New Year, Same Bike (Why Resolutions Are Overrated But Goals Aren't)

Hey, folks — life's short, throttle's long, and my attention span's somewhere near the next exit.

It's January 2nd. New Year. Fresh start. Clean slate. All those phrases people use when they make resolutions they'll quit by January 15th.

I don't do resolutions. Never have. They're too vague. Too ambitious. Too destined to fail. They're wishes disguised as plans.

But I do set goals. Riding goals. Specific ones. Achievable ones. The kind that actually matter and actually get done.

The Difference Between Resolutions and Goals

Here's the difference: resolutions are things like "ride more" or "be a better rider." Goals are things like "ride 10,000 miles this year" or "take an advanced riding course by March."

See the difference? One's wishful thinking. The other's a plan.

Resolutions are feelings. Goals are actions. Resolutions make you feel good for a week. Goals actually change things.

My 2026 Riding Goals

So here are my riding goals for 2026. Real goals. Specific. Measurable. Achievable.

Goal #1: Ride Every State I Haven't Been To Yet

I've been riding for over 40 years, but somehow I've never been to Montana, Wyoming, or the Dakotas. This year, that changes.

Planning a two-week trip this summer to knock them all out. Already looking at routes. Already getting excited.

This is specific. This is measurable. This is happening.

Goal #2: Take an Advanced Riding Course

I'm 64, turning 65 in May. I've been riding since before most people reading this were born. And I'm still taking a course.

Why? Because I don't know everything. Because skills degrade. Because staying sharp matters. Because there's always something new to learn.

Plus, insurance discounts. I'm old, not stupid.

Goal #3: Maintain the Bike Better

Last year I was lazy about chain maintenance. Paid for it with a chain that wore faster than it should've. This year: monthly checks. No excuses.

Setting a phone reminder. Making it automatic. No more forgetting.

This is addressable. This is controllable. This is simple.

Goal #4: Ride with New People

I've got my regular riding buddies, and they're great. But this year I want to join some group rides with strangers. Meet new riders. Hear new stories. Break out of the routine.

Maybe find some group through Ride Nation USA. Maybe just show up to random group rides and see what happens.

Different perspectives. Different experiences. Different roads.

Goal #5: Document More Rides

I'm terrible about taking photos. I ride, I enjoy it, and then I forget half the details by next week.

This year: take more photos. Write more notes. Capture the moments before they fade.

Not for social media — though I'll probably share some on Ride Nation USA's Facebook. For me. So when I'm 85 and can't ride anymore, I've got something to look back on besides vague memories.

Why These Goals Work

Now here's the key to making goals work: they have to be specific, measurable, and realistic.

"Ride more" isn't specific. "Ride 500 miles a month" is specific.

"Be safer" isn't measurable. "Complete an advanced safety course" is measurable.

"Ride across the country" might not be realistic if you work full-time and have kids. "Ride to three new states" might be realistic.

Adjust based on your life, your time, your budget. But make them real. Make them concrete.

The Power of Writing Things Down

And here's the other key: write them down. I'm serious. Get a piece of paper, write your riding goals, and put them somewhere you'll see them.

Your garage. Your desk. Your bathroom mirror. Wherever.

Written goals are real goals. Unwritten goals are just ideas you'll forget about by February.

I keep mine on a whiteboard in my garage. Right where I see them every time I walk in. Every time I look at the bike. Constant reminder.

Tracking Progress

I also track my progress. Got a simple spreadsheet — yes, I use spreadsheets, don't judge me — where I log my rides.

Miles. Locations. Memorable moments. Weather. Who I rode with. What broke. What worked.

At the end of each month, I review it. See where I am. See if I'm on track. Adjust if needed.

Some people think this ruins the spontaneity of riding. I think it enhances it. Because when you're intentional about riding, you actually ride more. You make time for it instead of hoping time magically appears.

The Problem With "Someday"

Remember the time I said I wanted to ride to Key West "someday"? Took me eight years to actually do it.

Know why? Because "someday" isn't a goal. It's an excuse.

When I finally said "I'm riding to Key West in March," guess what? I rode to Key West in March.

Goals work. Someday doesn't.

Ideas If You Need Inspiration

Here are some goal ideas if you need inspiration. Pick what matters to you. Not what sounds impressive. Not what other riders do. What YOU actually want.

• Ride X miles this year (pick a number that challenges but doesn't overwhelm)

• Visit X new places you've never been

• Take a multi-day trip (weekend, week, whatever fits your life)

• Learn a new riding skill (track day, off-road, advanced techniques)

• Join a riding group or club

• Attend a major rally or event you've never been to

• Complete a safety course (MSF, advanced, track school)

• Do all your own basic maintenance

• Ride in weather you normally avoid (not stupid dangerous, just outside your comfort zone)

• Take someone new riding for their first time

• Read X books about riding/motorcycles

• Watch every episode of Long Way Round (kidding, but also not kidding)

When You Fail (Because You Will)

And if you fail at a goal? Adjust it. Or drop it. Or try again next year.

Goals aren't meant to create stress. They're meant to create direction.

I failed at goals before. Planned a trip to Alaska, never made it. Life happened. Work happened. The bike needed expensive repairs. Whatever.

Then I adjusted the goal to "ride somewhere I've never been" instead. That year I rode through the Appalachians. Different plan, still great.

Flexibility. Remember that flexitarian approach I keep talking about? Applies to goals too.

Making It Stick

So this year, skip the vague resolutions. Set real riding goals. Write them down. Track them. Adjust when needed.

And at the end of 2026, you'll look back and realize you actually accomplished something.

Or you won't, and that's fine too. At least you rode. At least you tried. At least you were intentional about it instead of just hoping things would happen.

The Final Truth

Because here's the truth: time passes whether you set goals or not. The year happens. You either ride with intention or you don't.

I prefer intention. I prefer planning. I prefer knowing what I want and working toward it.

That doesn't mean I can't be spontaneous. I can be both. Planned rides and unplanned rides. Goals and adventures. Structure and freedom.

That's the best way to ride. That's the best way to live.

Later, folks — make plans, break rules, keep riding.

What are your riding goals for 2026? Share them on Ride Nation USA's Facebook page. Let's hold each other accountable and celebrate the wins together. Real goals. Real riders. Real accountability.

SAFETY NOTE:

One goal every rider should have: updating your emergency contacts and medical information. If an accident happens, this information could save your life or speed up critical care. Keep a card in your wallet and your bike with emergency contacts, medical conditions, and insurance information. And if you're injured in 2026, remember: connect with a motorcycle injury attorney who can help you get the compensation you need for recovery. Don't start the new year without a plan for protection.