Happy New Rear!

As we move from 2006 into 2007, I stop to reflect on my new hobby and passion, cycling, which I discovered in 2006.

I started off 2006 as I ended 2005 by riding my rides with a Trek 4300 mountain bike. For the month of January 2006 I rode my mountain bike in 12 rides for 77.66 miles at an average speed of 12.994 miles per hour.

At the end of January 2006 I began to realize that I was enjoying riding on-road more than off-road so I decided to buy a new road bike. Best decision I ever made! From my first ride on my new road bike-I was hooked. Now I enjoy riding often and I miss it when I go a few days and can't get in a ride.

Riding on my Trek 1200 road bike I completed 102 rides in 2006 for 1,645.56 miles at an average speed of 15.143 miles per hour. This consisted of many rides of my standard morning ride I try and do 3 times a week as well as numerous bike rallys throughout the year and various rides along the Trinity Trail.

My standard morning ride is about 10.10 miles. My best time on this ride was July 18, 2006 when I did it in 36.23 minutes at a 16.639 mph average.

My shortest ride was 4.72 miles on a very windy day on February 15, 2006 at 3:15 in the morning. I rode for awhile and then discovered I had a flat rear tire. I had to call Michele, wake her up, and have her come pick me up. What a great wife and supporter of my new hobby she is!

My longest ride was, of course, the Hotter N Hell Hundred when I rode 74.52 miles at an average speed of 15.626 mph on August 26, 2006

My best bike rally ride was the Cowtown Classic on September 9, 2006 when I set a new average speed record for rallys. I rode 41.97 miles at an average speed of 16.208 mph.

I thank God for allowing me to complete all of these rides without crashing and without sustaining any injuries. I also thank Him for bringing this fun form of exercise into my life. If you're looking for a great way to get some exercise then:

GET ON YOUR BIKE AND RIDE!

Also, be watching for an important announcement about how you can participate with me in my riding in 2007. Have a great year!