SpoonBoy

Many years ago even, before Craig Gordon walked away with his now infamous title win, I had set the goal of qualifying for and competing in the Elite Category of the World Solo 24hrs mountain bike championships.  While I did not have the best of races, in 2008 I realised that goal with a trip to Canmore in Canada but despite a subsequent win at the sydney 12hr was left feeling in some ways “what next”.

Fate would force her hand for me early with an ill timed wheel clip keeping me off the bike for over 4 months.   The year nearly over, I feel I can still rack up an impressive list of accomplishments, from building up the NSW XC state Series to the largest it’s been in over 6 years, to being part of the Support team for both Jason English and Jessica Douglas clocking up an Elite Mens Australian and World 24hr Championship titles, and Elite Womens win at the Scott 24hr, And of course simply being stoked to being back on the bike, tackling everything from tough 100k races, 100milers and 24hr races since!

In my last post talked about re-inventing the experience all over again, and that hasn’t even looked like petering out.  Every time I get on a bike at the moment I’m having a ball! Riding bikes is fun! and all it took was 4months off to re-discover this!

So what is next? well you will notice the world solo championships countdown affixed proudly on my title banner.   With the championships coming down under and qualification well in the hand it was definitely a race I can not miss.  Throw in a couple of 12hrs,  100k races, the odd 12hr and another State XC series to organise, I’m going to have a very busy year.

I have also enlisted the services of one Mr Fenner.M to help with a plan for the rest of the year.   I’m hoping with a little guidance I can not only avoid burnout as I had in ‘08 but also to keep things fun an interesting while still getting the most out of my time.    Mark has been getting some great results with guys, including my mate J-Mac who’s now chomping at the bit of some the fastest enduro racers in the country!  so it was time to give him a call :)

And then who knows?  I’ve not forgotten my Project Levi  and I’m yet to race in New Zealand despite it being barely a few hours flight from home.   With the Single Speed worlds in Rotorua next year, maybe there’s an opportunity staring at me in the face!!

We’ll see ;)

Happy Trails!

Cheers
Craig