Starting the Year on the Bike - January 2026

January is often framed as a reset, but in cycling, it can be something better: a re-entry. Quieter roads, cooler temperatures, and fewer expectations create space to ride with intention rather than pressure. It’s a month well suited to rebuilding rhythm, rediscovering flow, and remembering why the bike matters in the first place.

This month’s selections focus on exactly that—rides that reward consistency and curiosity more than intensity.

United States Spotlight:

Old Pueblo MTB — Tucson, Arizona

(Mountain Bike)

Set in the Sonoran Desert, Old Pueblo MTB is known as much for its atmosphere as for its endurance format. Solo riders, teams, and casual participants all share the same course, creating an event that feels inclusive rather than intimidating.

Outside of race weekend, Tucson stands out as a winter riding destination in its own right. Desert singletrack, long road climbs, and expansive gravel routes offer variety without complication. Conditions are reliable, days are bright, and riding feels social rather than rushed.

January works here because it removes friction. You can show up, ride, recover, and repeat—no layers of planning required.