we supposed to take this seriously? :rolleyes:

Do the ride from the White river entrance to Mt Rainier National park to Sunrise. Its one *&^%$ of a climb.

My first draft for 2008 goals would be:

-No races. (well, maybe one or two)
-Continue to not track my annual mileage and not use a heart monitor or GPS.
-Do a few century rides and lots of metrics.
-Do one double metric (possibly a double century)
-Climb Brasstown Bald again, but this time make it through "the wall" section (1/3 mile at 20+%) without stopping.
-If I do get the full suspension MTB, ride an off-road metric.

Ride as fast as the fastest rider in our group and climb as well as the strongest climber.

Get another 2,000+ miles in, without falling.

Jeepers! We just did this on BikeJournal...


I'm committing to a modest, 10% increase in miles to 4,400, with a challenge goal of 5,000.
I'll lead a club ride in June, July and August
I'll do the Great Finger Lakes Bicycle Tour again in June
In July, take the bike for another Week of Metric Centuries at my parents' summer place in Ontario (Canada, eh?)
On the July/August crossover week, fly with the bike out to Denver for the BikeJournal Reunion in Loveland, where this lowlander/flatlander (330 ft ASL) plans to ride Saturday's "Epic Century", which includes the Peak-to-Peak highway.
For August, I'm undecided between the Ididaride in New York State's Adirondack mountains (anti-climactic after the Rockies the week before), or the Lancaster Covered Bridge Century in PA (I'll have already had a dose of riding with the Amish in June at the GFLBT), or take the bike to go riding with a friend down on Long Island (Rockies to sea level in the same month)
I have until Sepetmber to use a $100 personal development grant I won from the union at work. I'm trying to work out how to use this towards cycling. Maybe one the League of American Bicyclists courses.
Meanwhile, keeping the rubber side down at all times, (see the crash thread).

Only a couple of goals so far:
1) Ride 6,000 miles
2) Do a double-metric century on my 60th birthday in July

I have simple needs:

I want to ride a half century
I want to ride my age
If I can roll those two into one ride, great, but doing them as separate rides would be better.

I am willing to ride a metric century.
I'd like to be able to say I rode a century without actually having to ride the full 100 miles.
A metric is the perfect solution.

I want to ride the full 2 mile length of Sharp Park Road without stopping.
It's got 4% sections, it's got 12% sections, it's loads of fun. I want it. It's mine.

For me, the year runs April to April (since I got each of my bikes in April).

So, I'm well on track for 2500 plus miles ridden in a single year. Wow.
I'd like to do no less in 2008.

I want to enjoy every mile, no matter the difficulty, no matter the challenge

I've got a friend making noises about a cross country tour in May of '08.

SF to DC.

Not sure if I can see my way clear yet.

It's definitely a goal.

Picked up an LHT just in case.

Really nice bike so far.

It may end up being my only bike.

I thought this was a thread discussing the goals for our 2008 BF posts! :) (I have some doozies!)

Imagine my disappointment when I learned all we're talking about is our cyling goals. :(

Primary goal: get back on the bike! (Been off since mid-Aug due to injury, doc doesn't want me back til sping)

That goal being met, others are:

Total 3,000 miles for the year
Cut 2 hours off my first day time for Pan Mass Challenge
Cut 1.5 hours off my second day time for Pan Mass Challenge
Convince my daughter and her boyfriend to do Five Boro Bike Tour with me

I suppose my goal is to get the routine of riding regular started early...this spring was a rainy one and I did not get out, but used the excuse that I couldn't. Then on days that it was not raining, and there were, I told myself I was too busy. That does not mean that I did not ride at all this year but it has been abysmal................peace

I plan to continue breathing every day.

My goals for 2008:

5,000 total, outdoor miles (no trainer or stationary bike miles)
Multiple centuries (only did 1 this year).
Finish a century in under 6 hours total.
Lose another 20 pounds.


2007 has been kind of a mixed bag for me. I easily made my total mileage goal of 4,000 miles. I rode my first century. I got more comfortable with hills. That was the good part. The bad was that I only managed one century, and it was way slower than I'd hoped for. I also didn't lose any signifigant weight this year.

Lessons learned:
Verapamil inhibits heart rate response to exertion (your heart rate won't come up).
Pacelining really helps you cover ground faster.
Hills are not necessarily the Antichrist.

My first draft for 2008 goals would be:

-Do one double metric (possibly a double century)
-.

Yes BluesDawg,

Way to go! You can do that double century! :)

My goal is at least seven doubles in 2008 including some really diffucult (read: Lots of Climbing) ones.

