As has been customary in the past, when the New Year comes, I plan a few trips, especially if they included plane flights and planned vacation time. When my father died a couple years ago the emotional uncertainty left me feeling lost. I wasn't ready to tackle another bucket list goal, but time passes, and this year I'm ready and excited for a 2017 overseas hiking adventure. Depending upon how it all works out, there could be a cycling component. More to come on that trip.
Since pedaling thoughout many cold winter days in the past two years, I am less anxious and focused on making local cycling plans months in advance. It's as if my cycling equilibrium has been restored. I am content to have general ideas centered around weekends, perhaps another Canadian sojourn with Adele, an overnight using the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, perhaps one in upstate New York via ferry.
I will continue making Miss Clementine tour ready, which includes adding a simple front rack (possibly Nitto, Soma Lucas, or Sunlite version?), repurpose a bag for handle bars, and test hers (and my!) ability to haul camping gear on hilly terrain.
Always in the back of my mind is finding a 20" replacement for my steadfast Ross commuter. If I find myself in Manchester, NH soon (and who knows, our son has been accepted at SNHU which may necessitate a springtime visit) I will contact a person selling a 20" step-through GT Outpost, that has lingered on Craigslist for several months.
This year will be busy in other ways also: our oldest son goes off to college and we are looking for a new house. The plan is to stay local, but find a place with less maintenance, easier one floor living. It must have a two car garage so we can store our skis, my husband's sports car, and of course our myriad of bicycles.
What's on your agenda this year?
I won't go into my 2017 plans since I already did that on my blog! But remind me why you're looking for a replacement of the Ross. Was it fit issues?
ReplyDelete-Shawn
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Yeah, the Ross is slightly small at 19" but 20" step through old mountains bikes are fairly rare. I am keepin gmy eye out for a few models, in particular the Peugeot series of one year.
DeleteHi A, looking forward to seeing what your re-purposed front bag looks like!
ReplyDeleteOur plans for 2017 definitely include our club's annual tour (http://fridaynightridetothecoast.blogspot.co.uk/p/le-tour-2017.html). We both have a lot more annual leave to take, but we are also gearing up to extend/re-model my London flat so I'm probably going to hold on to some leave to have available to deal with builders' issues that are bound to arise. My sister is coming over to Scotland in September so I'm toying with a 3-4 day cycle trip in the Borders to meet up with her in Edinburgh. And my partner may come up to Edinburgh by train for us to then cycle down the western side of the country to see friends in the Lake District. Nothing definite on that yet, waiting for my sister to book her flights. Hoping one of my best friends, currently having her 4th round of chemo and scheduled for surgery (breast cancer) in the coming weeks, may be up to joining us for some of this as well. We'll see what happens. Busy times!
Hi Rebecca! You have lots of nice plans in the works. I look forward to hearing about them at some point. Life is very full but rewarding, it sounds like - and you get to see family! I know you're a long way from home.
DeleteClementine is looking lovely and I can't wait to read all about your adventures this year! :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your son!
ReplyDeleteI have one new cycling adventure in mind for the year. I'll be working in Belgium from mid-May through mid-June, so I'm hoping to get a folding bike to take with me to explore the country on two wheels.
Now that sounds like a great adventure! A folding bike makes perfect sense. Have you heard of this company? I've been intrigued with their style and affordable price. https://downtube.com/
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