Fifty Plus (50+) - Formal Statement of 2009 GOALS or NO GOALS

OK, we recently had a thread where we voted for and/or folks stated the TYPE of goal they would have in 2009. Some over-achieving types got carried away a bit and also stated their goals, which is, of course, fine.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=488669

Generally, however, when asked to state goals, folks tend to turn to miles and rides. Yet, most of the responders actually chose other type of goals (from the list below). Less than 1/2 actually chose a specific mileage goal.

Goal is to Have No Goals
Specific Annual Mileage Goal
Hourly/Time on Bike
Specific Rides to Complete
Just Have More Fun
Meet more people/social
Increased Fitness/Keep From Going Backwards
Commuting Goal
Family Activity/togetherness Goal
Other

So, here is a chance to put your 2009 goals (or non-goals) in writing, considering and includsing the wide variety of types of goals as noted above.

Are you game to write your 2009 goals (or non-goals) down, and then revisit them at about this time next year, when we can revive this thread and see how we did?

If so, please formally write down your 2009 goals or non-goals

For those of you who are still busy with your 2008 goals, and aren't ready to post yet, post when you are ready. No problem. This thread ought to be around for at least a month or longer. Please come back when you are ready.


Have fun.

My goal is to be just as healthy and active this coming year as this past year. Cycling and swimming play a big part of attaining this goal - as well as a dose of old fashion luck.

Rides? Well, in addition to the many popular NC events and a couple in VA, there are two on my "must ride" list for 2009 since I missed them this past year - the Blue Ridge Extreme and the Civil War Century. Also, if I had the time I would make a Blue Ridge Parkway trek. Maybe this will be the 2010 goal.

OK, here are my goals.

1. At age 69, to continue to INCREASE my fitness level in all areas, concentrating on swimming, weight lifting, bicycling, walking and stretching.

I can measure this in several ways.


Swimming - how many lengths of the pool I can do without needing a rest. I have seen a lot of progress in this area since I started swimming last December


Bicycling - I want to increase my speed a bit, and can gauge this by the amount of time it takes me to go on my "standard" ride.


Weight lifting. Easily measured in reps and weights. I have actually increased my weights some this year, and additionally, have increased the types of lifting/pulleys, etc. I am doing. I am planning on taking a class in fitness NOT using weights in January, 2009.


Stretching. Easily measurable, as stretching has been a lifesaver in some very intense pains I was getting this past year while walking. I went to my DO, and he gave me a few simple stretches to do, and this has caused a tremendous decrease in these episodes. Also, I can now dig my heel into my butt when stretching my quads, and can measurably increase the degree of height when stretching my hams. Continue stretching daily.


Walking - I plan to just keep on walking.


2. Sprint Triathlon


I plan on doing a sprint triathlon in September, 2009. I will swim and bicycle, but will walk instead of run, as running is just too hard on my body. I will qualify in the 70 yo bracket.


3. Family togetherness, etc.


I will continue walking with Andy as he rides his three wheeler.


My wife and I will continue (and increae, if possible) our riding time together. Hopefully, her medical problems will allow us to do this, as we both love to ride together.


4. Specific Rides

The 50+ Annual Ride, of course, in Glenwood, August 31, 2009


5. Body Composition


Lose 12 pounds - a pound a month, which I will track here

November 29, 2009 - 216.5

"Goals for 2009" implies that 2008 is over- still a month of riding to go in 2008.
Received my first bike in 1960. It was like I had been given wings, "wings of wheels".
I ride for the pleasure of riding.
If I had a goal in 2008, it would have been to get as much pleasure as possible.
If I have a goal for 2009, it will be the same.

1. Mileage: At least 5,000 miles. (did 5300-ish in 2008)

2. Commute to work by bike at least 100 times. (113 times in 2008..this goal keeps me riding year round and provides good base miles in the winter)

3. Specific rides...at least 3 of the following:
- At least one 200k with the Seattle International Randonneurs (I am not ready for their longer rides.)
- RAMROD (Ride Around Mount Rainier in One Day, 150-ish miles; entrance by lottery only and can be hard to get in)
- High Pass Challenge (113 miles, lots of climbing, did this in '08)
- Tour de Blast (climb up to observatory overlooking crater of Mt. St. Helens. Beautiful ride, did this in '08)
- North Cascades Highway (have to work on the logistics for this)

4. Explore dirt roads/fire roads in the Cascades - figure out how/where to do this.

5. Take more and better pictures on bike rides.

6. Do *not* buy another bike. Unless it's a really good deal. Or the right color. Or a classic I've been searching for....