Definites Butterfield Double in Feb. and Solvang Spring Double in March. The Hemet Double, later in March should be no problem . . . but then . . . Mulholland Double with 16,000+ feet of climbing and an 18 hour time limit! :eek: That one will be brutal, but it "should" be do-able.

That done (hopefully) I'll have Devil Mountain Double late April, Breathless Agony (early May) which is not a double, but has over 14,000 ft. of climbing in 114 miles, and then the Central Coast Double on May 10th.

IF I survive all that, I should be in terrific shape for Heartbreak Double Century (3rd of King of the Mountain Series after Mulholland and Breathless Agony) in late May, and the Eastern Sierra Double on June 7th.

IF that goes okay, then there's the BIG CHALLENGE, i.e. the Terrible Two with over 18,000 ft. of climbing and very strict time limits. This will be one tough mo fo, but with all the climbing and endurance I've been building with the prev. noted rides, it should be do-able.

After that, depending on my motivation level, I have the Mt. Tam Double (took me 17 hours this year!) and Tour of Two Forests, followed by Knoxville (my favorite double!) and Bass Lake Powerhouse Double (another with huge amouts of climbing), which I've never tried before.

So I'll check back at the year rolls on to see how I'm doing.

Rick / OCRR

For me next year -
Ride more with my twin daughters for fun!!!
5500 Outdoor Miles
Assault on Mt Mitchell
Ride Across Indiana in 7 1/2 hrs. or less (that's about 20min less than this year)
Bridge to Bridge
El Tour de Tuscon (wanted to get back again this year but work conflicts prevent)
Whatever other metric or Imperial centuries I can fit in with a concentration on climbing this next year.
Being more consistent on work on weight training to improve core & leg strength.

Don't we have to GET to 2008 first?

For August, I'm undecided between the Ididaride in New York State's Adirondack mountains (anti-climactic after the Rockies the week before
I have wanted to do the ididaride in the past but something has always come up. It has a real kick in it so I would not discount it even after the rockies. If you remember and you do decide to do it, post your intentions and if I am able to ride it then maybe a 50+ team will form.

Another possibility if you want to really do a challenge, it is the whiteface mountain uphill race in June, it is not a race but a challenge to climb whiteface at Lake Placid. BTW - one of my cycling buddies did it this past summer and said there were a few unicyclist doing it - wow!

Right now the only goal I have is in June...back to back sub 5 hour centuries...

:)

I have the winter to get ready...I just need to increase my power to weight ratio and I will be there....

I have wanted to do the ididaride in the past but something has always come up. If you remember and you do decide to do it, post your intentions and if I am able to ride it then maybe a 50+ team will form.

Deal!

Join my local bike club.
Start riding some of their regular weekend rides.
Develop my riding skills.
Ride the Hotter 'n Hell Hundred in August.
Oh, and get a new bike!

I would love to be able to fit into a race-cut jersey without looking like the michelin man.

Don't we have to GET to 2008 first?

+1 I've still got some 2007 goals not yet met! And, I thought that's what New Year's Eve was for setting goals. :D

So, as its November I am starting my planning for next season.

I think your goals are fine. Whatever you can push yourself to do. And remember, as Robert Browning put it, a man's reach should exceed his grasp.

With that thought in mind, I have one simple goal. I'm riding from Philadelphia to Los Angeles. My probable departure time is June.

More on my trip blog, Pedalwest Destiny.

http://pedalwestdestiny.blogspot.com/

I am new to riding this year & my two biggest goals are;
1) buy a road bike hopefully this spring (I ride a hybrid now)
2) Do a century ride with a co-worker the first of June

I am new to riding this year & my two biggest goals are;
1) buy a road bike hopefully this spring (I ride a hybrid now)
2) Do a century ride with a co-worker the first of June

Excellent choices!

Remember, we're standing-by to inject maximum confusion into your purchase decision and training regimen. :D

I'm planning to ride a metric century in June and the One Helluva Ride Century in July. I'd like to do the OHR in less than 9 hours. Those would both be my firsts.

I need to keep knocking on the door of the training threads, I haven't beaten it to death yet.

Road Fan

Right now, today, I'm reminded that daylight savings time is a better way to define a cycling time period.

"What are your goals for this summer's daylight savings time?" is much more realistic, since the short days and cold weather (for many of us) makes winter time period less productive.

Excellent choices!

Remember, we're standing-by to inject maximum confusion into your purchase decision and training regimen. :D
It has already started, I started a post in the road bike forum. :D

I hope there isn't such a thing as a dumb question, but I've already learned a lot so it is working.

I just noticed what this is under, I'm not 50 just yet so do I get kicked out?

I just noticed what this is under, I'm not 50 just yet so do I get kicked out?

No.

Wow, it seems too early for this. My crappie haven't even moved to their winter water yet.

