I rode my last ride of the year today. It was a hard road ride – got a flat at mile 12 and had a hard time keeping up with the group for the 55 mile ride.

My mileage app says I biked 4,505 miles in 2016. Most of that mileage was on mountain bike in the Dallas area. I rode my mountain bike on paved surfaces when it was too wet to ride. I bought my first road bike ever in September 2016, adding some road-biking miles to the mix.

This year my rides included…

• climbing rides up to 5,800 feet altitude in the Bend, Oregon area
• rides to waterfalls and and rivers
• wild off-road rides down steep, winding descents
• rides exploring areas of exquisite forested beauty
• gravity ride down Haleakala volcano with my family in Maui, Hawaii
• romps on local trails in the Dallas area,
• rides in the sun, wind, and rain
• group road bike rides in pace lines
• many training rides – to get miles in and to stay fit.

Looking back on the rides this year, I recognize the blessings that God has provided…

• Good health to ride and to train.
• Safety with no significant injury.
• A wonderful summer trip mountain biking adventure in the Bend, Oregon area.
• My first road bike ever.
• Learning how to ride road bike (still learning the gear, the lingo, and the ride etiquette).
• Rides with friends.
• A loving wife that encourages me to ride.

Who knows where adventure will take me in 2017 !!!