Before Covid hit I was training to do some enduro events and two I had previously booked into had been cancelled, so finally this was the enduro I'd been waiting for with anxious anticipation and my Trail Head Project had also based partly on reaching this point. The training, the coaching, the mindset, the laps of my local hill and other trails and the progression I needed to achieve as a rider. The first enduro (Edge Cycles RD 1) was a mud fest and an event that sprung up and was not really on my radar. That being said, I entered and really didn't go well, as I mostly slid my way down each stage and covered myself in mud. But it was a challenge, both physically and mentally as I almost went home after practice, the conditions were that bad, but actually we stayed and really glad I did. My resistance was strong that day but kept thinking positive thing, positive outcome and this was achieved. I could have ridden better, but there were more important lessons  taken from that event that I knew I could use at Tiverton for round 2 of the Southern Enduro.  Simple lessons from signing on, timing chips, and energy food and positivity.

A four stage race, set in private woodland near Tiverton, I had this feeling that if I could just ride well, I wouldn't embarrass my self, put all my learnt skills into a few good runs, have a great day out on the bike, and without doubt enjoy myself. That has always been my goal, to just ride at my best, learn as much as I can and have fun. That's what bikes are about. 

I also wanted to experience the highs and lows of an enduro event and experience those race day nerves again, to see if I actually do enjoy racing. Not since giving up BMX racing I have I felt that pre-gate anxious feeling, that adrenaline that means you have visit the toilet about fifteen times before a race, or that jelly leg feeling before the gate drops.  I wanted to know if I'd enjoy racing enduro, as I love watching it and it's the type of riding that I do most.  

On arrival I immediately met Stuart Catford and Torben Cook, two other 50+ riders who so kindly offered to let me roll round with them for practice and subsequently race each stage together, and would like to thank them again for such a laugh. This was a real tick in the box for a sense of community within the competition realms of enduro and it wasn't long before we were chatting with so many other riders. I thought I would be the only newbie, my second enduro, but there were so many other riders new to the sport and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves. I also spoke to my old BMX pal Ben Leach, who is doing really well racing MTB in the 40-49 Division. His words of wisdom from his early races were also so helpful when he spoke about pacing, something I really listen to and used all day. 

The stages were so much fun, between 2-3 minutes long or thereabouts and with everything from roots, off camber, pedalling sections and loam, It was so much fun. My race runs were good and I was really pleased in the most part, but  I reflected on a couple of silly mistakes. The first was not setting my rear brake up properly and this led to a little panic after practice but quickly and efficiently sorted by John from Blackout Cycles, who kindly provide free labour on race day. But riding wise, I went a little wide on stage 2 losing my front end in the loam and hitting the dirt which was frustrating as I was going well, and then there was the part where I was coming in too hot, trying too hard and dropped into a steep section, off line and nearly hit the marshal (sorry about that). Both mistakes cost me time and I'm sure a couple of overall places, but that's racing and I'm learning. What went well? My pace felt really good and only struggled in the rooty sections but it  seemed I wasn't alone there. I felt I was flowing into my turns, my pedalling and sprinting was strong and overall felt I was riding well. Yes at 51 years old, I'm learning to race mountain bikes and I managed to finish 7th out of 18 riders in the Super Veterans Category (50+) and I was stoked with that, although I also need to work on my endurance, the Heart rate monitor was screaming, but here's the real point, here's why the Trail Head Project is a journey to understand positive well-being within mountain biking. 

Over these two enduro events I used everything I have taught others in managing and developing their own positive mindset, all the Racehead coaching with BMX racers like Brynley Savage, like challenging the negative emotions or those limiting beliefs, the breathing exercises that relax us before a race, or the visualisation of both the tracks, and of what will be viewed as a successful race, and I used it all. Did it help me. Absolutely. Will I continue to practice what I Preach? Hell Yes. Did I enjoy the Enduro? 100%. Will I do another? Why not, it's so much fun, physically tough but what a buzz. 

You'll be able to read more about this whole experience when The Trail Head Project is produced. It's an organic book project and as long as these experiences keep happening then I''l keep adding to the book. 

Thanks Southern Enduro for an amazing event in some stunning woodland, and all the marshalls. 


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Photo Credit; Gareth Dalley via Roots and Rain

Yep, this 51 year old Chunky Brother has completed his first enduro, and absolute Mud Fest and stoked. Last weekend I went to the Kernow Enduro, near Plymouth, with one goal to simply enjoy myself and learn about the process of racing, and also give the new van its first riding road trip. I'm planning to do a few more this year and next as part of the Trail Head Project, which is my journey to understand more about mental well-being through mountain biking. I'll put a page up on this site very soon, but so far, so much has happened since the birth of this project.

