Good Fighters

Last sunday was the first team ride in 2010 for the Herbalife/wheelbase cycling team. Meeting at Lancaster the ride then headed up towards kirkby Lonsdale on the Caton road. from Kirkby the ride headed up to Sedbergh then from here we headed to Hawes on the roads which make up the Circuit of the Dales TT route. It was a fast run in towards Ingleton. Weather wasnt brill but didnt stop it being a good solid training ride for all.

I have been going to the Track Leauge on Tuesday evenings, along with team Members Stuart Henry, Jonny Knox and Laurie Brooking. Seems to be getting my legs into gear! riders have been looking strong in races, Stuart and Jonny both winning 40 lap scratch races.

This week I have managed to get a few solid miles in, weather was great this week. Rode today with a mate from Preston University. Got in some good climbs- Jubilee Tower, Trough of Boland, Waddington fell then back on the lanes from chipping. 140km 5 hours riding.

Had a good rest on Sunday fuelled up and chilled out. Spent Valentines day with Girlfriend Lizzie, which was enjoyable.

Kicked off  This weeks training with A hilly ride with James Gullen. From Preston, went up Nick O Pendle, Waddington Fell, then Up Jeffery Hill. Solid 4 hours, weather was cloudy, couple of showers.

Not a lot to see at the top of the climbs, as seen in picture from the top of Jeffery Hill.

View From the Top of Jeffery Hill....

It now feels like 2010 season is really close. After a team meeting, a quick look at the new kit and race program the morale is there!

Training has been going smoothly. These last two weeks the weather has allowed for more miles on the road. A good change from being sat indoors pedalling away and going nowhere.  I m also getting back into track racing on a tuesday evening. A good fast paced training/racing session.

Today me and Jonny K did a ride heading out from kendal, over lambrigg dropping into sedbergh. From sedbergh we headed to dent. We then climbed out of dent and made our way to kirkby lonsdale via casterton and then home over hutton roof. 

Had to give the bike a good wash after (it was well in need  of one!)

After a good 5 weeks off the bike, its time for action!

In October the team had a get together to review the season and hand out some prizes! It was good to see team members again. Its been a succesful 1st season for Herbalife/Wheelbase. And next year will be even better.

I had another operation on my elbow, to remove my pins. That went smoothly, and can say the arm feels alot better. I have been in the gym working on strenghtening my left tricep which hasnt been right since breaking my elbow. I will be back stronger in 2010, injury and illness free and ready to go!

As for training now, Just a case of  putting in the miles mixed with some gym and core strength work.

Will be trying to give weekly updates as from now!

Started August with a much needed holiday to Switzerland with the girlfriend Lizzie (minus the bike!) Enjoyed the hot weather which has been lacking here. Didnt speak the lingo so thanks liz for helping out

First race back was a local race round the  Dolphinholme circuit, Lasted 2 laps then cracked, hilly circuit with very little chance to rest. Always the sittuation after a relaxing for a week.

The following week I was in action at cockerham, flat circuit, but with a stiff headwind on the straight coast road. Legs felt ok and managed to ride fairly strong. Nothing was really going to get away. On the last lap James Dunlop chipped off with a small group and got 7th. I rolled in shortly after but was Disqualified, apparenlty for crossing the white line. Fair enough but was I the only one?!

The following week was the final salt ayre and presentation. I finished 10th overall which was a pleasing result considering only riding half of the events. The rest of the team did well Ash winning the whole series! with dill in 3rd Andy in 5th and Jonny lad in 9th. James 1st Junior.

We ventured over the border to Scotland to ride the Tour of Lowther on the 5th of September. The circuit was rolling with a short hill finish with a fast descent immediatly after. The race consisted of 4 laps 70ish miles. It split  on the 2nd lap Ash managed to get across, so we had a rider in contention. And  Dillon getting into to the group behind. It was then a case for the rest of the team to sit in and wait for an opportunity to jump or form a small group. at the start of the last lap, Me, Jonny and Andy kicked up the finish hill and split the group. We had a group of 8, but with only half the group doing turns we were going to get reeled back in. Jonny went on his own and managed to solo his way to the finish- resiulting in 1st Junior, this along with Ash’s 5th place made it a successful day.

Would also like to add- big thanks to the Scottish guy at the prersentaion cheering for everyone. Think he’d had a bit too much to drink, but he was a comedy guy!

My last race would have been Preston City centre crits, but  im having the pins out my elbow the friday before. S0 my last race is at Treales which brings 09 racing to an end for me. Time for a break then a fresh start and a better season in 2010!

Well thought it was about time I posted on my blog..

My season has been up and down. It didnt get off to the best of starts. In November I was hit by a car whilst out training, resulting in a broken elbow requiring surgery. Three weeks out the saddle upset my winter training. However I managed to put this behind me and concentrate on preparing on the upcoming season.

The first few races I used to get myself into condition, not worrying about results. In April I rode the Easter 4 day in newcastle, after cocking up on the first day- letting the break go. The 3 following days the team put in a strong  performance. It was a good experience in stage racing which i think is my main strength.

A week after the Easter 4 day the team were racing in a local road race at Capernwray. I felt confident going into the race knowing I was capable of getting a top 3 result. Attacking on the 1st lap I managed to work with 2 other riders, we were further joined by 2 more riders including team mate Andy Howden- who added a bit of fire power to the break. We stayed away, and going into the finish the group of 5 were all together. It ended in a sprint, I jumped 1st and managed to hold it to the line- Result!

I rode my 1st premier calander- Lincoln Grand Prix. Which was a great experience and a big step up from races I have been riding in. My racing didnt go too well In June/July and after a string of poor results, I decided to take a trip to the doctors for blood test. I had a low white blood cell count which indicated a virus infection (post viral fatugue) . I had to take 2 weeks off the bike completely and didnt race for 4 weeks- Just slept. Another set-back, but its part of bike racing. I have just come back to racing and feeling better, but not race fit. My focus will turn to track during this winter and getting in a good base in preperation for next year.

Big thanks to all team members and support staff. More updates to come….