Today is the end of the 17th year of this blog and thus the end of my 17th annual cycling challenge. How did I do versus my 2021 Cycling Challenge (details here)? Well … there’s some good news and some bad news.
For obvious reasons I didn’t stray far from home very often. And problems from my neck/spine fracture a couple of years ago has made very long rides difficult. But I stayed active, cycling 250 times and hiking more than a 100 times in 2021.
The Good News:
I did achieve my primary goal of 160,200 metres of vertical ascent.
Remember: there are 525,600 minutes a year. Climb one foot a minute. 525,600 feet = 160,200 metres).
The Bad News:
But I failed in my other goals as I only had a handful of rides that didn’t begin and end at my home. So I certainly failed at my goal of cycling up 100 different cols. BUT, I must have at least a 100 rides that included my local Col du Mont Sion. � Above the col are several unpaved routes up and across Mont Sion and I visited them often in 2021:
Atop Mont Sion (Mont Salève in background)Favourite Rides of the Year
1. La Barillette at Sunrise
Apart from my wife, I rarely rode with anyone else this year. But I met up with my great friends Tim and Richard in October to cycle up to La Barillette for the sunrise. Wooohooo! Fabulous views of the distant Alps were the reward for the early start in the dark. Details here.
2. Cormet de Roselend via Col du Pré
Ridden just before the Dauphiné. Remember, via Col du Pré is the best way up to Roselend as you get to ride across the damn dam. Details here.
3. Lots of rides with my wife
I had quite a few rides with my wonderful wife. Always fun.
4. Rides above the clouds
Autumn where I live can often be dark, foggy, and overcast. But if one cycles high enough it is often possible to find the sun above the clouds.
Final Thoughts
I know 2021 was a challenging year for almost everyone. For me, the key to happiness and well-being is exercise. I just feel better not just during but also after a fun bike ride. I am sad not to have achieved all of my 2021 Cycling Challenge – but am pleased I stayed active.
I wish everyone a Happier New Year. Be well.
Will
