Robert Booth

Cheeky follow-up post-race "blog" in the form of a wall of text and some bang-average pictures I took along the way. Four weeks on from the @transpyrenees , and needing to stay awake on the nine hour flight back to Vancouver, I thought I'd reflect a bit on the whole thing (clickable link in bio): https://www.notion.so/notablog/Blog-91e2b8aae7d14d76b9a768072ff2096e

Just like that, my race is over. Making sensible decisions isn't usually my forté, but to scratch from the @transpyrenees race after reaching CP4 before the cut-off felt like the right one for a number of reasons. Ultimately, the cumulative fatigue from the first four days took a huge toll on my body. My legs are shot after pushing on hard from the start, but the sleep deprivation since I left Vancouver played a big part in my inability to recover for the next day and on my immune system. I also felt a few niggling aches and pains that could cause more significant issues down the line if I ignored them. Travelling to another continent and passing through a friend's hometown at the half way point without stopping for more than just a few words of encouragement felt wrong considering it would have been over two years without seeing him. Finishing early also means being able to spend a little more time with friends and family back home before heading back to Canada. The cherry on top - but by no means a deciding factor as I'd already made the call in my head - was a very Rob thing to do as I had a little whoopsie and came off while trying to eat a banana (an essential ultra-distance cycling skill) on the way between Parcours 4 and CP 4. Not my finest moment but it meant I got a lift back to Tom's in Irun after I called it quits. Fortunately the only damage was a bent derailleur hanger and some relatively minor wounds than anything more serious. Despite the physical exertion and mental demands of (half) an ultra-endurance bike race, I enjoyed almost every minute of it. There were plenty of ups and downs, but knowing I pushed myself as far as I did in 'race mode' means I'm not coming away disappointed, and I learned a few things along the way. The Pyrenees are beautiful, and if I hadn't already been over some of the passes en route back to Girona I may have hesitated for a little longer. Starting to feel ill then coming over mountain passes in the rain/snow didn't feel like a particularly smart idea. Now I'm going to spend a little time to recover before heading back over to Girona then home with the rest of my luggage to see everyone in an acceptable state.

I think that's just about everything packed. For those of whom I haven't already bored to death, I've entered a bike race. The @transpyrenees to be specifc. After years of gentle nudging and plenty of inspiration from @boothonwheels (who will also be racing!) since he completed #TCRNo7, the stars aligned and a trip back to Europe for @jackkane_ and @roisinwalsh24 's wedding meant that it would be hard to say no to put in an application for #TPRNo4 . I've been fortunate enough (in a way) to have plenty of time to train between work, and I'm the fittest and strongest I've ever been. Thank you to everyone who's put up with my incessant waffling about it all. Hoping to make it round in time for the finisher's party to qualify for GC, so let's see if the bike makes it to Barcelona intact, then I'll let the legs do the rest. The pictures may not be the *final* setup, but it's close to what I'm expecting to be riding with for hopefully no more than eight days from Friday 27th September. There is a live tracker (don't procrastinate from work too much, my dot will be moving slowly), but I'll also be uploading my rides each day/period between "sleep" to @strava (links in bio). I'll be #TPRNo4Cap95 ! For all you bike nerds, here are the juicy details: - @ridecannondale SuperX 2020 - @ridecannondale Hollowgram 40T crankset - @stagescycling G3 left-sided power meter - @srammtb GX AXS rear derailleur with a 10-52T Eagle dinner plate of a cassette with an X01 chain - @iamspecialized Pathfinder Pro 38mm tyres - @wahoofitnessofficial ELEMNT Bolt v2 w/TICKR heartrate monitor - @prologo.official Dimension Tri saddle - @redshiftsports kitchen sink 44cm handlebars - @profile_design AirStryke aero bars - @zedbikewheels carbon gravel wheels - @selle_italia bar tape - @apidura frame bag - @restrap top tube bag - @acepacbags saddle bag - @passportcycle handlebar bag - @bbbcycling snack bags Lights are from: @lezyneofficial , @kryptonitelock , @moon.sport , and ETC. Sleeping kit from: @coleman_uk , @klymit , @outdoorresearch , and @mountainwarehouse . Routing with @ridewithgps . #PlantBasedAthlete #PoweredByPlants #Vegan #EatMorePlants #Cycling

Obligatory Canadaversary post 🥳 It's been an unreal year since I moved to this beautiful country. There have been plenty of ups, some downs, and everything in between. I've seen sun, sea, sand, snow, smoke (boo), and scenery for days. Memories were created that will last forever, and friendships that feel like they might, too. I've got another three years to make the move permanent, and I'll be doing everything in my power to ensure it happens. Sorry England! Much love to everyone who's been a positive part of this journey so far, you know who you are... Here's to the next part! 🍻❤

Blimey, what a mad year eh? There have been so many changes and experiences that this one hasn't seemed like it's flown by. Pushing myself out of just about every comfort zone I can think of has been well and truly embraced, and I've learned a lot about myself in the process. l am so very grateful to every person who has helped me in some way, shape, or form and made me feel so welcome and grounded across the pond. To help with some of the positive changes I've tried to make, I have utilised takethejump.org - a movement that aims to help us all do that little bit more to help ourselves, protect the Earth, and live with joy. I highly recommend you take a peek at their website if you can spare a few minutes. Do something that scares you in 2023, make a change, implement tiny, positive habits, and remember that starting is the hardest part! Bring on Veganuary and dry January, and may 2023 bring you all positive experiences and happiness!

