Reluctantly not riding!

Well to cut a long story short, I've not been riding since my last Time Trial on the 29th May, which I didn't finish!

What I though was a stomach bug that plagued me the week before the Aberystwyth came back with a vengeance, what followed was a 2 week nightmare that resulted on the 10th June to me being admitted to hospital crying in pain and the next day operated on to remove a rather large growth in my abdomen.  So strictly no riding for 6 weeks, and a load of drugs.  I'm now 4 weeks post operation and slowly recovering, though not as fast as I'd like.

So what does an active person do when they are told to do nothing.

Well on Saturday I accompanied Darrel to attend a Dean Trail Volunteers (DTV) Dig Day.  We'd been intending to help out at a dig day for over a year, but our schedule and races tended to clash so we'd never made it.  However Darrel had brought a new frame of one of the guys and with me laid up there was no missing this one.

I was going in a supervisory capacity, as unable to do much to help.  So here's what happens at a dig day.

Meeting time is a relaxed 9-9:30 in front of the cafe, Alan Grist Chairman of the DTV was there as we pulled up and introduced us to the other guys digging.  After a relaxed chat, it was time to head into the woods.

The plan was to work on a skills section of the free-miners trail, this section would have balance beams and skinnys on it with trail linking the obstacles together. Picking up our tools we were given brief instruction on how to dig the trail and then let loose.  Darrel worked one way with another Alan digging in the opposite direction.  Me, I watched for a bit but not being one to sit still I helped with what little I could do and took pictures.  The atmosphere was cheerful, and the more experienced diggers gave tips and as well as the physical work there was a healthy banter.

We talked about the boar and my disappointment that I've never seen one in the flesh, of course there was bike talk, and we even stopped to watch the bikers riding the wooden drops to the side of us.  The banter kept coming ad the trail grew, and at last it was ready for DTV Alan to start adding some rocks from one of the pits in the forest to form the base of the new track.

Those that know me will know that Darrel is a plumber and used to manual work, so it was odd to see him sweating as he dug away, it wasn't easy and was physical but a great work out for those look for an alternative to a gym session.

Once the trail was dug the soil needed to be removed from the side of the track as the Boar have a habit of refilling the trails if topsoil is left to the side :) As Darrel's strength started to fade, Alan came over to let us know it was finish time.  the 2.5 hours had flown by and looking back I was impressed at how much track had been dug.  Digging it however is only the start, it would then need filling with rock, gravel added onto the top and then 'whacker plated' down.  All this work is done by hand!

As we packed up tools and headed back to the centre for a well earned cuppa, I looked back over what the small group had done and felt a massive sense of achievement.

After a drink and chat at the centre, Darrel went off to ride and I placed myself at the edge of the DH tracks to watch.  As I walked up I heard a couple of guys on AM bikes moaning at the state of the bottom of one of the trails, I bit my lip as I walked past (normally I would of said something but still feel vulnerable).  If the 2 guys had come to help this morning the difference those extra hand would of made would of been finishing the whole section and getting it filled with rocks. OK the dig this morning wasn't on the DH tracks, but the sooner the sections on the Freeminers are finished the soon the guys can start work on the DH trails.

The dig day was really good fun, we were made to feel welcome and no-one moaned about me not being able to do much.  It truly is a case of any little help you can offer will be gratefully accepted.  In the future, before you go and pay for a gym session why not save the pennies and pop down to your nearest trail dig day.  You'll learn a new respect for the trails you ride, you'll appreciate the work that goes into developing and maintaining them and you'll have a great workout.

With the DTV volunteering doesn't come without it's perks, anyone who digs on the day will get a free drink at the centre, if you attend 10 dig days you will get a free parking pass for the year.  By helping out you get to talk to the people designing the trails and give your input into the developments of the centre.  You also get to meet new people and make new friends.

I'm hoping to be attending the next dig day, why don't you give it a try, miss a mornings ride in return to build trails that last years.

