The roads were slick today and are supposed to be even worse tomorrow. My riding year is, therefore, complete. Here's a re-cap of my 2018 resolutions and a few stats that I found noteworthy.
1. To ride at least once per month to continue my streak (currently at 46 months, but with a little luck, it'll be 47 on 1/1)
Currently at 58 months
2. To earn a second Iron Butt certificate, possibly by riding from Chicago to either Colorado or Texas.
Unfulfilled.
I rode a lot this year and had a few fairly long riding days, but I could not put together an organized attack on another documented 1000 mile day ride.
3. To attend the 2018 CB1100 rally in either Kentucky or West Virginia
Attended the Kentucky Rally. It was, and will remain, one of the best experiences I have had as a motorcyclist. The roads, the personalities, the camaraderie, and yes, even the rain made this the resolution I was most pleased to have kept.
4. To ride 12,000 miles (2017 yielded a tick over 10,000 miles)
Resolution met. See below for the stats.
5. To obtain a decent 'lanyard' camera.
Resolution met. Love my waterproof camera.
6. To take more ride photos and to write more ride reports.
Took more photos. Did not write more ride reports. This is the resolution that I am most disappointed in not keeping.
7. To complete the Tour of Honor ride within my state. Just registered for the tour which starts in April.
Did not visit the 7 memorials in Illinois, but did visit & TOH memorials in 5 different states. Resolution half-kept.
Y/E 2018 Stats
Total Miles = 12,498 (or halfway around the world +47 miles)
Lowest Mileage Month = January (27 miles)
Highest Mileage Month = July (3,030 miles)
Longest Single Riding Day = June 21st (517 miles for annual "Solstice Ride")
Total Number of Riding Days = 134 (or 37% of all days or a little better than 1 out of every 3 days)
A Few Thoughts and Observations
I clocked almost twice as many miles in July than I did in August (1,536) and nearly twice as many in December (291) than in November (172), both somewhat unusual -- Particularly so for the month of July because my two biggest trips of the year were in June and October.
I don't think I can overstate the how much the Berea Rally meant to me. The Ferret and his beautiful wife were so kind to me. Meeting so many great riders with equally great attitudes was absolutely delightful. I established new friendships and reinforced existing ones. I urge anyone reading this to make their own resolution to attend a CB1100 Rally.
There is a thread elsewhere on this forum for 2019 Resolutions/Goals. Check it out and put those goals out there so we can encourage your success just as so many encouraged mine this past year.
Happy New Year to all. Ride On.
