Definitely a year of ups and downs. On the bright side – it was a very good year for cycling. Here are my totals for 2013

• Count:                        184 Activities
• Distance:                   9,619.09 km
• Avg Distance:            52.28 km
• Time:                          329:44:34 h:m:s
• Avg Time:                  1:47:31 h:m:s
• Elevation Gain:          40,608 m
• Avg Speed:                29.2 km/h
• Avg HR:                      144 bpm
• Avg Bike Cadence:   77 rpm
• Max Bike Cadence:   221 rpm
• Calories:                     199,031 C

Oh so close to 10,000km. It’s pretty obvious that is my goal for 2014. You can see that my average dropped during the last two months but that is to be expected with shorter rides on the trainer indoors. I’m so looking forward to riding outside again. I have videos that help with indoor riding but it still doesn’t compare.

No cycling trips planned for this winter/spring since we have the family trip to Jamaica in early February to celebrate my 50th. I really want to plan something for early 2015. I want to try Tucson as it appears to have good cycling roads and is not as expensive as other places. If its as good as I hope it may be my regular winter destination going forward.

Another goal for 2014 is the Ottawa GranFondo or an equivalent 100 mile ride. It’s probably only a psychological barrier for me as I’m sure I could do it physically.

2013 was the year I lost Peanut. I will miss her as I still miss Parker. She had a slow decline so it wasn’t a shock like it was with Parker but it is still difficult. I have fond memories of walking the both of them in the parks around Kanata. Fortunately I still have Stormy to keep me company. It’s interesting to see how all three have had such different personalities. Stormy is so shy with strangers but probably more affectionate with me than either Peanut or Parker. I have no plans to get a second dog right now especially with the move coming.

I have bought a condo at 2 The Parkway but it won’t be ready until 2016. But that does lead to another couple of goals for 2014 – save my money and get rid of as much “junk” as possible. I’ve stopped my camera gear purchasing and I want to keep my bike for at least a few years so that will help with reducing the spending. I did a cleanup in the basement last summer but it’s already starting to pile up again! I have to work on that again.

Work was pretty much status quo in 2013 and I don’t expect too much change in 2014. I will be getting a new boss soon however and that could make things interesting. We’ll see.

The LEAF I bought in December 2011 continues to be very fun to drive. It cost even less to maintain in 2013 than 2012 as I drove less and the dealer charged less for the annual maintenance for some reason. I did bring this up during my condo purchase but I still have concerns about the electric hookup once I move. Since it’s a brand new building and by the time it’s ready I expect I won’t be the only electric car owner it really shouldn’t be an issue.

All in all I consider myself very fortunate for the life I had during 2013 and I’m expecting even better for 2014. All the best to everyone for your 2014.