The Ride of My Life

In the middle of October 18 my world went into a spin, the build up over the preceding year or two had reached its climax.  I finally caved into the pressure and admitted defeat; I wasn’t functioning as a human and couldn’t do my job.  I was burnt out, mentally unwell, exhausted.  I was all over the shop.

Around about the same time my path crossed with a nutter whose passion was mountain biking @adammtbrider86.  I had dabbled a couple of times in what i thought was just “riding a bike in the woods”, but had no concept of the sport.  He exposed me to the world of mountain biking and I became utterly obsessed.

Blake Samson started to feature in my dreams, teaching me how to jump.  I watched red bull rampage in awe, Neil Donoghue voice was ruminating around my head telling me the steps to manual.

13 weeks ago I walked into @racecocyclesuk and Rich introduced me to my baby. I went 3 times over my budget but haven’t looked back since.

To obsess over how to do front wheel lifts, bunny hops and track stand, which I would practice in my living room, was therapy. Watching endless Global Mountain Bike Network clips stopped me from dwelling on my situation.  Getting into the beautiful outdoors during autumn lifted the heaviness surrounding me. Alex at Chase Skills put me through the basics.  I met two more awesome mtb nuts on his course, @b0z83 @a_song_of_blood_and_metal.  We are equally obsessed and clueless. #allthegearnoidea.  Adam has been a continuous source of motivation and help, coaching me and constantly telling me to relax!!  He refers to me as a cardboard cut out on my bike. Brutal but true.

15 weeks ago i had no idea where I would be. I never expected to be sitting here covered in bruises with mud in my nails buzzing from an amazing ride at FoDmtb with MTB BEDS beaming from receiving a prize for being the most committed rider.

If it wasn’t for mountain biking I don’t think I would be where I am now.  It has opened my world to an amazing sport, awesome people, beautiful places and facing fear and smashing it in the face.

On-wards and upwards or DH, if I grow a pair.