I came across this cycling challenge on Facebook on the weekend, and I think it might be exactly what I need to get the ks up on the bike, to what they used to be. Of late, I’ve been a bit slack as far as the bike is concerned. Plenty of gym and walking, but not so much cycling. I’ve also been looking for a motivating challenge. This one really calls to me.

The challenge is to cycle 920 kilometres in 8 weeks. The cycling can be done anytime, anywhere and for any reason. Rides are to be recorded on cycling app, Strava. Not so long ago, this would have been average weekly ks on the bike for me. But where I’m at just now, it will be a challenge. Challenge ends on 17 July 2016.

But I’m up for the challenge and have planned how I’m going to do it.

My first thought was to get the road bike out, but after a bit more thought, decided that I will do this challenge on the trail bike, and just for something a bit different, have the theme of Rail Trails & Cycling Paths.  Riding will mainly be on the O’Keefe Rail Trail, almost at my front door. Going toward Bendigo or toward Heathcote. Or when I get a few ks into the legs, hopefully the entire trail from Bendigo to Heathcote and back.

I’m also going to try out the following Rail Trails, as I’ve been promising myself for a while now:

Murchison to Rushworth Rail Trail

Great Victorian Rail Trail – Seymour to Yea section

Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail – Beechworth to Myrtleford.

Ballarat – Skipton Rail Trail 

Bellarine Rail Trail: Geelong to Queenscliff

Just to put a little into the challenge, a few cycle paths in the Bendigo area will be included:

Wellsford_Forest: Bendigo

Goldfields Track: Starting from Bendigo

‪Linear Creek Cycle Path : Bendigo

If I finish the required distance of 920 ks in the 8 week time frame, I will receive a cycling jersey. I love to add a cycling jersey to me collection, so this is extra incentive.