I promise myself I will go on a 2+ day bicycle ride in 2012

Because I really enjoy bicycle touring and I want to get back into the sport. And someday, I will ride my bicycle across the US, or even Canada. There is no better way to experience a region IMO than by riding it. You learn the topography, you feel the heat, cold and winds. And people are friendlier.

Realistically I will not accomplish this goal this year. Now that the weather is cold, I will most likely forget even attempting this until the spring.

So I failed on this goal. What does that really mean? I added this because I enjoy bicycle touring and I wanted to get motivated to start riding again. I can still ride my bicycle two days this year, and that will accomplish some of what I was trying to do – get started. And I can continue this goal thru 2013. Or I could just ride somewhere and then ride back but honestly I would probably be too sore to enjoy it.

What do you think I should do? Comments anyone?

And yet I am not making any progress on it. There is a week long ride in December that I used to go on. And I enjoyed it quite a bit. It’s challenging, the weather covers all four seasons during the week (that’s SoCal for you), and I know the route. It would be fun to ride a few days at least. The first day is not my favorite, city traffic and then climbing for the rest of the day. But the middle of the trip is great fun, and nice scenery.

Or I could just take my bicycle on the train and ride down the coast. Or ride to San Diego. Or ride around some other area…

Get on bicycle. Pedal. Repeat. Done.

and I have not accomplished this goal I could plan a trip in September, that would give me time to get prepared and get out. I still like the idea of taking Amtrak up the coast and riding back to Pasadena. Easy, scenic and I can go by myself if necessary.

Hmmm.

When I bicycled more, I dreamed about riding the Great Divide Route. I even sponsored two miles of the route in New Mexico at $100 each – one outside of Gallup along Route 66 and one that goes through Pie Town. Someday, maybe in 2012, I will ride “my” miles.

The documentary is called “Ride the Divide”. It has nice scenery, a good story, and reminded me of all the reasons that I enjoy mountain biking. At heart I am a tourist, and whether I tour on a bicycle, scooter, by kayak, in a car, or by train, makes no difference. What I enjoy is seeing new places, and meeting new people. I cherish the memories of a fantastic sunset, or the taste of a cup of coffee when you wake up along side a river. Or having a piece of pie in some small cafe somewhere. This documentary woke up all those memories in me.

I enjoyed the movie. The music was different than what I listen to and the song at the end was perfect – “July” by Amy Petty. I had to buy the song so I can sing it on my way to work tomorrow. Beautiful.

The directors knew what they were doing. After all the credits, they posted this message:

NOW GO RIDE YOUR BIKE

It was just what I needed to motivate me to accomplish this goal.

I could pick a weekend in January or February and plan a two day trip to San Diego, or take Amtrak up the coast and ride down. Since I am not in shape, that may not be the best option.

I could book a week long trip in the summer. This is something I used to LOVE to do. Logistically it’s a problem unless I can drive, since flying with a bicycle is a hassle. Still this would be high on my list of things to do.

I could sign up for Solvang in March. My brother likes to do this ride and it would be something I could work towards. At least this way I would be riding and getting in shape for a 2 day ride.

This is what happens when you let yourself get out of shape. :(

This is something I really enjoy doing and it has been too long since I actually had FUN! I promise that I will go on a bicycle trip. It can be a few days riding down the coast, or an organized ride someplace.

I MUST go riding again!!!