Review: how was your 2012?

So 2012 is finally over and I have now ridden 5077km in the last 12 months. I have never been into my bike like this before. I always commuted by bike but I started to go out into the country to avoid traffic and traffic lights and the miles just started to expand exponentially in front of me and behind me.

I heard about the first Great Manchester Cycle and trained for that. I was a bit frustrated by the crowds on the day but discovered there is a whole sportive scene and started to plan for longer distances in 2013. Finally Brad was winning the Tour and then the Olympics and the whole country went cycling bananas! I would listen to Elbow’s olympic theme and think the Olympics are not just London 2012 or for Rio in four years; the Olympics are here now; it’s now the Olympics FOREVER!

So I have got my targets; to equal or pass my total for 2012, and I am already signed up for the Etape Cymru and need to get some climbing in as well as the flat. I’ve only lost about a half a stone but I feel 5 years younger, and I think I might be addicted. Perhaps you can say how was your year? How far did you ride as I imagine some of you might still put me to shame or make us all jealous.