2017 Summary

You'll have noticed my weekly blogs have slowed somewhat lately. Such are the pressures for time on a business owner! The big announcement is that City Cycles will be closing this month. Initially this is likely to mean extra pressure on my time, but we'll see how we get on once things settle down.

Away from business autumn is traditionally when the cycling season ends, riders reflect on the achievements of the year and look ahead and start planning their training for the next seasons goals. Here is my look back at 2017 from a cycling point of view.

Club and Sponsorship:
Owner and rider for City Cycles, we were sponsored by McMurdo and Strada wheels.

General:
I continued to race the S-Works Stumpjumper with no upgrades from last year.
I didn’t apply for a British Cycling racing license this year as I had no race goals.

Racing:
Riding and training time was limited at the end of 2016 and into 2017. So I tried to hang on best I could to a residual level of fitness. I set a basic goal of 100 miles a week, which I have achieved more often than not. The truth is though that 2017 will be my lowest annual total of time in the saddle since 2010.

Finishing 4th in the first Gorrick Masters in January lead to me focusing on the series. Another 4th at round two and then stepping on the podium in 2nd at the third round meant I was leading on points going into the final race. Unfortunately I only managed 6th which meant I tied on points with the winner, losing out on count back to finish second in the series. Disappointed and pleased at the same time!

2nd in the Gorrick Masters Spring Series

I rode against Darren in the Open category at the Southern Champs, having a strong race to finish 6th.

In an attempt to motivate others from the Tuesday shop ride I entered a road race at Goodwood motor circuit in July. It was my first return to bunch road racing since an accident a few years ago at Dunsfold. I was nervous, with very little confidence and didn't enjoy the experience. I did enough to ensure I finished with the bunch and didn't bother contesting for a position.

In August I learnt just how much my fitness has suffered compared to previous years. At the Brighton Big Dog I had to really reign myself in just to ensure I finished. In the end 14th wasn’t a bad result - but I felt terrible!

Relief as I crossed the line at Brighton Big Dig with a beer

Social:
Weekly Tuesday shop rides have been a success and became my cycling social outing! The pace could be slow, but it got me out every week regardless of the weather and we have created a great group that will hopefully continue to cycle together in the future.

I wasn’t often free to meet up with the usual Sunday group, but it was great to catch up on the rare occasion we did all make it out together.

Highlight:
Isle of Wight ride. The weather was utterly glorious, the roads quite and smooth - 100 miles with great company.

In summary:
Fitness might be fading and there was much less opportunity for cycling, but I was still out their enjoying racing and riding my bike!