KiddSisko

When are all of us finally going to see the results of our interest and efforts in cycling? Do you have a goal in mind? And once you reach that goal, what then? For what purpose are you here reading Bike Forums?

Me? I came here in 2005 looking for information on my vintage steel bike. At the time I was a devout flatlander, who only cruised along the beach routes dressed in t-shirts and wearing a baseball cap to keep the sun out of my eyes. I had no interest in racing or even riding up a hill longer than 1/4 mile. I was utterly clueless about bikes and components post 1970's. I was also completely unconcerned about what other cyclists thought of me. I don't think I even paid attention to another cyclist, or what they were riding. As far as I was concerned, I was the "real deal," out there riding a piece of history and keeping the flame of the true cyclist torch alive. What an elitist twit!

Then someone stole my bike from a supposedly "safe" storage unit on my property. I was determined at first to find a suitable vintage replacement, but inspired by what I saw while while watching the 2007 TdF, I decided to buy a current model triple crank bike and try climbing up the local mountains for the first time. I've gone through 3 bikes since then, upgrading each time, and I'm still riding up and down the local mountains. Since then I've also caught up thoroughly with modern cycling technology.

My goal is to keep improving and challenge myself on longer and harder rides, as well as explore new routes. Being as fit as I am for as vintage as I am is very rewarding. Being able to keep up with the fast boys on a Rival equipped 16.25 lb CF bike is a huge kick! When I upgrade my current 1600 gm wheels and replace my Rival group with Red, then you'll all see.

spooner

To spend one calendar year traveling the U.S. on my bike. Every ride I do now is to that end.

colombo357

My goal is to defeat you up a steep climb. Topanga Canyon... I will find you one day. Rival eh? Make/model/color of your frame?

KiddSisko

Blue/RC8/blue-white-CF black. Topanga Canyon is easy. Try Fernwood, Stunt or Piuma.

hairnet

teach me your ways oh local mountain goat

Machka 

I've been riding 20 years and I've reached most of my goals. I am, however, in the position where I'm starting over or starting anew for a variety of reasons but the main one being a rather serious medical reason. It's not easy knowing what I could do and comparing it with what I can (or cannot do) now.


And BF is mostly for entertainment.

mobike_moexcite

My biggest goal of the year was reached today . It was a big race that I wanted to do well in this time around. My overall goal is to better myself and see just how far I can go in the sport of road cycling.

Phil85207

My goal now is to recover from 107 days off the bike due to some medical issues. Pushing 70 makes it a harder job than I thought. I have a century race coming up and I am working hard to be strong for it. My last one, just before my health went south was the Tour DE Tucson 109 mile race that I did well in. I am hopping to do as well or better in the upcoming Tour De Safford.

JoelS

My first goal was weight loss. Now that I got that one out of the way...

Next was to get into good enough shape that I could go out and ride a moderate century if I wanted to. I'm about there now.

At this point, it's to not get dropped on my Sunday ride. 3 goes thus far. Dropped the first two. Today was a disaster and I had to call for SAG. I'll keep going out for more punishment.

Blackdays

To be racing Cat 3 within the next 3 years.

bradleycvest

I started because I wanted to do tris. Now, all I want to do is ride. I would say there are two things that stick out as long term goals.

1. Do my first century. I'm not sure if that will be this year or next. I'm thinking it will be in August.

2. Finish and Ironman. I know most in road cycling don't care about tris, but the distances of an Ironman seem incredible, and I want to do one. I expect this to take a couple of years until I am confident I can compete.

There will be lots of little things along the way. Ultimately, I have fun every time I get on my bike. It doesn't matter if I'm cruising to work, riding with friends, or working out, the bike always brings a smile.

Carbon Unit

For the past few years I have become accustomed to having people fly past me going up hills. I want to be able to climb hills and hardly notice they are there. I want to be the guy flying past other people going up hills.

However, I don't think I am getting much closer to realizing my goal. The hills are still hard.

tero

I have basically three goals.

First is hill climbing. There's one large-ish hill around me house, with the top about 1,000 feet from the bottom of the hill. I want to climb that in under 15 minutes (this morning it took me 19 minutes).

Second is flats. I want to do a 20-mile flat course in under 50 minutes. Not there yet, but will work on it.

Third is long distance. I want to be able to do a solo century on Saturday mornings. Right now can only do a metric century, but will work on that too.

cmsuter

My current long term goal is to be racing in the collegiate A races my freshman year which is the fall of 2011. If I do that then I don't know, just keep riding faster and faster.

Blackdays

That's one of my goals as well. I'm a sophomore now, but I'll get there soon.

As a word of warning: Collegiate racing is really, really dangerous. 99% of the riders are reckless, and fear nothing. About 3+ crashes every race/crit.

cmsuter

Oh, I know man. I ride with a few guys from the Purdue Cycling Club occasionally and have talked to them about collegiate racing. I went to the MWCC regional criterium and a girl in the women's A race went down around a wet corner hit a public ash tray thing and broke her frame in two. It was nasty, although irrelevant considering no reckless riding was involved but nasty either way.

rangerdavid

my goal, having only been riding a road bike for a year, and having just purchased by Cat 5 license, is to ride in some races and get some point towards Cat 4. Loose another 20 lbs in the near future. Become competitive, at least with myself.

Blackdays

A huge part of it is that a lot of these kids have very wealthy parents. They are not at all concerned about trashing their Cervelo's.

cmsuter

I wish I was in that situation haha. I'm just happy my parents bought me the best aluminum frame around, backed by bike forums, and pay my entry fees. I'm set with that.

heckler

cat 3 and 20 lbs less in the next 2-3 years

nvrlnd7

My goal was to get back in shape,drinking beer and playing rock and roll doesnt keep you fit.I have accomplished that depending on who you talk to,dropped alot of weight, little to go. Then i got hooked on the fun/freedom of bicycling,have learned to ride real fast uphill,and i ride in the mountains around palomar mountain 3 to 4 days a week. I love it,Bf just here for a chat and a little laugh,so i'll keep coming back .

The Weak Link

My goal is simply the number 8.

I want to intimid 8, then domin 8, then humili 8. To crush their souls, to attack the paceline at will.

The time will come when I crush the enemy, see them scatter before me, and to hear the lamentations of their women.

Hanging on the 15 miler worlds would also be cool.

patentcad

Right around the time the Mets win the World Series, or botto turns Fredly, whichever comes first.

Gluteus

Accomplished so far:
1- Loss 10 lbs.
2-Total cholesterol down by 21. Tryglicerides down by 30.
3-3 races (did OK).
4-5 (or 6) centuries.
5-Keeping up with the B group of our weekly local ride, that keeps getting faster.
6-Great stress release (staying sane).
7-Some good friends.

To be accomplished.
1-Power/weight ratio of at least 3.
2-Get decent at climbing (not there yet, not by a long shot).
3-Ride in Colorado (the first 2 should make this possible).

mazdaspeed

Goal is to road race competitively next year. Spending this year getting into shape.