Setting goals in 2008 for 2009 in no way implies that one is not continuing on working on their 2009 goals. I know of no business or other activity that does not start setting goals (if they set goals) in advance of when the goals will actually be implemented.

However, if you would like to wait a bit, this thread will still be here when and if you are ready.

1. Ride at least as much in 09 as I did in 08.
2. Commute more
3. Find a good steel frame commuter that fits my slim bike budget.
4. Kayak more in 09 than I did in 08.

Denver, cherry picking in the 70 yo class?

Denver, cherry picking in the 70 yo class?

Yeah!

The rules are your age as of December 31 of 2009.


This year there were only 2 entries in that class. So, maybe at least a 3rd?

I'm with martianone--there are still 34 riding days left in 2008.

I'll have specific goals for 2009, and I won't set them until late in December.

You can see what my 2008 goals are and how I've done against them so far in my BikeJournal profile (http://www.bikejournal.com/profiles.asp?rname=brucew&public=1).

It's not even the last month of the year, yet.

Can we add December's mileage into next year's accomplishments?

This one's easy:

six centuries.

When the time comes to make specific goals for 2009, I'll put them here. But if this is to be a "formal" staement, does that mean I have to wear a black tie?

My front door to the top of Mt Evans and back, in one day.
That is ~150 miles round trip and ~13,000' of climbing.

My goal is to have the value of my IRA increase by 150% by the end of 2009!

Maybe an unrealistic goal but a goal no less.

As I think about it my goals are to ride 3000 in 2009, ride my first century, and lose another 20 pounds.

I'm with martianone--there are still 34 riding days left in 2008.

I'll have specific goals for 2009, and I won't set them until late in December.

You can see what my 2008 goals are and how I've done against them so far in my BikeJournal profile (http://www.bikejournal.com/profiles.asp?rname=brucew&public=1).


It's not even the last month of the year, yet.


When the time comes to make specific goals for 2009, I'll put them here. But if this is to be a "formal" staement, does that mean I have to wear a black tie?

To my knowledge, this thread isn't going away. Hey, post your goals (if you post at all) when YOU are ready. I guess some of us (like me) like to do these things earlier than others. That's fine. Please come back.

Sorry, BluesDawg, I don't have a black tie - in fact, I hardly ever see black ties for sale. So, I guess it will have to be some other color of tie. How about Lemond BA 1999 bright yellow?

Sorry Denvr your goal list makes me think of work. I always hated the annual planning process. No specific goals for me but I have some aspirations - including keep riding, improve fitness, maybe take up swimming again.

Sorry Denvr your goal list makes me think of work. I always hated the annual planning process. No specific goals for me but I have some aspirations - including keep riding, improve fitness, maybe take up swimming again.

Yeah, I know what you mean. Being retired, I guess it doesn't bother me so much.

But - hey - an aspiration is just a goal in disguise.

can we add december's mileage into next year's accomplishments?

+1

I have a goal to aim for and that is for what not to do. Such as take 4 months out of the year building a pool for the wife.

But my aim at present is the 50+ bike ride- the planning and financing of it.

Goals is such a big 'ol word. I think I have... notions.
This next year is going to be different for me as I'm not sure what to expect. Normally i bike commute every day, but the first half of 09 I'm in grad school, on sabbatical from my college. I have no idea how much riding time I'll have. If I'm able to ride enough, I have a mind to:

Ride a local hill climb time trial and shave 11 seconds off my 10:11 time (will be really hard)
Ride the Davis Double (it's a jersey year!)
My wife and I are looking at an 8-day ride in Washington run by Adventure Cyclists.

