Who needs shoes...

On Sunday my girlfriend and I travelled down to Newnham Park for my first race of the season. Nerves were in abundance on the way down due to the fact the race would involve running, something I hadn’t done properly for a long time. At school running was my main focus so I just hoped I hadn’t lost my running legs too much.    

As eleven O’clock approached I placed my bike, helmet and shoes into transition, I think I was the last one to do so, organisation isn’t my greatest attribute. A quick warm up followed as me and Sam Barley went for a quick jog. My legs didn’t feel great I have to say but this is normal for me. I got back to the start and positioned myself on the second row right behind Graham Sheldon.

After some friendly Banter with Rich Long and Pete Robinson, Martin’s countdown began and the butterflies kicked in, the dreaded “15 seconds” was announced then before I knew it we were off. I was surprised by my start as I went off in the front group. Pete Hawkins quickly made some ground on the rest of the field whilst Steve Ferguson, Jordan West (pairs), Tom Lapthorn and I formed the chasing group. I felt reasonably comfortable until the pace upped before the decent into transition. I hung on though as I knew the first run was nearly over.   

I hit transition and calmed myself before jumping on the bike to try and chase down Steve and Pete as they were quicker than me in Transition. The run had definitely taken it out of me a bit as I struggled to pull them back for a while. However on the third bike leg my legs started to come back and I had Pete in my sights. I eventually caught him and felt confident I could get a gap on him as it looked as though he was tiring; I did manage to get a small gap on him and felt confident I could then hold my position to the finish.

Steve was nowhere to be seen. I thought to myself he’s either having a great ride or he’s had a mechanical. I kept the pace up until I reached transition for the final time for the Stinger run, 3km of mud, bogs, river crossings and tree dodging. I missed part of the riders briefing so was running around like a headless chicken in transition as I wasn’t sure where the run started, lucky for me Steve’s twin was there to direct me. I didn’t know Steve had a twin, as do I, until after the race so at first I thought it was Steve directing me and I was in the lead. That was until I saw Steve towards the end of the run, I was confused.com!    

  

The run itself was an eventful one as I lost my shoes in one of the many bogs and decided it would be quicker to leave them as Pete wasn’t far behind. I carried on like Zola Budd and went for it. Towards the finish I had Steve in my sights but knew I would have to settle for second place. Fair play to Steve he put in a great performance. 

I was very pleased with my performance too as I have only been on three training runs this year.Thank you to everyone who cheered me on especially my Mum, Twin brother and girlfriend.

Thank you to Martin, Jay, Maddie and the rest of the team for putting on another great event also thanks again to my sponsors Southfork for my new bike. I’m now looking forward to my next race which is on March 4^th at Woodbury Common for the first round of the Fully Sussed Southwest Series.    

Hail To The Scale!

Earlier I took my bike on its first ride of the season. I eagerly left the house and couldn’t wait to hit the awesome trails Exmoor has to offer. I am really lucky to live in such a beautiful area which is ideal for mountain biking. The trails of both Exmoor and the Quantocks are right on my doorstep. If you haven’t explored this area before I recommend you do as it really is fantastic.

As soon as I’d hit the trail the Scale came alive and did everything I asked of it. In my opinion there is no better bike out there for XC riding/racing. It climbs like a mountain goat, descends brilliantly, handles superbly and is very confidence inspiring. It almost begs to be ridden fast!

Some hard tails I’ve ridden in the past were so harsh I couldn’t wait to get off the damn thing because my back would be in so much pain. Not the scale! It feels like you’re riding a full suspension bike just without the rear suspension. I honestly can’t put into words how great this bike is, it is an absolute joy to ride. Thanks again to my brilliant sponsors Southfork.  

Thank you Southfork!

Welcome to my blog fellow racers, cycling fans and friends. I hope you will enjoy reading my blog throughout the season(s).

Race season is looming which means it’s that time of the year again where everything starts falling into place. On Thursday my girlfriend and I ventured down to Southfork where I unexpectedly got given my new bike for the season; to say I was excited would be an understatement.

My weapon for this year is the new Scott Scale 30 2012, big thanks go out to Southfork for providing me with this. Without their support I don’t think I’d be where I am today. Since joining them in 2009 their support has been amazing, I am thoroughly looking forward to spending another great season with a winning team. There are a few changes to the team this year which is very exciting indeed.   

I cannot wait to ride my new bike for the first time later today; however getting it dirty will be a shame as it looks spectacular parked in the dining room right now.

My first race this season is next weekend at Newnham Park and is named “The Stinger” it’s a duathlon (cycling and running) which has a very appropriate name I’d say as last time I did it I didn’t eat enough and catastrophically bonked just over half way. For those of you who don't know what I mean by "bonked" It basically means your muscles run out of glycogen stores which results in sudden fatigue and loss of energy, eventually it can lead to dizziness and hallucination. I'm going to make sure I eat properly this time; I don't fancy crawling around Newnham Park any time soon. 

I hope I will fare better this time, it’s a bit late but I’m going to get a few runs in between now and then as I’ve done zilch so far this year. At school running was always my main sport so I’m hopeful I haven’t lost my ability too much. I shall report on how I get on, see you there if you’re going.