GC T-Shirts

Like last year Mel and I have found a few 'interesting' t-shirts while walking around the shops... Spot the wonderful English :)

Wheelworx XC Development Series

This spring there is a new XC series in town. To promote the development of XC racing a new series has been put together over 3 weekends starting on February 21st. These races are aimed at people new to the sport and 'Sports' (beginner/intermediate) category riders. The courses will be designed to be fun, fast and not overly technical so that new riders can get a feel for what XC racing is all about.

It's almost 4 years since I took part in my first race, a decision that I (obviously) have not regret! No matter what age or skill level you are (or even if you are a roadie!) - give it a go.

Another GC Update

Sunday was the second day of a big weekend of bike rides. Saturday saw lots of threshold climbing and a sigh-seeing trip to Las Palmas in the evening (beautiful - pictures to follow).



Sunday was much more 'serious'. The main part, well, the bit that looks toughest was a 27km climb that climbed almost 1900 meters. There were long sections of this rough climb that averaged 18% with little or no reprise. Hitting the top of the climb (around 2,000 meters above sea level – the air was noticeable thiner and a hell of a lot colder then when I started) – a quick pic and a mad dash down the mountain to warmer temperatures. To end it all, a 20km ride from Maspalomas back to Vecindario into a 60kmph head-on wind. I was in the climbing gears the whole way home on the flat rode!

Tenerife in the distance

GC Update

The first week in Gran Canaria has been very busy, both from a cycling and work perspective. Arriving here this time has been amazing, blue skies and even warmer than last year - why don't I just move here?

My brother Mark, who has restarted studies in Swansea, flew over with his friend Mike for a few days. Pizzas, tapas, beers and ice-creams were shared and it was great having them over. The above pictures is us at Parado Cruz de Tejeda.

Gotta get some sun

Mel and I have left the cold freezer and joined many other cyclists wishing for some warmer weather in Gran Canaria for training. We only have our road bikes with us (due to work, it is faster to get the training in when you don't have to ride to the trails) but have been enjoying the hills.


Three things so far: I got slightly burnt on the first day, watched two vans smash their wing mirrors while passing each other showering me in glass and helped 4 roadies in the middle of nowhere who didn't have a chain tool between them but had one broken chain.

Updates

This update is mostly pulled from what Mel wrote.

Snow in the Wicklow Mountains

So many things have been happening since the end of the 2009 season, so here's a little update about what has been going on since then.

We are proud to announce that ZipVit have agreed to come on board as our new nutritional sponsors this year, and a pallet load of ZipVit energy drink, recovery drink, gels and bars arrived on Monday, just in time for our winter training camp in Gran Canaria. In our short time working with ZipVit so far we have been very impressed with their product and professionalism. And of course it feels great to be supported by the same people that sponsor the Cervélo Test Team - my dream road team if I ever became a professional roadie. At this point, I have now used most of their nutritional products - I'm really liking their gels - very easy to drink and the caffeine ones are like rocket fuel (took one after a power test before an hour long climb and the legs felt great despite pushing 100% during the power test) - they say the caffeine gel is the same as 2.5 RedBulls... Oh, my...

ZipVit delivery :)

On a similar note, we are very happy and thankful for our friend Stewart Carr for offering his services as physio therapist to us, which our ever tired legs are gladly accepting.

Another big news was Mel and my engagement on the 23rd of December, just in time before xmas when we could announce the news to the family. Team Mel and Ryan are going stronger and stronger :)

Mel said yes :)

Finally, there has been a lot of snow in Ireland and it was very cold for the last few weeks. Almost every spin I have come home freezing and with hands and feet like iceblocks, so I am glad we are travelling to Gran Canaria soon for our winter training camp. It is a lot easier to do a few hours endurance riding in the sun than in the miserable weather in Ireland, even just from a motivational point of view.

Riding in the snow is tiring!

Hungry?

Mel and I have been very fortunate to have ZipVit come on as our Nutrional Sponsor for 2010. Today, a pallet arrived.

We have tried a bunch of their product before (Mel and I are very pragmatic about equipment and food choices - we have the philosophy that we only want to use the best equipement, food, clothing etc...) and we are really looking forward to trying out the other products.

Happy munching.