Figure out when your one or two 'A' races will be and set up your schedule for them. There's no point in peaking for the Tour of Podunk in February if the race you really care about is the Mega Suffer Stage Race in May.

You can have two peaks if they're at least three months apart. A peak will last for a couple weeks (for us regular slobs, the pros can hold for longer).

BTW starting base early was what made me quit racing and riding last time. A 12 month season is plenty. No one needs a 16 month season.