Gotta have goals

I've written several times in the past about the value of goals and planning your cycling year. I was talking to another local rider in October and asked how the year went. He replied that it wasn't as good as the year before because he really didn't have any goals (i.e. rides) that he had planned for and done. In 2010 he had done some racing in the summer in Seattle and worked hard for some rides he did in California.

I was in somewhat of the same position in that my training the prior two years had focused on a hill climb ride in June and then a goal to ride the Manastash Metric Century in October as fast as I could. Those two goals kept my training focused and on track (even without power meters, heart rate monitors, etc.). At my age I don't really have a need for those things and have even started riding without a bike computer. It's worked for me even though I know "official training" methods could make a difference. In 2011 I focused on the 24 hr Round and Round mountain bike race in Spokane and nothing else. I found that not having that additional goal in October really affected my training in that I wasn't riding as hard as the year before.

We're now at the end of 2011 and it's the perfect time to set your goals - both short and long term - for 2012. Pick a ride or two to do and train specifically for it. Focus your training on whatever that ride is and then picture yourself being successful when your not riding and just in a relaxed state. Those two things will make you a better rider.