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Road to recovery

Time has really flown since the 24hr UK & European Championships and I think it is still sinking in that I actually won the race, not only defending the UK title but adding a European title as well. My recovery has been the same as the more recent 24hr solo races I have done, giving myself 2 week off scheduled training. That doesn’t mean not riding, it just means that if I don’t feel like riding then I don’t and if I feel like heading out for a spin there are no intervals, no power meter to watch and no pressure.

I did a few easy road rides during the first week including a recce for the Cyclops Sportive for roadcyclingUK that was in Llandovery. I also joined my friend Dave Buchanan for a small part of his heroic Guinness world record breaking ride, going for 60 hours non-stop riding from Cardiff to Caernarfon and back – all off-road. Crazy!

Something I did last year was to make a video of the 2010 UK Champs, it helped let things sink in and remember what actually happened during the race. I did the same this year, thanks to my excellent pit crew filming much of the race. During the editing process loads of memories about what went on through the 24hr, like the Gorilla playing the drums around Midnight, the good and bad thoughts that were mulling around my head during the night and some of the conversations I had with riders around the course. Making the video was a great way to remember the event, the highs and lows, although mostly high points I must say.

Since the 24hr and for the next few weeks I seem to be becoming a roadie and my Focus Izalco has become my most used race bike. I have done a road race, the Presidents Handicap which was my first flat out effort after the 24hr. The legs felt pretty good and I managed to finish in the front group of 30 or so riders which I was happy with. A few days later I did the Cyclops sportive from Llandovery, which was a great event. 88 miles with just over 2000m was a good test for the legs, finishing with the fastest time and 10 minutes inside the “gold” standard despite being super windy and riding on my own or pulling along another rider for much of it.

I have a few more road events lined up, including a support race of the Tour Series at Aberystwyth on Thursday 26th, a local road race called the Tour of Carmarthenshire on the bank holiday Monday, where I am hoping to do well. Then next weekend there is the Dragon ride and the possibility of a 24hr road race in an exotic location the following week, although that is not confirmed yet. So with all those you would be forgiven for thinking that I’ve turned into a roadie!! Fear not, as my Rocky Mountain Slayer has arrived and I will be riding it as often as possible in preparation for Mega Avalanche in July. First up is an uplift day at Cwmcarn with some of the Wiggle boys this weekend which I am really looking forward to!

You can watch my video, which is available in full HD on You Tube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSu-gf92230