So if you are inspired to give Trail Digging a go the next Forest of Dean dig day (which just happens to be DH trail maintenance) is on the 19th July at 9am

The DTV can also be found on facebook here

The ending of the begining

So, I did it!  I rode all the rounds of the Naked Racing 661 Mini DH series at the Forest of Dean and I'm alive to tell the tale.

However yesterday marked a massive change in me.. so much so that after the race I had to go for a walk on my own to process everything that had happened over the last 2 days.  A little bit of me had died, I felt numb, I even sat on a tree stump and had a little cry.. emotions had over whelmed me.

So here's why

Saturday came, and after picking up Hannah from Hereford we all happily headed to the Forest, we were meeting up with some of the other girls for our normal Saturday practice and banter.  However once we got to the woods nothing felt right for me, I rode Jed down the track and although he felt great I just didn't seem to warm up or relax.  I popped over to corkscrew with a couple of other girls to try and get riding properly which helped, but the new top section on Ski run caused everyone problems.  I was sure I could run down on my feet faster than how I was riding.  Seeing Hannah have a massive off didn't affect me ( I was more concerned about her) but the fact that loads of riders were coming down on this section just made me feel happier at my own incompetence.

Bruised but still smiling 

After Hannah's off we all decided to head down for a bite to eat and a rest, so Darrel led me down the lower section of Ski run, and this is where it all started to changed for me.  I loved it, the blown out techy part of the track felt sooo good, the bike popped and soaked up the rough like nothing I'd ever ridden before, I felt disappointed as the track smoothed out.

After lunch, I had a practice on the 2 jumps at the bottom of the track as I have a massive hangup on the road crossing jumps there following an off a while back.  Once I was happy there I headed back up to the top to again practice this section and try and get my lines.  Each run up top however found me not getting my lines and after a much needed reality check from Steve one of the Malvern guys I changed to a safer easier line, followed by another smile inducing run down the now fun middle section.

My previous time on Ski run was 2:13, so Saturday night I set the target of 2:10 as normal posting it on facebook, although on a harder top section I felt this was realistic given the new bike and better fitness.

Sunday morning was hard work, an early start made earlier as the clocks changed had Darrel, Hannah and I in the van heading back for race day.  On arrival at the race I headed up to the top to practice leaving Darrel to help Hannah at the van.  I did a first run down slowly but hitting my lines, another run down and although painfully slow by comparison I was feeling more composed, so not wanting to knacker myself for the race I followed Lindsay down the whole track, again loving the middle.

Image supplied by photo-bike.com

A relaxing and much needed uplift in the bus and some friendly banter with Emma kept me surprisingly calm, and I was the most relaxed I'd ever been at a DH race.  I opted to let Emma have my last place off the start, saying for her to yell at me if she caught me and I'd let her past.. My turn came and as the beeps counted down I was off  it didn't last long as I'd got within 5m of the first Marshall to be red flagged, I stopped and to the bemused face of Emma and the 2 girls running the start I came back.  Emma went off and I got back in to position to start my run.  All to soon the beeps started and off I went, looking for my lines I shouted happily to Simon as I crossed the forestry road and aimed my bike up over the rough and rooty ground, as I crossed the pushup path I was loving the run, the bike was going where I wanted it to and felt in control, I cleared a rooty bit I hate and came round the 2 switch backs aiming up for the tabletop and road crossing, letting the bike go in the dry I was in sight of the finish.. it was over too soon.  As I came round the back of the start tent to hear my time of

2:03...

I was so happy not only had I beat my 2:10 target I had beat it by 7 seconds.  The possibility of a sub 2 minute run was being dangled so temptingly in front of me it would be rude not to try.

