http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OSDKftDvFY
Recovery ride round two…
I am a firm believer that Mountain Bike Marathon racing and Mountain Bike Stage Racing are some of the best sports in the world. That is why it is so easy to dedicate a lot of my year to pursuing races that I have heard about, or yearn to do again. The places you go, the people you meet, and the things you learn about yourself – they are all priceless.
But at the heart of it, there is not only a passion for bike racing, but for travel and new experiences. And when possible, meeting up with friends new and old.
This current week has presented many dilemma’s. On the face of it, it is pure Dream Living. I raced the Grand Raid Cristalp in the Valais region. Then I ‘raced’ across Switzerland via a mountainous route, so I could go riding with Garry Millburn in Livigno the next day. Following that, it was back into a tiny corner of the Graubunden region for the upcoming National Park Bike Marathon. The sun hasn’t stopped shining. The trails are in perfect condition. Garry shouted the Limoncillo.
What this all doesn’t touch on is trying to get the right mix of recovery and preparation when the Grand Raid and the National Park Bike Marathon are only the first two races of a confirmed 3 weekend, but potential 5 weekend block of endurance racing. The Kielder 100 is around the corner, then the Bottlebutt 100 back in Australia (jet lag depending). After this Chocolate Foot has the next round of their endurance series at Mt Annan.
Multiple hours driving from the Valais to Livigno, with an overnight stop in Valbella was a bit tough. Unshowered, underfed and dehydrated, it wasn’t a great move. A Rucola pizza and macchiatto with Garry and Fiona in Livigno helped matters. But the pain in my legs as we ascended first Passo Eira, then Passo Fraele, Val Mora, Alpisella and back to Livigno made for an arduous but fantastic ‘recovery’ ride.
And now in the Val Mustair I really have to think about what I’m doing. While here (or nearby, in Scuol and Pontresina) in late June – I had an objective. At the time I wasn’t even sure I could ride big days in the mountains, and set out to see whether I could do so, and back them up. It made for a big block, but I wasn’t racing for another 3 weeks at that point. It was physical and mental strength in the bank. In August, the conditions here are stunning. Trails are dry, well maintained, and it’s in the mid 20’s celsius. All the rifugio’s are open if you need a quick espresso, some Haribo or torte to keep going.
The hard part is holding back. I set myself to task today, with a blast over the Doss Radond, through the Val Mora (part of the NP BIke Marathon route), and then up to the Bochetta di Forcola via Cancano and the Bochetta di Pedenolo. From here it was a glorious singletrack descent to the Umbrai Pass, and a 1200m road bomb back home. About 3h30 riding, 2100m climbing and 70 odd kilometres. It felt like I was on top of this part of the Alps, with views to the Stelvio and ranges beyond. More trails linked off in a variety of directions. Ones I haven’t seen before. Ones that look exposed but very much possible from across a valley.
What doesn’t kill you makes you cooler, but I had to keep on track. I am by no means fresh, and 139km in rain and cold(not a favourable forecast at the moment) this weekend is going to need a bit more recuperation. But it’s Tuesday evening. The NP Bike Marathon is on Saturday. Surely I can have another good mountain ride tomorrow. I know I’m going to struggle for choice – but that can only be a good thing, surely? Decision making on these in-between days can be hard!