My new mountain bike -- Giant XTC Zero

Take a look at this beast -- she's awesome hey! AW Cycles have provided me with this bike to race in the local mtb series.

My next race is the Gorrick MTB Enduro on the 6th May. I'm going to do the 3 lap race with team mate Mark Hutt.

The bike specs:

- FRAME T700 carbon composite
- FORK Fox 32 F80 RL 80mm travel, lock out
- BRAKES Avid Juicy Ultimate with Match Maker, 160mm rotors
- WHEELS Mavic Crossmax SLR UST
- DRIVETRAIN SRAM X.0 27 speed triggers and rear mech

My bike:

Back to racing - Les Ingham RR

This weekend I completed my second race of the season - Les Ingham RR in Blechingly, Surrey.

The goal for this race:
1. complete it for some hard training and (completed)
2. gain any South Eastern Racing League points available. (completed)

The going
I found the race hard. There were many point during the race where I felt like 'packing' and going home. But, I decided that as I'd paid my £15 and I had some goals to achieve I would not give up. As it was many riders had called it a day so even to finish guarenteed some half-descent placing.

I don't quite have the strength yet. I found that my power endurance was also poor. With my weight at a respectable level it had to be the power that I was lacking. I noticed a few time going up some of the little drags that I had no 'jump' either. If the pace was steady then I could hang in there. As soon as someone altered the pace I seemed to start slipping back.

All is not lost
The main thing is I know where I need to improve. This can only come with time. Power will increase once I start some specific sessions. I might even need to do some weight training just to help my left leg catch up?

The BIG ISSUE(S)
Power (Endurance)
Strength

Closing note
I am happy with my progress. I need to stay foccussed on improving. It will come... just a little patience. It's great to be back in the peleton... I still really love the buzz.

Race Stats
Time: 03:42
Distance: 136 km
Ave HR: 160 bpm
Placing: 16th
Winner: Dan Lloyd