Back up the top for run 2, was banter with the ladies then mass of stretching and jumping to wake up tired muscles.. before the beeps started.  I had to find 4 seconds, I had pretty much ruled out finding them on the top bit but as my light went green I left the start tent. Remembering my coaching with Katy I kept looking up and where I wanted to go, every time I braked I cursed myself, as I cleared the top part I yelled at Simon that I couldn't stop to chat :) as I turned into the woods taking the wrong line I found Jed pointing at a load of roots, those 4 seconds sat heavy on my mind and again remembering Katy's training I let the brakes go and looked up, the bike simply rumbled over them, still on the wrong line I dropped down a rocky section turning to the first of the step down bits, trying to stay off the brakes and keep looking up as as I cleared the blown out part I pedalled to make up for the braking letting the bike pop over a small lip before heading back into the woods, again trusting the bike I simply locked on to my markers as then looked for the next one.

Me chasing 4 seconds

Making a mistake as I headed into the first switchback rather than slamming on the brakes I remembered Katys pointers on position and forced my eyes round the bend, moving over the bike and leading my body round with my knee, the bike turned and I swivelled round the next bend, totally laying off the brakes as I headed towards the table top pushing Jed into the berms before the road crossing I was loving the run, it was no longer about survival I was counting the seconds.. when I could I pedalled or pumped and kept my focus on what was in front of me.. as I crossed the finish line all I could think of was had I lost those 4 seconds.  I slammed on the brakes, unclipping my lid to pull it off to hear.. as Cooper called out my time

Image supplied by MnDphotography

1:57

Happy doesn't put into words the feelings that rushed over me..
All the other ladies had great runs, Emma & Hannah knocked an amazing 20s off their first run times. After a quick post race cocktail and chatter we went to enjoy the sun and watch the rest of the racing.  Gradually as I sat in the sun it hit me, I'd surpassed all my expectations and I'd wanted it.  As I'd raced down the track on my final run I'd found focus, I'd been looking for those seconds, I kept a level head, no longer was it a case of getting to the bottom I'd pushed myself and I'd loved it and those 4 seconds didn't stand a chance.

Some things will NEVER change, post race cocktails!

As the tape was being cleared away I put my lid on rolled over the last table top and down the forestry road on Jed, I knew something in me had changed.  That lady who raced DH with the sole aim of safely getting to the bottom had died, she died somewhere up the top of Ski Run at around 1:45pm on the 30th March.  As I rolled along the forestry road on Jed, I stopped and looked back at the scene, people walked past me smiling, some congratulated me, none of them could see the change, even Darrel and all my close DH friends didn't know what had happened.  I needed to be alone to grieve the death and embrace the future..   I pushed up a track and sat on a tree stump, a tear rolled down my face, it wasn't sadness it wasn't joy, it was something else, but it over whelmed me.

So it's now 24 hours after I sat on the tree stump, and I'm so happy.  In hindsight the death of 'Survival DH mode' had been slow, it started last December when I first raced Ski Run, so it was fitting that it died on Ski Run.  Buying Jed and the coaching with Katy were the push it needed.  It's not a sad death, at no point have I felt sad, my attitude to racing hasn't changed my attitude to the race itself did.  So I dedicate my sub 2 minutes run to all my DH friends (including Darrel and yes Ms Katy Curd you too) you have supported me and help me develop and progress, but watch out guys cos I'm coming for ya now :)

My next race is the Pearce Cycles opening round at Hopton 

Image supplied by photo-bike.com

Image by Void Media

2014 Start as I mean to go on

Firstly Happy New Year!

I purposely avoided writing a ‘what I’m going to do in 2014 post’ partly as blogs seemed to be full of them and secondly my mildly pickled brain, over the Christmas madness,  wasn’t in much of a state to decide what I would or would not be doing in the next 12 months.

One thing I did know was that I’d continue to be racing DH, and not so reluctantly as before.

Which brings me nicely to the weekend just gone.

My first race of 2014, was the 661 mini DH round 2 at the Forest of Dean. 

The week prior to the race hadn’t been my best, I’d been knocked for 6 with the cold from hell, to the extent that I did consider whether I’d caught man flu.. So rather than practicing my DH technic I was veg’d out on the sofa drinking lemsip.  The internet buzz mainly concentrated on which track we’d be going down, with a fair amount of speculation as the track wasn’t release until the Thursday.

