Good to be home again

And only a week ago I arrived back home to the lovely English sun and dryer conditions. 

 

From what I have been told it wasn't like this the whole time I was away, though.

 

The last two weeks in Spain were spent pretty much flat-out on the bikes. 

 

Dec Bullock, James Dabill and I were making the most of the natural countryside and the good training partners that are always around in the Northern part of Spain. 

 

There are so many different areas to choose from so it is just impossible to get bored or fed-up of riding.

 

I found it really great to be able to go out with the Spanish riders and to study closely how they are getting up obstacles and check out new techniques – especially when I was watching Toni Bou.

 

In the dry he still takes it to another level!!

 

The three weeks spent out there flew past too fast and before we knew it we were starting to plan our journey home.

 

Before we set off though we were very lucky to go training with Toni Bou again at Noassar. 

 

This is a massive area in the north of Spain with endless trials areas, so many I don't think you would ever get to ride them all. 

 

This was a prime example that the Spanish don't just have dry grippy rocks to practice on as there were more streams and rivers than I could count as well.

 

There was plenty of traditional practice right alongside big, dry, grippy sections, so you could even split the day's practice up if you wanted.

 

After that day it was the dreaded time of the 24-hour drive back to the UK. 

 

When I got back, apart from being tired from the drive and all the training, I had to have a few days off due to illness.

 

But I was glad it was back here and not in Spain, so I didn't miss out on any riding time. 

 

This also gave me plenty of time to sort 

everything out and catch up with what has been going on while I was away.

 

Shortly after arriving home it was time to get back on the road and head north again to give Team Roundhouse HQ a visit and get some photos of all the team for the 2014 season. 

 

It was great to get together and catch up and see how everyone was getting on with their winter off-season training. From all accounts it has been going well, everyone has been doing as much as they can and the team is all prepared and ready for the big off.

 

Now I am continuing to ride and practice as much as possible to try and get any more little improvements that are going to help me this year in my big step up to the Pro class. 

 

I am looking forward to it but I also know it is going to be very hard and I am going to need to learn fast. 

 

Make sure you are all keeping your feet up and until next time, take it easy.