5 Riding Resolutions for 2019

Jan 1, 2019 at 23:36
by Brian Park  
One Of Many - Colorado Trail Reunion
Photo: Adrian Marcoux / SRAM


It's easy to get cynical about another trip around the sun. Spoiler: bikes will be released, they will cost a lot, people will win races, someone will get robbed, and there will be opinions on the internet to disagree with. But it's nice to look at the season ahead with a blank slate.





bigquotesThis year the goal is to stay on my bike, ride more skinnies, and beat Mike Levy in every Mike vs Mike video.Mike Kazimer


bigquotesA surprising number of mountain bike journalists soar more like penguins than eagles off jumps, and I count myself among them—so in 2019 I’m going to learn to dirt jump properly. It’s time to strip away all the complications that can come with trail and enduro rides, sort myself out with a simple steel hard tail and get over the psychological barrier... plus this way I have the excuse of at least four months of British weather before I actually have to commit to anything!James Smurthwaite


bigquotesI have always loved riding alone and it’s the best way for me to test and work, but the community is what makes our sport so great, so in 2019 I’m going to ride with friends more. I’m also going to lock down euro-style nose pivot switchbacks at speed. Riding with Chris Akrigg last month really put into perspective how perfecting skills like that can help your riding.Daniel Sapp


bigquotesThis year I'm going on more mediocre rides. I get caught up wanting my rides to be "perfect," especially when I'm traveling. I end up spending a lot of time researching trails, watching videos, and caring just a little too much. Saddle time is good and I'd like to get it when I can in 2019.

Oh, and I'm finally going to figure out where my cheques from the derailleur cabal are.
Brian Park


bigquotesI’m going to spend more time playing on my bike - sessioning doubles, little jibs, etc. I’m also going to stop feeling self-conscious about not getting things the first time. I’d also like to help get more people into mountain biking, even if it means being patient and going on slower-than-usual rides. Sounds like a perfect time to ‘practice’ playing. Not everything has to be about kilometres ridden, elevation gained, or Instabangers shot.Sarah Moore





So what are you going to do with your time on earth this year? Read more YouTube comments? Make it into Friday Fails? Call out a stage race and forget about it in 3 weeks? Me too.

Author Info:
brianpark avatar

Member since Dec 29, 2010
214 articles

152 Comments
  • 337 2
 I resolve to read Pinkbike articles before jumping straight to the comments section.
  • 33 6
 Please don't! It makes Pinkbike a better place!
  • 72 4
 Failed on this article already.
  • 22 0
 It's like the "I'm never drinking again" lie that we tell ourselves and forget 24hrs later.
  • 5 1
 @bigtim: How do you know if I read it or not? I promise that I did.
  • 20 1
 @Boardlife69: "24 hours"... show off
  • 35 0
 I resolve to read the regular Comments first, rather than going straight to Below Threshold.
  • 22 1
 Ambitious.
  • 15 0
 Bold Strategy Cotton...
  • 1 0
 Wait is that what all that stuff above the adverts before you get to the comments is?!?!
  • 1 0
 @endlessblockades: best comment ever
  • 101 0
 I believe I will be a better human being if I ride more and social media less in 2019.
  • 40 1
 @v7fmp This! I quit Facebook about 6 years ago, best thing I ever did. Instagram is next.
  • 34 1
 Well, I'm sorry to say but you're off to a bad start.
  • 19 1
 @pdxkid: I have never started FB or Instagram. Best thing I ever did!
  • 36 8
 @pdxkid: If quitting Facebook is the best thing you ever did, then you need to do more things.
  • 33 6
 @mpcremata: Thanks man. Where should I start? Ignoring snarky comments? Be passive aggressive on the internet? Guide me.
  • 14 11
 @pdxkid: It was a joke, man. Chill out.

