It’s that time of year again. The turkey has been demolished, the Quality Street tin is just full of the Toffee Pennies nobody wants, and cyclists across Malvern are currently lying on the sofa, scrolling through Strava, and making dangerous promises to themselves.

"New Year, New Me."

We’ve all done it. You look at your muddy bike, you look at the rain lashing against the window, and you swear that 2026 is going to be different.

But let’s be honest… how long do they usually last?

The Classics (and the odds of survival)

We’ve heard them all in the shop over the years. Here are the favourites, and our scientific prediction of their lifespan:

• "I will clean my bike thoroughly after every single ride."

  • The Plan: A full degrease, wash, polish, and lube after every loop of the Beacon.
  • The Reality: You get back cold and wet. You hose the worst of the mud off. You put it in the shed. You go inside for tea.
  • Survival Time: 2 weeks (or the first ride where it’s below 3°C).

• "I’m going to stick to Zone 2 training all winter."

  • The Plan: Strict discipline. Slow and steady to build that base engine.
  • The Reality: You get overtaken by a friend (or a stranger, or an e-bike). The "red mist" descends. You smash it up the Wyche Cutting at max heart rate.
  • Survival Time: 1 ride.

• "No more mid-ride cake stops."

  • The Plan: Fuel is for performance! Gels and bananas only.
  • The Reality: Have you tasted the carrot cake at the cafe? Be reasonable.
  • Survival Time: 48 hours.

What are yours?

We aren't here to judge (we are guilty of all the above). But we do want to know what you’re planning!

Are you aiming for a specific mileage target? Trying to finally conquer a specific climb without stopping? Or is your resolution simply to get out and enjoy the ride, no matter the weather?

Let’s hear them. Head over to our Facebook page and drop your resolution in the comments. And be honest, how long do you give it?

From all of us at Back-on Track, we wish you a very Happy New Year. Whether you’re smashing records or just smashing puddles, we hope 2026 brings you plenty of tailwinds and "hero dirt."

See you on the trails!