Back into training, 2019 plans & my hack for this winter!
Iāll start off with a summary of what iāve been up to since my off season break... I finished my season on 30th September at the Writtle OnForm road race with what was probably the best riding iāve ever done in a race (although not the best result). Iāve been trying to crack the code to the breakaway all year but been pretty unsuccessful in getting anything to stick and end up the way I wanted. However this day was different, bridging to a good move that went in the first 5km I ended up riding all day in the break.Ā
Unfortunately I probably did a little to much work and didnāt have any legs to follow the winner in the last few hundred meters, but I was pretty glad to finish ahead of the bunch and end my season on a high.
I had two weeks off the bike after that (well, i rode a bit but only a little i promise!). After which I was mega keen to get training again. Me and a mate they call Jimmy the Blade decided to ride from York to Edinburgh over three days, stopping in hostels on the way and taking a route which took us through the best of the north pennines and northumberland, before crossing the scottish border and descending in to Edinburgh.Ā
Day 1 was York > Langdon Beck Youth Hostel. A day of constant headwind and a lot of climbing in the second half, you can see the Strava here.Ā
Day 2 was Langdon Beck > Wooler, a sleepy town just before the scottish boarder. I particularly enjoyed this day, northumberland is the most beautiful place iāve ever ridden, so will definitely be revisiting! Strava here, and not to mention a quick catch up with the one and only Jobber on route!
Day 3 was Wooler > Edinburgh. When we set off I decided that technically, as Wooler was of higher elevation than Edinburgh, it must be all downhill that day, right? Wrong. We climbed over the moors and past Whiteadder Reservoir (including me having a funny moment and having to stop to down a packet of refreshers, much to Jamesās amusement) before descending into Edinburgh. that downhill was the only time I made friends with my 25kg bike with panniers. Strava here.Ā
Touring wasnāt really how I expected it to be, probably because I spent the majority of the time being halfwheeled by James, or sat staring at his activated glutes (in joke). But after spending 15hrs riding with panniers, I now have a lot of respect for those who choose to tour with them often, theyāre a handful!Ā
I knew James pretty well from racing with him in 2017 at the Tour of Sussex, but I felt like I got to know him a lot better on this trip - what a guy he is. Never have I met a guy who would halfwheel me and put me in a box every day, but be such a legend and general nice guy that I couldnāt be mad at him! Hopefully we will plan another trip before we both leave the UK, lifelong friendship formed - I hope!
Anyway, talking about leaving the UK.. My plans for next year!
I leave Team OnForm in 2019 after racing for them for the last two years. Iāve developed a lot as a rider, I canāt even remember how I was getting round races in 2017! Simon Howes has always been a genuine guy with me, I donāt really know how he deals with everything he does, heās a guy with not a minute spare for himself, completely selfless guy.
So a big thanks to him for the opportunities over the past couple of years, I donāt feel like I got as much out of the team as i could have done - due to racing the majority of the past couple years in France. But even when I was there, I knew i had support and I was pretty blessed to be able to ride the ToS both years! Thanks Simon for believing in me.Ā
2017/2018 Team OnForm > 2019 CSCA Proprete 2000 DN3
Iāll be racing in the DN3 next year with a Guadeloupe based team who are doing most their races in France (Gwada is a French overseas region for those who didnāt know).
My main goals will be the Tour des Ecureuils & Tour des Trois ValleĆ©. Two stage races I did this year which Iām pretty confident I can get a good result in next year, hopefully with a few more watts available.Ā
I recently went over to France to visit the Carr family and to view where iāll be living next year. Unfortunately its out of the lovely Limoux town, but not too far away. Theres a great view of Pic du Nore from the living room and its not too far to ride to work on those days where I feel like it. Iām massively grateful to Rupert for allowing me to work for him again in 2019, to fund my season and life in France.
Well. My winter bikes are never really hacks, as I refuse to ride something thats not suitable for a lot of riding to be done on, and being an avid mechanic all my stuff must work!Ā
Frame: Dolan Preffisio 45cm
Groupset: Shimano 105 5800 (Quarq crank)
Saddle: Specialised Romin Evo
Seatpost: Velo Orange Grand Cru long setback
Mudguards: Madison Commute
Wheels: Shimano R500 (bodged to fit 11speed)
Bottle Cages: Unbranded, Elite bottle mount (because the frames too small for seat tube mount!)
Tyres: Michelin Pro 4 Endurance 25mm
Cassette: Shimano 105 5800 11 - 32Ā
So far itās been pretty nice. The geometry is set up the same to the mm of my race bike, so you canāt even tell the difference between them until you get out the saddle and realise how floppy it is! But thatās the way a winter bike should be (please note: Putting SKS RaceBlades on your summer bike does NOT make it a winter bike!)