Fresh Start

I've published my annual cycling goal list here for the last few years.  I need to set cycling goals for myself because I don't always take enough time to do enough cycling even though I know it's a cornerstone of my life and improves my physical and mental health.  So I keep a spreadsheet and track my progress.  It works for me.

Here's how 2011 turned out:

• Rode 2,137 miles, exceeding the 2,011 mile goal.
• Raised $2,000 for Courage Classic, missing my $3K goal.
• Remodeled guest room on schedule, subsequently had more time to ride.
• Spent less time on the internet? Maybe. I deleted my FB account in December to clean the slate for 2012.

So, not a bad year, but I had some hiccoughs.  My injury on Day 3 of the Courage Classic kept me from riding my first cyclocross season.  But after some physical therapy and a fitting at Tacoma Bike, I'm ready to properly ride into the New Year.

Out with the old...

In with the new.

Here are my 2012 goals:

1. Ride 2,012 miles.
2. Run 100 miles.
3. Race cross with Team Tacoma Cyclocross.
4. Volunteer at 2nd Cycle.

Good Luck with your 2012 goals and Happy New Year from TBR!

My Commitment to Courage Classic

I recently committed to riding the 20th Annual Courage Classic Bicycle Tour, a fundraising bike ride covering three mountain passes over three days. I've done this ride three time before, always with at least 18 gears to help me comfortably climb to the top of each pass then cruise down the other side at top speed.

This year, I am also committing, here and now, to ride the whole 173 mile course on my single-speed city bike.

Why am I making this commitment? Because the more I think about the staff at the Mary Bridge Child Abuse Intervention Department, and the commitment that they make every day to help children that have been sexually abused, maltreated, or neglected, the more I feel a responsibility to step-up my effort to raise money for this great cause.

Basically, I am now committed to making this ride tougher for me so that you will commit a few more dollars to support the kids that need our help.  Together, we're making a commitment to Stop the Cycle of Child Abuse.

My fundraising goal this year is $5,000.  And since April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, I will also personally match each donation made this month by 10% (e.g. you donate $100, I donate $10), until I reach my goal.

Please make a commitment, too. DONATE HERE.

Many thanks,

Matt Newport

Resolved

It's time to get it together. Let's start today.

My 2011 Goals:

#1. Ride 2,011 miles on the bikes. Fewer long charity rides and a new part-time job will likely keep me from riding as much as I did in 2010, so this goal seems reasonable. My mileage spreadsheet is locked and loaded!

#2. Raise $3,000 for Courage Classic. The event organizers want to raise $1,000,000 this year, a lofty goal, so I need to step up my fundraising efforts.  This will be my fourth year riding with the Harmon Bike Club for this worthy cause and I will need your help to come up with the funds!  I'll update TBR with a donation link as soon as available, but you can give me a jumpstart by mailing a check to Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, PO Box 5296, Tacoma, WA 98415-0296 (Memo: Courage Classic - Matt Newport).  Thanks in advance!

#3. Finish remodeling the guest room by the end of February. This may seem like an odd goal to post on TBR, but I'll have more time to ride in the warmer months if I knock it out during the winter. This goal comes with a strong endorsement from Mrs. TBR.

#4. Spend less time on the internet.  This will equate to more time to working on the goals above.  We probably all need to work on this one.  I haven't decided yet how to quantify this one, but I think FB is pretty much out and Twitter will be very limited.  Future posts will be sparse.  Call or email (or post a comment) if you need to get my attention.

Besides the day-to-day stuff, I think these goals will keep me plenty busy. Are you setting big goals for 2011? Where will you be focusing your time and energy?