Hello everyone, I’m Ashley, I’m representing the Lewis Balyckyi trust fund for the 2012 season. First of all, I want to say that it is a true privilege to be awarded this funding. It means a great deal for me to have the opportunity to be the 1st rider to have the backing thats in memory of an amazing rider. Lewis was, and still is a real inspiration for hundreds of young riders across the British isles and I feel really honoured that I was chosen to carry on the amazing memories that Lewis brought in his years with us. I want to thank Jacqui, Kevin & Natasha for all their support that they are offering me as if it was not for them, young riders like myself may not have the opportunity to show their colours in such a demanding sport. So, back to the nitty gritty of this blog.
It was a Saturday afternoon, I was deep into my ‘cyclists nap’ after 6hours in the saddle in the morning. Normally if you were to be woken from your well deserved sleep, you would be quite annoyed as your body is craving the shut eye, but my phone was ringing, much to my disapproval. On the other end of the call was Natasha, telling me that the Lewis Balyckyi trust fund was wanting to interview with me on the following Tuesday. This certainly woke me up as after a couple of months after applying, it was not what I was expecting! Tuesday came soon enough, and in the evening I had the knock on the door where Jacqui, Kevin and the big grin of Natasha stood. Once inside, it was straight down to interview business, non of this teenager mumbling that everyone is used to by now from me! On hearing that I was the only rider to have been selected for the trust fund, it put a big smile on my face! I wont lie, it was some of the most uplifting pieces of news that I have heard for a while. After signing the contracts of agreement, I was officially the 1st rider that was to represent the trust fund, HAPPY DAYS!
We know as cyclists, the winter times are about getting long miles in on your trusty old steed. Although, sometimes your trusty old steed needs some TLC as the winter weather does its best to damage your pride & joy. Therefore I had to purchase some new wheels & tyres to see me through the training that I am doing. With the trust fund, I have been able to purchase these parts, so now ive got no excuses not to be out training! Also, as part of being a cyclist, you have to give your body the fuel it needs and after a lengthy training session, it needs its protein! As I had just ran out of my previous stuff, the trust fund was able to help me purchase some more recovery powder, now it means that I don’t get home after a ride and then suffer for the next few days as I didn’t get a good source of protein. As the racing season is just around the corner, I will have plenty more to write about as my calendar is pretty much full for most weekends, all I can say for now is watch this space!
Over and out
Ashley
