Don't Make The Same Mistake I Did

[@falklevien]

I may be out of line here, but from a viewer's perspective, quitting GCN was the best thing that could have happened. You clearly have a knack for creating video content, but what you do now is just so much more genuine. You actually get to share your own experiences, rather than just read a script to a camera, followed by a few standard montages. At least that's what it feels like to me as a viewer. The Transpyrenees video is a brilliant watch. Must have been heaps of work that went into making it. Great thing you're in a position to do stuff like that.

[@chrisopie87]

You're not out of line at all, I'd say you're 100% right. Thank you for your kind words and observations, they really make the hard work worthwhile. I hope I can continue to create videos you enjoy like these. Thank you again!

[@petercallaghan6987]

Good to see you back. Iv really enjoyed your honesty and openness. Don’t worry about us watching, look after yourself first. Enjoy your holiday!

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you Peter!

[@petercallaghan6987]

I watched the other video. I really enjoyed it. Well done 👍🏼 Keep up the great work!

[@petercallaghan6987]

I’d love to see a ride or trip with you and Frances Cade.

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you!

[@chrisopie87]

That would definitely be enjoyable, interesting and insightful!

[@MADTASS]

At the Age of 62 this year i've Discovered that Chasing Strava Goals and Competing with Mates has become Harder, I now Cycle at the Limit my Body is Telling me to Cycle at, best thing i have done recently is to turn my Cyclocross Bike into a Hybrid which i use in Winter, so Relaxing just to Chill on a Bike, still Road Cycle on my Scott but Stick to Shorter Distances as the Older you get the Longer it takes for your Body to Recover.

[@tom_sorrell]

Very important message! I did Ride London back in May and tried to get back on the wagon too quickly afterwards. I crashed and burned and ended up withdrawing from a 70.3 triathlon. My HRV was trash, mood terrible and just generally felt awful. I have dialled back on the training in recent weeks and have been trying to enjoy new sports with my partner. Starting to feel mentally and physically better.

[@chrisopie87]

Sorry to hear this Tom. I hope you continue to recover and enjoy getting back to feeling more like yourself again!

[@tom_sorrell]

Thanks Chris, feeling much better. Been taking a break from structured training and have just been enjoying riding the bike and trying new activities, have joined a local boxing gym with my partner.

[@chrisopie87]

This is good to hear! Hope you both enjoy training together.

[@tom_sorrell]

@@chrisopie87 Thanks for the kind words! It’s certainly been eye opening, she’s better than me 🤣 Take care and best of luck with the rest of the season, if you have anything planned.

[@chrisopie87]

Haha, good luck in this case!! And thank you.

[@Andy_Lewis]

I can almost feel my lack of fitness becoming ever greater. Been off the bike for two months with a ruptured Achilles and it's going to be another two before I can jump back on (hopefully). Considered trying to fast track back to fitness when I can, but past experience says no. This video just cements it, cheers Mr Opie.

[@chrisopie87]

Sorry to hear this, Andy! I hope you are able to slowly ease back into it when it is the right time and you recover fully.

[@mrflaxtv81]

Chris you're so hard on yourself, brother. Glad you're feeling a bit better. I'll check out the other vid now. Take it easy and listen to your body!

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you for your kind words!! I hope you enjoy the video.

[@CycoWarriorx]

+1 on this post…

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you 😊

[@larisonjohnson]

Chris, glad you are feeling better. Shot in the dark, I had a similar issue on that side, went on for 6+ months. Finally diagnosed as a rumbling appendicitis. Not common in the states, so tough to detect. Totally agree on the subject of lost time and fast tracking. You are so hard on yourself. But I do find comfort in hearing someone else waffle the same way I do. Enjoy the vacation. ☮️💪❤

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you for sharing this and for your kind words , too! This is indeed what has been suggested, so I was told to stay aware it could happen again. Thank you again 😊😊

[@chudfrisbee2601]

Chris, you always give so much heartfelt honesty and openness… and are so encouraging and supportive of others. The community you have built through your Zwift rides is testament to that. I hope that the upcoming holiday is very relaxing! Richard

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you Richard!! Your kind words are really appreciated. Look forward to seeing you on Zwift soon!

[@FNQ_BEES]

I takes a strong character to be as honest with yourself as you are. The fact you then share that with the world is so refreshing. Genuine content thats well worth the watch, well done Chris.

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you for your kind words!! It really is appreciated 😊

[@01FozzyS]

Welcome back,Chris! Thanks for sharing this with us and glad you're correcting your mistakes. Stay safe and healthy! Enjoy your vacation with the fam!

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you!! Hope you're safe and healthy, too. 😊

[@8rk]

It does relate SO MUCH!!! Until 2021, I have broken PR's and felt more fit every year since I started riding 10 years or so ago. Then life threw wrenches to fitness / training / mental health / eating and everything really that set me back. It feels like an impossible task and the idea of not being able to be at my fittest ever now (I'm 40 as well so very possible) gives me anxiety which makes me wanna "jump start" my training. But instead, like you mentioned, I really should just take it easy, fall in love with consistent riding getting from A to B every day. Once that momentum is there, training hard is so much easier and more fun. But you have to build it up to that point not shortcut to it.

[@chrisopie87]

Sorry to hear of your challenges with this. Wishing you all the best with your progress back to full fitness. Consistency is key, even if that's difficult in and of itself. But if you can keep making progress, little by little, you will get there!

[@paulshaw4013]

Broke my jaw back in February. First few weeks back on the turbo (couldn't ride irl) pushed really hard to get some fitness back. Too hard as it turned out and probably cost me a month just getting everything back on track. Another honest and informative video Chris. Keep them coming, but in your own time 👍

[@hannahgraingerclemson5647]

I nearly cried watching this - not just because of your own visible struggles but because it clearly resonates with others (and I also fell asleep at work today). Thank you for this heart felt and important reminder. Have a wonderful holiday with your family.

