Missing the burn (TT column 25.11.13)

The bruises had just started to fade and the memories seemed to be distorted, so I entered another cyclo cross competition. After a couple of hours of actual coaching prior to my second race I thought that maybe these new skills could make a difference. Well I didn't didn't fall off but I think this was down to the less technical course rather than my actions as a rider. It is quite a new experience racing in an event that is physically demanding as well as extremely skill based; I am using these cycle races to replace my usual cross country running season although I do miss being able to give the 100% lung burning effort.  Having said that I have received some encouraging news, after many slightly inconclusive scan results my stress fracture is allowed to be tested with gentle jogging, so you never know I might still catch the end of this season.

These last few weeks I have spent a lot of time in Plymouth working with the Dame Kelly Holmes trust helping young unemployed people gain skills and confidence needed to obtain a suitable job. It has been most rewarding watching them grow throughout the course, but more importantly it has made me realise how challenging finding that dream job or any job can be. Some of these young people have degrees, some excellent vocational skills and all of them the desire to earn a living, with the course wrapping up now I do hope that local employers can benefit from what is on offer under the surface.

Girls best friend (TT column 18.11.13)

After not attending anything that could even vaguely be classed as glamorous for far too long the opportunities have now arrived like London buses. It is still a novelty as an athlete to dig out the heels and dust off the party frock, not that I can imagine ever getting bored of such occasions. The challenge comes when you have to remember what dress you wore last year and to what awards, then again if the pictures didn’t end up printed or on Facebook you are probably safe. These last two weeks I had no need to worry, both events were new to me but more importantly I disguised my outfits. I am not a huge fan of a black plain dress, although this time it was necessary. Who would notice what I was wearing when I was shining so, no I’m not implying I was looking amazing myself, that was all thanks to the stunning diamonds I had been leant. There is always something a little unnerving about borrowing whether that be your parent’s car, a friend’s horse or a small jewellers’ diamonds, you suddenly are responsible for their valued possessions. Thankfully due to my need to share the love of “my” sparkling jewellery there was not too long a delay from the loss to the search. My stomach sank as I touched my ears to show my friend the diamond earrings; there was only one. Due to her calm methodical plan we found it, lying only inches from the car park drain, oh the relief.

Reflection (TT column 11.11.13)

This time of year involves a lot of reflection. As a result of the actions of the brave men who fought for our country we now live such privileged lives in wonderful freedom. Thank you to those who fought for our country.
It could almost seem insignificant in comparison as we move into the awards season. Although on a different scale it is always humbling and inspiring to hear the stories behind the winners. As a member of the south west judging panel for the sporting unsung hero award, I had the difficult task of helping to choose who would go through to contend for the national title. It is incredible to read the stories behind these volunteers who put hours and hours of work into helping others enjoy various sports. For every winner who is celebrated there are thousands of volunteers who help change people's lives through sport, I know I owe my sporting achievements to so many of them.

Sport continues to give me so much pleasure and last weekend was no different. I had a perfect mix of spectating and partaking, although the former was more successful. At last I found myself with a free Saturday in Devon on the same date as an Exeter Chiefs home game, it wasn't the prettiest match to watch but the final score was pleasing. The following day was another display of slightly rugged sport but this was a direct result of my lack of skill. I found myself in at the deep end or should I say deep mud, when I entered my first open cyclo cross event. I had a false sense of confidence after the novice event a few weeks earlier, although I'm glad I jumped right in as even though there is plenty of room for improvement, I loved it.

Trick or treat? (TT column 04.11.13)

It creeps up on me too quickly every year, although not literally as we live in the middle of nowhere. I think any trick or treaters would be scared themselves before even reaching our house, but it does save on the treats. As a child I saw it as one disadvantage for living on Dartmoor, I never experienced a true Halloween. I've been told it's not the done thing at my age, so the clock is now ticking until my niece is old enough to accompany me, or is that the other way around? It did seem that the local council were getting into the spirit last week although I presume it wasn't intentional; the lights in the Tavistock to Yelverton cycle path tunnel were turned off during day, I could honestly not see a thing, I'm hoping now that Halloween has passed they have resumed normal service.

This time of year often gets confusing, or maybe that is just me? It seems that fancy dress and fireworks overlap for several weeks. One thing that is for certain, it is now dark. I know we lost an hour with the clock change but somehow it seems that we've lost several hours in the evenings. I had been in denial until heading out onto Dartmoor for a fun afternoon with my mountain bike; in the rain, mud and dark I was struggling to cling onto that "fun" element.

