MattTheHat 

This past Saturday marked my first year of riding. I don't normally travel much, but the wife and I were away from home for 4 weeks last year, so not really 12 months worth of riding, but it is one calendar year's worth.

I had 292 individual rides, the longest was 101.7 miles. I spent 434 hours on the bike and rode 5,671 miles. A total of 173,726 feet of climbing (it's pretty flat here), and I burned almost a quarter million calories at 247,714. I had a total of 7 minor crashes...all but two caused by water, mud or algae-riddled slime on various MUPs ridden to connect different roads. There were innumerable trips to the bike store for various accoutrements and accessories.

I understand none of this is terribly impressive to anyone but me. Had you told me a year ago that I would ride 5,600 miles over the course of the next year I would have literally laughed in your face. At 52 years old, I rode far more this year than all the previous ones combined, even including when I was a kid and rode my bike all over the place. It's been a really fun year.


-Matt

Yendor72

Are you kidding? That is highly impressive! Great job, I think you are addicted.

jsigone

he's totally addicted and enjoying it minus the crashing part.

I tell new riders, if they get hooked, they will get to know their LBS well. They may not ever buy the bike there but will be there for maintenance items, clothing, food, cheap parts ect. Amazon prime is nice but support the LBS if you can, cost about the same for everyday items.

good4u

Awesome! My hat is off to you.

MattTheHat 

Thanks for the kind comments!

As for crashing, I haven't crashed in a couple of months now...not that there's anything wrong with that. I've become hyper-cautious of anything wet on a sidewalk, MUP or wooden bridge. Usually it's a little bit of hidden mud or silt, or algae growing in areas that stay wet. Man, that stuff is slippery! It's funny, I've never lost traction on the actual road.


-Matt

ZIPP2001

Congrats on a Great Year of riding !