Kielder TT March 29th 2015

The second Northern Downhill TT race was held in Kielder on 29th March. I'd never been to Kielder, but fortunately we were in the area two weeks before the race so called in. I am so glad we did because at first I felt quite intimidated by the track. We had planned to spend a bit of time practicing but we spent most of the day trying to find it, so by the time we got there light was on it's way out! Ooops. Don't think we were the only ones to make that mistake either! 

I walked the track first and just got the fear at a section with a tricky root. On it's own the root would not have been so bad, but it fed into a steepish muddy chute with a sharp turn and a drop on the exit. The drop would have been fine too, but mixed together I found it really intimidating. I had quite a few attempts trying to nail it, finding I kept going straight into the bank on the other side and shouting about how scared I was!

Eventually after having a word with myself I successfully cleared the root and the sharp turn, 

then I tried again and managed to link it all up, 

I have to admit to doing a little dance of joy!

I then did it another 5 times to make sure I was comfortable with it, but this meant we only had time to do one full run, so I wasn't as ready for race day as I'd hoped.  

I am not sure if it was the root or the fact that it was steeper and more technical than Chopwell, but I was really nervous leading up to the race. I think I also put pressure on myself to do well having taken a 3rd at Chopwell. But actually when I stopped to think about it, I realised I was just so happy to be able to ride down the track after my initial reaction and knowing that this time last year I would not have been able to do it at all.

Photo by Zach Robson

On the day I did two practice runs, both times clearing the root but realising I had been focusing on that small section so much I hadn't really thought about the rest of the track. I did not get on with the jumps at the bottom and need to improve my jumping!

 My second practice was fairly smooth, but for some reason I was holding back and couldn't really go for it. Time for the first race run came around and standing at the top was the first time all the girls had been together, and it was fantastic support and great to see everyone.

Photo by John Latham

My first race run was brilliant because I cleared the root and made it down ok, but I did not feel like I was on race form. Sometimes knowing I'm a single mum with two small boys to look after makes me wonder what I'm doing as the last thing I can do is hurt myself. How would I look after them? But whilst this is a genuine concern, even if I wasn't a mother I think I would still feel the same. Its just the general fear of racing DH, even if it is a mini DH.

The whole thought process is a really negative spiral and often gets hold of me, as I'm sure it does to others. When it does, if I can pluck up the courage to ride, I find that I ride within my comfort zone and always in control without pushing any limits. And whilst I am battling with it inside, my confidence vanishes for a while. Instead of letting the negativity in I try to remember why I'm doing it and that just being there is enough, I just have to be the best I can be and to enjoy the ride without pressure. Easier said than done with my competitive nature!

To help I bought an Evoc Protection vest to help with the confidence and reduce risks and wore it for the first time at Kielder. More about this in my next blog....

The second race run went well and it was fantastic to be cheered on by fellow lady riders who had come to support us, it makes such a difference. Although I didn't know they were there so I wondered who on earth the crowd of ladies were shouting my name!

One of them took this brilliant video clip, thanks Sarah!!

I managed the root section again and thought I had put in a much faster time, but only improved by 1 second. But amazingly it was enough to put me in second place! Amazeballs!

Mellisa who took the win was 6 seconds in front and even if I had been on a full confidence day, I doubt I would have made up that time. And I was just lucky to be able to pull a few seconds in front of the rapid lady Lauren who was hot on my heels.

And being second was perfect because I won an awesome bike pump thanks to NDH and their sponsors, which is a piece of kit I actually really needed! 

The next and final TT for this season is in Hamsterly on 19th April  and a record number of girls have entered which is amazing!! I'm really looking forward to the atmosphere and racing with over 20 ladies! The growing support and community I have entered this year is amazing and I'm loving every minute. If you are thinking of entering but have never raced I would say enter this one! You can enter here at Northern Downhill.com

For lots of girls it will be their first race and the support you will receive from everyone on the day and before via social media is huge. Even if you are on your own, contact the other girls via facebook and you won't be on your own for long!

So for me, I need to work on the confidence.........oh and all the other skills with a bit of help from Roots Mountain Biking!