It’s the “offseason” if you will, I don’t really have any true events on the schedule until March/April of next year, it’s the holiday season, and time to slow down a little bit. I don’t really have a coach or true accountability, although if I had a bit more budget I do think a coach is something I’d probably consider as I do really like goals and accountability. Anyhow, the time between my last event and New Year’s is generally a time for very little structure and kind of doing whatever I want. I’ve been trying to make more efforts to get out on group rides and get out of my normal routines, it’s mostly been fun. It’s hard though, I’m a creature of habit and as it turns out I really like my routines.

After the Swank I did end up getting sick, a cold turned sinus infection that lingered for over two weeks. I tried to ride some in the middle when I was feeling a little better, which I knew was a mistake. It was a situation where I was feeling a good bit better, the opportunity to get out for a fun ride was there, and well I’m not one to let many of those go by. I knew it was a bad idea however I went anyway and I paid for it. That two week sickness seems to have taken more out of me than I cared to admit. While I seem to be mostly recovered I’ve felt totally flat on the bike in the past week or two. It’s ok though, it’s not time to be worried about efforts, workouts.

I have been trying on some levels to put some effort into the area(s) of riding that are not my strong suit. Like technical descending, so many of the folks I ride with go downhill a lot faster than I do. It’s not all just having the stones to do it either, there is definitely some skill that I’m missing. It’s not the easiest thing to get better at either. Fitness is pretty easy to improve, a little hard work, maybe some focus, and results are generally pretty easy to see. Downhill skills are a little harder to measure and a little less straightforward to work on. If anyone has any great ideas, I’d love to hear them.

I do take a little more time with the family and kids this time of year as well. In general I try to spend a lot of time with them all year round so it’s really not a big change. I’m generally a classic overthinker so this time of year I think a lot less about dropping a ride for family time than I would in the spring or summer. I also try to incorporate the kids into activities more, knowing intensity isn’t really a concern. At the end of the day the family is what drives me to do better and keep working at things so it’s always a balance.

I’m really hopeful to find the chance to put in a couple of longer “dumb” rides like I used to do a lot more often. A ride with some silly destination that takes all day, or just a big long ride, it doesn’t have to be fast but it’s not likely to be too slow. Just getting out with a couple friends and riding bikes all day without the “racing” or major hurry. Sycamore Cycles also started a Winter Endurance Series, a series of mountain bike or Gravel group rides (depending on weather and trail conditions) to make some more opportunities for easily getting out with other people. 

All and all I do enjoy the winter time, a little more time with the family, there is almost always something good to go ride here in Western NC, and so many cookies.