The best New Year's Resolution I've made in recent times was the decision to get an el cheapo bike computer and start logging my rides. I started keeping a complete record during 2008, and I found it an interesting and satisfying diversion.

That cheap speedometer has died and been replaced by something a bit more hardy, reliable and accurate (although I have gone down the cheapskate's route again with the clock I've just put on the Dahon). I think my key learning here would be to avoid wireless gadgets unless you're really prepared to pay a big whack. On reflection, I can't see too much benefit in having a wireless speedo.

In terms of records, I have no shame: I'm prepared to log any and every ride regardless of how short in distance or easy in effort. I don't care—it's all distance under my wheels. (That said, even if I'm making a quick run down to the shops, I'll generally take the scenic route home to stretch it out to 5–10km.) Hey, I'm not in competition with anyone and the records are for my information and entertainment. I'm certainly not out to impress anyone!

A quick look around the Interweb suggests that there is no shortage of computerised tools, both online and desktop, to help the cyclist maintain good records. In no particular order, here are a few that I've stumbled across—naturally, they all provide different variations on the central theme of recording one's effort:

Online

bikejournal.com
Billing itself as "a convenient and fun way to track your rides and meet other cyclists for camaraderie, motivation, and even competition", bikejournal.com is my log of choice. Slightly daggy interface, but its functionality is pretty well developed.
comotivate
A social networking site that aims to help you "achieve your goal with the perfect buddy", it's not specifically about cycling but if you have a training goal to reach, this could be the place to try.
My Cycling Log
"My Cycling Log is an online diary for recording your rides, whether you are training for your next race or keeping track of your daily commute. The goal of My Cycling Log is to make this process quick, clean, and easy." For some reason, I think this one looks pretty good—must give it a test run.
dailymile
"Dailymile is the easiest way to share your training with friends and stay motivated." Looks like a fairly new contender, with all the Web 2.0 gloss that we've come to expect these days.
velog
"Velog is a simple place to log your bicycle rides and connect with others in the cycling community." It's more Twitter-for-cyclists than a serious stats tool, but if you're not big into analysis it could be the thing for you.
netCyclist.com
There are both desktop and online versions of this tool that "allows users to easily maintain ride logs, chart training progress, and tracking bicycle maintenance".
WinningStats.com
"This logging system allows athletes and coaches to track their personal or team stats."
MapMyRide.com
Route mapping system that also provides logging features.
BikeIT
"BikeIT is a fully configurable training diary that allows you to enter both personal and ride details, then only your imagination will limit your analysis, graphs and reporting." The IT in BikeIT is definitely short for "Info Tech"—this one has a very geeky look to it.
BikeTracker.com
…"is an Exercise / Dieting Weight Loss tracking tool that keeps you motivated and in shape!"
voomaxer
"Record and visualize your training data"
"Determine what you did leading up to your top performances"
"Know which equipment you perform best using"
"Map your training routes with Google Maps integration"
"Track your weight, sleep times, heart rate, and more…"
Appears to have integration to Facebook, if that sort of thing turns you on.
Progress Log
"Progress log has been created to give athletes a convenient online training log to keep track of their running, cycling & swimming activities. Progresslog.com includes tools to keep track of your rides and runs with more disciplines to come as the site grows."

Desktop

And if you prefer to keep it offline:

CycliStats
"This powerful, easy-to-use bicycle ride diary and training log will help you get the most out of the sport you love. With CycliStats you can quickly and easily track all of the important information about your rides." Windows software.
iSMARTtrain
"iSMARTtrain is a powerful and flexible application that allows all levels of athletes and fitness enthusiasts to get the most from their training and racing. It allows you to easily and quickly track your training, monitor your progress, and built a history of your training." Mac OSX software.
ProLog Cycling
"Written for roadies by a roadie. A while ago I set out to find a good cycling log for the serious cyclist and found nothing to fill the void. I decided to write my own log using Microsoft Excel and this is the result." Microsoft Excel required.
CycleAtlas
"CycleAtlas is a free, open-source software for managing track rides, mainly intented [sic] for cycling and other open air sports." Java software.

Paper and pencil

PersonalLogs
Personlised cycling log books. Order online.


The idea of keeping an exercise log certainly ain't new, but even if (like me) you're not an athlete and your riding is about having fun and/or just getting somewhere, there's still some enjoyment to be had in watching the miles pile up each day or sitting back at the end of the year and saying, "Did I really ride that far? FIGJAM!"

Comments

Treadly and Me

Now that does look good. See the author's project page for more info.

Tweed Coast treadly

Happy New Year! Just thought I might add the one I found. Cyclopress, a Wordpress plugin. I only started using it last October but I am happy with the simple results... for a simple guy. And it's only to remind me to get on a bike and ride!