2024 reflections & resolutions for 2025

Almost 1 month into the new year, we are beyond "World Quitters day" and it’s time I reflected on my cycling in 2024 & resolutions for 2025. Better late than never...

The first bikepacking event I entered was in 2020, and I knew, sitting on the train on the way there I was taking a punt. 300 miles of mostly mountain bike terrain on 40c gravelking tyres, a carbon brooks saddle, and some silly (OR AMAZING?) bright orange XC carbon soled shoes had me crawling the last few miles on my hands and knees.

Youthful enthusiasm and a bucket load of chamois cream had carried me through. Job done, just.

4 years later, with more experience, training, some successes, and 2 kids under my belt, I found myself in a not dissimilar position on the start line of an event with zero prep done. As it turns out, youthful enthusiasm is all but lost on the wrong side of 30. The frustration of pulling the pin on a glorious sunny weekend of riding, because my body was failing me, was only softened by the kindness of a fellow participant, James, who let me hitch a lift in his van back to base. A van driven by his legend of a wife with new baby & dog in tow!

Upon reflection, I realize that I was neglecting my responsibility to respect these events and my family, who allow me the weekends to participate in them. I had hoped to compensate for my lax approach to training with experience and knowledge from previous efforts, but it’s not that simple. To genuinely enjoy continuous days of intense riding, you need both legs and mind that have put in the hours.

2025 - time to have some fun

So, this year, my resolution is to only put myself on the start line of an event, if I know I deserve it. My resolution is to have the fitness to enjoy being there.

In my posts over the next few months, I will record this journey. I will pull together all the elements of training, equipment, and resources that I know have got me into good shape in the past, and will hopefully do so again.

Feel free to enjoy this public diary. It won’t be serious, but I will be a true representation of a 30-something with 2 kids trying to find his legs again!