Where did we go?

As some of you have astutely noted, there have been no new posts on the Incidental Cyclists in the last month. It is not because our enthusiasm for cycling is waning, on the contrary. Our short hiatus has made it even more clear that cycling is a very big part of our lives. Just like all other aspects of life, sometimes there are things that encroach on the things we would rather be doing. In this case it is work and family.

The past month has seen my workload increase nearly 100%. I just do not have the same amount of slack time like there was in the past. Besides this, travel requirements have seemed to increase as well. One of the hardest things to do when you are traveling is finding the time to do all the things that need to get done and should have been done during the time that you are away.

The weather is another factor, it is difficult to get a ride in before the day becomes hectic while it is still dark and it’s still raining/sleeting/foggy outside. By the time the day settles down you have the same issues.

There are some other family things that are going on too. Nicole is in college with all the things associated with that. We are just amazed at how involved parents have to and can be with regard to this. In the home we are trying to find ways to economize, I didn’t realize that going greener and trying to same some money at the same time. That process takes a huge amount of collaboration, cooperation and concessions to accomplish.

Things are going to change, there is a renewed commitment to family, health and to cycling. The fist step is to really get back on the bike, not the same halfhearted attempt that it has been since my neck surgery. With this in mind the travel I am doing, mostly east coast, will take on a slightly different flavor. The first required trip is to Heathrow, FL the 5th of January, instead of flying I will drive down on the 4th and take my bicycle with me. I will get a chance to ride around a bit while others are spending time in the bar or doing other work related activities.

Other things are being curtailed such as all the side projects that we planned for the home but are really unnecessary and time sinks. We are cutting back on the cable TV subscription and limiting our television viewing. We will be spending a bit less time on our computers and more time together. All in all 2010 looks to be a good year, or at least the start of a good year.

I have spent the better part of this afternoon doing site maintenance and looking at trying to revamp the look during the 1st quarter of 2010. We will make an earnest effort to post something at least once a week every week of the year, circumstances permitting. All in all, a good plan.

Hope all is well with you and have a wonderful year end season. See you on the road soon!