Life on the frontline:
A rider’s perspective - Clive Tricker
Words: Clive Tricker
Photography: Matt Grayson
As a keen cyclist this lockdown has had a massive effect on my riding schedules. Under normal circumstance I would be riding out with my regular ride buddies three or four times a week, (weather permitting) and taking part in both Mountain Bike and Cyclocross races at Eastern regional level on a regular basis. Obviously depending on the seasons.
My initial reaction to the virus was one of trepidation, particularly as my age group is considered as vulnerable! And as the situation became more severe I confess to getting very nervous. As the restrictions started to take place the thought of my life style being massively changed was somewhat depressing. Time to take stock and figure out my life under social distancing. I decided early on that I would restrict my outdoor activities to just going out for the essentials such as shopping and medications.
The thought of all my plans including Tenerife, the Lake district (both cancelled) to name just two, in the coming months are now irrelevant. Staying fit had now become an important part of my need to cope with the Lockdown as well as for my mental wellbeing. I have always had my Turbo trainer in the garage usually set up with my favourite summer road bike as she only came out in good weather, because I only used the turbo when the weather was to bad to venture out and some regular structure training during the winter months. First task was to move it to my conservatory which is a much nicer environment than the garage. Then set up somewhat reluctantly with a virtual training platform as I much prefer the real thing!
So Zwift it is, and much to my surprise I enjoyed it and admit it is in my opinion excellent. Currently I am still on the learning curve and not as yet getting the best out of it.
It certainly is motivational and I did my longest stint on a turbo of one hour and forty minutes and I have now done over 339 Zwift KM’s. Not so bad on a stationery bike, Lol! I confess I look forward to exploring the various ride options available, and as yet have not really touched the social side of it, such as riding with mates etc.
Along with a set (almost) routine with my Zwift sessions, I have kept up my WhatsApp group chats with my cycle buddies and endeavour to phone friends and family on a regular basis. Immediate family regular FaceTime hook ups are all part of my weekly schedules. I have a decent circle of friends on social media mostly within my cycling community, so am able to maintain our links and news. Off the cycling schedule and involvement I enjoy reading and listening to my music. I have started painting and drawing again and like many of us getting all those jobs done around the house that you never seem to have time to do, mostly because I would be out or fettling with my bikes.
What does the future hold? Big question in this uncertain time, when does normality return (If ever?). Already had my spring holiday cancelled? I certainly cannot answer that. But it is essential for my sanity to try and look forward to opportunities to enjoy being with my family and friends again. I am very much a social animal and enjoy being with people. I have also tried to put together some cycling targets (Bucket list). Getting some dirt under my tyres would be a start with a Cyclocross season hopefully starting late Autumn would be good, so getting fit for that is one of my targets. And the simple pleasure of riding the country lanes with my buddies along with that coffee and cake stop on the coast. Sometime it’s just the simple things that are all we need.
Coffee anyone?