Another December passes, the sun sets on 2012, and I find myself reflecting about the activities of the past year.

While Felkerino and I focused on preparing for and completing Paris-Brest-Paris in 2011, our 2012 cycling proved more varied.

We commuted, completed a Super Randonneur series with the D.C. Randonneurs, trained to ride the Colorado High Country 1200K, rode more dirt roads, and planned a weeklong bike tour of Southern Virginia.

We also organized the D.C. Randonneurs 400K, which gave us new appreciation for all the work that goes into executing the brevets.

I ran two marathons (one in March and another in October) and spent more time cross-training at the gym. I enjoyed mixing up the running and the bike rides. Running is a different pace and perspective, and it works my muscles and mind in ways that are distinct to cycling.

Because of the unfortunate state of our Co-Motion tandem, I also rode a fair number of weekend rides on my single bike. That made for an invigorating change of pace.

The best part of 2012, though, ended up being all the people I met and spent time with via the various riding Felkerino and I did.

Friday Coffee Club. Through Friday Coffee Club, a weekly morning gathering of D.C. bike commuters at Swings Coffee, I came to know the #BikeDC community.

We often encountered each other during local event rides, like this fall’s 50 States Ride.

Some even made the daring cross over to randonneuring.

Brevets. Randonneuring rides provided a venue (and the time, lots of time) to catch up with old rando-pals and to meet new ones.

Coffeeneuring. Over 60 people participated in the Coffeeneuring Challenge, some of whom (like Lynne from Oregon and George of New York) I met in person and others I connected with through the ether.

To all of you who coffeeneured and utilitaired and wrote up the stories of your rides, a huge thank you!

Colorado High Country 1200K. Not only was the course awesome and the weather perfect for all four days of the Colorado High Country 1200K, but we also rode with friendly and good-spirited people. Many laughs, rich conversations, and sublime moments happened during that ride.

The Flèche. And our flèche team? Well, I love our flèche posse. I can’t imagine a better 24 hours of pedaling.

Thanks to everybody who made this such a fun and fulfilling year. Thank you for reading, commenting, and riding with us.

I don’t know what awaits us in 2013, but I’m hoping for more days full of friendship, fresh air, and adventure.

❤