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
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