Gorrick Brass Monkeys Rd.1

My first race since october and I had been feeling slightly un-easy, having felt off my best for the last week I had taken it easy, only riding for a few hours and relaxing.

Come sunday the weather was looking perfect, the Niner had been rebuilt and summer tyres had been fitted, hoping the conditions stayed dry.

I had a great start, the pace was slower than i had expected so i could maintain a sustainable heart rate whilst keeping in the front 15. The course was ace, dry, fast, not technical enough to cause me any trouble, some nasty climbs which I could manage ok and helped me clear the slower geared riders.

After the first few laps I was in 11th place, with another single speeder in 12th. we worked well together, helping push the pace along the flat sections. By the 5th lap the course had quietened down, so less overtaking was required which helped save my legs!

Starting the 6th lap i knew it was my last, i was up to 9th but 10th was close behind, unfortunatley i was pipped to 10th after struggling on a tough climb and couldn't make the gap back up.

Fairly happy with the result, had hoped top 20 so 10th is good at this time of year, next round is the weekend before xmas so should be fun.

Winter ride-around

After Oktoberfest I was planning on resting for a week or so, this never really happened, I just enjoyed more social rides, trips to Cheddar and Quantocks have provided nice rides whilst exploring new places. I have been getting back into longer rides to keep on top of things during the colder months, I invested in a garmin edge which has helped spread my wings further afield.

For next year I have been offered sponsorship from a new and exciting local frame building school, will post more details once everything has been settled, but feeling happy about my choice which should help keep going through the winter.

For the time being i'm riding my new winter bike regularly, the Singular Swift feels different, but still nice compared to the Niner, both steel but the Niner feels more racey and precise, maybe its the carbon fork and negative stem, compared to the riser stem and steel fork of the Singular Swift.

I have been getting help with a proper training plan, the thought scares me but to make more gains in performance I need a more scientific approach to build strength and speed etc.

Next race is the first Gorrick Brass Monkeys, should be a blast and they always have fun course =)