2024 is now in the history books. For me this past year ended better than it started and was a good year overall. I don't really have a measure of what makes one year better than another but this year I was able to make my mileage goal for the year which is always a good sign. When I look at my year end stats I notice that I did more group rides than solo rides. This is probably because I am doing more rides with my retired friends on my Wednesday's off which I hope to continue. Although I enjoy my solo rides it is always more entertaining to ride in a group.
This past year I also got away for a bike vacation to the grand canyon of Pennsylvania as well as a couple of person vacations to see the total solar eclipse and up to Maine to see some puffins and whales.
The last two days of the year were pretty good for riding with the temps in the mid 50s. This past Monday we did a 30+ mile loop from Allentown. Despite having to ride through 50 feet of some wet shit (actual horse shit), problems finding a bathroom and some really strong winds at the end it was a good ride. It just felt good to be out on the road after a couple weeks of cold rides mostly on trails.
I also road on Tuesday as it was another warm day. I don't normally ride two days in a row but with cold weather in the future I wanted to take advantage of the warm weather. Laura had proposed a ride from MCP but I convince the group to go to the beach. We started from Manasquan reservoir and did this route. This would take us to Manasquan and up the beach to Belmar and back.
On this ride there were plenty of bathrooms along the way and we had a very gentle east wind that help us get home. I had planned a break at Belmar but the usual Duncan Donuts was closed. We did hang out at the beach for a little while which is where I wrote Happy New Year in the sand. There were a few other photos taken before Pete fell trying to avoid a dog (the only thing hurt was his pride) on his way off the boardwalk.
On the way back we did a circle around the Manasquan reservoir to see how low the water still is. It probably won't look normal until the spring assuming we get a good amount of rain and snow.
I don't know what is in store for 2025 but I already have some ideas for some bike trips and rides for the new year and hope to continue the fun of the last few days.
