Twentyfour12 report and observations.

Aloha boys and girls, sorry about the delay reporting from the race, its been a busy week instructing and to be honest, I haven't been in the mood!

So, how did it all go? kinda ok, but disappointed to be truthful. Now, the course was different from the one I was expecting, so all my plans to do X amount of laps went out the window early on. It was slightly longer, around 8.5 miles instead of the planned for 7 and had a lot more climbing than previous years. I had intended to adjust my expectations to 6 laps, based on this but unfortunately, my plans where scuppered by my old adversary, my rubbish back. After my first two laps this was giving me serious problems so I pitted to stretch out a bit. This was well timed as the wife and boys rocked up to see how I was doing. A 45 minute rest and I was out doing another lap and the same problems occurred, my mid and upper back where so tense that everything was a painful ache and I couldn't put any power through at all, the effort in keeping the front end down on the longer steepish climbs not helping at all...
After lap number three I decided to come in for a decent rest and to make use of the free massage tent; not something I've done before. So after something to eat and a bout of insanely painfull cramp I got my back battered. The lap after that felt so much better with my back loosened off, I was able to put power down up the hills and I was alot quicker and alot happier! By that time it was getting dark in the woodland and the rooty singletrack was very exciting to say the least! I decided to call it a day, happy that I'd finished on a high note. The morning after confirmed my choice as I could barely walk! My back had locked up so Monday evening saw a sports massage care of my amazing wife and that was helped. I've also started doing my stretches on a more regular basis and after a gentle ride last night ( Thursday ) it seems to be helping.

So, Observations? stretch more, ride a more comfy and suitable bike. I can do something about the first one, but unless anyone wants to give me a xc bike or a full suspension bike, the second will have to wait. I think losing some weight and working on my core muscles will help with the back issues. I've got the big dog coming on the 20th of August so I've got a month to see if I can effect some of these changes.

I'm planning on putting in some turbo trainer time too, for prolonged pedalling efforts; trails rides are often start/stop and I'm going to try get out Tuesday nights with the faster group to give my body a good thrash!

OK, so that'll do for now. Here's a quick pick of my grovelling up the first hill!

till next time!

J

Busy week!

Avast! Its been a busy riding week for me, all last minute prep for 24/12 next weekend! I managed to get out saturday morning, monday evening, wednesday morning and thursday evening, which for me is incredible; lots of thanks to the good wife!
Most of these rides where round the 15 mile mark, one longer one was in there and thursdays night ride was at a much higher pace so got to give the legs a good thrash. I have a couple of days off early in the week so might try to get out for a long slow ride to see how im feeling. Fingers crossed i'll be out thursday evening again but i'll be mincing around the trails trying not to fall off!

So, what on earth am i hoping to acheive? finishing whilst still be able to walk feature quite highly! I'm aiming to do 8 laps, roughly 45 miles; doesnt sound like too much when put like that does it? I'm going to break it down into a block of four laps at the start, hoping to get done around 5pm ( race starts at midday ) have a break for an hour and a half, sort my bike out if it needs it and sort my body out; lots of stretching and pain killes! After that I want to do two laps before it starts to get dark, pit for half hour after that then do a final two laps in the dark...Thats the plan anyway! Depending on weather and how my back is coping I'll adjust the final laps but I have I think an achievable goal so long as I take it easy. My main concern is my back, if I can look after that I know I've got the legs for it.
I've fitted some 2.25 nobby nics to the stiffee and they certainly offer plenty of cushioning, aswell grip so that'll help. I plan on experimenting with tyre pressures this week too.
One issue i didnt expect was losing my brother as my helper, he's been offered a job in one of the trade stands and hopefully it'll lead to better things but i'll miss his trackside enthusiasm! Luckily I'll have mum and dad ( and dog! ) to keep me ship shape and bristol!

Right, im off to check the weather again and to get the boys washed and dressed. I'll try and post next friday from my folks house, if not it'll be after the race.

peace.

2 weeks till 24\12!

Morning boys and girls! Been off for a couple of weeks, letting my nose heal ( see last post ) and fitting all the riding i can between a hectic family and work schedule; Ive recently turned self employed so trying to work as much as i can in preperation for the quiet periods...
The weather has been a bit rubbish of late and has certainly been a limiting factor, when i have got out the trails have been greasy rather than muddy, so its done plenty to sharpen my riding if nothing else! I recently had a revelation over my riding style when it comes to riding in the wet - take the direct approach and try and go just as fast as the dry! Seems to work quite well!
Other than that, not too much else has been going on! Working on what kit and final preperation I need for 24\12. I did twenty miles in a little under three hours today, so based on the 7 mile lap from last year, I think my initil goal of four laps/hours before a decent pit stop should be about right. Naturally, the weather may stick its oar in but we'll deal with that as and when.
Ok, time to fix some lunch, here are a couple of pics from this mornings ride:

I'll post up next week with how my plans are going and a decent game plan for 24\12. Till then, ride safe folks.

Jim.