My preliminary goals for 2009 are:
1. Dial in the correct headset and/or handlebar configuration on my LHT so I can ride it as long and as far as I want to without any permanent numbness in my right-hand fingers.
2. Be able to change a tire without any help from someone with stronger hands. I want to master this so that I can quickly change a tire without hesitation at a moment's notice without any wrist pain.
3. Use my bike for most local errands or shopping trips whenever possible.
4. Find some longer routes to train for longer distances and build my mileage tolerance.
5. I'd like to be able to tackle any of the local hills including Mt. Baldy.

I am hesitant to set any specific mileage goals, or any goals to ride centuries, because I don't want to put riding goals above the needs of my family and set myself up for disappointment if "life" gets in the way of meeting those goals, AND I don't want to get locked in to achieving just numbers. I'll be very happy if I continue riding as often as possible, and improve my overall strength and stamina -- nothing specific in terms of numbers, just stay ahead of the aging process.

I'll probably edit this post later if new goals come to mind.

I have a goal to aim for and that is for what not to do. Such as take 4 months out of the year building a pool for the wife.

But my aim at present is the 50+ bike ride- the planning and financing of it.

Unless she wants another pool, I think you shouldn't have to worry about that one. :)

Work Less
Do what I enjoy doing more

http://bp3.blogger.com/_TSvly6B1EI0/R5-oVnrIcMI/AAAAAAAAB8M/1Tz2qnap1TI/s400/Goal.jpg

Unless she wants another pool, I think you shouldn't have to worry about that one. :)


Ha! Just wait for, "Since the pool project went so well, maybe we should think about...."

What I hope to accomplish in 2009.......

Well, being the slacker that I am my goals are few. These are "Life Goals", not just cycling specific. I hope I'm not out of line posting these

Living. With the kids off to their second year of college and becoming more and more independent I need to relearn how to live life with my bride as a couple. It's been such a long, long time since it was just the two of us. With my crazy shift work hours and often occuring overtime hours my wife spends a lot of time by herself. I want to make our together time meaningful, fun and memorable in a good way.
Cycling comes to play here as we both enjoy the Tandem.

Fitness. I do wish to loose some weight, build some upper body strength and build up my endurance. This will mostly be accomplished, if at all, through the use of my Airdyne in the basement, my bicycles and smarter eating habits. Wow. In writing that looks like a pretty lofty goal and a lot of work.

Photography. It has always been a part of my life though I'm not very good at it. Now with the advent of the "Digital Age" I can finally play to my heart's content at little to no cost. Hopefully I'll have some nice images to share. Again, cycling comes into play here as I generally take my camera on recreational bike rides.

Model Railroading. I've got an "O" guage layout started and this winter I hope to progress some with it.

Cycling. No specific goals here. I'll just continue to keep cycling as a part of my life and as my primary hobby. I'll continue to log my miles but have no distance preset in my mind.

I'll be thrilled if any of these goals get accomplished...especially the first one.

I have a goal to aim for and that is for what not to do. Such as take 4 months out of the year building a pool for the wife.

But my aim at present is the 50+ bike ride- the planning and financing of it.

Beware of the wishful visitors.....

"Golly! Your pool and deck are so beautiful! Be a dear and ask your Hubby to pop one up for us, won't you?"

Well, I guess I was one of Dnvr's 'overachievers' who put my specific goals in the last thread. I'll reitereate them here "for the record;" and, ya, it would be fun to revisit them at the end of next season.

My goal is to get out and just play on my downhill bike more. Most of my time on it this year was intense practice right before a race or racing. I want to just enjoy it more and push my boundaries on it.

Other goals for '09 are:

Defend my 2008 championship at the Sea Otter Classic DH
Race CrankWorx up at Whistler - - especially the Garbanzo Endurance DH
Get in one or two 'for-fun' weekends at Whistler with my son
Do more trail rides with my wife and daughter

HI,
Ride more and not become road KILL.:eek:

Doug

goals?
love my wife and grown children.
ride more, work less. try to hit 6000-7000 miles this year (and not become a hood ornament!).
ride every day (are you nuts, this is wisconsin?).
stretch more.
accept my life as it is.
enjoy each moment of every day.
be grateful that i can still do these things at 60.

