I've broken "Prime Directive 2009".
Not because I'm lazy (I am, kind of) or because it's cold (it is), or because we've already put a thousand miles on our vehicles since new years (we have done no such thing!), but I've just lost track of my miles, completely.
I haven't even bothered trying to figure out how many I've ridden this week. It hasn't been a ton, but I've run a bunch of errands both downtown and near home. I've taken some strange routes, too. I don't have a computer on The Goat. Back in the summer time when The Goat was a purely trail-use machine, I removed it and gave it to a co-worker who was getting into cycling. And you know what? I don't miss it.
Playing the numbers game was one way to keep myself motivated. Maybe I'll give it a shot next year, or maybe when I'm back to the Road Bike full time and actually have an odometer with me, I'll see if I can hold my own against the automobile miles.
For the time being, though, I really like not feeling pressured to fire up the spreadsheet and enter my miles, while on top of it trying to remember where I rode and guess how many miles each trip was.
I'll probably just stick to enjoying the ride.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Everyone else is doing it.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
9 comments:
I have cyclometers on some bikes, not on others. It's pretty easy to keep up with the commute, regardless, because I am fairly consistent on the ride back and forth. But, I just don't worry about errands, coffee shop, etc. miles.
I feel a blogpost coming on. Hmmm...
Thanks for the inspiration, Noah.
keep track of the trips, and estimate the distance. like, i only have like 2 or 3 places that i go on my bicycle. and they're the only places i have to go, or need to go.
always enjoy the rides!! :)
I use AllSport GPS on my cell phone to keep track of stuff. I can't even see it while I'm riding. It's the best of both worlds, and I need to have the phone with me anyway. Plus, I get a nice map when I'm done.
If I don't have the GPS with me or a computer on one of the bikes, I go back with Google Maps and map it out.
I have an admitted dependency on knowing how far I rode and tracking against my goal. I find I look less at my speed and average MPH, but still want to have the miles recorded.
I always try to enjoy the ride.
You know, I'm not much of one for keeping track of miles either. I like to know at the end of the year how many I've ridden, but I don't set weekly or monthly goals.
With that said, however, I would go nuts riding without a computer. I'm not sure why, but I just like the feedback I get. Mine isn't fancy, it only shows my speed and mileage, but if it goes out, I go nuts until it's working again.
Good for you! There's something liberating about it, that's for sure. Ride it out, and just enjoy the miles you're not keeping track of. :)
Maybe I'll join you soon... I started keeping track so I'd know how my training for the TPB was going. Then it turned into a bit of an obsession. Now I've backed off again and it's just about making sure I'm on track for training... I think. ;)
Noah,
If you do want to log you miles you could also use Veloroutes [URL: veloroutes.org] or Gmaps Pedometer [URL: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/] they now offer a cycling option.
take care,
Ron
Mine is pretty easy. 5.2 each way in the winter, 10.9 on the full route. I have ode o meters but very seldom pay attention.
Post a Comment