Man Flu!

A lot has been going on since my last blog post. I finished my mechanics course on March 16th and am now a fully qualified Level 2 City & Guilds bicycle mechanic. I learnt a great deal on the course and am now in the middle of setting my own Mobile bike repairs business. I'll announce the name etc. sometime in the near future. 

The next race on my agenda was Sherwood, a few days before the race a parcel arrived in the post for me, it was full of KCNC goodies (KCNC are leaders in lightweight components) fitting them to my race bike was a joy, doubt my girlfriend had the same view as she patiently watched me do it. If you want well made, lightweight, good looking components choose KCNC.

The lead up to Sherwood wasn't great as at the end of the course I managed to get man flu. I didn't feel right on the bike in the lead up to the race. My legs felt really lethargic and my chest felt like I'd been smoking for years even though I've never touched a cigarette in my life. I tried to put this all behind me and made my way up to Robin Hood County with my girlfriend. After a practice lap we made our way to Travelodge, 60 pounds for the night is a joke just for a bed and a TV for the night, Robbing ba***rds. 

After a quick breakfast at Frankie’s and Benny’s we made our way back to race HQ. After the pre-race nervous time, it was time for gridding. I was gridded about half way down the field. The countdown finally began and then "BANG" we were off. 80+ elites fighting for position is certainly a good way to get the adrenaline rushing. I got a fairly good start but after about 5 minutes I started to go backwards and my body gradually felt worse after every minute. I had no option but to pull out during the second lap. I was very disappointed and angry but have taken away some positives from the weekend.

After being one of the only elites with hairy legs at Sherwood, I decided to shave them last week. I soon regretted my decision as my legs looked like they had chicken pox. I will never be shaving my legs again, it's not like have girly legs makes much difference anyway.  

The weekend just gone was the second round of the Southwest Series at United Downs, Redruth. I made the decision not to race as I still wasn’t 100%. Thankfully my legs are starting to come back now so I'll be back in full force soon. I look forward to National R2 at Dalby as it has some hills and technical descents in it, which suits me.

Lastly I’d just like to say a big thank you to my sponsors Southfork, Clee Cycles for supplying me with KCNC components and everyone who supports me, especially my girlfriend whose support is fantastic, without her I wouldn’t know how to organize myself at the races.