1) Continue to ride to work every day.
2) Take a long ride -- home, to the car dealer, or our daughter's school, at least once a week.
3) Use the bike and trailer for a grocery run every two weeks.

Paul

Not to take the car to work even 1 day!
This semester -- just once, because I had to transport a very LARGE piece of art.

Get back up over 5000 miles (indoor and out -{the outdoor season is too darned short up here at 7200 ft**). I knocked 1000 miles off this year cause my knees bothered me last year. Knees still hurt (long story) so I might as well ride as much as I want to.

Ride a flat 40 miles at over 21 mph (did 20 mph this year).

Buy more uneeded (but cool) bike stuff. :D

This my first winter as I started bike riding in Mar of this year. I guess I will end up with about 1700 miles for the year. I have done a two day 150 for MS about a month ago. I am thinking that 08 looks something like this....

1. Century ride in Clarksville TN
2. Tour de Cure 150 to Monteagle TN and back (two day event)
3. BRAT
4. 2500 total miles
5. HOT 100 (2nd Century) in Murfreesboro TN
6. One out of state big ride (I am thinking about something in the NE) Suggestions are welcomed!
7. I want to really smoke one of the younger guys I ride with....like going up a TN hill!

Other than that, I probably wont be doing much...

Buy more uneeded (but cool) bike stuff. :D
I am new to this biking & I can always use more stuff so if you still want to buy it but don't use it I know someone (me,me!!:D) that could use some stuff, like long pants. ;)

I am new to this biking & I can always use more stuff so if you still want to buy it but don't use it I know someone (me,me!!:D) that could use some stuff, like long pants. ;)
I need all the long pants I have here in Wyoming. Winter here is a very bad thing for cycling!!!!!!!!!!

I need all the long pants I have here in Wyoming. Winter here is a very bad thing for cycling!!!!!!!!!!
I'm just a little south of you & guess where all that cold weather goes once it leaves your place? :D

To develop and maintain a level of fitness, mental focus and spritual integrity that will optimize my life quality and well being.

To develop and maintain a level of fitness, mental focus and spritual integrity that will optimize my life quality and well being.

Well said! :)

Right now, today, I'm reminded that daylight savings time is a better way to define a cycling time period.

"What are your goals for this summer's daylight savings time?" is much more realistic, since the short days and cold weather (for many of us) makes winter time period less productive.

The weekdays are mostly lost, but we still have the weekends. I got in a very nice 52 mile ride today and plan to do a century next Saturday.

To develop and maintain a level of fitness, mental focus and spritual integrity that will optimize my life quality and well being.

Sounds kind of corporate. :D

I think your goals are fine. Whatever you can push yourself to do. And remember, as Robert Browning put it, a man's reach should exceed his grasp.

With that thought in mind, I have one simple goal. I'm riding from Philadelphia to Los Angeles. My probable departure time is June.

More on my trip blog, Pedalwest Destiny.

http://pedalwestdestiny.blogspot.com/


No ****? I'm impressed already.

1. Continue to do 5000 miles/year
2. Loose another 10lbs
3. Continue to increase my average speed

I'm still accomplishing goals for this year. It's hard to think that far ahead.

To develop and maintain a level of fitness, mental focus and spritual integrity that will optimize my life quality and well being.


Well said! :)


Sounds kind of corporate. :D

But in a "well said" kind of way... :D

Well, after 2007 being a complete and utter waste cycling wise, I will get back on the bike in a major way (for me) in 2008.

1) Mileage at least 2,008 miles on the road. This will be the most miles ever for me. At least that I have measured, I used to ride a lot as a kid, like many of us did, but I have no idea how many miles I rode...

2) Complete a metric century again.

3) Complete an imperial century for the first time in my life. Probably the Livestrong ride.

4) Get down below 250 pounds by the end of 2008 (I'll need to lose 80 from right now to get there).

5) Enjoy every minute of it... or most of them anyway. :)

Well, after 2007 being a complete and utter waste cycling wise, I will get back on the bike in a major way (for me) in 2008.

1) Mileage at least 2,008 miles on the road. This will be the most miles ever for me. At least that I have measured, I used to ride a lot as a kid, like many of us did, but I have no idea how many miles I rode...

2) Complete a metric century again.

3) Complete an imperial century for the first time in my life. Probably the Livestrong ride.

4) Get down below 250 pounds by the end of 2008 (I'll need to lose 80 from right now to get there).

5) Enjoy every minute of it... or most of them anyway. :)

If it were me I would consider an easier century than the Livestrong for my first one. If they follow the same route next year there is some serious climbing on the route. I did the 40 miler (really 44.7) last year and it had more climbing than I like to see on routes of that length. Don't they have any flat areas around Philly:)