Despite the mud which was of biblical portions, the rain, a couple or four crashes, standing aside to let the fast elite riders through which I'm sure is good etiquette, all of which cost me time and a couple of places, that's cool, I learnt so much which was the purpose of doing this event.

I'm stoked I met so many lovely people and finished 6th out of 8 in the super vets category (over 50's) and 70th overall from 118 starters. My first race and so much to take away and work on, especially wet, muddy off camber roots, or simply staying on my bike in the wet. Mostly I took away a great memory of a weekend meeting some fantastic people, all who simply love to ride their bikes, whatever the weather. 

Congrats to my riding buddy from here in Sennen, Adam Semmens, who got 5th in the male masters and 17th overall.

The photos of the bike do not do the mud justice, my trousers are a better representation of how many times I slid down the track and the mud!!! Roll on the Southern Enduro in June. 

Thanks to @edgecycles for a fun day out., the weather was not our friend but fun was had by most. 

Had to share this. I miss taking my dog on the trails but he'll be back. A nagging shoulder isn't helped by manic chasing and although Kylo loves it, I'm sensitive that he has an injury so time out is a great healer. In the meantime watch this incredible film and see how rad these dogs are. Enjoy. 

 Been waiting for this to come to come out for what seems like ages. The last post and this one are so refreshing, I love to watch these stylish surfers just ride these waves how they should be ridden. Torryn Martin IS my favourite surfer right now and this film by his best mate Ishka is just beautifully fimed and presented. Episode 2 is going to be epic. Might I suggest a cup of tea, a comfy armchair and just enjoy.

If you have a spare twenty minutes and think you like surfing then you'll love this. The best surf flik I  have seen in a long time and now fully frothing to go for a wave if our ocean wakes up again.
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Just a little insight into the legend Sam Hill's riding. This is how you ride a bike, smooth and fast. If you want an added bonus listen to Vital MTB's 'The Inside Line Podcast' , such a great listen too. 
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Just watched this again and must admit it has got me seriously thinking about getting another bike and putting the racks on again. I never went too far but what a great way to travel and see the land. Have a watch of this and the adventure. Enjoy. 

 There is something very special about every season, with each one holding those elements that we cherish, but would I be wrong in saying that the most anticipated change is that steady transformation from Winter to Spring. That easing out of the evening light, saying goodbye to those dark mornings, and pitch black evenings. Those rainy journeys to and from work with oncoming lights blinding and glaring, or the unseen puddles on the road, and a heart racing moment when you begin to aquaplane. Winter always has those cosy hibernation moments, and yet the weekend light seems precious and time to get outdoors and enjoy.

As the excitement of Spring begins to appear, conversations begin to change, with impatience,  or a countdown, and  this seems to really kickstart when you get to enjoy the first hour of post work light. The anxious feeling of finishing work on time, we are actually coiled like spring and ready to bounce, the race home to get a post work surf if the tide is right, or a session on the hill as a bonus option. Maybe it's a walk with the dog, or a kick about in the park, a swift 5km run, 10km ride, a cold water swim before dinner,  or a chance to do some gardening. It's all about that last hour of light, a dying winter sunset and that golden light, post work. Spring is here on Sunday and then its official, the first day of spring and the roll out to summer and late summer evenings.  Let us hope that we can really enjoy getting outside, meet all our friends, and live life to its absolute fullest. Outside is free, and life is outdoors. 

.I've been posting a few videos lately and will get back to some words and ponderings over the next few days, but of late I've been reading, listening and researching for my Trail Head Book Project and my brain capacity seems to be tied up in that, and also my new van build. I've become pretty addicted to podcasts since the beginning of lockdown began last year,  and one in particular The HKT Podcast presented by Davi Burkes who is a top bloke. Episode 27 of the 'Lockdown Companion' this  week was a real pleasure to hear Davi and pro mtb rider Olly Wilkins chat as usual about a load of entertaining bollocks and that's what makes it such a great escape for an hour or two each week. Towards the end of each episode they let the listener know what they've been watching, or the tunes they been hooked on that past week. Davi suggested this film below. 'Carts of Darkness' and out of genuine interest I put it on,  and was hooked. This is a pretty special film that highlights an element of the homeless community in North Vancouver and their passion for bombing hills in shopping carts. I can seriously recommend watching to the end as I dre you not to smile and fell pretty moved. We all have our adrenaline fixes and this one is pretty rad. Hope you enjoy.

Meet Beau Miles.....
This guy is an absolute legend. I won't tell you everything he has achieved as an adventurer, endurance runner, or creative genius, you can find that out for yourselves. Everyone I have introduced this guy too has become hooked and I guarantee that you'll watch this and want to find out more about Beau Miles. Please just subscribe to his channel, and then go through some of his films, you wont be disappointed. Enjoy.

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