I have to admit to begin happy over the track being Sheep Skull, it’s my favourite track, but my only race on it wasn’t the best experience. 

Friday night we packed the van and sorted out our gear, I was surprised how calm I felt normally by now my nerves have kicked in.  I went to bed and fell asleep still no nerves, until 2:25 am, I woke in a cold sweat, sleeping restlessly until the alarm went off. 

Arriving at FOD I was more excited than nervous, I’d not seen some of the girls since the last race and we chatted as we pushed up the hill, Darrel joining us.  My first few runs were the normal sketchy stiff mess that I expected, but as I made my way down the course I relaxed and enjoyed the track.  I did struggle a bit with my lines but was happy I had routes through all the technical bits and when we followed the track in a complete run to get some lunch, I loved riding the lower section. After a quick can of coke (nerves stopping me eating) we headed back, i wanted to just run down the middle section in 1 complete run so set off after Darrel.  I was feeling confident and happy as I went passed Danny Hart who was doing a track walk with the ripper category, as I passed them felt the bike loose grip and instinctively knew I was going down.  I held the bike up as long as possible to scrub off my speed before giving in to the inevitable and hitting the deck.  I’d simply got caught out on a really short off camber section!  Pushing up I had a good look at where I’d gone wrong, a very simple mistake I’d just come too far over to the right.  So I set off again and cleared the section.  Following this we did a few runs down the lower half before calling it a day and heading home.  

Sheepskull Practice 

Next morning, the atmosphere at FOD had changed you could tell it was race day!  The weather had changed as well, yesterday we only had one shower in the afternoon, but today it was persistent and relentless rain.  I’d slept reasonably well and didn’t feel too nervous as I waited my turn to do a practice run, I was practising with Darrel so we’d agree I’d follow him down to the 2nd forestry road crossing.  As I set off after him on the top pedally bit of track I froze.  It was like I’d totally forgotten how to ride a bike I got to the first crossing and wanted to cry.  Darrel had long gone so I pushed up and went down again, a bit better but to say I was stiff was way off the mark. I was trembling with nerves and my body was ridged with fear, as I kept riding the same bit of track.  I gradually relaxed, as the track became more familiar I rode on more of an autopilot and as long as I didn't think too much found things improving.  So I braved crossing the push up and riding the middle section and it really went tits up.  The rain had actually given the track more grip as tyres were able to cut into the saturated slime, but that off camber bit caught me out again, and again, and again.. Yep my first 3 attempts all resulted in me sliding off track! I couldn't work out what I was doing that was so wrong, as I watched rider after rider clear this section. I leant Granddad up against a tree and in-between riders walked the section.  My theory on what I was doing wrong is based on  my horse riding experience, I was using a tree stump to the right of the track as a marker to aim for, and as I'm one sided to my right this just took the bike over the couple of inches off the grip.  I looked for new markers and tried them out until I was able to clear the section and keep upright, though I wasn't trusting this bit of track and going rather slowly.  Due to the time taken up here I didn't have a chance to practice the lower sections but was happy there yesterday.

So 11am saw me in line to start my first race run, the rain was still falling and I looked more like a drowned rat from my offs that a DH racer J

My first run was nervous, and as I got to my nemesis I slowed to ensure I stayed on the bike, slowing a bit too much and having to really pedal to get to the roots which was where I got a surprise.  Fellow Loeka/Fix Distribution rider Clare (at her first DH race) was just at the bottom of the bomb hole line through the roots.  I’d never caught anyone on a race run so backed off to let her clear the roots before I entered this technical section, calling to Clare as I dropped onto the road, she stopped to let me by as I dropped down the lower section calling to her to ‘tag on behind’ and ride with me.  The rest of the run was fine, I love this bit of track it’s pretty much point and shoot with a pedally bit in the middle which killed my cold reduced strength.  I headed happily down to the finish.  I’d survived run 1 listening for my time I was 7 seconds quicker than my fastest time last year, in conditions which were much worse.  I was ecstatic.

