Tick tock...
Jan
30
Written by:
Ky Lane
Monday, January 30, 2012 10:38 AM
So, alot of time has passed - and not alot has happened. Well, maybe not in quantity, but definantly in quality.
I've lost alot of my motivation. Last year was horriffic. I lost touch with my best mate, then the floods came and I lost my house, my things, then my job, my income, my security, and finally my partner of 3 years. Quite honestly, 2011 was a very dark place for me - and things were very touch and go for a while there.
But, with the support of my Boomtime friends and family (not least of all Coach Boom for which Id probably not be here if it wasnt for his wise counsel in the darkest of times), I've toughed out the storm - and here I am in 2012 with nothing but awesome stuff lined up ahead of me.
Again, with the help of good friends through BoomTime, Im now working in a studio with seriously awesome people, with very cool work. None of the rush rush to meet a budget and deadline - this is quality work no matter what. Exactly what all us designers dream of. Im very lucky, and very appreciative of that opportunity coming my way.
Before Xmas I was also offered to "work" on Saturdays with the awesome guys at Cyc'd for Bikes. No money changes hands - just hardware. I get the opportunity to share my love and passion for cycling with everyday people. Tell them stories of 24hr racing, and getting up at 4am to train till the sun meets us at various peaks. I say this like I remember - because Im sure as hell not living it. However, Cyc'd have hooked me up with some fantastic rides, and great kit - and for that Im totally grateful. That, and its cool hanging out with the lads, talk shop (and shit) and I miss working with my hands. As much as I love my chosen career - theres something about getting the tools out, and actually making things that appeals to me..
Add to this, before Xmas I flew down to Mt Buller in Vic to spend 4 days with the crew from MTBSkills.com.au to become a MTB skills instructor! This was the first trip away Ive had since my Canada trip in 2007, so it was welcome not only as a training course - but as a mild holiday. I got to climb the summit of Mt Buller at 4am for my birthday sunrise. It was a solemn moment, reflecting as I am now, on the past year.
I met some awesome new friends there, learnt so much, and just had an awesome 4 days riding around some of the most beautiful scenery ever. Im dying to go back.
My focus at the moment is weight loss. Im a strong rider - I know this. But no amount of strength is going to get me around a MTB circuit or up Cootha as effortlessly as my teammates from BoomTIme seem to do it. So, right now, Im burning fat as much as I can. I took on a Lite'n'Easy diet (part because it was controlled, and part for the convenience as a bachelor). Im not doing any strength work, just sitting on the rollers (watching Dextor with wireless earphones) burning the gravy off. Its working. Ive lost 7kg since Dec 1 - and after speaking with Nutritionist Peta Hood, Im on track to make my 80kg target weight for this years 24hr. Not sure how my strength and conditioning form will be for it, but at least Ill be lugging 25kg less around the course - thats got to be a good thing. Im acutely aware that Ill never be a whippet - nor am I trying to be. Im built like a footballer - which will just mean, to get up those top rungs on the ladder will take more effort and dedication than most - and Im looking forward to that challenge.
Add to this, I now have a track bike (thanks again to Cyc'd). I used to love track racing, and Im thinking itll be a good way to get some much needed speed in my legs for MTB racing - so looking forward to making a bit of a comeback to the velodrome soon.
Ive also bought myself some "recreational" bikes. Yes, I have a bike fetish. Its not a secret to those who know me. I love bikes, in all forms (although recumbents are just retarded). I got a cruiser, so I can go for lazy sunday cruises with my new-found girl - and a fixie, as Ive always been drawn to them in a mechanical/design sense, but never made the leap due to my history with bikes. They seem like such a fad etc - but since having a fully rigid single speed MTB, I see the attraction again - and given Brisbanes wildly shitty weather - this will be a good "wet day" commuter.
My motivation is coming back. My focus doesnt seem to be so much on survival, and reflecting on the year that nearly killed me. Im putting energy towards moving forward. The rain was inopportune, but Im really motivated to smash out some good miles and working towards my cycling dreams for next year - BC Bike Race and the Croc. Watch this space.
So.. things are good. They're almost completely back on track, and I've inadvertantly met the woman of my dreams in the process. This is the chinese year of the Dragon - my year - and its already kicking arse. Here's to more of it.