This has been a really good thread. Good luck OP.

I’ve been on Sertraline for something like 5 years. The peaky – troughy comment was informative as that is certainly how I feel sometimes. And don’t mention the weight gain, I’ve gone from a 73kg racing snake to 80kg mamil (granted 80kg is not heavy as such but I do find it really hard to control my weight). I can read and enjoy a book, but do find it hard to stay focused on TV (I blame the quality of programmes tbh). I have also learnt to talk about my feelings (still really hard but I try) with the people that matter to me.

When I look back at my behaviour pre S, I was just an angry little bastard: at work, on the bike, at home, everywhere. I **** hated even the smallest most insignificant thing, something that now does not even register on my radar. For me this is a definite plus, I don’t get aggressive with my family but can enjoy myself with them.

When I was at my lowest point my marriage was on a knife edge and genuinely don’t think I would have coped with losing my wife and kids.

I’d replace the freehub. But if you decide to rebuild let me know as I would be interested in the newmen hub

I’ve had a few tactical dismounts on the road bike, the worst I left a load of skin on a road in Somerset. The event medics cleaned it up and I had the pleasure of a shower and sponge to thoroughly clean as well. After a few weeks the wound was weeping, felt warm and a gentle throb. Trip to the docs confirmed it was infected and prescribed a/biotics.

Get it checked would be my reccomendation. Go to minor injuries clinic or docs. If its infected it will only get worse, if it isn’t that’s great but you’ve checked.

Dr Ernie is a proper magpie. Whilst finishing her PhD, she worked pt in a jewelry shop and spent several hours learning the stock. £1k won’t buy loads in terms of size/quality. She thinks, look at emerald, star sapphires etc. Depends what style/colours Mrs WCA likes? Will it be something to wear daily or occasional wear?

Just flipping brilliant 👏
I can’t stay up on a school night, but bbc created iplayer for precisely these scenarios

I made the mistake of selling my mtb in January 2019, the replacement was put on order and has been since. Lesson to learn: don’t sell your mtb before a global pandemic.

Anyways, this left me with a cx bike and a road bike. The cx bike had been a whim. Barely used, not appreciated. Que rhe pandemic and its been my default. I love it. Its really comfy on the crappy roads, if when I’m out riding I see a trail that looks interesting, I ride it. I’ve ridden on the Surrey Hills, some of the Ridgeway, canal path, local woody rooty singletrack, isle of Wight, its great.

But this is a cx bike. Probably different to a gravel bike;-)

I stand corrected, 599 for the last 2min. Still, crikey.

Ganna:590w for 8m47s. Crikey

Apparently his value as a rider allowed him to dictate his calendar (I guess to a degree). To date, he has certainly proven his worth and lived up to expectation.

It’s worth nothing that although the field was not stacked, Carod did finish 3rd at the 2020 World champs, so he’s definitely handy in the bike. However, you can never tell riders form until WC day.

The coverage on swiss sport was limited, if you are able to find it, have a look at the helmet cam videos. There were some technical elements in there. I can’t help but think that the initial climb really suited Tom, he can’t weigh much?

Nice psa @garlando. Its going to be an epic race!

I didn’t know berd work on pretty much anything. So in theory I could upgrade my spokes at a later point? If so, I could be in with a shout of 1100g wheels:-)

There’s a new company called pirope making very similar spokes. They look pretty impressive and if I had the money would be very tempted.

I would think it depends on the size and weight of the structure along with sub soil. I’m finishing off a 5x4m SIP panelled ‘shed’, we went for a skim dig to create rough level base, shutter, DPM and steel mesh. Pin piles were considered but due to unknown sub soil we went for the slab. Cement was delivered; which for the volume was worth paying for: trying to mix, transport and spread the required volume would be a massive pita (and a back breaker).

On the flip side, for the shed (~2x3m) I went for a simple sand/breeze block/DPM foundation which has worked fine.

One thing for certain; I will not be the one to be knocking out the slab if my decides its in the wrong spot!

My SIL is a senior sports physiologist. I asked her about creatine a few years ago. Her advice; no point unless you need to build muscle for short sharp efforts.

