Jack Sheppard: That was the week that was
By TMX Archives on 25th May 16
After competing in the first two British championship rounds the focus then changed to preparing for the world famous SSDT.
Because of the nature of this event, the preparation is vital to making the week as hassle free as possible so the time leading up to it was spent preparing.
The days before heading up the weather was rough including snow so it was not looking good for the week.
The first day we woke up after a lot of over night rain to see the first two groups of sections cancelled due to the depth and fast flow of water.
I found the sections pretty tough to start as the deep water meant you couldn't see what you were riding.
I didn't have the best of days to start the week but I tried to limit the damage and use the experience for the rest of the event.
The second day was another wet day and a complete new course so all the riders were unaware of what was in store.
I managed to start the day well riding solidly and then just made a mess of a section later on having to push it out but was generally pleased with the day and managed to pull up some places overall.
Wednesday was my early day so it was all about damage limitation and trying not to make too many big mistakes.
Although I was early and the sections were very slippery I felt good and strong on the bike and managed to get through this day with only six marks and kept my position overall which I was very pleased with.
Thursday is always known to be a long day and this year was no exception so I was pleased to be near the back so most of the lines were clear and there was a bit more grip.
I again was pleased with my riding overall this day but got to the last group at Fersit with not as much time as I would have liked and rushed in to a section and had to have a big three to recover from my mistake.
I was pleased with the day and just managed to finish in time with only about five minutes to spare.
Road race day was next with there always being some tough sections in store I knew I was going to have to be on form.
I started the day very slowly with a dab on the second section and being a wobbly in a few places.
Fortunately I managed to pull myself together and get back to riding how I had been the last couple of days and pull myself up a few more places in the overall positioning.
The final day is slightly shorter in distance but certainly never feels it with a very long moor crossing about half way through the day.
I was pleased with my riding all day with just a little mistake before I got to the last two groups were I had a couple of threes.
At the end of the week I was very pleased to find out that I finished fourth out of the 280 or so starters.
It was a great week and very enjoyable going round with some good friends like Andy Chilton, Tom Sagar, Guy Kendrew and Karl Clark which made it a non stop laugh and I was also pleased to have no major problems.
The following week was the third round of the British championship in Wales.
I finished fourth over all and managed to hold on to second in the championship.
The sections looked dry but after a couple of riders the moisture came through and started to drag up on the rocks making things very tricky.
I was pleased with my riding over all but just had too many fives's in my final score.
This weekend I was very pleased to be around for a local trial run by the Ipswich Motorcycle club.
It has been a great day and really enjoyable with very dry conditions and a good turn out so was pleased to catch up with everyone and to take the win.
Next week I am heading north bound to do a couple of days teaching with Andy Chilton where we are hoping the weather will be kind to us then followed the week after by the next British championship in Scarborough.
That's it till next time, feet up!
