As is always the case I have yet to find a title for this one but I’m sure it’ll come to me sooner or later!
I’m currently writing this whilst having an easier day on the bike ahead of another attempt at Sa Calobra tomorrow!
Since coming back from Majorca in February I’ve been toying with some different sweet spot, threshold and V02 sessions. These sessions will soon be delivered to my #hashtagcoaching athletes in the very near future! In between these sessions there’s been some low level Z1/2 sessions of no more than 90 minutes and a big ride, usually a century thrown in at the weekend.
These long Sunday rides mainly consist of getting up early and knocking out 50 miles before joining onto a local club ride for a social 50 miles before heading home.
The dynamics of the club ride are quite varied, from strong experienced riders to first-time group riders and also the occasional complete newbie. Me being me, I’m always happy to help the uninitiated ride close-quarters in a group and get comfortable sitting on wheels etc. When someone’s not pulling through I’ll wait a bit and then look back to see if they’re struggling or simply letting a wheel go for someone to fill it. Pretty often I’ll jump in and do than my fair share at the front – it turns out this ride you’re not allowed to do that & I got shouted at for doing so 🙁
In all my 40+ years of riding I’ve never been shouted at for doing more turns on the front – it is what it is i guess so I’ll just sit at the back and take tickets then shall I?
Interestingly enough, the same rider voiced their opinion about my injury last year which I was so surprised by I simply couldn’t give an answer. They thought I was faking my injury after getting a good result at a local time trial. I told Suzy when I got home that day – she was incensed!
To be honest I was just thinking it was a sign of their limitations, not mine. But Suzy thought it was more of a direct attack on my character – I can see that now.
Moving forwards to this year, this person is now of the opinion I’m only a good bike rider because I’ve got nothing else to do except train! Yet again – another assumption by someone who doesn’t have all the facts to hand and chooses to voice it!
The various Mel Robbins books, the sports psychology book, self help books, endless podcasts and resources I’ve studied recently to become a better coach – a better person have led me to the fact that there are always people in this world that jump to opinions, that choose to believe a lie as it suits their narrative, that are complicit with others’ views as it fits their agenda.
The people whose opinions and views matter have been those who’ve been around my life since that fateful day. My circle of friends, family and other supportive athletes have helped my physical and mental rehabilitation journey through the tough times when I was told I might never get to ride a bike again.
I’ve no doubt said it before, the so-called “friends” who promised the world and never turned up when needed, gave me a hard lesson in life. It does make me look back with a little bit of regret and sadness but it is what it is – I wouldn’t change it for the world as it’s shown their true colours.
Disappointing to see them show me very little respect these days, I guess the hard, hateful exterior hides a sense of guilt. Or maybe they really are hard-ass and do not give a damn that their old cycling friend actually went under the wheels of a van a few years ago and an inch either way I might not even be here!
The “helicopter” view as Steve Peters, British Cycling’s psychologist calls it, is to step above situations like this and see it for what it is, instead of reacting emotionally to it. Instead of saying “why me”, the question to ask is “what is this teaching me”.
Moving on!
Back to Majorca, and the first week I was back to my third cycling camp with Sa Calobra Cycling Club in Pollensa whilst Suzy stayed in Alcudia for work and a peaceful week without me!
The weather could’ve been better as it rained on day one and it was so cold my glutes were actually cramping with cold whilst I was riding. On a very wet ascent of Sa Batalla I attempted a FTP test, just like previous years, but (just like previous times) I started too hard and blew up before the top of the climb! A slightly skewed result but hey ho!
Day 2 saw a trip to Randa & San Salvador where I picked up all-time personal bests on each climb!
Day 3 was the queen stage where I was looking to pick up some more PR’s which I did despite rain & cold again. The highlight was hitting Puig Major from the Soller side in 55 minutes which takes 5 minutes off my lifetime best.
Day 4 was a cafe ride to Cycling Planet and it was with this ride, riding on the flat, in the wheels of others, I knew I was poorly from the previous days’ effects.
Day 5 was the classic Lighthouse ride where I decided to go easy on myself and ride with the stragglers and give them some company and support.
Day 6 was the Sa Calobra TT and it was clear I hadn’t recovered from my illness the past two days with a hard ascent, finishing in a time 13 seconds off my camp time in 2024.
I came across the line in 9th place (out of 12) where I expected a top-5 at least so a little bit of sadness to finish the week.
Post Camp, Aurélien, the camp ride leader thanked me personally for my assistance in helping first-timers at the camp, going back down climbs to help the slower riders up and generally for adding my enthusiasm to the camp – he didn’t need to do that but I am quite proud he took time out to say that.
Again, a major difference in the person I once was and the person I’ve become.
On the last night Aurélien invited Suzy over to the presentation evening and with that I left with her later that evening instead of traditionally leaving on the morning of Day 7.
Back to “normality” in Alcudia and whilst Suzy works I’m left to my own devices to go out riding. I’ve put in a few big rides and today I’m taking things a bit easier before heading to Sa Calobra tomorrow morning – wish me luck! 🍀
That’s it for now – except the fact we are being joined by another 18 athletes in just over a week’s time. some of them are #hashtagcoaching athletes and others are their family & friends. This is all Suzy’s idea and she has organised it from start to finish.
A good circle of like-minded friends 💙
Adios!