Ride at least 4,000 miles on the road bike
Ride one century per month
RAGBRAI
HHH
Drop the last nagging 10 lbs for real this time
Try to learn to enjoy riding the mountain bike

Goals for 2009:
Ride 3 centuries, I rode 6 this year, too many.
Ride 5200 miles. Already have 5500 this year.
Learn to ride tour rides.
Ride at least 4 tour rides of 3 days or more.
Lose 20 more pounds.
Quit buying bicycles.

As I think about it my goals are to ride 3000 in 2009, ride my first century.

Great Robert, I'll see you on the Palm Springs Century (hopefully!). I'll be on the dark red MASI fixed gear bike and probably OCRR jersey!

Yen = I'd like to be able to tackle any of the local hills including Mt. Baldy.

I climb up there quite often; let me know when you'd like to go and I'll coach you up to The Village we can have lunch at The Lodge there. We were up there yesterday, beautiful day on the mountain!

Curtis = Ride the Davis Double (it's a jersey year!)

Curtis, I hope to see you at the Davis Double. I usually start around 4:30 or 5:00 AM. Will you be wearing your 50+ jersey? If so I'll skip my usual OCRR kit and ride my 50+ shorts and jersey!

So my goal for 2009 is to meet and ride with Robert, Yen and Curtis!

Rick / OCRR

This thread is about a month ahead of when it usually runs. We'll probably do it again then, and all give different answers.

My goals for 2009 are to take more rides than I did in 2008. To have a great time on those rides. To ride some new trails, along with old familiar trails. Perhaps I'll try to break my longest ride on a road, which I think is around 4 miles. I'd like to take another 4- or 5-day riding vacation. To take more lunch-time rides on my new folder bike.

I would also like to improve my performance a bit ... go a bit faster on flats and do better up hills. Any improvements would be good.

No specific numbers attached to any goal. But I would like it if I knock off an age ride at some point.

Curtis = Ride the Davis Double (it's a jersey year!)

Curtis, I hope to see you at the Davis Double. I usually start around 4:30 or 5:00 AM. Will you be wearing your 50+ jersey? If so I'll skip my usual OCRR kit and ride my 50+ shorts and jersey!

So my goal for 2009 is to meet and ride with Robert, Yen and Curtis!

Rick / OCRR

I'm hoping to. I'll be finishing my masters degree and don't know how much I'll be able to train. If I'm lucky I'll be able to ride more, but I'll figure it out around March... I hope.

do some 2008 goals I won't get to
- join RUSA and complete a 200k brevet
- ride up a mountain (any mountain)

week-long camping tour
Hilly Hundred
RAIN
repack all bearings on the commuter
find a new favorite route
don't start a new bike project without first completing one of: recumbent, tallbike, or sofabike
don't crash

I'm hoping to. I'll be finishing my masters degree and don't know how much I'll be able to train. If I'm lucky I'll be able to ride more, but I'll figure it out around March... I hope.

Looking on the bright side, Davis is one of the easier doubles in CA so even if you don't get a lot of training miles, you should still be able to complete it. The Davis double is VERY well supported, with something like 15 rest stops/checkpoints over the 200 miles (as compared to maybe six or seven on most doubles).

Cob is really the only climb to be feared, so just set a comfortable pace up Cob and you'll be fine. Plus, no worries about a time limit at Davis! And yes, even though I have too many jerseys as it is, I may buy a Davis Double jersey in 2009.

Rick / OCRR

Goals for 2009:

I have a plan A and a plan B. Plan A does not look likely in 2009 (hopefully 2010) so I'll post plan B.

Ride more miles than my 2008 miles of 3000.
Ride all the paved rail trails in Minnesota. Over 700 miles so out n back would be 1400+ miles.
Do some 2-3 day self-supported (camping) tours and at least one longer 10-14 day self-supported tour.
Take my 2 young grandsons on their first camping trip.

I formally announce that I have one and only one goal for 2009. That goal is to take part in the goal setting for 2010.


I could keep beating this goal for years with some luck.

I was advised that I originally posted this too early by lots of folks.

So, I am reviving the thread. Is 6 days before the New Year (2009, that is) okay to post this again? Or do we have to wait until 01/01/2009?

