The End...

It snowed pretty hard today, which very likely means I've done my last ride for the 2010 season.

It was a great season though - in fact my best ever.  Notable accomplishments include:

- Greatest total mileage in a single year (2215.9 miles).  Beat the previous record by almost 200 miles.  And beat the next best after that by about 1000.

- Did four of my 10 longest rides ever this season, including my longest ride of all time - 115 miles.

- Did two centuries in a single year - first time ever.

- Did a whopping 16 rides longer than 50 miles.  Previous best for a single year was a mere six.

- Did rides of over 50 miles on three consecutive days - first time ever.

But this riding season wasn't just about setting personal records - it was about adventure.  And I definitely had some incredible two-wheeled adventures this year:

- I led a group of 10 kids fresh out of high school on the most memorable ride of their lives, and showed them in the process that they're capable of far more than they ever imagined.

- I rode with over 30,000 of my closest friends on the streets of one of the greatest cities in the world, and I rode completely alone on paths through remote wooded areas.

- I pushed my bike over trails that were covered with snow and black ice, and I struggled against heat exhaustion on the hottest day of the summer.

- I visited places of great historical significance, and places where I could relive my own personal history.

So what's in store for next year?  Well... there are still a few specific rides I want to take.  Like a ride around Cayuga Lake - close to 100 miles with some wicked hills along the way.  And a ride across the state along the Erie Canal.  But I don't think I'll push for any records next year.  If they happen - great.  But if not, it won't matter.  I just want to ride.