Where shall I ride next?

Started looking at the Channel Islands Bicycle Club's web page this morning – which I do a lot, it seem during the work hours – to see which bike ride I’ll be doing next.

The page lists charity rides throughout the year and state so there’s always plenty of options. So far, the only rides I’ve committed to in 2009 are the LiveStrong Challenge in Seattle on June 21 and San Jose on July 12. I consider those to be my biggies for the year, if not in distance, then surely in importance. In the meantime, a quick look down Channel’s and I’ve come up with some potential events to get me on the road:

The Delta Century on May 3 in Lodi

The Fresno Cycling Festival on May 9 benefitting the Central California Blood Center. The plus would be seeing my old friend and former 49er Gold Rush and SJ SaberKitten Natalie Wilson!

The Breathe Easy Ride on June 27 in Sonoma to benefit the American Lung Association. I would do this ride in honor of my grandfather, who passed away in 1980 from emphysema.

The Marin Century on Aug. 1

Bike the Bay on Aug. 30 in San Diego. Sure it benefits a worthy cause in San Diego County Bicycling Coalition, but this ride is unfinished business for me. It’s the only one I’ve never completed due to a crash five miles from the finish. I need me some retribution!

Gold Rush Metric Century on Sept. 12 in Folsom

Tahoe Sierra Century on Sept. 26

Tour de Poway on Oct. 2 in San Diego

Coyote Creek Cycling Classic on Oct. 10 in Morgan Hill to benefit The Boy Scouts of Santa Clara County. Signed up for this ride last year and flaked on it. Got some making up to do!

The Candy Corn Classic on Oct. 27 in San Luis Obispo to benefit the city’s Sports Therapy Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Center.

Giro d’ Vino on Nov. 2 in Lodi raises cancer awareness. As if that wasn’t enough of a draw, each rest stop takes place at a winery. Yum.

Solvang's Finest Century on Nov. 14 to benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

Wow, that’s a lot of rides. And this doesn’t even count if I join Team in Training again as a mentor to ride alongside one of my fraternity brothers for the El Tour de Tucson on Nov. 21.

I don’t know how many of these I’ll actually do. Anyone who knows me well knows I always tend to stretch myself thin when it comes to activities. But hey, they’re something to shoot for, yeah?