Dakar 2020 training begins in earnest as I hit the sands of Morocco, hopefully looking the part in all my superb RST adventure kit. I’m certainly going to give it a good test that’s for sure. It’s going to be a good workout for me and the bike too. I’m feeling stronger all the time, but this is going to be my biggest challenge so far. Wish me luck and I’ll keep you posted.
Testing the Rally Bike
Good to put the rally bike through it’s paces before we head off to Morocco for some serious training.
The story continues. Under the surgeons knife.
How the tumour story began.
Huge thank you to my nephew Samir for putting this together.
For the love of cake
As anyone that knows me will tell you, I have a passion in life to eat cake. Whilst this is of course very nice, it may not be ideal.
Everyone knows that diet and nutrition play a massive part in any sport these days, but especially when you’re taking on one of the world’s toughest endurance races. That’s why I’m so pleased to be getting some help from the guys at SCI-MX nutrition. Having someone behind you that understands the body’s needs and what to put in it to get the most out of your training will be a massive help over the coming months. Not sure I’m quite ready to give up cake altogether, but if we can find a plan that still includes a decent amount then I may just be able to stick to it.
Check them out here
Scan Results
I’m feeling pretty good at the moment as the news is good from my recent scan. Nothing new to worry about, which is exactly what I needed to hear.
Training is going well and I’m feeling stronger and fitter all the time. Went to the track at Oswestry again the other night. Lap times are definitely improving.
Props N Pistons
Great to be at the Props N Pistons show on bank holiday Monday as part of the Bridgestone display. Spoke to lots of nice people and worked hard to entertain the kids.
Sad to see the young man in the top picture is now stuck in a wheelchair because of a motorcycle accident. He got caught out by a patch of gravel very soon after passing his test and has suffered life changing injuries. It brought home to me how important our campaign is to bring home the benefits of off road training and how it makes safer road riders. I just want to wish him all the best for the future.
Barney
Brilliant two days this week with a Dakar super fan. Despite his young age, Barney is a massive fan of the Dakar and is already dreaming about entering the race one day. It’s been a privilege to be a part of that dream and hopefully help him on his way. Who knows, if I can manage another one in 2030, we could share that journey together. Never say never.
Fellow Sufferer
Today was the sort of day that really makes me want to get up in a morning.
Craig came along on one of our regular school days recently and whilst listening to my tumour story happened to mention that he had a friend in a similar position that would love to learn to ride a bike. What could I possibly say other than “bring him down, it would be my pleasure to teach him”.
Ch
ris had surgery 5 years ago, but as is often the case, they weren’t able to remove all of the tumour and now it is growing back. Chris is on his own journey trying to raise enough money to pay for a new type of treatment available in Germany. I can only wish him every success with that and in the meantime, hopefully he can find the time to do some more riding. Today was just the first step.
Training Night
Excellent evening training session last night. This is quite a physical track, but I’m feeling stronger all the time. Spent some time following Adam round which really helps me to push myself. If I want to be fit enough for the rally, I probably need to be able to sustain 4 or 5 hours riding continuously round a track like this, so still plenty of work to do.