Life in Lockdown - Reframing Lockdown
By Eleanor Jaskowska
I won’t lie, I was initially relieved when my races this year were postponed. I was excited to have another go at a long distance race, but I was also terrified. In some ways, and I’m ashamed to admit it, I was thankful that I had been given an exit. With All Points North postponed and TCR pushed to 2021 I had a little bit longer to stay in the warm cocoon of my comfort zone.
This time last year it was all about Paris-Brest-Paris. By this point the 200, 300 and 400km qualifiers were in the bag and just the 600km to go. I was dialling in my position on my fixed gear bike and learning to spin faster than I thought possible downhill!
Photo credit: Eleanor Jaskowska
In the end I loved the challenge of riding PBP fixed. It gave me that perfect combination of a major stretch but still achievable target that helped me to focus and really push myself. I was so surprised that I’d actually managed to finish that it felt like an out of body experience. This partly influenced my decision to try something bigger for 2020 and sign up for a few ultra-distance bikepacking races.
Having a goal certainly helps focus the mind. Without any immediate events or racing it is harder to be motivated. I’ve realised that I have a tendency to look towards external goals (Audax patches or races) rather than internal goals (being fit just because). Without these motivating factors it’s certainly harder to force myself out the door unless my mood and the weather are perfeectly aligned. Thankfully we’ve had the driest April in living memory. The roads have been a bit busy so I’ve taken to exploring my local area off road and been so surprised at the amazing rides that were sitting on my doorstep this whole time!
Photo credit: Eleanor Jaskowska
In a woodland just off a popular bike path out of Bristol there are the most brilliant natural mountain bike trails. My climbing skills have improved (the bar was set pretty low) learning how to distribute my weight better on a steep incline, picking a line through a loose rocky climb. Finding ways to push myself and improve without trying anything dangerous is totally up my street! I’ve never been one for white knuckle riding!
The bike family has also grown by 1 as lockdown provided the perfect opportunity to build up the cyclocross frame that has been sitting in the kitchen since before Christmas. Spending evenings pouring over maps and routes looking for byways and bridleways. For anyone living in Bristol Katherine Moore has been sharing some amazing routes in her komoot profile that have given me hours of joy! I’m just amazed at the dirt and gravel trails that were hiding just behind the road routes I’ve been riding for years. The cross bike has been perfect for linking up these sections.
Photo credit: Eleanor Jaskowska
Having started riding bikes on tarmac, coming from a utility cycling background into road and long distance cycling it feels like something has finally clicked for me with off road riding. A combination of practice, skill and confidence. I’ve also found a treasure trove of riding in my local area and while I’m grateful for the opportunity I can’t wait to ride with friends again to share the experience.
Komoot that Route with El!
Check out our Komoot that Route session with El from Match the Miles earlier this month.
Photo credit: Eleanor Jaskowska
Eleanor Jaskowska
El is a Welsh girly swot based in Bristol. She can't remember a time when she didn't ride a bike. Growing up in rural Wales her bike gave her exploration and independence in equal amounts. Things started getting a bit more serious when she was writing up her PhD and needed a lot more headspace to help her get through. She started wearing lycra and riding much further. Things escalated quickly and within a year she was signed up for the Transcontinental race and taking on her first 400 and 600km Audax events.