Ready to start

The off season seems to have flown past and now I’m just days away from starting preparations for the 2011 season. I got back in the gym last week which caused all kind of aches and pains, hopefully the winter gym plan will help build back up the strength to withstand the tough race schedule I’ve already started planning. It’s nearly time to begin building the legs with miles but I’m eager to get going and feel like its time to get riding again.

Base training for me is the most enjoyable training I get to do all year, no specific zones, no lung bursting efforts; just long days on the bike enjoying great trails or roads and the countryside with friends. 5 months of training lay ahead of me before the first major date on the calendar.

Last year at this point after signing for TORQ Performance I was eager for success. At the moment I’m still talking to teams but the level of interest has been fantastic from both teams and individual sponsors. Im looking forward to putting behind me the team negotiations and the contast emails and phone call.

For 2011 ive planned things a little differeant with less cross country races and more marathon races. Many new and exciting adventures lay ahead next year and this is a huge motivation.

The next race is already on the horizon, the start of the fantastic Brass Monkey Series is just 4 weeks away and once again I hope to compete in all 3 rounds. For me these 4 hour races act as fantastic training, a bonus however is that the events are held on some quality trails which are great fun to ride.

After the final Brass Monkey I’ll conclude my base training and will start building up intensity in preparing for the cross country races that start in March.


Racing at the Brass Monkey Series last winter

Off Season

There's not much to write about but here's a short blog to keep you updated.

The off season is going pretty well, I’m eating lots of nasty food which I don’t normally get to eat once I’m training, and the bicycle wheels have been pretty stationary since Newnham. Pizza and banoffee pie have been the highlights of the meals so far! I’ve put back on a few pounds but as normal this will only help keep me warm during those winter base miles.

Yesterday evening I rode the bike for the second time since Newnham. The Mountain Trax Wednesday night shop rides are great interval sessions especially when riding a heavy big travel freeride bike and the rides always create large amounts of amusement. The Exposure Maxx D and Diablo did a fantastic job giving me 2000 lumens to light up the trail. I’ll be excited to try the new 1800 lumen Six Pack when it’s available in a few weeks.

Last week I attended trade day at the Cycle Show in London with the aim of gathering potential contacts for sponsorship. So far the hunt for 2011 teams seems to be going well, hopefully everything will be finalised by November so I can forget all the negotiations and concentrate on riding my bike. Will post more news when I can!