The offseason always feels a bit strange at first. After months of racing, travelling and living week to week, everything suddenly slows down. No race countdowns, no weekends booked out months in advance, just time. No race weekends means no built-in routine, so you either create one or drift. I’ve learned which option works better for me.
Training still plays a big part of my days, just in a different way. A lot of beach sessions lately. Running along the sand, swimming when the weather’s good, and sometimes just walking along the shoreline to clear my head.
It’s nice not being glued to a stopwatch for a while. Some days it’s tough, some days it’s really enjoyable, but it all adds up. Even when I feel slow or tired, I remind myself that it all counts. Staying fit in the offseason makes the whole year easier when things ramp up again.
A few mornings, I’ve gone for sunrise runs and ended up sitting on the sand for half an hour just watching the waves. It’s not glamorous, but it’s quiet, and in a way it feels like a little reset for both body and mind. I don’t usually have time for that during the season, so it’s been a small highlight.
I’ve also been spending a lot of time at Nightmare Designs. Long days in the workshop, paint everywhere, and always something new to focus on. Most of my time is spent masking up the most intricate designs until my eyes go cross-eyed for six hours straight. I genuinely love being involved in that side of the industry. Seeing a bike come together from start to finish is so satisfying, and it keeps me connected to racing even when I’m not on track. Plus, it keeps me busy, which is probably a good thing.
It’s funny how much satisfaction you get from small details when working on bikes. A clean line, a perfect coat of paint, a sticker applied straight. During the season, those little things often go unnoticed, but in the workshop, they matter. I’ve found myself obsessing over them more than I expected.
On top of all that, I’ve started a Business and Marketing Certificate this offseason. That probably sounds random to some people, but it makes sense to me. I’ve always loved the social media side of racing, learning how everything works behind the scenes, understanding branding, content strategy, partnerships and marketability. Racing these days isn’t just about what you do on track, and I enjoy figuring out the bigger picture. It feels like a smart way to invest in myself long term, and it’s something I can use even when I’m not racing.
I was so looking forward to slowing down a bit and spending time with friends and family; racing seasons go fast, and you don’t always get those moments back. The relaxed days, good food, laughs and catching up with the people who support me all year round, whether they’re trackside or following along from home.
I’ve also been sneaking in small adventures. A random long bike ride with friends, a coffee stop at some new spot, or even just sitting at the workshop watching the sunset while masking panels. Nothing flashy, nothing that looks impressive on Instagram, but it’s the kind of stuff that makes the offseason feel full and enjoyable.
The offseason has been a good balance of work, training, learning and enjoying life a little more. It’s not glamorous, but it’s productive, and it sets me up well for what’s next. I feel like I’m actually preparing for the season ahead instead of just waiting for it to start.
Thank you to everyone who supported me throughout season 2025. I’m excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to get back to racing soon!