This is the most aggro day I've ever seen on PB. Guess everyone is still hungover from NYE.
  • 2 0
 This is true for the world. But the poor souls who don't ride can insert some other outdoor, physical activity.
  • 4 0
 @pdxkid: Now I'm offended and not a dang cuddle dog in site. Cheers mate! Bigger wheels and more DH'n for me 2019
  • 2 0
 @pdxkid: I quit Facebook about the same time as you and am proudly Insta-free for the last 9 months. Instagram was hard because it's feels more "harmless" than the vitriol on Facebook but it was worth it. Pinkbike is officially my only online social media now....You gotta give in somewhere.
  • 1 0
 what about your KOMs in Strava?
  • 70 1
 Due to injuries new (cracked ribs/vertebrae) and old (tib/fib), as well as advancing age (60 this year), I resolve to make mountain biking more about endurance and less about adrenaline. I will keep m wheels on (or at least closer to) the ground.
  • 8 6
 That's a good goal regardless of age. Too many of my friends have been permanently injured or even killed from cycling. I say you can rocks off and be safe. Less shuttles/lifts and more climbing. Keeps things in check IMO
  • 9 1
 Just wear more gear :>!

I actually made a pretty simple resolution earlier this year when I was riding with a recovering broken wrist (cast had come off) and a freshly cracked rib from soccer. I just said to myself "Okay, no more crashing," and it was shockingly effective.
  • 6 1
 @rezrov: until that flow gets ya, and that ripped corner just felt sooo damn good... well how about that next corner... I smash that on the regular... uh ooo bam....

Just too easy unfortunately to be over taken by the feeling that gets me excited to ride in the first place. On the edge. But I also ride soil vs rocks up here in MN. So the risk is WAY lower than ridge riding in rocky terrain.
  • 8 0
 @gooutsidetoday: if I refuse your ride invitation please don’t hold it against me !
  • 4 0
 One thing I really like about MTB is it can be almost anything. From the high octane adrenaline DH runs to super endurance rides. From a method of travel (bike packing) to a reason for travel... And just about anything in between.
  • 1 1
 This is where I see the value of e-bikes. Injuries or just getting more seasoned and experienced (older). The longer you can ride, the better.
  • 1 0
 I thought you were one of my buds posting. He had a rough 2018. With a handful of broken bones and is 60. While he swore off bikes completely rather than toning it down. But, I expect to see him back in 6 months.
  • 36 0
 More time advocating for local trails. That means shovel time, letters to elected folk, and time at city/county/land manager meetings, and playing a bigger role, of creating that bigger role in my local trail advocacy group. Whos with me?
  • 1 0
 This ^^^ and donating hard-earned cash to the local trail organizations.
  • 2 0
 THIS x1000!!!
  • 37 4
 I want to start drinking more again. More time building and riding illegal jumps and lines. Start going fucking big again and less time putting up with shitty trail riders who think their vision of mountain biking matters.
  • 27 2
 2019 - to not waste one more second of my life reading another bike review. I think I will just ride my bike.
  • 21 2
 Good luck. We've got some super interesting bikes in for testing right now... But you should definitely ride more and internet less.
  • 8 1
 He said while replying to an internet article... Big Grin
  • 23 0
 Drive a little further to ride different trails, keep my bikes cleaner, and to stop automatically down voting that wakidesigns guy
  • 1 0
 I've always wanted to ride Creel and the Basaseachi area. Please let me ride vicariously through you.
  • 3 0
 That last part
  • 24 1
 Why doesn't Mike Levy get a comment? It better be doughnut related...
  • 12 1
 Hasn't woken up yet.
  • 23 0
 I heard he went to Cannondale.
  • 13 1
 Haribo hangover.
  • 5 0
 Too busy practicing to make sure Mike Kazimer's resolution doesn't come true Smile
  • 13 1
 Too many jelly-filled donuts on NYE.
  • 22 2
 Work on a bunch of trails I've adopted which have had rain and water blow out sections. Ride a lot. Ski a lot. Hug my wife
  • 61 1
 Weird... I was going to hug your wife more as well.
  • 29 1
 @bigtim: well she is super huggable. Hugs to all
  • 4 1
 So basically business as usual Lee?
  • 15 0
 @leelau: Props for taking the joke in stride! Should be a goal and lesson for all of us to learn how to take a joke!
  • 16 0
 Learn how to manual like a pro and spend more time riding with my kids.
  • 2 0
 Hey, you can't take my goals! Have you tried one of those manual machines using a few pieces of wood? I suck at manuals and am hoping it'll help. My wife and both sons now have capable bikes and I'll be forcing them to join me on rides regularly, whether they like it or not Smile

