Never Quit

What a year

The year is not quite over yet but it feels like it is time to take stock and review. Since joining Columbia-Bikefood a lot has happened both on and off the track. The last few months have been difficult so I will start with the personal stuff and then finish with the team.

Since doing the Kielder 100 as you may have read, I was quite ill afterwards and to be honest it really affected me both physically and mentally. This had a knock on effect into my personal life and made things very difficult at home. Life is about balance and with busy lives, children and work commitments it can be difficult. However, the balance feels like it is restoring and things are on the up. I had an interview recently and I am now in charge of Nuclear Medicine at my hospital. This is quite a challenge but it is one I am up for. It has been a funny few months, friends and family have been awesome, including members of the team who have offered support and been there whenever I have called. Cheers Guys!

So enough about that, life is good is all I can say. The highlight for me this year has to be Sleepless in the saddle. I like to race, keep fit and all the other stuff that comes with being a mountain biker, but it is a great feeling to be on a podium. It actually looked like we were going to win the thing at one point. I rarely get to be on a podium and it was down to the team that it paid off. The Columbia-Bikefood team members are fantastic in my book, for different reasons and qualities. We have everything from out and out phenomenal athletes, to endurance kings and idiots like me who tag along for the ride. This year has really opened my eyes to racing and what it takes and the support you need. Although he is not in the team I have to say congratulations to Robert Upton who looks like he has managed to get into the expert cat in his first year of trying.

I have to mention him because we ride a lot together and share training tips, so even with all that has happened I am back on the bike (road and turbo), feeling fit and slimming down to a lofty 11 stone which is not bad for someone coming up to his middle age lol.

As ever, keep riding is all I can say and never quit!