This time last year I was droning on about how great 2009 had been and how much I was looking forward to taking things up a notch or two in 2010. I could, if I wanted, drone on again with a long and drawn-out account of 2010, but I won’t. What I will say though is that 2010 was definitely a ‘progressive’ year in my little world of riding bikes. Compared with 2009 I rode more, I raced more, I got some great results and I learned a few lessons.

In the interests of keeping it brief, the highlights for me were podiums at the Strathpuffer, Mountain Mayhem and Relentless 24. A win at the Gisburn 12 hour race. The continued support from Ragley and the addition of sponsorship from JMC IT, 2Pure and Squirt Lubes. The brilliance that were both of the 2010 Hit the North events. The Daft Rides, even the ones that didn’t go completely to plan (mainly because of snow) and also the ones that did go well – such as the record-breaking  Trans Cambrian Way ride.

Despite a frustrating period during SITS, the Kielder100 and Dusk til Dawn and a late mechanical annoyance at the 3 Peaks, the year started and ended well and things seem to have gone full circle – I’m putting in some good training now for the Strathpuffer which is only a few days away and the riding/racing schedule for 2011 is just as, if not more busy than 2010.

Another year of progression will do for me (oh and I’m 40 this year too).

Happy New Year!