www.mbr.co.uk/videos/news/diy-manual-machine
  • 9 0
 @Warburrito: those machines are worthless. Waste of practice time. Learn to wheelie first. Easier than manuals, teaches you rear brake control and side to side balance in much less frustrating manner. Then you do coaster wheelies and once you can do that, manuals are easy. Try to pull a coordinated front wheel lift which is hard enough only to slam the rear brake or fall to the side - Do yourself a favor and do the wheelie first. Get a structured program like RLC and be fine with the fact that it will take you anywhere from 3 months to 2 years depending on how often you practice and how old you are.
  • 16 0
 More. Shovel. Time.
  • 10 0
 Have another injury-free year. Finally made it 1 year! That means to remember to dial it down, ride well within my ability level, play more, slow down sometimes, and focus on technique. Funny thing is, my skill level also went up because I was able to reevaluate my riding.
  • 10 1
 In a way I understand and agree with Brian Park. I too have a look at (a lot of ) trails on YouTube - and usually am quite dissapointed and don't do them. Maybe I should just go and ride them without checking them out before - but on the other hand - spending a lot of time and money to ride trails that bore me to death???
  • 7 0
 Try riding for an hour or so without pulling out trailforks even if you feel you are getting more lost. You can always pull it out later after you’ve explored a bit.
  • 4 0
 On a roadtrip (or any riding location that you are travelling a fair distance to) I think it makes sense to do your research, but I definitely agree with Brian's point when it comes to riding locally. I am definitely guilty of trying to plan out the perfect ride rather than just going with the flow.
  • 27 2
 @mkotowski1: false, you cannot always pull it out later
  • 3 1
 @underhawk: haha true
  • 10 0
 @underhawk: True, you do sometimes just get too carried away to pull it out in time.
  • 9 1
 GoPros really do make trails look super lame on video though.

