This blog will from now on focus on my outdoor activities. Mostly cycling but also running, my allotment, walks and maybe a bit of fishing. I will not be discussing personal events of the last six months. If you're curious DM me and I'll fill in the gaps!
In May I was in a Friday Night Summer Series Race at Northampton bike park. As is traditional in these blogs I wasn't fit enough to keep up with the other super humans...I was having fun though and was sending it as hard as I could off every jump! Then I cased a table top, smacking the far edge with my rear wheel...it might have helped to have my dropper down but I never remember to do that! I landed on my head at speed from height. I got straight up to witness people absolutely shitting themselves running at me and telling me to sit down! After a few minutes of being checked out they allowed me to walk to the first aid station. The look I was getting from people suggested I looked worse than I felt. I drove myself to A&E where they assessed the living daylights out of me and with much puzzlement discharged me with nothing more than gravel rash. There's quite the scar on my left leg. I got away with one here! I think my POC helmet did it's job so well I was saved from either concussion or a serious head injury! I'll be buying another one of those. Pictures below of my wrecked kit!!!
I got back on the horse and did a couple more races before I got ill in July. The love and support from the local cycling community was immense. "Great to see you back so soon Rich!" I want to particularly mention Will Gell here. That young man is an awesome cyclist. He is wise beyond his years in terms of supporting others. In short he is a credit to the local cycling community!
Then I got ill. Like I said it's not for discussion here but if you DM me I will use my discretion and share as is appropriate to our relationship.
I got back on the horse in September. I started with running, got back into parkrun and then built up my cycling. The weird thing was when I started sharing my story at least half the people I talked to had similar experiences. I know I should know this as a mental health professional BUT there's a lot of it about!!!
My first ride back was to go to the Rockingham Forest Wheelers Thursday mountain bike ride at Wakerley and Fineshade woods. These rides were started by Alan Brown and I've barely missed a Thursday within 3 years. We have a core of regular riders meaning there's usually at least 4 of us and it can grow to 8 or so. Not bad when you consider most people are at work! I've kept up with this since and it's the ride I look forward to more than anything else!
I haven't done a Cyclocross race yet. I intended to make my comeback at Kenilworth Boxing Day Cross but didn't get in. About half of the RF Wheelers got a starting place...so the rest of us...armed with Belgian ales, made camp on a hill near the bomb hole and had the time of our lives supporting team mates! 
(1).jpg)
.jpg)
We were loud and proud. Others around us got involved. It was the perfect way to spend Boxing Day. I'm so proud to be a member of this club which encapsulates the best of the nearby Corby spirit: family, friendship, and "in it together!"
Another club I have reconnected with is the Cyclasylum. The Kettering based lads, whose name mean that collectively we are a sanctuary against the stresses of modern life. They are more fun than a box crammed full of concentrated fun! They keep me entertained via a whatsapp group and in my health care dominated work world I get a needed dose of boy time. It's like the middle aged Inbetweeners at times!!! I joined them for a great off road ride! Big shout outs to all in Cyclasylum - I love you lot!!!
(1).jpg)
Traditional Inglorious Basterds picture!
I have competing demands but one of my New Years resolutions is to get out with this lot at least once a month. You will never laugh more than with the Cyclasylum on an off road ride. The road rides are pretty special too!
One of the best rides of the year was the RFW away day to Cwncarn. Huge thanks to Steve Coombs for organising, providing technical expertise and riding advice AND for driving us all down there. The place is great. Horrible hard climbs followed by a glorious views and exhilarating descents.
.jpg)
In Octber I took part in the C.A.L.M. (Campaign Against Living Miserably) 5K every day for October. I ran loads and on the 31st I decided to go out with a bang and run from Market Harborough to home, around 25km. I was supported by my Thursday morning MTB buddy Gaz. He rode alongside me all the way home. It was too far for my running ability! I got to 18km no problem and then my feet fell apart! They haven't been the same since. I've just got back into Parkrun, just in time to get Malcom, who I've been friends with for 46 years into the weekly 5K runs. I'm a huge fan of Parkrun. It's way much more than just running. I'm also proud of my Mum for doing her first Parkrun on Christmas day!
The stars of the show are the dogs. These fluffy heroes are my world. I love walking them every day.
So going into 2026 I'm keen to get back into racing; both cyclocross and cross country mountain biking. I want to maintain my connections. In my darkest hour the love from my friends and family was overwhelming! There are 3 young people more important than anyone else...my kids! I also have a Grandchild. At the other end of the scale my parents and my Nan have been amazing. I think we have some great memories to make.
Out of these very Lemony Lemons I hope to make champagne standard Lemonade.
Happy Pedalling!!!
