I was just looking at my Strava stats for last year, which has left me with mixed feelings.

On the one hand, I managed 2506 miles during 2017 which is not bad considering I broke my collarbone again last February so was out of action for a while. On the other hand, it equates to just 50 miles a week which is not really that much, albeit more than D’Andy (who appears to have balanced this shortfall with craft beer consumption I think…).

To make matters ‘worse’, a lot of the miles I generated were commuter miles on the road bike. Somewhere along the line I got out of the habit of actually riding with the Moles, something I’m keen to correct this year. On the upside, the YT continues to please and I now have the Kona back in working order. Next up is a cheeky trail hardtail, but I’m not quite at that point yet.

I suppose if I’m realistic then I should aim for 3000 miles over 2018. That would be more than I’ve managed for several years but would still only average about 60 miles a week, so is completely do-able. I know mileage isn’t everything but it is a good barometer of how much or otherwise I’m enjoying my riding and sometimes just having a target written down helps kick start a habit.

First things first is to get through January and February with a decent baseline, unlike 2017 where the collarbone meant I was ‘riding back to fitness’ all summer. So, bring it on I say…

About the author

Matt is one of the founding Molefathers of the Muddymoles, and is the designer and main administrator of the website.

Having ridden a 2007 Orange Five for many years then a 2016 YT Industries Jeffsy 29er, he now rocks a Bird Aether 9 and a Pace RC-627.

An early On-One Inbred still lurks in the back of the stable as a reminder of how things have moved on. You can even find him on road bikes - currently a 2019 Cannondale Topstone 105 SE, a much-used 2011 Specialized Secteur and very niche belt drive Trek District 1.

If you've ever wondered how we got into mountain biking and how the MuddyMoles started, well wonder no more.