It’s a dying art — the good read. I’m guiolty myself of getting less wordy on my own blog as I feel time pressured, but there is a WONDERFUL READ here from 3 Peaks first time Mike Simpson.
Mike and I have raced together in cx National Trophy races many times over the last few years and he’s regularly asked me lots about the race over that time – I knew it was a case of not if but when Mike entered the race.
He’s a hitter too – many national podiums and not just a hitter at cycling – an excellent runner and rower in his day – but blighted by a few injuries as the years wear on.
My respect to Mike for having the discipline to take on a proper ‘exploration’ during his race – beimng harsh on himself about just a solid finish, and – more importantly – being honest about suffereing on the way to ‘even just that’ with that beautiful first-timer’s ‘oh my god’ reaction to how hard this race is and how you can’t just ‘get round’. My particular high point is hearing of Mike’s embracing the pain on PYG …
The steps to the final peak are a fitting torment, I find the hardship invigorating. Back down was the least-hardest descent of the three and a real eye opener to what these 38mm tyres can withstand.