Image supplied by photo-bike.com

After watching Darrel compete in the Hard tail class, it was again a quick lunch of coke and a sedate push up to the top. 

2^nd race run is seeded from the first race run times with the fastest girl going first, as I’d caught Clare on my first fun we agreed that I should start before her, hopefully giving us both clear runs.  I felt so odd not to be the last in my class as I headed off as soon as the beeps changed.  My second run was clearer, I really enjoyed the first section relaxed enough to take purposely pump the bike into jumping onto the push up track (secrectly hoping there was a camera there to capture the moment) and headed down to the middle section that had caught me out that morning.  I still didn’t trust the track and over braked, but hey I got through clear as I lined up for the bomb hole and dropped across the road yelling hello to Simon the Marshall.  As I disappeared down into the woods I was carrying more speed than before and stupidly over braked as I looked for my line, having to pedal to get my speed back up as I exited the woods on to the flat section and heaved on the pedals, all it seemed to do was move the suspension rather than propel me forwards, as I was about to run out of steam the track headed down again.  I dropped down a chute, braking in the slime to get onto the home stretch letting the bike take me round the berms as I could hear the noise from the finish line.  As I passed Rob (another Marshall) I knew it would only be seconds before I was home, my whole body was aching as I entered the last few meters, crossing the finish line with a grin. 

Image from MnDPhotography

1 second faster than the mornings time, which given I was knackered and still suffering the after effects of my cold, I was so happy.

DH for me isn’t about coming first, it’s about improvement so setting faster times each attempt is key.  The only thing that could have made the conditions worse on Sunday was snow, it rained from when we left the house at 6:30am until 1pm.  I struggle riding in the wet, especially if there are rooty sections and I'd never really raced in theses conditions so it was a great experience. 

And for the 2nd time I wasn't last.

Team Loeka/Fix Distribution

Now for the Thanks; 

Loeka and Fix Distribution for supporting me this year

All the marshalls, photographers and spectator's who stood out in the rain to watch a bunch of mad people. 

Naked Racing for putting on another excellent race



Next race is the 661 Mini DH round 3...... 

To find out more about my fellow team rider Clare Curtis check out her blog 

Manning up and moving on

661 Ladies Category

Last year I didn't enter the first round of the 661 Mini DH at the Forest of Dean, partly because I never intended to race in the winter (wet slippy tracks, slippy roots, risk of getting snowed in at home) I had a whole list of excuses.  But my main one was because I'd been warned that the race was on Ski Run.

It's not that the track is mega hard, I just had a hang up with it. I'd tried to ride it and couldn't, after that I'd simply avoided the track.  It needs some level of commitment to get down and that's something I really lack on a bike.

Roll forward to this year and it was time I manned up and I had another go down the track and to my surprise found it to be OK,  so there was no excuse for me not to enter the winter 661 Mini Series this year.

My relationship with Ski run is rather hit and miss, I either get down fine and love it, or hold on for grim death, off balance and petrified.  In direct correlation to this are my feelings of racing on it, part of me wanted to as it represented an  improvement in my riding, the other part was petrified as Ski Run with added race nerves could be a match made in hell. 

So I had mixed feelings when the track was announced as Ski Run, as the race chatter built up during the week I was carried away by everyone's excitement just that one nagging fear of my hit & miss reputation on Ski Run. 

Saturday practice started with a track walk with Katy Curd, looking at lines with her laid back and confident nature is a real cure for pre race nerves.  Then it was time to get on the bikes, Ski run track was already busy so I headed off to another track to warm my muscles and get focus, before heading over to Ski Run.  I have to say how happy I was with practice, having now done a few Forest of Dean Races people have got to know me and give me some time to ride down rather than setting off after me (very grateful for this guys).  My first runs were terrible, nerves taking over and flow totally lacking, but the more I rode the more relaxed I got.  I had no massive hang ups by the end of the day other than not knowing what lines would be open race day (track wasn't fully taped on Saturday).

