2021, My Year in Bicycling (or at least some of it)

 Despite the challenges and restrictions of the Pandemic, 2021 was a good year for cycling.  In this post, a photo from each month and a commentary are included.  

January

Enjoyed some serendipity in late January after my truck broke down 35 miles west of Nashville. While "stranded" for a few days, I took advantage of the time to explore the area with my bicycle.  There is some very nice riding to be done in and around the small city of Dickson, Tennessee.  In the photo is a gravel road located near a place called Bon Aqua, Tennessee.

February

The 2nd month of the year was cold and snowy, contributing to my lowest mileage month in 2021.  However, it was still possible to get out for some rides. 


South (Allegheny County, PA) Park, pictured above, is a pleasant place to ride.  It has a little of everything, a bike path, several side roads with light traffic and hills, and good winter maintenance.  

I also managed to do some exploring of a potential bicycle/pedestrian route through the South Hills. Later on, I wrote up my findings for local consumption on the Reddit 412 Pittsburgh Bicycling page.  Having a little project helps pass the time in Winter

March

Around here (Pittsburgh, PA) the weather in March starts to moderate, allowing for more riding opportunities.

I did some further exploration of riding opportunities within my community of residence, Bethel Park.  Pictured above is a pedestrian pathway leading to and from the Abraham Lincoln Elementary School from Ridgeway Drive.  

April

Spring and better weather come to our area as April unfolded.  It was a good month for riding.

When the grass "greened-up" in April, I was able to do some nice riding in Centre County.  There is some beautiful countryside with a mountain backdrop in Central Pennsylvania. 

May

Everything was in full bloom when a ride to Meadowcroft Village was done on May 15, 2021.  It was a wonderful ride in Southwestern PA with Naomi Jarvis and John Filicky.  It is staggering realize that Meadowcroft Village represents 19,000 years of human habitation in the area... long before the pilgrims landed.  There are some steep hills down that way, as well.

June



The highlight ride of the month was a two-day, out and back, trek from my house to Dilltown, along the Ghost Town Trail.  The ride was mostly on paved roads but involved some gravel roads, limestone trails, rain, and sunshine.  The view above was of Chestnut Ridge, near Blairsville, PA.  As I crested a small hill, there it was, the majesty of the mountain spread out before me.  After a tough day, seeing this made it all worthwhile.

July

The 7th month of the year was when 4 of us took off on another stage of our annual segmented cross-country trek.  This year, we rode 892 miles from Kansas City, Kansas to Durango, Colorado. 


                                          The scene at morning rush hour in Rush Center, Kansas



                       The guys head off on the long downhill ride after cresting LaVeta Pass in Colorado

Two photos were selected for July, one from Kansas and the other in Colorado.  The trip was a good challenge and a lot of fun.  We're stoked for Utah, Nevada, and California in 2022!

August


Randyland, in the North Side neighborhood of Pittsburgh

I got into a pretty good riding zone after having returned from the big tour in July.  An "Augustinian" highlight was doing some advance scouting of the Pedal Pittsburgh route for Bike Pittsburgh.  By all accounts, the event came off well, even though it was a rather typical warm and humid August day in the Burgh.

September


Dusk comes a little earlier, as September progresses along.  My new bike posed for the camera at the top of Sunny Slopes, in South Park.  September can be one of the best riding months in our area.  This year, the weather featured comfortable temperatures along with sunny and dry days, which made for some great riding.  I bought a new bicycle in late August, a Salsa Marrakesh.  The bike has made me a better rider so I was enjoying getting out and tackling some more challenging rides. 


October

In October, I flirted with the idea of dong the Dirty Dozen event.  However, I put off registering until it was too late and got closed out of the event.  While training, I did ride all of the hills (except walking up Canton) and got a taste of what it takes to complete the ride.


In the photo, my friend Ben attempted to ride up Canton Street on an early October day when we did some training together.  He didn't conquer the 2nd steepest street in the world on this day but he did it on the day of the event.  Congrats to Ben for finishing a true Pittsburgh "tough guy" bicycling event.  

November

I traveled up to New England to visit and help out my parents with some Fall chores.  While there. I managed to take some Autumnal Rides through some beautiful countryside.


Luckily, the warm weather prolonged the Fall foliage season so I was able to enjoy riding through some scenic New England areas in mid-November.  

December

Weather and short days can make December riding difficult.  Perseverance and determination made December a productive riding month to finish off what was a great year of riding in 2021.


I spent some time again in Centre County and was able to take some nice rides after work and as night fell.  Taking my bike along on some of these trips helps to pass the time in the evenings when away from home.  While maintaining my fitness and reducing stress, I am able to enjoy and appreciate the area in and around State College, PA.

My goal of riding 4000 miles was reached and exceeded in 2021.  The final tally was 4885 miles.  Most of my rides were in the 12-17 mile range but there were 3 or 4 rides of close to 90 miles.  My new bike has increased riding efficiency and performance.  In the new year, I hope to continue riding with consistency while improving my nutrition and overall health.

Hope you enjoyed this pictorial essay of the year in cycling in 2021.  Onward to 2022!  Best wishes for a healthy and happy new year!






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