Originally Posted by CrossChain
The old question: to log the mileage first before getting (earning) the bike, or, to get the new bike as a "hat in the ring" towards upping the mileage.
Only Gary can answer. A more important question that only Gary can answer in his own time is......what kind of riding, what kind of goal, what kind of cyclist does he want to be? Perhaps mileage numbers are not so important as accumulated units of pleasure and meaning...which may not parallel odometer readings.
Whatever goal, if Gary is "on track" at the end of 6 months, that is when he gets the new bike, both as a reward and an impetus for finishing the year off.
I no longer set mileage goals, but wish DG the best of luck, whatever goal(s) he selects.