There’s no time to stop - Jack Sheppard

I was hoping to finish the season off with a couple of good rides in front of the home fans, but as it turned out I only managed to show my form on the Sunday.

 

Saturday's trial was a familiar case of too many silly mistakes that cancelled out some great rides on some of the more difficult sections. 

 

Sixth place was definitely not what I was looking for, so I was even more determined to make amends the following day.

 

Thankfully Sunday proved to be a much better day and despite some heavy rain showers which made the sections even more tricky, I managed to produce a more consistent performance.

 

The home crowd certainly got behind me and helped to push me on. Just one stupid five on the second lap spoilt what was otherwise a great day. 

 

This single mistake cost me third place and the chance to step on the podium at my home round.

 

Losing out on a rostrum finish due to a most-cleans tie-break was a cruel end to a tough year, though fifth spot in the final series table was not bad, all things considered. 

 

The most important thing now is to start preparing for next year and to make up for the time I missed on the bike over the winter period.

 

So I headed north again to get in some good practice with Jack Challoner, Michael Brown and co. Riding with them is really helping me as I can see what I need to do to reach the next level and to be able to compete with the better riders.

 

You definitely push yourself much more when you are up against these guys, which has got to be good for my development and recovery.

 

After a quick trip home, I headed north again, this time for the penultimate round of the British series at the fabulous Addingham Moorside.

 

If only we had rocks like that in Suffolk...

 

Although my no-stop training was limited to the Saturday practice lap, my recent trips north felt like they paid off the following day. 

 

Standing on the podium beside James Dabill and Michael Brown was a great result for me, especially after beating Alexz Wigg and Jack Challoner, who have had good results at World level.

 

Despite taking third place, I can't say that I am sold on the whole ‘no-stop' idea, it feels quite dull to ride if I am honest.

 

After a few days back in Ipswich I had another trip north. This time I stopped off at the NEC in Birmingham to film a TV commercial for Top Gear Live, which should hit your screens pretty soon. 

 

It's great to have the chance to do things like this and a real change from the normal trials stuff.

 

From there I headed to Yorkshire to join Dougie Lampkin and Dabill to teach at Dougie's annual trials school. 

 

Working with the kids who come each year is brilliant fun, as was having the chance to teach TV comedian Ross Noble a trick or two!

 

There has been no time to stop and with the Red Bull City Trial in Manchester and the last round of the British series approaching, the next month looks like its going to be a busy one.

 

So until next time, keep it rolling – Jack.