“New year, new you,” they say. How about switching it up this year and aiming for “New year, new challenges”? If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few fun cycling themed challenges to put on your 2018 bucket list!
1. First Century Ride
2018 is the year: choose a day where you have nowhere to be, grab a good friend, and head out for a fun 100km adventure! Whether it’s a flat or hilly route, make sure to make a couple coffee/ice cream stops along the way. It’ll break down the distance into smaller chunks, and before you know it, you will have achieved one of your yearly goals!
2. Most elevation in a year
If you’re looking to get those climbing legs back this season, this challenge is for you. Stop avoiding your local climb on your usual ride, stand up on your pedals and make it your best friend! 2018 is the year where you start eating hills for breakfast. Come on now, Seymour and Cypress are calling your name!
3. Longest climb yet
Ever dreamed of endless switchbacks, barely any traffic, and breathtaking views? No need to travel all the way to the Alps to get them! If you’re tired of Seymour and Cypress and long for a change of scenery, make it a trip across the border and climb Mount Baker in Washington State. With over 4,000 feet of elevation gain in 38 km, you will deserve your beer(s) after this one!
4. Tackle a new discipline
Are you a die hard roadie, not quite a fan of all the roots and rocks the trails have to offer? Or do you stay away from Lycra because those roads just seem so boring, and why is that handlebar so narrow anyways?! Time to get over it, friends. Let’s try another discipline! Ask a friend who’s into some other from of cycling and let yourself fall in love. You’ll see, riding fast and far on pavement can be just as much fun as shredding windy, rooty trails.
5. Sign up for a fondo or charity ride
Want to give back doing what you love? Looking for an excuse to go for a long ride with a group of new people? Fondos and charity rides usually offer wonderfully organized events in beautiful destinations that you can enjoy free of traffic. Make it a party and drag some friends along — the more the merrier!
6. Make more time for coffee rides
It’s fun to look for PRs and KOMs on Strava, or to commute to and from work every day, but for 2018, cut yourself some slack and make more time for coffee rides. Even if it means a very short pedal to your favorite local spot, take your time and enjoy every sip far from the hustle and bustle. You might just find another not so local favorite café!
Tennessee is a self-proclaimed bike fanatic who moved to B.C. in pursuit of its mythic mountains. If Tenn isn’t at the store telling you about her latest epic ride, you can probably bet she’s riding or running up a peak somewhere. @tennesseemayer