Racing can be tough. Not only on the body but it can be a very mentally exhausting unless you can approach it with the right attitude.  Intervals day after day, week after week may be all well and good for the legs by the time raceday swings around but, in those weeks the mind can wander and it is the mind – the top two inches - that can be the difference between a good day on the bike and an hour and a half from hell.

That’s why I find it so important to keep my training varying each day; keeping things fresh. Now admittedly training for an elite level of racing inherently means a strictly structured training schedule and for good reason, but there's no way I would ever turn down the opportunity for adventure off the beaten track. All the better when training fits into the adventure.

This can be hard living in the middle of Auckland suburbia when I have to plan adventures a long time in advance but they always pay off in the long run. These adventures are what really make the experience memorable, its what makes the ride enjoyable. Whether that be getting to know the locals or exploring my own backyard with friends or even by myself on solo missions.

My summer has been full of some adventures that I will never forget, both on and off the bike, and these adventures are the reason that I love to ride my bike.

[James recently came 5th U23 in the National MTB Champs, and 6th place overall on his AIR 9 RDO]

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