Oh crikey...

So today I was reminded how hard mountain biking can be.

I took the opportunity to ride at Llandegla bike park near Wrexham in Wales as I had a meeting not far from there that finished reasonably early. In previous years, I'd ride around the lap in 50 odd minutes, never out of the 44 chainring. Not this time! a combination of horrendous fitness and a 30mph headwind up the opening 3 mile climb saw me finish the lap in 1hr 11mins.

Still, it's a start point I guess!

I have yet another busy week of work ahead. However, I may, if I'm lucky, get another short ride or two in. Finger's crossed.

Years plan...

So this year I've started riding my mountain bike again... I'm not sure that's a good idea, as undoubtedly, mtbing is hard and will show up a lack of fitness. I've got away with not being particularly fit over the last couple of years, by hiding behind short sharp strava efforts, short time trials and the odd bunch race. But, last year's Raid Pyrenean reminded me that I can still ride long distances when I practice a bit! I think it's one of those things, that if you've ever done long hard rides in the past, the fitness never really leaves you. That's my theory anyway! I've entered the Dyfi mtb marathon / sportive. It's non competitive and that suits me. It's fairly early in the year (May), so just getting around will be fine with me. I'm so out of practice technically that hoping for anything more would be silly!

This week, I've also been watching the track world champs too. And it got me thinking ' I used to be alright at that'... So, another small ambition is to try to ride the Wolves or Newcastle track league this summer. I have an old bike and should make some use of it before it rots away!

My fitness at present is rubbish. I've had 3 virus this winter - kindly donated by the littl'uns. Hopefully I've had the last one now and I can start to get some consistent riding in. I did a reliability at the end of January which showed I wasn't too embarrassingly unfit, but I've done little since.

The one thing I have changed this winter is my strength training. I have done no upper body work other than deadlift all winter. It's left me weak as a kitten, but 7-8 lbs lighter. I'm aiming to get down to around 11 ston in weight this summer - almost a stone lighter than the last few years. I'll appreciate the weight loss on the long mtb marathons I'll be doing, where climbing is a main feature of the day's riding!

That's it for now!

Paul

One year on since the last post... frustratingly I didn't keep up with my personal promise to myself to keep writing until after all of the events I wanted to ride were finished. So I'm going to have another go this year. If only to prove to myself that I can do it.

So, last year's goals...

10 mile tt - I rode a few time trials last year, but didn't do enough to really feel pleased with a time. I did though get a couple of 'wins' of local events with a 22 thirty ish (from memory) as my best time on a lumpy course.

Raid Pyrenean - What an event! Absolutely stunning scenery, company, roads blah de blah. The best event I have ever done on a bike. Very challenging course, but I got through it well and felt strong until the end. The photo below was the team at the start of the event.

And at the finish...

Never was a dunk in the sea more deserved!

So, to the hill climb season...

It started off well. 29th/137 at the Monsal Head Hill Climb (possibly the hardest sort of hill to ride fast up - flat at the start (big ring), getting increasingly steep towards the top finishing at 1:6 I think. Never having ridden the event before, my pace was a little off. I finished 15 seconds off the podium, but think I can cut that gap by 10 seconds with gear selection and being a bit lighter this year, so I'm looking forward to the 2015 hill climb season.

The National Champs did not go so well - flu hit me that morning. I rode the event, then drove 3 hours home shivering and sweating in turn!

Below is a great aerial shot of the Monsal Head Hill Climb...

And of course, the all important Strava KOM count - well, my annual roundup left me with 97 KOMs. A decent hall as most were on hard climbs. This year, I will aim to move up the ranks on 'The 100 Climbs Strava club'... have a look for it on Strava  - I've found it a great motivator to get out there and ride up hills you wouldn't normally do!



So, next blog will contain:

What I'm up to this year
Where my fitness is at right now
How I intend to improve!

Thanks for reading,

Paul