The Halloween and Guy Fawkes celebrations have passed, the evenings are now dark and the temperatures are dropping, what do we look forward to now? Don't worry I will not mention that 'C' word just yet.

Celebration of life (TT column 29.10.13)

Last week I lost my most avid column reader.

I have always been told that life should be celebrated, so I want to take this opportunity to reflect on my loving Grandmother who passed away last Tuesday. At the impressive age of ninety, Vera Constance Maria Hutchings had experienced a hardworking life, she lost all of her teeth at a young age and survived a total of seven hip replacements, yet you never heard her complain. Due to her disabilities I have only known Granny with crutches or her wheelchair, both of which provided hours of entertainment for my sister and I when growing up. Another vivid memory I have comes from my days as a young member of Tavistock Swimming Club and the coach trips to the Saturday afternoon Galas. I remember the challenge of helping Granny onto the bus with her trusty step (that I was always slightly embarrassed to bring with us), and how she accurately recorded all of my times and calculated the overall team points tally. I think Granny was sometimes better known than me on the sporting circuit, my friends, competitors and other supporters were always pleased to see her. I know that she got a lot of pleasure from following my sporting journey, her house was pretty much a trophy cabinet as she so proudly displayed my medals.
It was not just her role as a Grandmother to six of us that she filled so brilliantly. She had several Great Grandchildren from whom she gained immense amounts of pleasure, including the latest edition, my niece Eleanor, whose christening was celebrated on Sunday.

I am concluding this with tears in my eyes but happy memories in my heart, RIP Granny Hutch.

Blame the dog (TT column 20.10.13)

Last week I completely jinxed myself. I proudly announced the pleasant conclusion to a previous cycling incident only to open the doors to another one. As winter is apparently on its way I thought it might be time to dust the cobwebs from my sturdy mountain bike, okay this was mainly due to the allure of a potential race. With just two days to go until my first ever cyclocross event I thought I had better familiarise myself with the off road variety especially after my summer spent cycling with skinny tyres and cleated shoes. Ironically I was riding across Dartmoor thinking this must be similar to getting in a tractor after driving a Ferrari, it feels so safe and stable. There is also the added bonus of no traffic, but, yes there is a big but, there are animals. I made the error of riding a quick short stretch of downhill on the newly surfaced cycle path. The smooth Tarmac was so refreshing I couldn't resist a bit of freewheeling; I did not envisage a little 'jacket wearing' terrier to be sharing the path. Jumping out of the bushes and running straight towards me, I could have sworn it was suicidal. Luckily I just avoided a collision as it ran on completely oblivious to the fact it had caused me to land in a crumpled heap ten metres further down the path.

I call this time of year 'transition', as it is hard to know exactly what activities to do or what clothes to wear. A prime example of this was the horse racing over the weekend, with both jump and flat meeting fixtures. I accepted an invite to the conclusion of the flat season at Ascot. It's obviously ready to close as the ground was announced as soft which resulted in an open day of racing and some happy bookmakers, but thanks to the aptly named Olympic Glory I didn't contribute too greatly to their bank balances.

No fee and a win! (TT column 14.10.13)

As I get older it seems our legal system is gradually becoming more frustrating and unjust. I have now realised that this isn't due to the law changing but to the fact that I am becoming more aware of all it's pit falls. Compared with the USA we are reasonably laid back when it comes to pursuing claims against each other, although I'm not sure how long it's going to remain this way. A recent conversation with a friend highlighted this. After his claim had been settled for an incident with his parked vehicle his phone has not stopped ringing with the "no win, no fee" offers from personal injury lawyers - the fact that he was not in his vehicle at the time doesn't seem to be a mitigating factor.
The point that brought me to this topic was personal, I have just had a satisfying letter from my lawyer to inform me that justice has been done from a cycling incident I was involved in back in April. The case is now closed and what a relief that is. Sometimes you feel it is easier to forget and move on - I was apparently researched by the opposing legal team, and the fact that I had publicly written about previous self inflicted falls from my bicycle, implied that the accident was therefore my fault. Thankfully I have no lasting physical injuries from the incident so will not be answering any calls from dubious legal firms and will just continue to ride my bicycle with ever increased awareness.