Jason was tragically killed while cycling on the A82 near Fort William on 15th January. His death marks the untimely end of a brilliant cycling career.
Jason will be remembered by all who knew him for his determination to excel in cycling, alongside the other passion in his life, his wife and children, who are in our thoughts and prayers.
If you would like to leave a message of condolence please leave a comment to this post (Use the form at the bottom of the comments list), other messages have also been left on the previous post.
I started December with a recovery week which seemed to last a life time. The weather was as you'd expect so that made things a little easier to handle. The weather for the rest of the month was not to bad all things considered. Very cold at times but this can be quite nice. Myself & Ben Thompson managed to ride the Glenuig loop during the month, virtually unheard of at this time of year. (this is the Chris Sidwells report on the same ride we did during the summer)
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/West_Scotland_with_Jason_MacIntyre_article_146222.html
Having made it through Christmas & now New Year, all be it over fed and over weight, I'm looking forward to January and a 2008 to see what it brings.
All the best to everyone for the coming season.
November was one of the wettest months we've had up here in Fort William for a while, apart from mid summer that is.
Training has went well given the weather conditions, getting out a few times per week and doing a gym session or two has helped keep things ticking over. I hope December is a better month weather wise but then there is Christmas to get through with all that food on the go, Oh one more piece of cake Jason it won't hurt you ! Thats what I'll be told when everyone is getting stuck into the festive munch !
"It's the season to be jolly not Sweat & Bust your +++" A quote from Morna MacLeod on my winters training.
The winter bikes are out, mudguards, saddle bags, lights etc or so I thought.
A fantastic turn out for the ride was quite a sight particularly the quality of most of the racing machines on show given that the early roads used for the course were nothing short of muddy trails.
A warm and friendly atmosphere was the feeling for the day with ex-pros & new to the bike youngsters all riding together, what a great idea the Braveheartfund Fundraising Ride is !! Well done to all who took part in the ride.
Finishing the ride, head to toe in dirt and grime some how seemed well worth it. A change and ready for the evening Braveheartfund Fundraising Dinner, although seeing the amount of goodies on the go after the ride I'm not sure many people would have the space for dinner.
Being my first Braveheartfund Fundraising Dinner I was not sure what to expect. A well organized gathering of friends & supporters to the Fund made for an excellent night one which everyone involved looked to be having a great time.
I'm looking forward to next years event already !!
October can be a difficult time of the year to keep the motivation going but this years Tour of the Trossachs was held on one of the best days we've seen all year. I was keen to have a go at the hill climb record and could not have asked for better conditions. After a good warm-up I was on the start line for 11:30. Settling into a nice pace on the road into Aberfoyle things were good, rounding the corner at the bottom of the Dukes pass and the classic climb was ahead. Concentrating well I was able to get a good pace on the hill and posted a 12:37. Dry roads on the decent of the Dukes pass made for an enjoyable time. The remaining miles of the course are technical and at times the road surface is not the best. The section after Thornhill is one of the worst and by this time, nearing the finish, things were getting tough. Finishing with a 1:04:47 topped of a good workout. Many thanks to Mike & Lesley at the Westerton in Calender. Also thanks to Edd and Martin for some great shouts.
Read their report:
http://www.veloresults.co.uk/stories/2007/Tour%20de%20Trossachs/Tour%20de%20Trossachs.html
After the disappointment of the British Championships another trip to the fast Levens course for an attempt at the British 10 TT record was my focus. Stevie, David & myself traveled most of the way down on the Friday night. Having had a couple of good sessions after the circuit Champs i felt ready for a good ride. Good conditions were needed if i was to get anywhere near the 17:58 set by Bradley Wigans last year, an amazing ride. Arriving at the course there was a bit of a breeze and by the time i was set to start my description of "a bit blowy" was considered an under statement. Starting into the wind on the outward leg i quickly realized the speed needed was not attainable for me. Rounding the turn i got stuck into the run home reaching speeds of 38.5 mph. 55, 56, 57, 58..... the record was never really on but i was still disappointed to see the 18 minute mark appear. Easing of and free wheeling across the line brought a time of 18:54. A good workout, next race the Scottish Olympic TT Championships.