I’m not really the type for specific new years resolutions. They never seem to last very long, and I much prefer to give myself a vague collection of ideas and goals to focus on, that way there’s no sense of ‘failing’ to achieve anything, just a goal to pass on to another time.

A few thoughts on 2022:

Make time for music – Though I won’t pretend to be any good at it I have always enjoyed playing music, unfortunately in recent years its come to picking my Sax up once a month just to check I can still muddle my way through ‘Pink Panther‘. Last week I was gifted a used bass guitar, and am hoping to get stuck into learning this and enjoying something new. My Secret Santa present at work this year was a ‘beginners play along Black Sabbath’ book. Watch out Geezer Butler.

Ride more new trails – After a couple of years of denial I’m finally giving into the fact the the mountain bike is my main fun time activity. Sure I do enjoy a smash up on the road from time to time, but I’m not gonna miss an afternoon in the woods to ride around Odd Down. In 2022 I’m hoping to travel more and explore more trails further afield. Covid allowing it would be great to get over to the alps. Closer to home there’s such a huge network of natural singletrack in the Forest of Dean that I’ve yet to really scrape the surface of.

Travel Alone – I’ve gained a decent amount of bikepacking experience the last couple of years, but have yet to take on a solo trip. It’s hard to put a finger on why this is but there’s definitely an element of fear. Sometimes experiences are better shared, but I also think there is benefit to be had in spending time in your own company and trusting your own decision making. In 2022 I’m planning to do at least one 2-3 day solo trip.

Climb Hills – Hill climb season is always a great time. Its so easy for September to creep up on you without having made much preparation, and to then be afraid to enter out of some sort of misplaced pride that you should be doing better. The reality is nobody cares how fast you’re going, and turning yourself inside out up a hill with a few likeminded people is good for the head. I will be organising the Bristol South CC event on Burrington Combe again in 2022, and planning on riding the majority of the WTTA Series.

Holiday properly – I’m not really sure what I mean by ‘properly’ but I think it means without bikes or much internet. This year we spent a few days in the Gower just walking, talking, and enjoying a little space from home. It was really beneficial and reminded me how important it is to make time to just be somewhere pleasant and with no responsibilities other than eating and sleeping. I’m hoping to take a few more short breaks like this next year.

Read Books – I’ve read a lot more this year, and its been great. I’ve tried to make an effort to read some of the sorts of books that I would have turned my nose up at in the past. ‘The Power Of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle being one of those. Sure there’s a whole lot of spiritual talk that doesn’t really resonate with me, but the overriding message of remaining present and enjoying the moment is one that most people can probably get on board with. in 2022 I’m planning on making sure to read at last one book per month, and to get through ‘Zen and the Art of Motorcycle maintenance’ without giving up.

So there it is, six broad ambitions for 2022. Maybe one or two of them will stick!