Monday, 6 July 2015

Training and some Powys enduro prep

I took the opportunity this weekend to go and do some much needed maintenance on my ET James/Moto Rally Services KTM EXC 300, ready for the next race - the 2015 Powys Enduro on the 9th of August.

I started by removing the Acerbis 15L tank and re-mounting the standard 9.5L one. Then I replaced my Renthal R3 O-ring chain and the split link, along with the front sprocket. Then I adjusted the chain tension, replaced the air filter and spark plug and bled the front brake.

Once all that was done, I went out to do some training - it was nice to be out but it was hot! I filmed a little bit while I was riding so that I can see where I'm going wrong, especially with the more technical riding. I practiced some hill climbs, crossing big logs, brake slides, wheelies, drifting around corners, pivot turns and some jumps for good measure. I'm feeling good about my technical skills - it's a case of keeping them all together when I'm tired and that's something only bike fitness will give me.

Anyway, I had a great time messing about on the bike and I've only got a few things left to do before the Powys Enduro. I need to check my wheel bearings, change the gearbox oil and overhaul the exhaust system. The front will get new o-ring seals and new springs and the rear will get re-packed.

Hopefully I will be able to squeeze in at least one more practice session before the Powys, but I'm looking forward to it and I know I'll enjoy it, just like I do every year.







Tuesday, 16 June 2015

#ioracing on instagram

Follow Io Racing on Instagram! Lots of photos and videos from training to race days and everything in between.

http://instagram.com/ioanwhittick

#ioracing



Tuesday, 9 June 2015

Summer break

It's been a bit quiet on the racing front recently! I have to admit it's nice to relax and do some training in my own time, not having to worry about fixing the bike with a tight deadline or rushing off to races every other weekend for a change.

I'm enjoying having some downtime and I'm really looking forward to my next race, which will be the Powys Enduro in August.

That's still a while away at the moment but that gives me plenty of time to fettle the bike, do some roadbook training ready for the RallyMoto GB round of the RallyMoto Cup and do some intense fitness training off the bike too. I've been at the gym a lot recently and I'm feeling fit and strong, so I'm confident about getting back on the bike.

There will be some training videos coming soon, so watch this space!

Monday, 8 June 2015

Erzberg 2015: Sportsmanship at its finest

In case you missed it, the picture below sums up the 2015 Erzberg Red Bull Hare Scramble - the most memorable moment from the event and one that demonstrates true sportsmanship and teamwork at the pinnacle of our sport. Just a small part of why we love enduro!

Jonny Walker, Graham Jarvis, Andreas Lettenbichler and Alfredo Gomez all crossed the finish line together after their magnificent manual ascent of the "Downtown" section of the course to become the first riders in history to share 1st place between 4 riders.

They man-handled, dragged, roped and scrambled their way up the section by forming a human chain in this fantastic spectacle. The weather is always harsh at Erzberg, this year it was extremely hot. The riders even stopped for a picnic half way up the section and could be seen sharing a bag of M&Ms in the heat of the race - where else do you see that?!

Roll on the next edition of the Erzberg Rodeo. Photo ©Philip Platzer/Red Bull Content Pool.




Tuesday, 26 May 2015

TV coverage of Baja GB 2015 from Special Stage rally review and Motors TV

There was some great TV coverage of the event on Motors TV the other day, with the full programme now available on Special Stage's Youtube channel. It's a shame they pronounced my name wrongly but if I had a penny for every time that's happened...

Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuiaytISbA0




Monday, 11 May 2015

Baja GB 2015 photos

There are some fantastic photos available online from Baja GB 2015, courtesy of Garry Barnes Photography and BRADS photography, thank you very much to them:

Garry Barnes photos (Facebook album)



BRADS photography (Facebook album)