They are motorbikes.
The Suron website sells them as electric motorbikes.
There isn’t a question over this and so by law you cannot use them on bridleways. End of.
I could throw an insulting name in here but think most have this covered.

@anagallis_arvensis they don’t even classify as retro bikes!

I’ve entered. Vets was full so I’m jn elite. The new bike has not arrived so its looking like I have a choice between:
a) not racing (meh)
b) racing on the cx bike
c) racing in my wife’s 2003 Specialised Rock hopper.

I didn’t take a language at school; I’m sure it was compulsory but I hated French and Spanish and struggled with pronunciation. Did this hamper me? No, I have a BSc and MRes and a job i love (not in science). However, my wife (also a scientist: BSc,MSc and PhD) now works for an international organisation. She almost landed a job a job in Suisse and I joined her over there on a recce. I’ve never felt so embarrassed and ignorant. Yes, 90% spoke pretty English (and French and german). But why don’t we? Why do the English just not care? As a parent I encourage my two girls to take a language and we already mix in German and French at home, when they choose their GSCEs i would be disappointed if they didn’t choose a language. Its a big world out there and being able to improve your chance of communicating in it has got to be good hasn’t it?

I’ve had a 59 plate V70 for 3 years now. To be blunt: I love it. I can get a 29er in the boot with the wheels off. Can go kn long weekends with the family (all luggage and bike in the boot). For me, it drives well, economic (2l td) and is sooo comfy. I haven’t been found wanting for awd or the xc series, if I dk change it will be because I want to rather than need to. Service costs are fine (local garage), tyres ~£100 for mid range. Did I say how comfy it is?

So, in an effort to take one thing of my mind I signed up to TR back in September. Based on my training background I went with the high volume full plan (based on peaking for 2021 races that continually shift). Volume wise I can manage it without too much trouble. What strikes me as weird are:
a) The Ramp test based FTP is lower than my 20min FTP results
b) Every Ramp test result since Sept has resulted in a drop in FTP.
A slight reduction I could accept based on periodisation. I’ve looked back at fatigue levels and see no indications of over training. I’m sticking with TR for now as it does still take my mind of planning my training, gives structure, etc. Plus I’m thinking of the bigger picture i.e. will my physiological profile be better come race day?

Q. Has any long term user of TR come across a similar efect?

Hi
Sorry to hear you herniated the C4/C5. Almost 2yrs ago I herniated the C5/C6. My doctor diagnosed me (pins and needles in thumb/forefinger, weakness on right shoulder/arm, aching arm etc), this was confirmed by an MRI. Riding for me was painful and uncomfortable, be it on road, cx bike or mtb. The mtb was certainly better, but the numbness and pins and needles killed it for me. Fortunately I had private health insurance and was referred to physio which helped but did not solve the issue. This was supported by two steroid injections into the spine (that was interesting experience) and eventually surgery where a groove was carved in my spine to provide space for the nerve (the disc was in good shape so a replacement was determined un necessary). After 5 days I was back riding and felt great. I was scared as hell of surgery, but for me it was the right option.
Not sure it that helps or not, if you have any questions feel free to ask.

One and only race entered this year: Battle on the Beach. Race is on the 7th April and on the 8th I booked in for an operation to fix my slipped disc. What could go wrong?

On my way to winning the BUSA XC championships in 2005

Grand Budapest Hotel – I challenge you not to enjoy it

At the start of September I was getting keen to start planning my training blocks to Xmas, I was quite keen on a decent Autumn training block. Then I slipped a disc (swimming with my daughter  ffs); on the plus physio is working well and thanks to private health insurance I am seeing a consultant next week ref possible mri.  I’m also able to ride on the turbo again, the downer is tbis has highlighted another issue: elevated heart rate and lack of power. It seems that it now requires my ticky ticker to work at 155bpm to put out 250w and after 40min I’m mega f@#ked! My ftp normally/used to/never will be again 375.  Somethings up and I don’t know what. I’m thinking another trip to the GP is in order to begin trying to explain the symptoms and give suggestions other than ‘rest’. Until this is sorted racing off.

Wow, this got me thinking:

Njee – before we both got kids and riding time became rare

Atherton brothers – rode with them a few times back in Somerset. Actually got my arse kicked by them but ya know….

Anthony Kappes, Neil Fachie  – piloted a tandem for them on various training camps. Rode with a load of other paralympians; I learnt a valuable lesson with these dudes!

Steve Bate – piloted a tandem when he was being tested for team GB worthiness. He was, I had a family (and so wasn’t)

My Renvale RT team mates – we’re friends and have really helped each other through some tough times.

Ben Greenwood – this kid was an amazing rider. If he had arrived a few years later than he did I would be amazed if he hadn’t ended up in the Pro Tour.

Well my last planned race of the season didn’t go so well. The central series has actually been really quite good. The last round was a great fun course, in the dry it had almost 20cm of loan in places which made it great fun! Give them a try next year.

My race? Well, asthma defeated me again. I rode 4 laps and strugged every pedal stroke. Races are hard enough without having to struggle to breath. That’s me done.  Roll on 2019 and perhaps some big life changes.

Try looking and putting a post on the pinkbike forum. There are threads for riders in specific regions/ countries and from looking people seem about the riding and not ridiculing.

Good luck and enjoy CO.  It is fantastic riding

@ mccraque  I’m sure it wasn’t.  The circumstances were bizzare as you said, no one around us, straight open field and whomp I’m lying on the floor. Nothing broken so alls good.

Well that was a toughie!  After crashing my tits off last year I wanted to a) keep it rubber side down and b) complete for the win in the mens pairs.

My usual partner Stephen James had messed his knee up (thats Ride London for you!) so team mate Rich Jones subbed in.  I voluneteered him to ride the first lap and he duelly delivered a fast lap, sending me out as leader of the race.  I won’t lie, the first lap was tough.  I rode with the leading solo riders (how the hell they maintain that pace for 6hr I do not know) putting in a steady lap in the greasy conditions. I kept it upright and sent Rich out and maintaining our lead.

By lap 4 we held a narrow 1min lead.  This resulted in much stress when encountering lapped riders; deep breaths and calmly asking for passing space.  I did feel stressed when a few riders completely failed to yield , but ya know …its racing.  Rich was doing a fantastic job of consolidating our lead whilst I was doing a fantastic job of giving it away.  Lap 6 and we held less than 1 min.  This was tight.

Into my penultimate lap and the second place team were ~30s behind.  I could see them behind me on the long first climb.  It was at this point I had perhaps the worst moment ever in a race; as I joined the course another rider joined behind me. He then sprinted past me and swerved hard across me taking out my front wheel leaving me on the ground.  There was no reason for it other than a deliberate action to take me out! I was completly dumb struck that someone could deliberatly take out another rider.  Back on the bike I rode passed him, gave him a ‘you dumb f##k’ look and left him for dead.

Into the last lap: legs are fecked! I’m riding on the tight rope between cramp and speed.  Everytime I’m out of the saddle my legs start to sieze and scream in pain.  Climbing back out of the University section my legs are spasming, I make it clean up the climb and know there is just one long drag and then DH to the finish.  On the drag I keep checking for second place but I’m clear.  Start the DH, keep it clean, no mistakes, into the arena and I’m done; crossing the line with the arms held high.  I was beyound elated to win this race again.

It really is one of the best races of the year…and one day I will make it to the after race drinks!

@mccraque I was the dick head who crash at the far end of the course. Medics, paramedics, A&E triage nurse, A&E doctor all said ‘you’re staying here tonight cause you’ve broken your femur’.   The x-rays proved that I had actually just bruised myself and needed a dose of mtfu.  It was an impressive bruise though. And yes, you can all laugh at me now.

Me me me! Male pairs riding for Renvale RT. Riding very Orange Trek Top Fuel and very very Orange socks.  Hoping to not end up in A&E this year

Well that was as hard as nails. Anyone who completed – really well done.  I started to cramp up on Leigh Hill and basically managed to survive until the end, coming in 4hr6min.  I’m still washing grit out of my eyes

Biggest problem for me last year was water. I was in the front group, didn’t want to stop for water and loose my position – what do you do?  I ran out of water on Box Hill and fortunately I was handed a bottle by a spectator supporting some of his team mates.  Will go with two 750ml bottles this year with a 750ml evian (or similar) in a back pocket.  Also aim to get a decent saddle bag for tools/tubes and frame pump mount so only food and water are in my jersey pockets.  Hopefully the weather holds up and it will be super fast, I completed in 3hr58 in 2017 and want to go <3hr55 this year but this really depends on who else is pushing the pace in the group.  We’ve got five riders in the  Renvale RT riding so should be a good crack!

Wow my legs hurt after hacking around Phoenix Bike Park!

Last weekend I tried racing again at the central race at Black Park. To cut a long story short I came second behind Ade Lansley.  I was happy and hoping for a good ride at the National.

Tuesday the race detail arrived and I had an (expected) poo gridding (I guess this happens when you don’t race). I lined up second row from the back with 7 laps to make time. Gun goes and off we go. I made up some positions on the starting charge and then hit the single rack and the procession began. On lap 4 I made contact with a group of two fighting for 5th/6th. I pulled and attacked, led out the last lap only to get passed on the final rocky climb, I just didn’ have the legs to regain that position. So 6th place it is. I’m very chuffed. As I’ve said before, after all the asthma issues i had last year I’m just happy to be able to ride let alone race and finish close to the pointy end.

The course was cool to race but boring to ride. Very close racing  and as I got told a whole ago; nationals you are racing the series, not a one off race. The drops were sometimes intimidating and certainly helped decide the results. I know what I need to train now and hopefully a better gridding and a result is on the cards at the national champs.

I’ now recovering with a glass of wine in the garden and trying not to think about getting up for work tomorrow.

Last year was my first time, I loved it mostly but it did remind me how much you need (should) concentrate in a road race. My top tips:

1. Lots of people out there with varying levels of skill/ awareness.

2. Plan ahead, know where your staying, where your parking, what food you’re taking etc a few days before.

3. Take loo roll with you for start line poo

4. Run tubelss or get inner tubes with removable valve cores and stick some sealant in (works for me)

5. Don’t drink half a bottle of wine, two beers and two do me whiskeys the night before. I did and it’s embarssing puking charging through London at 30mph

6. Enjoy it. Ridjng through London with no traffic is a joy, the sights are great and everyone is really friendly and supportive

2018 racing takes another delay. I have Scarlett Fever. Bang goes the southern regional champs and my plan of getting a demo good gridding for the national champs

Nice ride R8.  Great to hear you had a great battle…and won!

@crosshair My second coach was fantastic for being available for tailoring the plan to fit me.  Being a Prof, training athletes was an opportunity to test theory in the real world (he would tell us when he did).  With five years coaching plans under my belt I know what works and can now happily chop and change as the mood suits me.  If I were to get a coach again, I would only go the way of someone who can give me a plan that fits me and my life, not a generic off the shelf plan.  As you said, a coach should prescribe a plan to fit you, your strengths/weaknesses and more importantly, for those of us who this is just a hobby fit it into the hours we have available.
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@Kyton57 I can feel the pain you are going through:  I spent close to 5 years being coached, 2yr by the head coach for British Cycling Paralympic programme and 3yr by a professor in sports physiology.  The experience taught me some valuable lessons: coaching is as much trial and error as it is science and trying to replicate what works one week may not work another.  Even more so when you throw in all the ‘noise’ created by life outside of riding (work, kids, social life, etc.).  Under both coaches I did reach my mental limit; which resulted in me spending time away from a training plan and spending time just enjoying riding.  This may have been triggered by anything from a bad result or not hitting the power zones in successive days. Coaching is all about pushing your body and mind.  I really think it is often forgotten how mentally taxing training can be and coaches need feedback to be aware of this.

Fast forward a few years and I am now coach free but use all that experience to self coach, its working I think.

@rollindoughnut good ride!  That should help the gridding for  future rounds.

I managed to make myself sick through coughing which wasn’t nice.  That justified to me that racing wasn’t a good plan and to the Doctors that I needed antibiotics.