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I have been quietly training all year for this day. Not just fitness - but riding skills, mechanics, first aid, guiding / local knowledge, teaching skills and map reading. I've bought new tools, I can fix more things and I am a better rider too. Ok, there's a way to go, but we're getting there. It's a fine line between 'ready' and 'worried' though and when two things don't go to plan, one can feel the wheels about to come off ...
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Little did I know this would be the last ride before the big day. Chris Lamb, Chris Taylor and I enjoying a great day on the South Downs. Beachy Head with 1.2 million Japanese tourists ..
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Problem 1 - 'work' was getting in the way and quality miles were hard to find. I can't do much about that - it's not a problem I have caused, it's just something I have to factor in. The other guys who work in the industry and ride daily are fitter than me anyway, the gap is just temporarily a bit bigger; move on.
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Problem 2 - was caused by my 'meticulous preparation' during a long skills session in the local playpark whilst being quietly ridiculed by the local 'scrotes' (er, fat, lazy local scrotes by the way). I pop down there of an evening to bunny-hop over my water bottle, wheelie up the path, practise step-ups and drop offs and, on a good day (when no-one is watching), clear the steps down to Tesco. It's a good location for skills, but I woke up the following day and couldn't move my right arm. Repetitive strain injury I guess and would never have happened when I was 27 !
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So, ten days prior to Assessment day I drove up North for work with a bag of frozen peas under the seatbelt on my shoulder. I couldn't lift my arm without using the other one, couldn't wash my hair (scalp, anyway) with it and couldn't even wipe my ar$e. I stayed in Rugeley, with the intention of thrashing The Monkey and The Dog into submission long into the evening, but couldn't even lift the bike off the rack. Another ride missed.
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Plan B was called for. So, I did nothing except, I'm afraid to say, worry a little. Three days later I got some movement and 36 hours after that it was all working sort-of, but hurt a
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Whilst feeling sorry for myself, I did lots more reading about the Lakes - Coniston, Grizedale, slate mining, Beatrix Potter, Wordsworth, Joss Naylor and Napes Needle - how could my fellow riders not be impressed with my general persona and local knowledge.
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A last minute venue change meant that I made an early start from the excellent B+B in Hawkshead in order to arrive in Pooley Bridge ready to go for it. Trouble is, I didn't know much about Pooley Bridge apart from the fact it is in the Lake District. Never mind, If pressed, I could talk about the world Gurning championship. (Google 'Gurn' if you are foreign / a southerner)
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This was the last MBL assessment being run by Cyclewise and featured myself and excellent riding buddies Dave Buchan (above right and also being graded for mountain competence) and Rich Martin (in charge of the grading exercise).
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What a fabulous day. From Roehead, we followed Ullswater (above, with Helvellyn in the distance) for a while and then ventured into Boredale.
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The ever-steepening bridleway up to Boredale Hause resulted in the inevitable hike-a-bike eventually, but we were rewarded with a ripping descent down to Hartsop. I have been up this way before and I don't remember it being this eroded, especially near the top. .
Turn and gurn time up the valley alongside Hayeswater Gill was a mix of push and pedal. Luckily, this was followed by the snack stop at Hayeswater and the opportunity to demonstrate some text-book trackstands, in the shadow of High Street, on the dam wall - inches from certain death!
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The final carry after the stop, was a bit longer and a lot more brutal than the warm-up in Boredale, but we made the track junction with the old Roman Road on the Northern flank of High Street in reasonable order and, with some relief, started pedalling north / down / er UP again / through more-than-a-few bogs and towards the finish.
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High Street, looking north, on paper and for real. Nice shot Rich !
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At 16:18 on Friday 31st August, Dave and I officially became Mountain Bike Leaders. He posed and I slumped on top of Loadpot Hill for a summit photo after a big, old-skool day in the saddle and two year's effort. In truth, I found this physically harder than I would normally, but after the last few weeks I knew what was coming before I got out of the car. At least I made it ... a real achievement and a 'Priceless' moment.
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Dave rode strong all day. If he is ever your MBL, don't worry if you're tired, because he could probably put you in his Camelbak and give you a lift back. Top job mate and always a pleasure to ride with you.
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Thanks to all of you who have helped me along the way :
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Chris Lamb - Had I not met you under that tree in Horse Gulch Canyon, none of this would have happened. I wish you had been there.
Adrian Mepham - For sharing some of this journey and many others. I wish you had been there too.
Chris Ford - For not returning my call. I cannot thank you enough, really I can't.
Sue Martin - For making it all possible.
Dave Buchan -You've been such a help mate and I hope I helped you a bit (at least).
Rich Martin - Mr Positive. Inspiration, Mentor, guide, buddy, Yoda, contributing photographer and all round good-egg.
Yeti Cycles - for an awesome ride, quality apparel and optional tattoo.
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.. and finally Molly, who encourages me, kicks me up the backside when she thinks I need it and supports me in everything I do. I hope I am as good to you.
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The journey continues and I look forward to the next ride, it may well be the best one yet.