After a fun night in at a local pub, and breakfast cooked by Lindsey Hanley, we all rolled out to FOD for race day.  I was feeling a lot more relaxed than normal, I think the bacon butty had helped.  However when I started heading up the hill nerves hit, I simply didn't want to ride. I thought about going to warm up on another track but as I neared the top I wondered if that was a good idea, I was avoiding the problem not tackling it and with some lines taped in that I'd not really ridden I did need to practice. 

I simply rolled down on my first run, missing all my lines and not making a turn. I was livid with myself, I'd was confident and happy the day before so why the shaking wimp riding today.  After a stern talk to myself I pushed up and this time rolled down slower but focusing on what I was doing not what I was feeling... it worked I hit the lines I wanted and made the turn.  My next few runs were aimed at increasing the speed and still hitting the lines, until I decided to do a run on to the forest road, I washed out on some roots, the back end totally slipping out, as I dropped down the chute slightly sideways. I was too scared to scream or swear.  Walking back up to look at what happened, the roots were now looking nice and polished, as several bikes went over I witnessed wheels sliding and some recovered some didn't.  At my slower speeds I didn't have a hope, the lack of forward momentum meant that my bike didn't straighten before the steep drop onto the forestry.  This is were DH comes into it's owe, you see next to the roots was an older established line, of a couple of roots then a rock step, riding up to it, it looked less inviting than the smooth level roots to the side, but for me it could work.  I watched, studied and worked out what I'd need to aim for to make the line and pushed up.  My first run was entertaining, I looked for the features that would line me up and aimed for them, I felt the suspension move as my front wheel pumped over the roots, then it dropped away to make the step, the rear naturally followed and before I knew it I was heading down the chute to the road, with a small collective of expletive's and a cheer from below.  The line worked, no slipping, it was grippy the whole way through and felt more natural for me to hit than the roots.

Now I'd got my main lines sorted it was race time...

I'd not got time to do a complete ride to the bottom but knew that part of the track pretty well (I thought) so was happy.  My target time was 2mins 22 seconds, the time Hannah had done at her first race on Ski run (and her first ever DH race)

My first race run was pretty uneventful, I was short on a couple of my lines meaning I had to brake excessively to make corners.  I had a lovely skid on the forestry road as I was going faster than my practice runs (according to my Hubby it looked impressive). The step down areas felt pretty OK and the run down felt pretty confident and good.  As I crossed the finish line I listened for my time 2:19. I was dead chuffed 3 seconds below my target.  My challenge was set for run 2 as 2:15.

So after cheering on friends, a can of coke and enjoying the atmosphere, I was back up the top and looking forward to run 2. 





As per normal I elected to go last, and as our numbers dwindled at the start I felt more focused than previously.  As the beeps dropped I was off, this time I pretty much hit all my lines up top, but elected to miss one as I could see the ground had changed and didn't trust it, this meant over braking to make a turn (seconds lost, but not as many as if I'd come off) I hit my line to the right of the roots perfectly and therefore had plenty of time to modulate my speed for the drop onto the forestry, impressed with myself for not swearing this time, however I over braked on the forestry road to make the line as I dropped down the track (mistake 2, again lost seconds) as I cycled down I hit a new line that had appeared during the race, but looked at the surface and over brake as I came onto it rather than trusting the bike to grip (yep more lost seconds), as I cleared this section I knew I'd lost time so pedalled as I crossed the timing split.  Then dropping down to some roots I hated but did my best to look forward and not brake, clearing the roots, I over braked for a berm (even more lost seconds) and tried to pedal, that when I realised my total lack of fitness had kicked in, as I pedalled for the first jump my legs felt like lead, I rolled the first jump, dropping a gear as I went to ease the tiredness, lifting off ground of the last tabletop, and pushing into the berms I found my thigh muscles on fire as I pretty much limped over the finish spent of all energy.. My time however made me shriek in joy 2:12 Yes! 3 seconds below my target.