And here's the thing: even the greenest trail is hella fun if you're going fast enough.
  • 6 0
 Did you know you can ride your bike on things that aren’t on trailforks or even youtube
  • 1 0
 @underhawk: i wanted to upvote Frown damn you cellphone
  • 2 2
 @NotNamed: You can. Tap on the comment box. From there, you'll get a up/down option on the left. When you select, the popup closes.
  • 2 0
 @rezrov: spot on. It's only as green as you let it be.
  • 9 2
 I'm with Sarah on this: Stop and smell the roses. I ride alone, and I tend to blast the whole planned loop on rails, then the bike is instantly back on the vehicle's rack or valeted (hotel) or washed and racked up (home). I think we sometimes get into such a flow-seeking mindset that we skip playtime.
In the Sandra Rübesam video posted the other day, there's a spot where she's stopped and just looking and touching a piece of foliage. I found that tiny little clip inspirational!
  • 4 1
 I've done the same with steaming bear feces.. their were no survivors!
  • 3 1
 Not everything has to be about kilometres ridden, elevation gained, or Instabangers shot. THIS. Maybe I'm old school, but ride to ride. If you are doing it for upvotes or a pat on your back, maybe you should examine your motivations. Be a kid on the trails. It's one of the only places you can do it without getting busted these days. Obviously, Sarah, if you are riding for a review it is what it is, but you can still have fun with it.
  • 8 0
 I’m going to create butter sealant for Yoan’s la Baguette tire inserts!
  • 3 0
 And a heated rim to keep it melted.Wink
  • 3 0
 @Santamtnbiker: Hydraulic rim brakes ought to do the trick. And they're retro.
  • 7 0
 my resolution is to get permission to build a local trail instead of having to get the train to other places to ride
  • 8 0
 2019... stay out of A&E
  • 13 4
 Less weed, more ride !
  • 12 4
 more weed, more ride would be better
  • 4 4
 I wonder if I would be faster if I quit smoking but who cares really
  • 5 0
 More PEDs, more ride!
  • 6 2
 I like the one about more mediocre rides. It's good to research and figure out what's best, but sometimes it can be exhausting before you're even riding. How much rain has there been in the last 24 hours, how many people have ridden these trails lately and what are their average mph/kph? Are the leaves cleared? Is the temp above freezing?
  • 9 1
 Wtf just go ride dude
  • 2 0
 @luckynugget: I think he's saying that it's exhausting (and a waste of time) to do too much research.
  • 1 0
 Riding in those less than ideal conditions is huge for skills. A day of hitting drops and flat turns, preferably all strung together, does more for your overall skills and confidence on the bike. Those prime days then feel amazing as you're hitting everything in sight even faster than before. Not to mention how it translates to riding blind on new to you trails.
  • 5 0
 Every year I say I'm going to Moab Utah to ride the whole enchilada and never do! My resolution is to make it out there for sure this year!
  • 4 0
 Time it well. Getting to Moab does not necessarily mean being able to ride TWE. Got snowed out this last October and could only ride from Upper Porcupine. Still haven't ridden TWE. Good luck!
  • 2 0
 Do it! The best time to do it is probably September. Snow is melted, but you won't get melted in 100 degree weather at the bottom. Regardless of the time of year you do it, start at like 6 am so you're not getting heat stroke on porcupine.
  • 1 0
 September is probably the best bet, sometimes it stays open later, this year was a bummer with a bunch of moisture rolling through right before Outerbike. Hopefully you can get more rides in as there is a lot of stuff here, not just the Enchilada Smile
  • 1 0
 most unique place you'll ever ride ---- nothing else like it, anywhere --- Bucket List it!!
  • 7 2
 To "Be". It's harder than you think, but the rewards are innumerable. I'm removing Strava, cycle computers, cameras, etc. Just me, my bike, and the trail. Just being.
  • 1 0
 Yeah I've been working on that more. I'm such a photo nerd I'm always seeing good shots/lighting but sometimes I just want to put on the headphones and rip with the solitude.
  • 6 0
 Determined to brake check less in 2019.
  • 5 1
 Getting more involved with the community fo sho, when I ride I like to ride alone but mainly due to crushing social anxiety lol
  • 3 0
 Big goals for expanding my local trail in 2019. I hope to help in whatever way I can with that effort, as well as upgrading my a few bike parts and of course, more rides.
  • 2 0
 I've been helping someone learn new skills for the last 6 months and even though every ride isn't flat out it makes me smile so much being able to share my passion for riding.
  • 1 0
 Last year was my first major injury, broken clavicle and surgery. So, obviously staying on the bike is goal number one. I really need to back up work on skills. I’ve been pushing to find more speed, and I’ve just made myself less comfortable on my bike.
1. No big injuries
2. Skills practice
3. Strength training, need the fitness to stay in control
4. Make more time to ride.
  • 1 0
 I decided to give 26” wheels another year or 2 of riding and just let my ego off, maybe the 27,5 or 29 will make me happier or faster or give a sense of security,but then it also might be just a joke just a big joke ,cheers
  • 6 1
 My New Year Resolution is...4K 1080p is history
  • 2 0
 Manage to get my wife back into biking now that my kids are older and don't need her non-stop. Attempt to not re-injure my shoulder...or anything else on my 44 year old body.
  • 1 0
 I am gonna admit that I know nothing and everything on Pinkbike is fact. Well.. I might ride more and be slightly more sociable rather than just going once in a blue moon and just smashing out laps. ... Today was the start, no riding but spent some time with trail maintenance.
  • 1 0
 Bike Holiday
conquer triple, double, double to berm on the local pump track
Go sub 3min on Nationals DH track at Smithfield bike park
Go sub 4:10 on Worlds DH track
Bunny hop 1m high
Start riding BMX (on hard tail)
Start riding Motos again.
  • 1 0
 "This year I'm going on more mediocre rides. I get caught up wanting my rides to be "perfect," especially when I'm traveling. I end up spending a lot of time researching trails, watching videos, and caring just a little too much. Saddle time is good and I'd like to get it when I can in 2019."