Blimey, what an absolute whirlwind it's been over the past month or two! I feel the need to post this not as a need for validation, but moreso as a way of vocalising how thankful I am to everyone who's been encouraging, motivating, welcoming, and downright selfless to help me move my life thousands of miles away. Despite being so far away from home, the world being an incredibly small and well connected place these days has helped me transition with some degree of success. Everyone who's kept in touch and made sure I don't lose the plot has played a part in bringing out the best in me so far. I'm using this as a form of self-reflection, motivation, and appreciation, so thank you to everyone - from family, friends, peers, and even total strangers - who've made everything that little bit easier when my brain starts to go into overdrive. Here's to pushing myself that little bit further! N.B. The picture is the road up to the summit of Mount Seymour, which will soon be much colder, icier, and far less traversable by road bike...

Some of my latest work, broadcast on BBC this week: Under a Banner by @casey_bailey A poem on the Commonwealth by the talented @casey_bailey 🎬 Produced by : @jag_shinbt 🎥 Filmed by @benmccarthy_ ✄ Edited by @_stephengent #LocationSound #SoundRecordist #BBC #BBCSport #CommonwealthGames2022

Well, that's one ticked off the bucket list! I took the opportunity to take a month off and bike-pack around Europe before I move to Canada in August. It all started from Calais, heading down the west coast of France to see @tomwelton2727 in San Sebastian with @benselbie and @o_ryan for a few days. I then took in the sights and delights of the Pyrenees, skirting the French and Spanish borders, dipping into the mammoth that is Andorra before spending my birthday back on French soil. After that it was time to head North - after tackling Mont Ventoux - through Burgundy and eventually into Belgium, where lots of delightful beer was consumed of course. After a few days in lovely Kortrijk and a trip to the iconic Muur van Geraardsbergen it was time to make the last part of the journey to Amsterdam, very kindly being put up in Dordrecht by the legend that is @vanbilsenjeroen who we met in San Sebastian! I'd say I was completely rested by the time I set off for the ferry home, but the accumulated fatigue takes more than just a few days exploring the parks and bars of Amsterdam for the legs to feel fresh again. I had an amazing time, met some great people, ate way too much food, and saw some stunning places. I want to say a huge thank you to...: - @richjlang at @spokedhq for making it feel like a holiday rather than a slog - @pedalprecisionrich for getting my position dialled, and helping me combat some physical weaknesses. - @boothonwheels for reassuring me and helping me to prepare properly, and lending me some invaluable bike-packing gear - @tomwelton2727 for showing us San Sebastian and being the ultimate tour guide - @vanbilsenjeroen and Natalie for being amazing hosts and all-round good people - @benselbie and @o_ryan for the world's fullest carry-on bag with some supplies and clothes for me to both places! Some stats for the nerds and those who've made it this far: - 177h13m in the saddle - 4477km distance covered - 43803m of elevation - 114481 calories burned Rather than posting everything on here, I've put together an album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/TP8nWXAj9Zd72Gyj8 Anyway, I should probably do some more work before I go...

Here's a thing I did while it was dead nice in summer. It was a proper rib-tickler to work on, so if you fancy a laugh every Thursday for a bit from the 3rd March (on @dave_tvchannel ) I'm sure it'll poke your funny bone! @jonrichardsoncomedian @the_one_from_hull @mrpearseynick

Felt like a long bloody year, eh? I like to think that every year will be better than the last, and I'll become a slightly better person each trip around the sun, and - despite the world falling apart around us - I think that's been the case in a number of ways. I travelled the furthest afield I've ever been, cycled further and higher in a single ride than before, and became a proud uncle to little Rowan. There was plenty to forget about for 2021, but also a fair bit to remember. Bring it on, 2022.

It's been a hell of a weekend! Cycling, eating, wildcamping, more cycling, more eating, more wildcamping, more cycling, more eating. All that interspersed with beautiful scenery, amazing weather, quality time with mates, terrible weather, and more food. Until next time, Scotland 😍

So... Hopefully the last you'll hear of it, but yesterday was a biggie, definitely the most difficult challenge I've ever attempted on a bike! I'll spare all the nerdy details for Strava but I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along to support, you absolute legends made the difference from a mental point of view. Thanks also to everyone who sent messages of encouragement, signal wasn't the best up there and I was trying not to look at my phone as much as possible. Big shoutouts to Rich at Pedal Precision for the physio and bike fit straight after my postponed attempt, Rich at Spok'd for all the advice and support, Peter and Ed for making it feel like a National Hill Climb championship crowd, Ant for arriving on two wheels for a few reps, and Soigneur David for everything. Couldn't have done it without any one of you! It goes without saying that I'm very grateful to everyone who has already donated to such a worthy cause, and I know Sarcoma UK are too. I'll leave the page up for now, but you all well and truly smashed the target! In typical Rob fashion, I didn't take any pictures, but there wasn't much to see besides me staring at my stem on the way up, or squinting into the mad crosswinds going back down. I feel surprisingly good today all things considered, but it's safe to say I'm a little fatigued! Might give it a few days before I set my sights on a new challenge, but I've got a few things in mind...