After the summer....

There are 3 months of 2015 left and the nights are definitely drawing in. The spring and summer races are just distant memories, so what challenges remain before we sit down for Turkey and pud?

Gorrick return next week for the first of the Autumn Classic cross country races at Frith Hill. These two events are the last change for some elbows out, maximum heart rate racing. Last year I enjoyed a trip to the podium in the Open category.

When you think winter mountain biking in the southern UK, the Merida Brass Monkey series will be at the forefront of your mind. The 4 hour enduro format, raced in British winter conditions is a challenge for rider and machine. With the final round shortly after Christmas it provides the incentive to stay healthy and maintain fitness right through the dark winter months. I've prioritised the Brass Monkeys the past few years to the extent where they have almost become my specialist subject! Consistency has resulted in 5th and 7th positions overall. The reason for this end of year focus has been injuries earlier in the year which have cut short my summer racing. I am definitely feeling more fatigued this year and with results already in the bag, is the ambition to grind out one more lap quite as strong? We'll find out!

Racing in the cold, the wet and the mud! Thats something to look forward too.

There is also a personal challenge to try and complete over the next 3 months. Staying injury free has meant I am on target for my highest annual mileage. Can I stretch that out to 8000 miles for the year? It'll take 700 miles a month, which should provide the motivation to get out in the dark and the rain!