I am annoyed with myself, I know I could of gone faster.  Firstly if I'd walked the track race morning I'd have seen the new line that developed and practiced it.   My fitness let me down, but most of all my confidence.  I can ride the tracks, I didn't even have a 'oh crap' moment, in my first race run I got down without any issues, so why the hell can't I let go of the brakes a bit more.  So for my next race prep it's fitness training, and working on my speed. 

If your interested in having a go at Down Hill racing, I'd highly recommend the 661 Mini DH, for more information visit their website here

For information on coaching with Katy Curd, who kindly shared her expertise with us on Saturday Click Here

A Reluctant Year

September was an Anniversary for me!

It was a year since I entered my first DH race and became a reluctant downhiller, and with the start of the Forest of Dean Mini DH 2013-14 series looming my life down hill has come full circle. So I thought I'd be all reflective and write a blog.

I still remember my first DH race like it was yesterday, the nerves and perpetual feeling of wanting to vomit, the sleepless nights and dreams of crashing...  And that was before I got on the bike!

So what made me do this, if you ever see me before a race you'd wonder how I ever survived a weekend let alone a year.  But I have and what a year it is been, I'm not sure if there are words to describe the highs that come with DH racing, and although the biking may be predominately going down, the emotion linked to this sport rarely head in that direction.

Firstly the racing for me is only a fraction of why I've continued with this sport, for me it's been all about the people I've met, who have supported me, advised me, become friends and make DH'ing the amazing sport it is.  I won't name and shame them on here, they all know who they are, I love you all for the help, friendship, advice and encouragement given. 

I can't deny it, I'm still pretty useless on a bike if you compare me to my peers in the sport.  It's only been since September, this year, that I've started properly jumping the DH bike and enjoying my wheels leaving the ground.  I still get scared and I still scream and swear my way down a track, but I don't think that will ever change.  Much to my embarrassment I was referred to at my last race as 'Ms Potty Mouth' by the organisers.  My riding has however improved 10 fold, I've just had 2 days of DH riding where I felt my riding was terrible (fighting the bike, no flow, over braking), but looking back on a bad day this year I rode down a track that last year I was too scared to try!  I'm also pushing myself, I'm looking for the more technical lines, I'm trying different techniques over sections too see what works best for me.  Last year when I looked at a track I'd always look for the easiest way down, now I look for the best way to suit my riding style.  I'm also keen to try different tracks, and have even entered races on tracks I've never seen, this is a massive step for me as at the time of entering I didn't know if I could get down.

My year has also seen me become a Loeka Girl.  I brought some Loeka kit off CRC in a sale in 2011, I'll admit I brought the shorts because they were cheap, in my size and looked OK.  When they arrived I was really pleased they looked better than the picture and after a week riding in the Alps I was so impressed I brought another pair and a top.  So when I saw the company asking for riders to support I applied, not thinking I'd get anywhere, you can imagine my surprise when I received an e-mail asking me if I wanted to join the Loeka Girls.  I'm honoured to be representing Loeka, their products are brill, those shorts I brought back in 2011 still look brand new after a wash.  Being a Loeka Girl has enabled me to meet other riders in different disciplines of MTB'ing that I'd otherwise of not met.  I'd also say that by Loeka having faith in me has helped push me when times have been hard and given me the confidence to keep going.

I'm still bashing around on the old faithfull Santa Cruz Super 8, AKA Granddad.  He had a new lease of life with the fitting of a new DHX5 rear shock this September.  I can't believe the difference this has made, it's like having a new DH bike.  This old bike is proof that you don't need all the newest gear to race DH, he'll be 15 years old next year and yes he will be celebrating.  At races he regularly gets recognised, with many people coming over to see what was their 'dream bike' from their youth.      

So my years stats are:

6 DH races
1 injury
6 weeks recovery
and one hell of a lot of bruises
Shockingly no punctures!
countless hissy fits
A lot of swearing ( this is improving )
Meeting and befriending some of the most amazing people ever...

Would I recommend Downhill Mountain Biking to everyone - Hell Yes
Am I still a Reluctant Downhiller - Yes when I'm sat at the top of a track, but when I get down I love it...