10 New Year's Resolutions for Cyclists

Written by
Marc Lindsay
What do you want to accomplish this year? Instead of having the best of intentions to start working toward your goals, it's time to put your plan into action. Stop the procrastination and try one of these 10 resolutions to start the New Year right.
Lose Weight
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Cycling is a great way to stay fit and have fun. If you're looking to drop weight and get healthy, getting on your bike more often is a good place to start.
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Improve Your Power
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In cycling, speed equals power. Instead of treating every ride like you're part of the Tour de France, focus your workouts around intervals and weight training, and incorporate plenty of easy rides to recover in between efforts.
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Train Smart
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Do you have a specific race you want to finish or a time goal for a big event? Start training specifically for your goals and focus your training around that event. That means no more junk miles. Every ride should serve a purpose.
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Try a Coach
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A coach can take your training to the next level. He or she can help you to develop a solid training plan, provide motivation when you need it and get you past injuries that occur during the year. If you've never used a cycling coach, the New Year is a perfect time to give one a try.
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Commute to Work
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Commuting to work will save you gas money and help you squeeze in training rides when you're crunched for time. Riding in the morning will speed up your metabolism too, which is helpful if you're trying to lose weight.
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Don't Let Bad Weather Stop You
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Weather is an excuse a lot of cyclists use to skip training or to stop riding during the winter months. The truth is, riding in cold weather and the rain isn't as terrible as you think. If you wear the right clothes and make a few modifications to your bike, riding in foul weather can be just as fun as it is during the summer months.
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Sign Up for a Century
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Nothing will help your motivation more than signing up for a century a few months in advance. Once you've committed to paying the registration fees, you'll be less likely to skip training rides, which will help you accomplish your goals on race day.
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Join a Cycling Club
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Find a group that fits your style of riding. Not all clubs are for hard-core racers—there are clubs out there that are perfect for every kind of cyclist. You'll meet like-minded people and have good company for those all-day efforts.
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Clean Your Bike After Every Ride
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It's easy to get lazy once you pull into the driveway. Instead of letting the dirt and grime from the road destroy your bike, clean it right after every ride. It'll make your components last longer and keep your bike running smoothly.
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Take the Computer Off Your Bike
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It's easy to get sucked in to heart-rate numbers and miles-per-hour averages. To mix things up, leave your bicycle computer or smart phone at home once a week. Ride simply for the enjoyment of cycling with no other goal in mind. You'll have more fun and be less likely to get burned out by the end of the year.
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