Assess yourself for 2016!
#26
I didn't set any commuting goals, but I'm satisfied with being 100% on bike commutes. The commuting mileage is a modest 3700 miles because I rarely extend it beyond just getting there and back. I didn't try for any personal bests or Strava segments. I guess my goal was to enjoy it and I pretty much succeeded.
#27
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,201
Likes: 6,459
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Great attitude, [MENTION=227213]wphamilton[/MENTION], and incidentally, you racked up a large number of miles. You got some extra benefits.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#28
Mostly harmless ™
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,462
Likes: 243
From: Novi Sad
Bikes: Heavy, with friction shifters
Budget? As little as it need - changing worn parts.
Fitness? No set goals, no timing or anything.
#29
I don't set goals for the year. Rather the continual goal to get in better shape. I have several specific goals; Ride a century, Backpack the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim (not day hike), Climb Mt. Humphreys one more time, Do some bike touring, Start weightlifting, 10 pull-ups (seriously).
So how do I rate my efforts in 2016?
I increased my weekly mileage from 50-60 to just over 100. Someone commented that when they rode 100 mi/wk they almost never got sick and felt great. I may be overtraining though. Went thru a period where legs felt tired a lot. Slowed my pace but kept the miles up and it got better. Other minor injuries to work through or around. Changed my stretching routine to match the new injuries. Currently riding at an easy pace again.
Increasing the bike mileage has reduced my hiking mileage slightly. The problem is do I spend the time riding or hiking? Still go for short hikes on the weekend.
Started weightlifting twice. Both times pushed myself too hard and stopped after 4-5 weeks. Similar results with calisthenics. Not giving up but it is frustrating to have to stop for a while then start again trying to find a way around my problems. On the plus side I couldn't do any pull-ups or chin-ups at the beginning of the year. I can do 2 chin-ups now.
So how do I rate my efforts in 2016?
I increased my weekly mileage from 50-60 to just over 100. Someone commented that when they rode 100 mi/wk they almost never got sick and felt great. I may be overtraining though. Went thru a period where legs felt tired a lot. Slowed my pace but kept the miles up and it got better. Other minor injuries to work through or around. Changed my stretching routine to match the new injuries. Currently riding at an easy pace again.
Increasing the bike mileage has reduced my hiking mileage slightly. The problem is do I spend the time riding or hiking? Still go for short hikes on the weekend.
Started weightlifting twice. Both times pushed myself too hard and stopped after 4-5 weeks. Similar results with calisthenics. Not giving up but it is frustrating to have to stop for a while then start again trying to find a way around my problems. On the plus side I couldn't do any pull-ups or chin-ups at the beginning of the year. I can do 2 chin-ups now.
#30
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,896
Likes: 7
From: Raleigh, NC
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
I didn't set any commuting goals, but I'm satisfied with being 100% on bike commutes. The commuting mileage is a modest 3700 miles because I rarely extend it beyond just getting there and back. I didn't try for any personal bests or Strava segments. I guess my goal was to enjoy it and I pretty much succeeded.
#31
It's MY mountain

Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,174
Likes: 4,233
From: Mt.Diablo
Bikes: Klein, Merckx, Trek

This is as close as I've ever come to matching my plan at the beginning of the year. Not all commuting miles.
I get the $20 federal monthly benefit for commuting more than half the time... haven't missed a month in a couple years.
#32
Thread Starter
Disco Infiltrator




Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,332
Likes: 3,520
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
[MENTION=272560]locolobo13[/MENTION]
When I was a kid in Phoenix, we'd sometimes drive up to the Grand Canyon to camp on the weekend nearest the summer solstice. We'd camp overnight on the north rim, and when we got up in the morning Dad would be gone. We'd drive around to the other side and as the sun went down, here he'd come up the Kiabab. Hell of a hike, 24 miles and a mile of elevation gain. If you guess 3mph plus an hour for each 1000 ft, a normal person can just do it. He was an avid hiker, until his age caught up with him. He proposed to my mom after urging her all the way up Mt Whitney, she was too oxygen-deprived to say no!
I don't weight-lift any more since my heart diagnosis, but when I still did, I did manage to haul my schlubby butt up a chin-up bar. What worked was just doing it every day. In years of trying more reps with pulldown machines I never got the strength, but actually going up the bar once makes it easier to try it again. A climbing wall helped with back strength, too.
When I was a kid in Phoenix, we'd sometimes drive up to the Grand Canyon to camp on the weekend nearest the summer solstice. We'd camp overnight on the north rim, and when we got up in the morning Dad would be gone. We'd drive around to the other side and as the sun went down, here he'd come up the Kiabab. Hell of a hike, 24 miles and a mile of elevation gain. If you guess 3mph plus an hour for each 1000 ft, a normal person can just do it. He was an avid hiker, until his age caught up with him. He proposed to my mom after urging her all the way up Mt Whitney, she was too oxygen-deprived to say no!
I don't weight-lift any more since my heart diagnosis, but when I still did, I did manage to haul my schlubby butt up a chin-up bar. What worked was just doing it every day. In years of trying more reps with pulldown machines I never got the strength, but actually going up the bar once makes it easier to try it again. A climbing wall helped with back strength, too.
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
#33
Thread Starter
Disco Infiltrator




Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,332
Likes: 3,520
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Bicycle Commuter Benefit | League of American Bicyclists
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
#34
I had a good year -- a really good year.
One of my goals was to track how many miles I drive my car in a year. I wasn't necessarily aiming for a certain number; I just wanted to assess whether my spouse and I actually need a second car. The answer is a resounding "no."
Car: Somewhere shy of 1100 miles.
Bike: I'll hit 4000 before Christmas.
A second goal was to become more confident wrenching on my bike. I definitely got there! This year I managed to replace my bottom bracket, overhaul both wheel hubs, true my wheels, change my chain, replace brake pads, re-cable brakes and shifters, adjust my rear derailleur, and swap out my handlebars and stem. I think If I just keep my hands on the bike this year, those skills will continue to improve.
I also wanted to become more active helping others use their bikes for transportation. I succeeded there too. I got certified as a safety instructor and started teaching four-week long classes at the co-op called "How to Ride your Bike in the Street." Several class participants have taken up bike commuting!
Finally, I wanted to love riding my bike. I didn't want goals and the ordinariness of riding for transportation to steal away the delight I feel riding a bike. I need not have worried. I simply love it.
It's possible I had set "ride a century" as a goal for the year. I can't remember. Alas, I did not manage to ride a century this year. Maybe it'll work out in 2017.
One of my goals was to track how many miles I drive my car in a year. I wasn't necessarily aiming for a certain number; I just wanted to assess whether my spouse and I actually need a second car. The answer is a resounding "no."
Car: Somewhere shy of 1100 miles.
Bike: I'll hit 4000 before Christmas.
A second goal was to become more confident wrenching on my bike. I definitely got there! This year I managed to replace my bottom bracket, overhaul both wheel hubs, true my wheels, change my chain, replace brake pads, re-cable brakes and shifters, adjust my rear derailleur, and swap out my handlebars and stem. I think If I just keep my hands on the bike this year, those skills will continue to improve.
I also wanted to become more active helping others use their bikes for transportation. I succeeded there too. I got certified as a safety instructor and started teaching four-week long classes at the co-op called "How to Ride your Bike in the Street." Several class participants have taken up bike commuting!
Finally, I wanted to love riding my bike. I didn't want goals and the ordinariness of riding for transportation to steal away the delight I feel riding a bike. I need not have worried. I simply love it.
It's possible I had set "ride a century" as a goal for the year. I can't remember. Alas, I did not manage to ride a century this year. Maybe it'll work out in 2017.
#35
It's MY mountain

Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,174
Likes: 4,233
From: Mt.Diablo
Bikes: Klein, Merckx, Trek
I had never heard of this before. Seems my employer doesn't offer it.
Bicycle Commuter Benefit | League of American Bicyclists
Bicycle Commuter Benefit | League of American Bicyclists
#36
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,472
Likes: 11
From: Near St. Louis, Missouri
Bikes: Giant Defy Advanced, Breezer Doppler Team, Schwinn Twinn Tandem, Windsor Tourist, 1954 JC Higgens
I'm just one good ride short of my 4,000 mile goal. I haven't been able to ride for nearly a month due to weather, work, and illness. But I'm going to top 4K tomorrow.
I also did 5 half marathons. Pretty good year.
I also did 5 half marathons. Pretty good year.
#37
Half way there

Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,967
Likes: 895
From: North Carolina
Bikes: Many, and the list changes frequently
I set 3,000 miles as a goal, which I met in November. I was hoping to do an additional 500 however I am hampered by a rigid splint on my left hand. Still, I have only 130 miles to go so if I take a few "long ways home" I may do it.
For 2017 I have no idea as I plan to start working part time. We'll see.
For 2017 I have no idea as I plan to start working part time. We'll see.
#38
Thread Starter
Disco Infiltrator




Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,332
Likes: 3,520
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
It's actually a credit that your employer gets to take on their taxes... so it does cost them some overhead time to administer it, but not any "real" money. Most employers that have some kind of commuting benefits like bus or train ticket discounts ought to be offering this as well.
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
#39
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I started commuting this year in June the day after my 40th birthday. I had not ridden my bikes in about 10 years. I just topped my goal of 2000 miles last week, just in time to be on vacation for the remainder of the year. I am still assessing what 2017's goal is, but the logical goal as far as I am concerned is to commute all year next year and set the mileage at 4000 miles. I've got some more cold weather gear on my Christmas list so I am planning to continue commuting by bike as soon as I return to work in the new year. The cold just got real here in Maine. I've got things mostly worked out but still lack a few layers I need for the -X degree days. I've been pretty comfortable down in to the teens.
Last edited by biketoworkguy; 12-21-16 at 06:24 AM.
#40
I started commuting this year in June the day after my 40th birthday. I had not ridden my bikes in about 10 years. I just topped my goal of 2000 miles last week, just in time to be on vacation for the remainder of the year. I am still assessing what 2017's goal is, but the logical goal as far as I am concerned is to commute all year next year and set the mileage at 4000 miles. I've got some more cold weather gear on my Christmas list so I am planning to continue commuting by bike as soon as I return to work in the new year. The cold just got real here in Maine. I've got things mostly worked out but still lack a few layers I need for the -X degree days. I've been pretty comfortable down in to the teens.
#41
Keepin it Wheel




Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,964
Likes: 5,238
From: San Diego
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
Tomorrow I finish my 4th full year of bike commuting (I moved closer to work around Christmas 2012 and started biking basically full time the first workday of 2013).
Three of those years I tracked my bike-commuting days on the CCCC. This was my best year, 190 days (including tomorrow)
I recorded my cyclocomputer odometer on new years at 9798, and I know I broke 12000 about a month ago, so that's 2200 miles and counting.
I can't remember the odometer on "my" car, but I'm certain it was driven way fewer miles than that. And some of the miles were gratuitously driven in that car instead of the family minivan, so my oldest could learn to drive stick.
Fitness, however... I'm still basically an almost 250lb clyde, exactly the same as when I started. I love to eat (and cook), and when I ride, I can't motivate myself to actually exercise, my effort level is constantly about the same as a brisk walk. Every time I check the average speed on my cyclometer, it's 10.x mph.
No significant new parts this year, although I lost my battle with tubeless on me & the wife's 29ers. I'll try again sometime next year with cheaper homemade sealant and tires that are specifically tubeless-ready.
Three of those years I tracked my bike-commuting days on the CCCC. This was my best year, 190 days (including tomorrow)
I recorded my cyclocomputer odometer on new years at 9798, and I know I broke 12000 about a month ago, so that's 2200 miles and counting.
I can't remember the odometer on "my" car, but I'm certain it was driven way fewer miles than that. And some of the miles were gratuitously driven in that car instead of the family minivan, so my oldest could learn to drive stick.
Fitness, however... I'm still basically an almost 250lb clyde, exactly the same as when I started. I love to eat (and cook), and when I ride, I can't motivate myself to actually exercise, my effort level is constantly about the same as a brisk walk. Every time I check the average speed on my cyclometer, it's 10.x mph.
No significant new parts this year, although I lost my battle with tubeless on me & the wife's 29ers. I'll try again sometime next year with cheaper homemade sealant and tires that are specifically tubeless-ready.
#42
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 514
Likes: 1
From: Kansas City, MO
Bikes: Klein Quantum Race; Cannondale Supersix EVO Di2; Trek Crossrip LTD; Trek Boone 9 Disc
I set a goal of 10,000 total miles for the year, and I just hit that number earlier this week! I wasn't sure how I was doing on my 2016 commuting mileage compared to last year, and had to go back to the 2015 thread to find out.
It looks like I'll wind up about 500-miles short from last year's commuting total. I didn't make a conscious decision to commute any differently than last year, but I'm guessing the increased non-commuting rides may have contributed to the lower overall commuting mileage. My goal for next year is to worry less about total miles... but commute more!
It looks like I'll wind up about 500-miles short from last year's commuting total. I didn't make a conscious decision to commute any differently than last year, but I'm guessing the increased non-commuting rides may have contributed to the lower overall commuting mileage. My goal for next year is to worry less about total miles... but commute more!
#43
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,982
Likes: 11
From: Puget Sound
Bikes: 2007 Rocky Mountain Sherpa 30 (bionx), 2015 Cannondale Synapse Carbon Ultegra
I don't set mileage goals. The only goal I have is to commute by bicycle 3 times per week. No problem meeting that goal. That comes out to a minimum of 2000+ miles in a year.
Last edited by InTheRain; 12-21-16 at 06:45 PM.
#45
Well, I actually started bike commuting, so it feels pretty good! I bought a nice bike (Raleigh RXM), spent way too much money on Boston-proof winter and water gear, and found some coworkers to ride with. My first ride was last week Monday (12/12) and I've put about 150 miles on my bike in total, which will be it for this year as I'm heading out of state for the holidays. I feel pretty good about it because it saves me roughly 30 minutes on my commute because the local bus line is like taking the slow boat to china. I had some tendonitis in my knee right off the bat but I think I fixed it by adjusting my cleat positioning - the cleat was too far on the outside of my shoe, causing me to go pigeon toed.
All in all, I'm planning to do 3500 miles next year. My commute is 9.5 miles the short way, 12.5 the scenic river way and I head to my girlfriends with the train one day a week so if I commute every day that I can I would hit 4250 or so. I think more likely I'll do 3.5 out of every 4 possible commutes, just because I won't always be able to sleep and eat as well as I want to.
All in all, I'm planning to do 3500 miles next year. My commute is 9.5 miles the short way, 12.5 the scenic river way and I head to my girlfriends with the train one day a week so if I commute every day that I can I would hit 4250 or so. I think more likely I'll do 3.5 out of every 4 possible commutes, just because I won't always be able to sleep and eat as well as I want to.
#46
Keepin it Wheel




Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,964
Likes: 5,238
From: San Diego
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
I recorded my cyclocomputer odometer on new years at 9798, and I know I broke 12000 about a month ago, so that's 2200 miles and counting.
I can't remember the odometer on "my" car, but I'm certain it was driven way fewer miles than that. And some of the miles were gratuitously driven in that car instead of the family minivan, so my oldest could learn to drive stick.
I can't remember the odometer on "my" car, but I'm certain it was driven way fewer miles than that. And some of the miles were gratuitously driven in that car instead of the family minivan, so my oldest could learn to drive stick.
#47
Keepin it Wheel




Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,964
Likes: 5,238
From: San Diego
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
#48
Employer based - A LOT of employers don't publicize this stuff though. My last job offered it but you had to actually inquire about it before they'd give it to interested cyclists.
#49
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 22
From: Mooresville, NC (Charlotte suburb)
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse, Trek 5000 TCT, Giant OCR
Overall it's been a good year of commuting. I bought a new bike in September which has worked out well so far. I generally only ride to work and don't do many recreational rides, but did a few more this fall with the new bike.
I had relatively low commuting mileage in January and February, but ramped up more in the spring. By summer I was seeing that 5200 miles for the year may be possible - an average of 100 miles per week, including a couple of zero weeks for vacation or whatever. I passed 5,200 on Tuesday and will likely be over 5,300 by the end of next week.
I don't really count days. I have several partial days or rides where either my wife picks me up after work or I ride halfway home to meet her somewhere.
I had relatively low commuting mileage in January and February, but ramped up more in the spring. By summer I was seeing that 5200 miles for the year may be possible - an average of 100 miles per week, including a couple of zero weeks for vacation or whatever. I passed 5,200 on Tuesday and will likely be over 5,300 by the end of next week.
I don't really count days. I have several partial days or rides where either my wife picks me up after work or I ride halfway home to meet her somewhere.
#50
Keepin it Wheel




Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,964
Likes: 5,238
From: San Diego
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
Bicycle Commuter Benefit | League of American Bicyclists
Employer based - A LOT of employers don't publicize this stuff though. My last job offered it but you had to actually inquire about it before they'd give it to interested cyclists.
Employer based - A LOT of employers don't publicize this stuff though. My last job offered it but you had to actually inquire about it before they'd give it to interested cyclists.




