I started 2014 with some good momentum and only had one major setback on my training, which was the process of moving from Washington to Colorado. I only took about 2 weeks off for that. Since then, I have taken on a longer commute of 10 to 15 miles each way and, due to the dry sunny weather, I
I have taken less days off the bike. I expected to log 3,000 to 4,000 miles this year and I exceeded that with well over 4,000 miles.
All this winter gear is a bit of a hassle to put on but the comfort and ability to ride in anything is worth it. Colorado winter beats Seattle winter for riding, that's for sure.
I did not manage to fit in any century rides and only compleeted 3 mountain bike races, no cyclocross races; those are my only regrets. I am still riding for Ficher Plumbing Cycling team which is a very flexible and diverse team out of Seattle. I really enjoy the riders, the team kit, and the encuragement to ride that the team offers.
Next year I hope to do a bit more racing and log at last 6,000 miles. I would also like to get back to cat 1/2 (or pro/expert) level racing this year. I think my fitness is there so I would just need to do a good bit of racing and hit the podium to upgrade. I have come a very long way from 2012 when I only logged 1,000 miles. It's good to be lean, fit, and fast again! I'm 31 years one now, life is short and cycling is something that always challenges me in a fun way.
So, back to winter riding in cold places. Colorado has been mostly cold and clear till late December but now in January, I'm thinking my studded tire, ski helmet, and ski goggle investment was well worth it. The winter shoes (Diadora Polaris 2) have been worth their wieght in gold! I have used them so much since September that the first set of cleats are about worn out on them. No more shoe covers required!
The winter shoes are waterproof and wind proof. I've ridden them down to 0 degrees F without covers!
Studded tires? Yes please! The Nokian A10's have 72 studs each and the 32mm width fits with fenders on my cross bike. Fast for winter studs but enough bite to keep me upright on ice. Not so great in semi packed snow but fully packed/ice glazed snow like the picture above is awesome. Smooth rolling, fast and fun!
