Back at the end of 2006, I made the bold assertion that I would double last year's mileage and ride my bicycle at least 4,000 miles in 2007.

So far, I'm way off pace. Here are some of my lame excuses for this month:

First my high schooler was sick for three days at the beginning of February, then I came down with that energy-sapping virus for a few days myself.

Second, the kids had winter break, and I couldn't get out during the week.

Third, the usual dreary, rainy, chilly Seattle weather made it difficult to motivate myself out the door.

That's it. Oh yeah, it was a short month.

Like I said, pretty lame excuses. Fourteen bike rides, the longest was 33 miles for the Chilly Hilly last weekend.

I know this isn't in the least bit interesting to anyone, but I'm hoping that the specter of public humilation will act as a motivator this month.

February
Total: 195.3 miles
Needed for goal: 333.3 miles
Difference: Minus 138 miles

2007
Total : 401.3  miles
Needed for goal: 666.7 miles
Difference: Minus 265.4 miles

Photo: The gritty mess on my bike after Chilly Hilly