So yeah, how is everyone? This break has been stupid busy. Major fail on the festive 500 attempt. I got a Christmas Eve ride in with the FIL for 32 miles which sucked because I blew myself up on the first big hill. Then I was in a mad run seeing family and friends on the 25th and 26th and then North Texas got hit with almost every season of weather available.

I finally made it back on the road Monday when it was mostly dry, but it was crazy windy and right at freezing temps, but I managed 30 miles. Toes were basically completely numb at mile 21.

Tuesday was errand running and spending time with the wife.

Today I got back on the bike and did a full metric century, which is actually what I started the year with. Better temps (40-50 degrees) and the chemical pocket warmers worked great on the feet @Heathpack. I did get a flat at mile 16, but the rest of the ride was uneventful. I had to piece together nearly every last little loop on the north side of town to make the full 62+ miles happen.

Tomorrow, nothing will probably happen. We have friends coming over that evening and the house is a wreck, so I need to tackle that. I thought about squeezing in a 30 mile ride in the morning to make it 250k, but I'm honestly over it.

That puts me at 202k for the festive 500 "attempt" and 1500 miles for 2015. I'll try to get in a few more rides before I go back to work and get a stronger start on the new year. Targeting 2500 miles for 2016 with the help of increasing my work commutes.

Here's a link to the metric century. My fitness is basically crap at this point.

Correct. And he's not saying.

Keep at it. As some famous cyclist one said, it doesn't get easier but you do get faster. And enjoy the ride.

My last ride of 2015 was yesterday. I am off today but have some domestic responsibilities. Going to try for a short run before all that starts. I wish everyone a happy new year. Even though...you know.

You do know that when said famous cyclist said that, he was still on the upslope of his life. There comes a time when it does not get easier and you get slower. Jus' saying'. Still enjoying the ride becomes the whole point.

A happy, healthy and prosperous new year to you all with my very best wishes.

"It doesn't get easier, and you just get slower."

Truly inspiring.

Look on the bright side: at least T.H.I.N.

My take on riding goals around the holidays: they add stress. Best thing is to just enjoy the season. Tell yourself something like, "I'm gonna enjoy the Christmas lights and baking cookies with my daughter and riding as much as I can between all the holiday festivities. "

If there's any time of the year where I think it makes sense to just ride a little less, it's from Thanksgiving to New Years. Balance is just really important. Some people have tons of spare time, even around the holidays. But most of us have less spare time than usual so the big riding goals don't make universal sense IMO.

Now the 2016 goal is another matter. You have a whole year to work out those details. So have at it. :)

Yeah, but by the time that starts happening you don't care about getting faster anymore. You're just happy to still be out there.

#allegedly

Also, "it doesn't get easier, you just get faster. Until you hit your physiological performance limit." isn't quite as snappy.

Hi, what's this thread about?

I just checked the posts for this thread. I've got a KOM.

Come on, you know you want to.

Texas Health Information Network?

Correct. Take it easy, during the holidays. I don't, have specific holiday bike goals. My priority is family and friends etc. It reduces my stress. I don't switch to "holiday mode". until about two weeks before Christmas., Normal for me is 50+ miles on Wednesday and 100+ on Saturday or Sunday. I basically get nothing done on those days. It's too much during the holidays.

What's the skinny on T.H.I.N.?

Is it 2016 yet.

We really ought to ride some time. I'm looking for other velocity challenged riders I may be able to keep up with...

nttawwt

Maybe in Australia?

Thank you, [MENTION=140600]LAJ[/MENTION] I hope so too. Currently in the midst of new Lyme therapy, expecting increased energy levels once it's done which should surely help with the cycling. :thumb:

Tell me about it. Them young whippersnappers think they got all the answers.

The only thing they should focus on is staying off my lawn.


A friend told you, right?

You rang?

That seatpost bolt/collar thread...lol.

I'm [MENTION=39975]patentcad[/MENTION] old, and I'm still bopping along OK. I have an excuse for being slow if I choose, and can also lord it over the youngsters I hammer into the ground. Life is pretty good.

I think with a few more posts, the OP may go postal.