It’s been a couple of months since my last blog but I can assure you plenty has been happening. I got the all clear from my arm surgeon on the 5th of March to start riding again. His only condition was ‘don’t crash’. I’ve managed to stick to this request so far.
With just over 6 months off the bike, it was important that I didn’t try and do too much too early. Through the guidance of Anthony Shippard, I have managed to progressively increase the miles and intensity over the past two months to a level that is now acceptable to me. I think one of the hardest things about getting back on the bike was coming to terms with the fact that I’m not as quick as I use to be... yet! If it took me 14 minutes to climb Bobbo, then so be it.It’s just another step in the journey.
Last week it was time to step up and complete two function threshold power tests. A 5 minute test and a 20 minute test. Unsure of what to expect, the goal was to pushout some consistent watts and set a new base figure in which to improve on. I am pleased to report that both tests are approximately 75% of my old FTP testresults. Not bad given the recent events.
A couple of months ago I set a goal with Joe from Chocolate Foot, that I would be making my comeback at round 1 of the Sram Singletrack Mind Series. It may have seemed a bit far fetched at the time but without aspirations, there can be no direction in life.
On Sunday in Orange, that goal was achieved. I rode in a team of 3 with my good mates Simon and Mark O.The whole aim of the weekend was to just get out there, ride our bikes and have plenty of laughs along the way. As always Joe and the Chocolate Foot crew put on a fantastic event. Having not ridden in Orange before, and only hearing great things about the track, I was keen to sample what the trail fairies had built for us all.
What a great track! Set amongst the pine trees, this track had it all, fast flowing berms, rocky outcrops, doubles and a sweet downhill to the transition area. I was aboard a borrowed Specialized Epic Evo R and I have to say this rig rocked! I was able to hit some respectable lap times on the day and thoroughly enjoyed my time back in the saddle. We ended up 5th in our category.
As I write this blog, I have just had another date with the operating table. Yesterday my tibial nail was taken out, everything went smoothly and I should hopefully be back on the bike in a week or 2.
So it’s onwards and upwards from here. I plan to race the newly formed Real Insurance NSW state series, the last 3 rounds of the XCM series and the Sram Singletrack Mind series. It’s been just over 8 months since the accident but things are all coming together now. So many thank you’s to convey to my girlfriend, my family, my great friends, supporters and sponsors.The cycling community is one big family and one I am proud to be involved with.
Until next time, get out there on your bikes and have fun, stay true to your word and do what makes you happy!