With planning well advanced for 2013, time to take stock and review 2012.  A few themes and thank yous. First the themes.

What works

Coaching. Kate Potter of AQR Coaching kindly provided me with a programme (in lieu of a donation) for my 2011 adventure Raid Alpine.  We switched to a more commercial relationship for 2012. Kate, her husband Ian and Anne Dickin’s holistic style of coaching covering training programmes, nutrition, rest, mental training, technique, bike fit, core strength etc meant I was physically and mentally prepared for my challenges and did not lose a single day due to injury, illness or exhaustion. How good is that...

Joining a club. Thanks to Cappuccino Cycling Club for companionship, expertise and amusement. It would have been impossible for me to do what I did without their support.

Eating right.  Having lost 14kg in 2011, my weight stabilised at 83-84 kg in 2012 and instead focused on eating well and recovery.  Our Carr Farm eggs featuring highly!

What doesn’t work

Second hand carbon bikes. Two broke on me this year and I was unbelievably fortunate to get both replaced on warranties - thank you Cervélo and Marek at JD Cycles in Ilkley and Specialized and Will at the Specialized Concept Store in Harrogate.

The Main Target 2012 - La Marmotte

A brute of an event. 8,000 cyclists tackling four hors catégorie climbs in the Alps, over 180km and 5,000m of ascent, featuring Col du Glandon, Col du Telegraphe, Col du Galibier and the final ascent of one of the legendary Alpe d'Huez. Done in 9 hour 30 min. Simply the hardest yet best day on a bike so far!

Other Events

Nidderdale Sportive, Lakeland Loop, Fred Whitton (Lakeland Loop and The Fred include Hardknott Pass which recalibrated my idea of climbing on a bike!), Etape du Dales (90 minutes taken off my 2011 time - but weather was kind), Dales Grimpeur (a 220km Audax featuring many of the climbs in the Dales - 4,500m of ascent) and the 170 miles of the Coast-to-Coast with Cappuccino CC (2 days, organised by Rob Jackson and transport by Karl Moseley - thanks guys). Plus 4 days in Majorca warm weather training - which was fantastic!

Various photos are in the photo section

Thanks

Helen and the boys for tolerating my bike absences

Cappuccino Cycling Club & Director Sportif, James Lovell

Jon Bailie and South Downs Velo (for letting me crash their training camp)

Boneshakers cycling shop in Harrogate for the help, expertise and 10% club discount

Specialized Concept Store and JD Cycles for their warranty help

AQR Coaching - Kate & Ian Potter and Anne Dickins

John Parkin for the bed prior to La Marmotte

2013

My main goal this year is RAID Dolomites.  An awe inspiring route from Lake Geneva to Trieste, with equally awe inspiring stats: 1180kms, 40 cols and 20,922m of ascent.

Hope to take in on the way the Nidderdale Sportive, Lakeland Loop, Etape du Dales, Fred Whitton and La Marmotte again - and maybe some local TTs and crits.

Am using a local coach, Craig Stevenson to help me with this.  Wish me luck....

2014

Tour de France comes to Harrogate. Excited!!!