mbt1967’s blog

At 41 I never imagined I would start racing.  However 1 visit to watch a circuit race at Darley Moor to support my new clubmates was all it took.  It was Cat 3/4 and appeared to be accessible.

Appearances were never more deceptive.  The following week I was blown out the back of the bunch on lap 2 of 30 odd. 

1st Race

The week after that I survived maybe 4 laps before becoming detached.  Too fat and unfit.

So............I started sprinting to lamp posts on my commute, doing sit ups and push ups every morning and night, entering into 10 mile time trials, pushing myself on more challenging training rides at the weekend and most importantly I changed the quality and quantity of the food I ate.

I've now competed in three Cat 4 races and comfortably stayed with the bunch until the end.  I've even managed a couple of attacks off the front and chased down solo breaks.  I have displayed tactical naivety of the highest order but enjoyed being part of races and am learning for next season.  The thrill of riding in a bunch and covering moves or trying to escape, reading a race and giving it everything is tremendous.

If you enjoy road cycling then race.  I only wish I'd started 25 years ago.

I cycled as a kid on a Raleigh 3 speed.  Further and further into the surrounding Derbyshire countryside sometimes alone, sometimes with friends.  I carried sandwiches, a puncture repair kit and the 10p piece my mother insisted upon for an emergency phonebox call.  I never needed to use it.

I cycled as a student in London on a 2nd hand Peugeot racer which I bought for £20.  Best way to get around London.  Best way to get around anywhere.

I commuted to work as a teacher on my bike, quicker than a car in London.  I ran sometimes when training for half marathons but prefered the bike.  Still on the Peugeot.

When we decided to relocate back to Derby/Nottingham (2 teachers can't afford to buy a decent house in the South East) we were packing our belongings into the lorry and when it came to the bike I paused and announced I would ride it to Nottingham the following week.  I'd never cycled more than 50 miles before.

I got to Ab Kettleby and had to use my 10p piece.  Well the reality was that I had a mobile and called my wfe.......not my mum.  I'd done 120 miles and had nothing left.

I made a new friend who wanted to "really get into cycling" and we did.  I started reading "the comic".  Upgraded components on the Peugeot and then replaced it with alloy and carbon.  Stopped smoking.  Went out every Sunday through all weathers on longer and more challenging rides on those familiar Derbyshire lanes.  Entered duathlons, triathlons and sportives.  Cleaned my bike.  Got fit.  Loved every minute.  Commuted every day.  Commuted on a Thursday in July.  Joined a roundabout and then...

BANG

1 week in hospital.  3 months on the sofa in a cast.  8 months off the bike (which was undamaged apart from a buckled wheel) and 15kg heavier (me not the bike).  Recovery was slow and my new mate moved to Edinburgh so I started looking for a club.  After a year of indecision I contrived to join 2 in the space of a couple of weeks.

My Alu/Carbon upgrade needed upgrading to 2 bikes. Pure Carbon summer and traditional steel commuter winter machine.

Club membership has seen me compete in Time Trials and road races.  I'm now close to a return to the weight and fitness I had pre accident and am loving all things bike as much as ever.  When alone on my favourite peak district roads I'm happy.  Whatever the weather, however tired, no matter the gradient.  It's where I want to be.