This is me this year as well. I spent to much time last year trying for epic rides on awesome trails, I barely got to ride at all. Im gona go out to my local trails more and make a day of it instead of riding for an hour hard and leaving.
  • 4 0
 @danielsapp sounds like a pilot rock session to be had.
  • 2 0
 There's no reason to ever not have a pilot rock session.
  • 1 0
 I'm in!
  • 1 0
 @danielsapp: my favorite Pisgah trail
  • 1 0
 "Not everything has to be about kilometres ridden, elevation gained, or Instabangers shot." I love this quote by Sarah! Here's to just enjoying any time spent on the bike and not being in a hurry!
  • 4 0
 Drink more beer, smoke more weed and send it more betterer
  • 2 0
 Calming to see two of the resolution involve jumping. Thats my plan too. And doing that 2m drop.
  • 1 0
 Mine is to just get back to riding. Any riding after destroying my shoulder in July. Sitting on my ass for a few months has been really boring.
  • 2 0
 Improve my wheelie skills. still can't hold it up as on long as I want.... Smile . Yep, I need MTB viagra...
  • 1 0
 Ride as much as I want and be able to do this.
Ride more in Finale Ligure.
Find new places to ride that are not 3 days on the highway away (difficult...).
  • 4 0
 3 days? You can drive across most of Europe in 3 days!
  • 1 0
 Finale has some of the best trails on the planet, will be back this year as well.
  • 1 0
 @bigtim: That's aboot half way across the Great White North!
  • 2 0
 I think my goal for this year is to build some trails in my area that make me want to ride more
  • 1 0
 Due to surgery recovery, I finished YouTube in December, so I'm going to need a new hobby, unless they release a new season soon..
  • 2 1
 whats with the downvotes ? I could never be better than Aggy , it is a lofty goal
  • 1 0
 My resolution will be to take out my DH bike more (only logged 57 miles last year). I also want to do more sscx events
  • 1 0
 Brian, Daniel and Sarah could potentially merge theirs: find locals to ride with who can show them the trails.
  • 1 0
 I'm gonna cancel the gym membership I bought last year and didn't use in 2018. Then ride my bike more.
  • 1 0
 "stage race" ... yeah it's best you just forget about it if that's what you call it.
  • 1 0
 Never had Facebook or Instagram....best thing I never did. Now into 2019, more time on the bike!
  • 1 0
 More shovel time, more scouting time, and get the wheelie and manualing skills back.
  • 2 0
 "ride more skinnies" #makeBCskinnyAgain Razz
  • 2 0
 ...and where is TRAILBUILDING in their resolutions?!?!
  • 1 0
 My resolution, finish my damn trails and hopefully ride all of the sketchy shit I built into them.
  • 1 0
 @jamessmurthwaite no excuse to wait 4 months S4P dirt jumps in Surrey running sweet all year
  • 2 0
 Cabal?
  • 5 1
 Yeah it's what attatches to your gear lever
  • 2 0
 @cragus-t: Aaaaahh
  • 2 1
 Drink more beer and stay the most pitted
  • 1 0
 High-five a bunch of pros at Worlds in MSA this year!
  • 1 0
 Land a 360 on my DH bike, and not get hurt...
  • 1 0
 My goal is to climb more.
  • 1 0
 stick a bar first skatepark sesh 2019
  • 3 2
 Ride more skinnies... I like that resolution.
  • 1 0
 To get more fit, I think we can all agree with that.
  • 2 1
 get a better time on a bham trail than kazimer!
  • 2 0
 J U S T R I D E .
  • 2 0
 More PEDs and EPOs!
  • 1 1
 >actually get fit
>Git gud
  • 2 2
 I aim to use decent rubber so thanks but no thanks Schwalblah
  • 5 5
 I will beat Randy this year
  • 1 1
 Get a new keyboard, my old one is worn out from PB!
  • 2 4
 Will never ride a bike under 180mm travel until im 60 or so. Maybe then will need that little trail popper.
  • 2 3
 be better than Aggy
  • 8 1
 If you're uninjured for just 1 full week of the year then you've done better than aggy.
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