cfforum

I started riding a couple of years ago and was proud to finish the 2008 Folsom Cyclebration with some gas left in the tank. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be---which really surprised me. I was mostly a recreational rider to that point, but trained seriously for that ride starting about 8 weeks prior. It made me realize that cycling is something I want to get a bit more serious about.

To get ready for 2009, I started hitting the gym more regularly in early December, then started riding whenever the weather looked decent beginning in January.

A few weeks back I began riding with the Peloton Group. I have to confess, I'm not used to riding for 4+/- hours each Saturday. Last year, a ride to Discovery park was a big deal for me. Now, it appears it---or a ride like it---will be a regular occurrence. The hardest part was simply making the time commitment. Then I thought about how many buddies I have that spend at least 4 hours golfing every Saturday. If they can make time, so can I.

Each time I've gone out, I've met new people (also one of my goals), and finished the ride feeling really good.

I'm using my time riding with DaveyD to learn a bit more about cycling, too.

So my 2009 goals are:
1. To ride in two organized Centuries in 2009; one will be the [url=http://www.livestrongchallenge.org/]LiveStrong Challenge[/url] in San Jose[/url], July 12, 2009. Not sure what the other will be.
2. To ride with the Cycle Folsom Group at least once a week, or more if schedule allows.

My goals will probably be refined with more focus on training as I learn a bit more. in the mean time, I'm breaking up my training with a variety of hill rides [my definition of "hills"], flat rides, and even mountain biking. I'm feeling better every week and am surprising myself by the increase in stamina, as well as increased enjoyment of life in general.

It's been a couple of months now; are you on track to achieve your goals for 2009?

So far, so good. Getting in a little over 100 miles each week. Work and travel seem to challenge that schedule daily though. Asking questions of riders that I'm meeting and learning a lot. Reading Bicycling mag and finding some great fitness and nutrition tips in there too.

Lost aprox. 20 lbs since January. Hope to lose another 20 in the coming months.

If schedule permits, will ride the Tour de Cure in early May.
Will likely ride the Sierra Century in June.
For sure riding in the LiveStrong ride in San Jose in July.

Really enjoying getting to know more cyclists in the area. I'm starting to recognize riders that I have ridden with through CycleFolsom on weekday rides. Have stopped and talked with a few of them at rest stops. Pretty cool.

That's a great report; 20 pounds since January!

I believe we have one the better cycling communities anywhere. The folks around here a generally kinder than most other places, Folsom and Davis are highly regarded and recognized nationally for their superior support of cycling which includes tremendous investments in infrastructure, there is an abundance of good weather and a veritable conucopia of excellent places to ride.

It's inspiring to me to see that we have riders within our club that are losing 20, even 60 pounds by simply committing to ride their bikes on a consistent basis.

Glad to hear it! Keep up the good work and best wishes on those next 20 pounds.

Just a quick update on my goals...

I guess its true about writing your goals down:

I've been riding with Cycle Folsom Peloton Group pretty much every weekend. I'm amazed at how much my fitness and strength has improved. With tips and guidance from the Performance Group riders, I am happy to report that I'm even getting the hang of some the hills around here. I'm now acting as one of the ride leaders and enjoying it very much. It's forcing me to stay committed and I'm enjoying meeting new people.

The Livestrong Challenge is happening in San Jose next week. I'm registered for the century, and feel like I've trained well for it. This past week I capped off my training with roughly 170 miles of riding, 100 of which occurred on Sat. and Sun.

I'm pretty sure the Folsom Cyclebration is my next Century. Glad to have CycleFolsom to keep me motivated.