A Review Of My Year – Biking

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Yesterday, I summarized my running year. Today I will cover biking.  I was quite surprised by the numbers for 2020.  I was expecting them to be below those for 2019, because I never completed a full build for an Ironman race.  These Ironman builds includes lots of time in the saddle, covering lots of miles, so I thought the 2019 numbers would be bigger.  Anyway, here are the statistics (numbers in parentheses are the equivalent 2019 numbers):

  • Total Number of Rides = 160   (143)
  • Total Distance = 3,706 miles   (3,792 miles)
  • Total Elevation Gain = 113,576 feet   (113,333 feet)

Essentially, my total numbers were identical from 2019 to 2020.  I did slightly more rides to cover the same miles and elevation gain, which again reflects the lack of an Ironman build.

Even though I covered the same distance in 2020 as I did in 2019, my power curve improved quite a bit.  I increased my FTP by over 5%.  I was very happy with this improvement, considering I am a year older and also a few pounds lighter in weight.  My peak power improved at every time interval, with some large gains coming at the shorter time intervals.  I am getting stronger on the bike and a winter of big gear work, definitely helped.

My overriding memory of biking in 2020 however, was the decision to go exploring on my bike.  I rode a lot of new routes this year. I found some great stretches of road and some very challenging hills, including a Strava segment called the Whitestown Road Wall (grade >25%).  That hill is a beast.

On these rides, I also took on the challenge of finding old barns to photograph.  I found dozens over the summer, some of which were absolutely beautiful.  I found old run-down barns, newly renovated barns and even a barn that had alpacas.  Exploring new roads, to find these hidden treasures of Western Pennsylvania, was a highlight of my summer.

Overall, I am very happy with where my bike performance is at.  I feel stronger on the bike and also have made improvement to my bike to make it more aerodynamic.  I am really looking forward to seeing how all this pays off, in 2021 races.