Christian Iddon
Iddon can’t wait to get back out on the new BMW S1000RR.
This is a funny time of year to be a racer, because there really isn’t much going on. Sure, there's loads of admin-style stuff on the go, like getting leather designs sorted and helmets to painters, finalising sponsors, booking flights for testing and that kinda jazz, but it's not really much of a craic. So, lately I've been filling my time with work and play. I've picked the trowel back up and headed to the building site for a few stints of graft. I've never been shy of a bit of graft, but these last few weeks have been a rough one to get back into.
My mate and my cousin have a site in Anglesey, which is a development of seven properties, and that's where I've been at it. Basically, it's a posh barn conversion, but as much as the location is lovely, it's still in the back end of nowhere, on top of a hill where it does nothing but blow a force 10 gale from dawn to dusk. If the air temperature has got above freezing, then that's good enough for shorts and a T-shirt, as most of the time it's been about six below. I was sure when I arrived I would get a nice cushty job like plasterboarding inside or something of the like, but I was wrong on that count, too. I spent my time backfilling walls and putting in drains. I've always been the site bitch, but truth be told I kinda like it. I'm into the jobs where you can switch off the brain and just work the days away, so I shouldn't moan. After all, three pairs of socks just about keeps feeling in the toes.
Alongside grafting, it's about the time to get a bit more in shape and lose a few kilograms, and I've got right into this indoor cycling (Zwift) malarkey. Basically, you set your bicycle up to a machine and a laptop, and cycle around a false world. The machine is pretty clever and alters the resistance based on gradients, or if you are doing a training plan it follows the routine you are on. I've always done loads of turbo trainer time at this time of year, but this gizmo really helps pass the time.
Whilst on site I've had it set up in the tool storage barn just next to the forks, shovels and spades (random fact, but my favourite tool is a mattock), and every morning around 5-5:30am I make my way out the caravan we are living in on site (which has no heating and is therefore colder than outside) and make my lycra-clad way down to the shed for about two hours of punishment before work begins; the whole time dreading the cold shower I have to look forward to when I finish.
I've said it before, but I'm not always sure why I continue with the building, because Tyco BMW do look after me and, believe it or not, I am a ‘pro’ racer, but I just seem to get some kind of good vibes out of doing it. It keeps my head in a good place. I think it helps me value the pound and I honestly think it keeps me grounded. Either that or I am just mental, which is probably closer to the truth. Anyway, in a bid to be more of a pro racer, and to balance out the work/play ratio, I've just been to WSBK supremo, Eugene Laverty’s place, for a bit of fun in the sun and some actual outdoor cycle action. I usually go and stay with 'Norge' about three times a year at his place in the South of France for some big days out on the bicycle. This was no exception, as we hooked up with some friends and went exploring the hills.
I love cycling around there, with good company and some awesome roads, so I just full on enjoy every moment of being out there. Sadly, my gooch doesn't like it quite so much (you know, that bit between your nuts and your butt), as the shortest day we did was four hours in the saddle. After a while it don't half begin to rub!
The thing I'm excited for now is the launch of the new BMW, though. This is like Christmas to me, as the prospect of a new bike to go out on and hit up the BSB Championship makes my mouth water. Oh, and don't take my word for it, as you can read just how good she is right here in this very mag next month.
It's going to be mega...