New Challenges 2014It’s now February! Where is the time going? I’m starting to panic a little as London to Paris which I am planning on doing in September is obviously going to come around very quickly. Arghh! I don’t even feel prepared for a 50km ride in two weeks!

But this year was all about new challenges. I turn 36 next week and sometimes, you just have to stop with the ‘oh, maybe next year’ or ‘I couldn’t possibly find the time for that!’ and well, just say ‘yes’. So I said ‘yes’ and it will happen.

So this year was all about doing something positive. Getting off my backside and doing something that I could feel proud about. I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions. I don’t really agree with them – attempting to find a better you by giving up the things you love has never seemed like a great idea to me. And it’s not a lot of fun. I want 36 to be a year of fun and surprises and a sense of achievement! So the only resolution I made this year was to take every opportunity presented to me (wherever possible).

That is especially true when it comes to cycling. The beautiful red one has been sat in the garage for too long and deserves to be ridden – so far I’m doing OK. I’m averaging about 60km a week at the moment – an awful lot better than ever before.

Considering it’s still winter, I seem to wrapped up in all things cycling at the moment. I don’t tend to do things by halves. It’s not really in my nature, so I shouldn’t be surprised. And whilst immersing myself in all things road bike related I came across road.cc and their ‘Attaining a Higher State of Consciousness’ Challenge 2014′.

The game this year is to become a better, more experienced cyclist by trying one new thing each month. Be that attempting a distance you’ve never managed before, a bike related activity that has passed you by or a cycling skill that you have yet to master.

It can be as simple as learning to wheelie, entering your first race or even riding a different type of bike, maybe completing your first proper century, or 200kms, something as grand as crossing a mountain range or as simple as riding to the top of that hill in one go. It could be your first night ride, or ride through the night. Possibly something mechanical from learning how to change a gear-cable through to building your first wheel, anything that tests you.

This seems like an excellent idea. I like it. I want to do it.

So now, I just need to devise a list of 12 new challenges. Notice that I’ve highlighted ‘trying’ and ‘attempting’ – I like this bit the best! We don’t get anywhere without trying new challenges and I am more than happy to ‘try’.

I have a few things to add my list, things I can already cross off as achieved and a number of things I am planning to do and really want to do. And a good fews things I am scared of doing. I’m just not sure I quite have twelve for the full challenge.

So, I’m off for a cuppa and to have a think about my list. For someone who’s fairly new to road cycling this should be fairly easy, right?

I’ll be back later with my list of 12 new challenges for 2014.

In the meantime I’d love to hear how you plan to challenge yourself on two wheels this year?

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9 Comments on New Challenges for 2014

    • Amrita, when I first got back on a bike a couple of years ago, it was the first time in over fifteen years so I understand your anxiety. But honestly, give it a try, I’m sure you’ll love it!

  1. I used to cycle so much! Commuting Islington – Waterloo and then around Guildford. But since my job is now teaching and training, after hours of teaching at barrecore, a cycle would be the end of me. I do intend to dust off my bike for leisure in the summer months though.
    Natasha Wynn recently posted…Brilliant Banana BreadMy Profile

    • Natasha, I’d love to hear how you get on if you do dust off your bike, Cycling with the sun on your back is the best. I can’t wait for the summer months.

  2. What a good idea! I’m also reading your follow-up blog with your challenges set out – it’s already inspiring a few ideas of my own. 🙂

    I returned to cycling 5 years ago at age 40, after a gap of 25 years! If I can do it, anyone can do. Take a lesson or two to refresh your skills and gain confidence – if you live, work or study in London, the local council may offer training for pennies or even in some cases, FREE!

    • Thanks Rebecca, I’m pleased to hear it’s inspiring some ideas for your own challenges. I think I need to add ‘hills’ to #12. Just hills in general, as at the moment I avoid them like the plague.

  3. Love that you chose new challenges and doing something positive for your NYR’s. I admire your bravery with the cycling! Good luck!

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