It wasn't planned, just went for it...

Today I went out for my usual Saturday training spin. Since I haven't been doing long enough spins lately I decided to head up to the mountains to have a proper spin. This plan turned out to be so good I ended up climbing the third highest mountain in Hungary. 

So today's ride was as much about elevation as it was about distance. I ended up doing 90 km just a little over 3 hours 50 minutes with 1190 m elevation. Not too bad on the 29er MTB with off-road tyres on, but of course i'd love to do the same route on a road bike some day. 

Savage climb this is, I almost forget how heavy it is if you want to do it in a good pace. The weather was nice today where I'm living but it was a completely different ball game up at 960 meters. 

Huge shout out to the owner of a little local shop at Galyatető! He helped me out with free bars to have enough food on the way home and also offered me a nice cuppa before I start me super chilly descent. Didn't take the coffee but the bars were absolutely lifesaver!! There are nice people out there folks I have to say!! He made me day!! 

   

The racing season is coming soon!

The 2015 MTB racing season is just around the corner. This is exciting as it is but if I look at the fact I'll be racing on home soil again after 10 years, then it's even bigger news! 

Left the wet, muddy, windy, cold and very technical Irish XC racing scene behind and will be racing the dry, hot and familiar Hungarian races again. Will be big change indeed, but I can't deny it, I'm super hyped about racing here again! 

So, what can I say? The preparation is in full swing both on and off the bike. I have my events marked in the calendar. I'm counting the days already. 

Roll on 2015 Hungarian XC Racing Season, I'll be ready!!

This sums it all up! :)

#photoappisgreat

What a day it was!

Wow, today was an absolutely savage day on the bike! It's still February but it felt like a proper spring day for sure. After a small bit of a "scare" and a few extra miles in the car I picked up my rear wheel that was in for repair and shortly afterwards I was on my way up to the mountains. 

Originally I planned a good old fashioned off-road spin but the trail conditions crossed the plan. I love riding in mud and all that but I still have to get used to the Hungarian conditions again, they are very different compare to Ireland. 

So there I was, ready to hit the trails. About 100 meters in I had to rethink the plan. I managed to hit the most sticky patch on the side of the hill. Cool...let's turn back...try again somewhere else...

Ouch...I didn't see this coming! :)

Anyway, after 2 attempts I decided to just simply leave it and stay on the road. Wasn't the way I was hoping for but in the end of the day I was out on the bike and like I said, the weather was gift! 

This short 2 hours ride was such a huge refreshment after the busy week at the office. Can't wait for the next one!!