It’s a new year and it’s time to look back and see how things have changed. Last year I set some goals in Reflecting Back and Looking Forward. I was actually surprised to see that I did pretty well on accomplishing what I planned on. I didn’t manage to get my first track day in so I will move that to a 2015 goal. My other missed goal was riding the COBDR with the KLR650 Owner’s Group. I knew that would be a long shot and unfortunately it just didn’t work out.

2014 Accomplished Goals

• Motocamping – I got three camping trips under my belt and I have learned a lot about packing light. I even got a 4 day trip this year and all of my camping has been primitive with no power or running water.
• New Contributor for SpiritStrike – You guys have probably already seen his articles, but Jacob Roby of OklahomaADV has started being a regular contributor and we have even started implementing some of his ideas on the site.
• Gear Reviews and News – We expanded SpiritStrike to start bringing our readers real gear reviews. Not just product overviews, but real world gear reviews. We want to provide you with feedback from the streets and trails that can help you with your purchasing decisions. The news section will grow to be a place you can find adventure related news and announcements. We just got started so give us some time to build you a great resource.
• Mancation 2014 – The 3rd annual Mancation was in jeopardy this year. Jeff broke his leg in the spring and my left shoulder had some nerve damage that put me out of riding for a while. I haven’t written the story yet, but we did manage to do a nice two day Mancation 2014 ride.
• SpiritStrike Growth – Let me start off by saying Thank You! It has been a ton of fun growing SpiritStrike and interacting with our audience. I have made a lot of online and offline friendships through this site and I look forward to meeting more of you in 2015.
  • Here’s some stats to show how SpiritStrike has grown in just one year:
    • 2013 - 72,673 pageviews 30,657 Unique Users 
    • 2014 - 172,883 pageviews 58,967 Unique Users
• IBAR - I partnered up with James Mendell to start a group called International Brotherhood of Adventure Riders (IBAR). We have managed to grow that group to over 7000 members!

New Stuff:

• Family - My wife and I have a new baby boy on the way! Our house should be sufficiently turned upside down at all times with two little boys running around.
• Family - My wife and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary this year. It doesn’t seem like its been that long. I guess time flies when you are having fun.
• Travel - I added two new countries to my list this year. I spent a week in the Dominican Republic, two weeks in Houjie Zhen, China, and a weekend in Hong Kong! Those stories still need to be told and I will get them posted for you as soon as I can.
• Business - I partnered up with Ben Rainchild of New Mexico Motorcycle Adventure Tours to start a new company called Green Chile Adventure Gear. It has been a whirlwind experience to start a company, design new products, and set up a production shop. We are very proud of the luggage products we have come up with and we really appreciate the support that so many people have shown us.
• Experiences - I got to spend the day with Bill Manspeaker of Green Jellÿ. One of my best friends, Chris Pack of Nerds Raging got Bill to come to our hometown of Spartanburg, SC and do a birthday show for him. I was Bill’s transportation so I got to hang out all day and chase down a promoter who owed him money! Then that night we all got to be on stage while the band was playing. It was so cool to hang out with a childhood hero.

2015 Goals:

• Family - I do my best to be a good Husband and Father, but I want to be better for my family.
• Experiences - I still want to do my first track day.
• Business - I plan to travel to New Mexico and meet my business partner face to face for the first time.
• Family - With a new baby coming we need to create some more room so I hope we can finish our basement.
• Business - I plan to help IBAR further develop and grow.
• Business - I want to teach more riders about the benefits of packing light and finding ways to reduce the weight of an offroad bike.

Well, now I have reviewed my 2014 with you guys and shared my goals for 2015. Now its your turn! Tell us about your accomplishments and goals in the comments below. I can't wait to hear them!