For reference, here is the original post:

OK, we recently had a thread where we voted for and/or folks stated the TYPE of goal they would have in 2009. Some over-achieving types got carried away a bit and also stated their goals, which is, of course, fine.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=488669

Generally, however, when asked to state goals, folks tend to turn to miles and rides. Yet, most of the responders actually chose other type of goals (from the list below). Less than 1/2 actually chose a specific mileage goal.

Goal is to Have No Goals
Specific Annual Mileage Goal
Hourly/Time on Bike
Specific Rides to Complete
Just Have More Fun
Meet more people/social
Increased Fitness/Keep From Going Backwards
Commuting Goal
Family Activity/togetherness Goal
Other

So, here is a chance to put your 2009 goals (or non-goals) in writing, considering and including the wide variety of types of goals as noted above.

Are you game to write your 2009 goals (or non-goals) down, and then revisit them at about this time next year, when we can revive this thread and see how we did?

If so, please formally write down your 2009 goals or non-goals

For those of you who are still busy with your 2008 goals, and aren't ready to post yet, post when you are ready. No problem. This thread ought to be around for at least a month or longer. Please come back when you are ready.


Have fun.

This thread reminds me a little too much of the business meetings that I used to have to attend. Upper management would tell us to set our own "objectives" then they'd shoot down anything that we said until we stumbled upon the exact objective they wanted from us. We won't go into the endless discussion of what's an objective, what's a project and what's a tactic. I might have some unresolved resentments there.

My fitness goal is to be able to ride with my friends and not fall too far behind. Aside from that it's all social and smelling the roses. Totally subjective, unmeasureable, no time line, and not objective like at all.

My fitness goal is to be able to ride with my friends and not fall too far behind. Aside from that it's all social and smelling the roses. Totally subjective, unmeasureable, no time line, and not objective like at all.
+1. Screw the mission, vision, values generation and the groupthink goals --- I'm adopting your goal statement verbatim and avoiding the BS.

Edit: PS: you're still too early Dnvr

+1. Screw the mission, vision, values generation and the groupthink goals --- I'm adopting your goal statement verbatim and avoiding the BS.

Edit: PS: you're still too early Dnvr



My fitness goal is to be able to ride with my friends and not fall too far behind. Aside from that it's all social and smelling the roses. Totally subjective, unmeasureable, no time line, and not objective like at all.

Err!!

I hate to tell you this, but it appears you have chosen a couple of the goals previously listed, despite your apparent intent to NOT choose a goal, to wit:


"Just Have More Fun
Meet more people/social"

Sorry, you just can't get away from goals - they are pervasive.:p

And, if I am too early, why the response?:lol:

And, if I am too early, why the response?:lol:
Yeh, but on January 1 I may be hit with the better myself spirit, abandon my slacker attitude and order a Garmin 705 with cadence and HR monitor and set up a rigid training schedule. Right now I am in the eat a big dinner, and knock back some Christmas cheer spirit. :thumb:

Err!!

I hate to tell you this, but it appears you have chosen a couple of the goals previously listed, despite your apparent intent to NOT choose a goal, to wit:


"Just Have More Fun
Meet more people/social"

Sorry, you just can't get away from goals - they are pervasive.:p

Subjective, unmeasureable, no time line, not objective like at all. Would not have been acceptable in my old corporate setting. Your ability to see the forest through the trees would not have been viewed as a positive attribute. Those fun guys would have eaten you alive, Dnvr.

Subjective, unmeasureable, no time line, not objective like at all. Would not have been acceptable in my old corporate setting. Your ability to see the forest through the trees would not have been viewed as a positive attribute. Those fun guys would have eaten you alive, Dnvr.

Those are all the characteristics that make these great goals!

Those are all the characteristics that make these great goals!

That's what I think too.

OK, did this before but let's try again:
3 Mountain Madness
AOMM
Blood, Sweat & Gears
RAIN
50+ ride (maybe)
El Tour de Tucson
Any other climbing event I can slide in
6K (or more) total mi.
300K ft. climbing
And all it takes to accomplish these is being certain I am gainfully employed,which WILL BE my biggest challenge for 2009:twitchy: