First blog of the 2011 season, I will start with a little bit about whats been happening up here in Preston.
Uni is going good, really enjoying the 2nd year with more technical work its really interesting. But bloody hell its going quick, it doesn't seem like 5 min ago I was just moving my stuff in as a fresher.
The roads here are fantastic for training, I am continuing to find new roads over Bowland, the Lakes and even getting into the Yorkshire Dales. Having my first proper winter bike to has made winter training a lot nicer. My Langdale Lombardy is such a nice bike to ride over all the fells come rain or shine.
We were lucky up here not to get snow (think we only got 2 bad days) on the really frozen days I have been doing a bit of mountain biking, a good laugh with mates and definitely breaks up the monotony of winter road miles.
I have also been doing more gym work to help build good core stability and also using free weights to develop raw power. Not long now to see if its all paid off!
Living close to Manchester has enabled me to race the Tuesday night Premier Track League at the Velodrome. A great chilled out programme with fast racing has helped me getting a few decent efforts out, as I can't really be bothered on a turbo session. This track time and the results at the Velodrome has given me a new excitement for track racing, so watch this space!!
My 10 minute challenge on the Elite Real Tour Turbo Trainer, is here www.langdalelightweights.co.uk/Turbo_Trainers.htm on the difficult Bardolino-Verona course.
I would also like to mention a top mate from up here, Lewis Balyckyi, who was a great lad on those long 6hr winter rides, or the crazy mountain bike rides and sitting with coffee in Scorton cafe. So many good times had and plenty of funny stories. Who was sadly taken from this life after being hit by a Ford Transit van whilst out on his bike on January 18th 2011.
Definitely not the same on the bike with out you mate.
Definitely not the same on the bike with out you mate.
Sleep Tight
RIP
Lewis Balyckyi
Looking forward to getting back home to Nottingham in a few weeks and see how the shop re-development has gone.
Keep checking back to follow me and the team as the season gets underway.
Matt
