Jul 29, 2009 at 14:26
52 weeks - My Journey to The Mega Avalanche So I have decided to set myself a challenge – I am sure to some this may sound weird and to some of you just plain odd, but I am going to challenge myself for the next 52 weeks to Train hard physically, Mentally and Spiritually for competing in the
Mega Avalanche 2010.
52 weeks - The Journey to Mega Avalanche 2010
I recently crashed pretty hard and my Brake lever gave me some beautiful stitches after disappearing into my thigh after a bad landing of a step down! I was inspired after this crash to pursue a dream I have had for a number of years.So I have decided to set myself a challenge – I am sure to some this may sound weird and to some of you just plain odd, but I am going to challenge myself for the next 52 weeks to Train hard physically, Mentally and Spiritually for competing in the Mega Avalanche 2010.
Specific Aims
To Train and work hard for 52 weeks so I am able to compete in the 2010 Mega Avalanche at a competent level of fitness.
Create a weekly Blog and 52 week Video Documentary showing how I am preparing for this challenge in all aspects of my life
Make some new friends along the way and perhaps obtain some shop or company sponsorship support in what I am attempting.
Raise £1000 for the Charity organization – A21 - http://www.thea21campaign.org/index.php/en/home
Raise £1000 for the Charity organization – AUDACIOUS - http://www.liveaudacious.com/
Not neglect my Family, Church, Band, Friends and other commitments while striving to reach this Goal
My background
In 1990 I began riding at Nantmawr Quarry with a group of friends – We had a lot of fun but it quickly developed into a venue for Races and Paul Hinton master classes. Around us developed a playground with free unlimited access to all locals!
In 1994 I began racing for Pearce cycles and supported by Orange, Continental and max pro grips – after a couple of 2nd places at Tatton Park in Manchester. I then raced until 1999 in local and national races attempting to make a career from the sport in all disciplines XC, DH and Dual Slalom – I was never the best nationally but I was always in and around the top ten and training harder every year for my age class.
In 1999 in my winter training I became the Midlands Cyclo-cross champion – My first ever overall series win on any type of bike! I had felt the winter training had prepared me well for the 1999 season – but I dint realize it would be my last!
In the summer of 1999 I would crash on a Large Dirt Jump and injure myself to the point of Fear of returning to the sport – I had 2 Hair line fractures through all of my vertebrae, Bruised heart, lungs and abdominals, several small pieces of bone broke off in my eyebrow and the rear of my skull and a few other things to boot.
In 2008 I bought a bike for my wife and I, 4 weeks in – they were stolen and our insurance replaced them - I then decided to buy a DH bike, but after a scam artist called Skindog – He robbed me of £650 off a purchase of a stinky via Pinkbike classifieds – my return to the sport seemed to move further away
In 2009 I am now the owner of some awesome Rigs thanks to some blessings and hard work, and it’s time to get ripping!
At Present
Life is good, but tough at the minute. But good stuff, I am married to my amazing wife Julia and I have an awesome son called Elijah who is 15mths old. I work as a youth pastor and In September I will become a house dad and freelance youth worker and evangelist.
I have not trained since 1999 and I am currently very unfit!
My embarrassing stats at present are a ridiculous - 15stone in weight , 38/40 inch waist and I wear XL T shirts!
Equipment
I am beginning my Journey with zero sponsors using a 2003 Patriot, 2004 P1 and a 1997 Kona Hahanna – I am sure gear may die or need upgrading so I will use what I can get and afford!
So what happens next!
I start my training tomorrow! I will update this thread weekly with my progress and Training Diary and every Sunday I will upload the Next section of the 52 weeks documentary!
First Video section for “52 weeks” will be available this Sunday on my profile!
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