Since I made no blog posts in 2023, let’s briefly look back over this past year.

Website updates

Long-time readers saw a Steel Horse Journeys website redesign. Changing WordPress plans precipitated the need to pick a new template for the blog. I might hack the CSS a bit in the future to fine tune the homepage but I will probably stick with this theme for a while.

For the trials-curious, I also updated the Puget Sound Trialers club website this year. Rather than using WordPress, the club uses Wix to power the site. I started on the redesign a while ago with a site map and wire frame of the new design. Over the last few months, working from the wire frame, I played around with the design until a consistent style emerged. Folks seem to like the new design, as do I.

Vehicle updates

The R1200RT received a level 1 service just ahead of the 90,000 mile mark. During the service, one of the low beam bulbs was replaced. A month or so later, the bike was retrofitted with LED low beams. That installation included the removal of the deteriorated plastic bits holding the electrical clips in place that were the underlying cause of the frequent need to replace the headlights.

My 1999 Honda CRV received new tires, including a new spare, and a four-wheel alignment. The previous tires were years over their 10-year lifetime, especially the original (1999) spare. The radiator, a combination of plastic and metal, was replaced during the same visit as it began to leak at one of the seams. The car will reach 75,000 miles soon – super low mileage for a 25 year old car.

Life updates

I turned 65 this year. In the U.S., that means making Medicare decisions. I chose original medicare along with a supplemental plan, a part D plan, and finally a new dental plan. Additional action was taken around beginning social security, purchasing annuities for later income, and getting some medium-term CDs at the high rates we saw mid-year, 2023.

Trials in 2024

The annual PST trials school is two weeks out. For the third year, I have organized the school. This year, the school has been expanded to cover two-days, providing the beginners through intermediate riders with a training day separate from our more advanced riders. In total, over 50 riders will receive training this year.

I will be riding in the Amateur class this year – the same as last year. I hope to ride in all of the PST events in 2024. The key will be practicing between events and stretching consistently, keeping my body limber and preventing the physical stress from compounding.

Travel in 2024

Helping with and participating in trials events has sated my travel bug these last few years. While I don’t have any big trips currently planned for 2024, I do hope to get out for some short trips this year, and definitely more day rides during the week.

My trials buddy Michael and I have talked about a three-day trip through eastern Oregon. Stopping in Baker City the first night and heading west from there on Day 2, covering some favorite county roads. Day 3 would involve returning to Seattle.

I also expect to make a trip out to the Spokane area, perhaps as a stop on the way to Missoula, MT and back towards Seattle via Lolo Pass on Hwy 12.

Happy New Year

May you be prosperous and healthy throughout 2024. Thanks for reading the blog.