Going together like strawberries n cream, Posh n Becks, the Internet and porn, I think I may well have just found the ultimate winter partnership......................... Today I took off out the door, down the lane and over to my favorite local trails on my mountain bike, like so many times before....... But today something was very different??? Carving through the wooded single track I had a little twinkle in my eye, launching off any and every available bump, skidding through tight bends and manualing though ditches! Today I wasn't riding at heart rate, dressed head to toe in logo'ed lycra, snacking on energy gel and watching the clock. Today's ride was a mini adventure and this was just the beginning....
Every year when the race season finishes, I try to take a break from training. A month where the pressure is off and im free to enjoy some of the sports and activities that have to be put on hold during the season. Like most endurance and outdoor athletes, im more than parshall to a big helping of adrenaline when ever its available and this time is ideal to get extreme and cut loose.
My top 5 kicks for the off season:
1, Snowboarding, even if its not quite the dead of winter and we haven't had a flake, there will be one or two day trips over to Snowdome Tamworth and Milton keens.
2, Climbing, After a few sessions at the indoor wall and some bouldering, nothing beats an epic day, rocking out in the Peak district or North Wales..
3, MountainBiking, Yes ive raced it all year. But going out for a day ride somewhere new with an OS map in the pocket is a totally different vibe and a chance to ride some lines that you might normally avoid when an event is only days away..
4, Night sessions, riding or running your favorite trails and tracks after dark, under LED light brings a whole new adventure..
5, The end of season bender, drinking alot after abstaining for almost the whole year and bopping away the night and cutting loose on the dance floor, is sure to have its adrenaline kicks.........
....so after an hour or so of rippin and shredding on my local trails, I arrived at the local rock climbing hot spot and set about switching shoes and chalking up ready for a session of bouldering! A lightweight day pack was all it took to transport my kit with me and allow me to combine these two great sports. After 40mins my fingers were ready to fall off, a quick mars and coke (off season init!) and it was time to saddle up once more for the return trail thrash home. So in all a 3hr session and a grin so cheesy it will last until bed time. The only question now is, what shall I do tomorrow???
