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so, i've been out for most of the summer post injury after a very truncated but much anticipated epic. but while the injury was niggley what surprised me more was my head. no enthusiasm for the mountain bike whatsoever - the only time i've been out on it was a staggeringly dull day at gt around the time of the tour of britain. i got out on the road bike sure, but not so much and my broken bike is still in the shed untouched from its trip.
eventually ms swiss got in on the act and told me in no uncertain terms to stop fannying about and get more hours on the bike. out with my winter road bike and what do you know, it was okay. then, back on the mountain bike for an easy loop round the lochs. nice.
yesterday tho i got back to one of my usual routes with the guy i normally cycle them with. lovely day, lovely spot. except where were all them skills i once had? no speed, no technique, super ginger over the slidey roots, grabbing bags of brakes and oh yes, there i am in a bush. and again. and again. frightening!
fortunately nil in the way of head weasels. it was great! but i'm astounded yet again that all that hard won fitness and whatnot exists in inverse proportion to the vast drop off in performance if you're away from it for only a few weeks.
still it's my own fault. so i'm off for a night ride this evening. that'll learn me...
[i]no speed, no technique, super ginger over the slidey roots, grabbing bags of brakes and oh yes, there i am in a bush. and again. and again. frightening![/i]
Is this not how most people ride?
if it is then yesterday i was their poster boy!
I've just been out after a lay off of only 5 weeks with injury then illness and I was surprised how much behind the bike I was. I'm normally on it, a few seconds in front of what my wheels are going over and flowing but today.
Bad time of year to be off it. Them roots and rocks that are hiding under the leaves are slipperier than ever.
no speed, no technique, super ginger over the slidey roots, grabbing bags of brakes and oh yes, there i am in a bush. and again. and again. frightening!
Sounds like fun does that!
You never forget how to ride a bike, however time off means the brain needs to catch up.
It's all in the mind.....
Don't worry, it's tough out there this time of year, wet leaves covering wet roots!
i was pleasantly surprised to not be berating myself for it all which is more my usual form. yesterday i had the what route - drop/roll/pussy line - dilemma and accepted the latter without a problem. just being on the bike was enough. and when i got back ms swiss noted the difference immediately - is that a smile on yr face?
Just don't fight it. Enjoy being on the bike. Stay relaxed and smiling. Before you know it you will be as fast as you ever were.