Lots has happened since my last blog. Christmas has been and gone, new year celebrations now seem a distant memory and yet the training has continued...I even managed to lose some weight over the festive period! Now that for anyone who doesn't know me is most definitely a first!
However the really big thing that happened for me, was the announcement in What Mountain Bike's February issue. For anyone who missed it, Red Cloud has got together with the guys and girls at What Mountain Bike to offer readers the chance to join me at the TransRockies. As part of Team What Mountain Bike Red Cloud, the winner will fly to Canada courtesy of Travel Alberta, ride the event with me in custom team kit and even get to choose up to £1000 RRP worth of SRAM goodness for their bikes courtesy of SRAM and Fisher Outdoor Leisure. They will also receive some training guidance from my MTB coach, the one and only Jenny Copnall as well as get the chance to meet and pick the brain of one of the sport's all time greats, Mr Steve Peat.
All of this is in aid of Stay Strong, the foundation set up by ex pro-BMXer Stephen Murray who was tragically paralysed in competition in 2007. More info on the challenge and this great cause can be found at http://staystrong.co.uk/?page_id=1009
So why the TransRockies (TR)?
Well it's simple really. Since its first running ten years ago (2011 marks its tenth anniversary and as such is known for this year as TransRockies X) I, like many other mountain bikers, have been looking across the pond with envious eyes. Taking place in what must be one of the world's most naturally astounding countries for beauty and natural 'ruggedness', the TR is every MTBer's dream. BC and Alberta offer scenic beauty, lung busting climbs, amazing singletrack and some pretty speedy descents. So as an MTBer I always longed to have a go one day.
The problem though was that deep down I always doubted I had the fitness or bike handling skills required. Living in Bedfordshire as I do, I don't have the benefit of mountain ranges to ride on (or hills for that matter..I once saw a hump back bridge that looked a bit testing. I chickened out). However I love riding my bike and the thought of doing it in the legendary TR was a dream I couldn't shake.
Then, in early 2008, I was attending a bike industry trade dinner and I met Stephen Murray's brother. Over the course of that dinner and as Stephen's story was told, I became truly inspired. You couldn't help but be inspired...we all were. Now, at the risk of sounding all 'gushy' here, let me explain.
Stephen Murray was one of the very best in the world of BMX. If you have never seen him in action, please take the time to check out some of his videos on You Tube - a real masterclass of bike control and skill. Even if dirt jumping is not your thing, you cannot help but see the natural talent this guy had.
He had moved to the USA from Newcastle to pursue his dream of competing at the top and, in his time, won just about every competition of note including the X games. He had succeeded in his quest to be the best but this was not going to be the greatest challenge of his life. That was still to come unfortunately.
In 2007, still at the top of his game, Stephen was competing in Baltimore. He started his run and all seemed to be going well - another win seemed on the cards but then disaster struck.
He attempted a double back flip and it went horribly wrong. He crashed heavily and after flatlining twice he awoke in the hospital a week later paralysed from the shoulders down. Now he'd have to start his life over again. Speaking and even breathing was a challenge...this was going to be a hard fight..the toughest he'd faced and one that would last a life time.
Now it's true and has to be said, tragedies like this happen to people all over the world. I wish they didn't, but they unfortunately do. It also has to be said that the injured person is not alone in the pain and the suffering - their friends and family are in it with them. They are hurting too, albeit in a very different way. It impacts everyone around them.
However Stephen's story doesn't stop there. He saw this as his chance to try and make a difference. On the bike he inspired thousands, now off his bike he has the power to inspire millions. He's fighting back. Every day he continues the fight to get himself better and to inspire others in the same situation to do the same. His motto very quickly became the name of the foundation set up for him - Stay Strong. It's not a bad motto to live by...for any of us.
From this very brief overview - and I do strongly recommend you read the whole story on www.staystrong.co.uk - I hope you can see that Stephen's story is one of battling, inspiration and a 'never give up, anything is possible' attitude to life, whatever curve balls get thrown your way.
This attitude to life struck a real chord with me on a personal level. I've never been one to be told I couldn't do something or that a task is impossible. From fighting my own battles with chronic illness as a toddler to proving my old headmaster wrong by passing my Economics A-level when he said I'd be lucky to even get a point for filling my name in correctly (I hated that subject!), I've always loved the challenge of a seemingly impossible task. If someone tells me it can't be done, I want to show them it can be. Therefore, confronting my own personal challenge to help raise awareness and funds for Stephen as he confronted his - albeit a hell of a lot bigger than just a bike race in his case - seemed a good fit.
I want to prove that an average Joe rider can train up and beat the odds in one of the toughest MTB races on earth...and to do that I need to prepare well and hard (fail to prepare and prepare to fail, as they say). But as ever I love the challenge and will give it my all.
So the TransRockies X it is. The challenge has been set. This August I'll be lining up with hundreds of other riders in the beautiful town of Fernie, BC before heading off over 7 days to the destination in Canmore, Alberta. Big climbs, rivers, rocks and the elements await. I've also been told that the local wildlife is 'interesting'...however I will be doing all I can to not get close enough to find out (in Bedfordshire we have the odd kamikaze squirrel that attacks your bike...maybe an agitated swan on a really bad day...but certainly no bears!).
The training is well underway and day by day I can feel the strength increasing in my legs. I am lucky to have a great fitness coach in Jenny Copnall and the plan she has put together will stand me in really good stead. I am also lucky to have an understanding fiancee who encourages me to get out and train (hang on a minute...thinking about it, she always seems very keen to get me out the house...is there something I should know dear?!). The rest is down to me...and my partner.
Yes, the TR is a team race - hence the search for a partner in What MTB who shares the same sense of challenge and determination to succeed. In training and in the race, that partner and I whoever he or she may be, will be family. We will support each other, encourage each other and push each other as the doubts creep in - which they undoubtedly will from time to time. Neither of us will face the challenge alone. From selection to the finisher's banquet in Canmore, we'll be in it together.
So what else is there to say but a HUGE thank you to the supporters and sponsors that have made this possible - to the TransRockies X organisers, to Travel Alberta, to SRAM, to Jenny Copnall and to Steve Peat - thank you all so very, very much.
Over the coming months I'll keep you updated on training progress, my team mate and his/her training, kit selection (a lovely new bike is heading my way, but more of that next time) and progress up to and including the race week itself.
Other updates will appear on www.bikeradar.com, www.redcloudmc.com and of course www.staystrong.co.uk
It's going to be huge...and I can't wait. Here's to Canada. Bring on the Rockies!
Cheers
Mark
