I decided to reinstitute a regular training blog.  This is my first post in a long time relating my cycling experiences.

At the beginning of 2011, I set a goal of riding 10,000 miles this year.  In committing to this goal, I had no training plan in mind, and no particular cycling events to get ready for.  I simply want to surpass, by lots of miles, previous annual mileage totals.  Since I am in Florida this winter, training has been much easier for me compared to other riders around the country.  The weather here in Sarasota has been decent, although we have had our share of rainy and windy days.  Hardly a day goes by that I am not riding 20-30 miles directly into a 15-20 mph headwind.  I guess this is good training, although it doesn't feel like much fun when I am fighting these winds.  I can't complain because other riders around the country are dealing with winter weather.

Yesterday (March 23), I reached 2600 miles for the year.  Most of the riding has been on Longboat Key, near Sarasota, FL, and neighboring Keys of St. Armand's, Lido and Anna Maria Island.  I have completed one century ride, The Royal Palm Classic in Ft. Myers, Fl.  I have also done a couple of long treks (75 miles or so) from my home on Longboat Key to the end of the Legacy Trail and back.  The Legacy Trail connects Sarasota with Venice and is designed for leisure walking, biking, skating, etc.

My training bikes have been my Rans Ti-Rex, pictured in another post below, and my Rans X-Stream (pictured above).  The X-Stream was out of commission for several weeks while I ordered and fitted a new M5 carbon seat to the bike.  I have also added HED 3 carbon wheels.  Now that the bike is setup, the X-Stream will be my main training and event bike.  Not to take away from the Ti-Rex, a wonderful recumbent bike, but the X-Stream is fast and comfortable over long distances, and a bit more aerodynamic in the windy conditions here in Florida.  Also, I like the mid-racer format which keeps both my seat and my pedals a little closer to the ground.

My daily training miles are mostly in the 40-60 range.  During the last couple of weeks, the weather has been gorgeous and I have put in lots of miles.  I have averaged about 225 miles per week, but hope to increase that average to 275-300 in the coming weeks.

Although it is nice to have the flat terrain, I do miss the hills of north Georgia, where we spend the rest of the year.  I am sure I will pay a price in climbing conditioning when I return to Georgia at the end of April.  Riding against the wind is tough, but I doubt that it trains one for the hills.

Aside from the 10,000 miles, I have no other specific goals for 2011.  I have opted thus far against riding in ultra events, but am reconsidering and may do some brevets after I return to Georgia.  I do plan on cramming in as many centuries as possible and will do Bike Ride Across Georgia in June.  My plans for 2011 are evolving, so stay tuned.