[@chrisopie87]

Hi Hannah, thank you so much for sharing this. It's always a huge help to me personally when I discover others are experiencing similar moments in their lives as it helps me add perspective to my struggles. I hope your power nap helped! And thank you for your wishes. See you soon on Zwift?!

[@hannahgraingerclemson5647]

Er power nap implies conscious decision. I fell asleep a few times mid-typing. 😴 Then ploughed on, dehydrating myself with tea, and struggled (surprise surprise) through post-work swim session. 🙄 Working from home today so it's easier to snack on fruit and if I feel the wave of sleepiness I will try a proper nap! 👍🏼

[@chrisopie87]

Ah, that's not so good 😅. I hope that working from home helps today! I do love a 5-10 minutes power nap, I'm not sure I would survive some days.

[@elluck91]

Good to see your face 😊 On the subject of overreaching, it's been the story of my life. Since I remember the numbers I used to be able to do, they are always my benchmark. After each extended period off the bike, I would get right into structured training and would quickly improve. The ramp test would show great improvements. In reality though, I wouldn't be able to do 20min at the threshold. If I did, I wouldn't be able to recover from it for a while. Lately, I've given myself more space to listen to how I'm feeling and also started tracking HRV. I've been working in 4 week blocks with very gradual power increases if any. More volume though. Polarized training with over 80% in zone 2. The results? I just did a 20min test beating my ftp by 20 watts and I repeatedly feel great doing 2x20min effort 3 times a week hitting the right power numbers. It feels like the depth of my energy tank is unlimited. Anyway, long rumble. It takes time to build overall great fitness and a lot of recovery.

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you for taking the time to share your long rumble, it really is a brilliant approach! I'm a big fan of using the HRV data myself, I just perhaps need to adhere to it rather than just observe it 😅. I hope you continue to enjoy the good progress and congratulations on your PB!!

[@mountaincat123]

Glad to hear you got the all clear, a cycling friend just had 12” of his bowel removed after a cancer diagnosis. Interesting what you said about excuses, I’ve heard it so often racing even when people win they say something about their form, fitness or lack of training to explain their performance. I hope you find what caused your illness so we can keep seeing you at the races in the South West, hopefully some of the autumn cyclocross races

[@chrisopie87]

Sorry to hear about your friend, I hope he is recovering well!! I've never understood why people need to voice their excuses so loudly, it's like they're trying to compensate for a lack performance/confidence/something else. I find it exhausting, so try to avoid it myself. Looking forward to seeing you at the CX races! Sounds like a fun autumn plan.

[@mikaelfrisk3649]

You are so right. Came off the bike in early June. Landed on my right shoulder blade and bruised the ribs and muscles on my right side. Took 2 weeks to get back on the bike again for easy riding. Tried to get back to my intervals by week 4, could not produce any sustainable power at all. Your video confirmed that I should just focus building my endurance back up and let my body finish healing. Thank you for your honest look at the pressures we put on ourselves at times. And thank you for sharing your personal experiences.

[@chrisopie87]

Sorry to hear of your accident. Hope you're now enjoying your riding and slowly making the progress you were hoping for!

[@ritchequindipan8388]

Thanks for the advice Chris. Good to have you back. Agree we have to look after ourselves and we have to accept sometimes that we are not at our best and it’s ok especially when healthy plays a part. The important thing is we get ourselves healthy and we are able to ride our bikes which brings huge joy to our lives.

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you. This is very true, health first and foremost, the rest will follow suit in time.

[@johnmitchell4152]

Great post, super helpful. Your honesty and transparency transcends cycling. Respect

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you, very kind of you to say so! 🚴

[@global_nomad.]

as ever, your openness and honesty is what makes you so refreshing and important - I think we all know that being able to share has come a long way in the last few years - those of us who are older will remember, not so many years ago this kind of conversation would not be possible, especially as a man. As someone who is 55 can I also remind you that you have a very many years still to go and your riding will evolve with you - you've just moved from one phase of your life to another and each of this and other phases will be positive in different ways, don't be (overly) nostalgic and miss the good you have now and in the future. PS - good advice on illness/recovery/fitness too.

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you for your well thought comment. You have shared some wisdom that is very helpful. I also well remember a time when there was no dialogue around these thoughts and feelings. Hopefully the change is for the better, for everyone. Thank you again for your words.

[@alinapopescu872]

My goodness, Chris, yes, you are much too hard on yourself. Please take care of you health! And thank you for taking care of us with your advice!

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@alinapopescu872]

@@chrisopie87 ❤️

[@simonnaylor9695]

Thanks for sharing Chris. Loved the LeCol piece on the trans pyrenees. The honesty and humility expressed, together with your calm and natural delivery all goes to make your pieces stand out in todays world of cycling social media. Keep up the good work. Keep putting health and family first. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

[@paulinnesgraphiteart6051]

I to had a cancer scare a few months back. I became very ill and completly knocked out. Had all the tests and found it was diabetes, but the speed that it hit me was told it could be cancer. Thank god it wasnt. Im actually in very good health except for the insuline resistance, so i can sympothise with you at how scary it can be. Glad all is ok with you.

[@chrisopie87]

Sorry to hear this. Wishing you all the best as you learn how living with diabetes works. Thank you for commenting.

[@channul4887]

I love listening to you waffle, mate. Glad to hear you're fine.

[@chrisopie87]

Haha, thank you!! 😅This is good to know!

[@garethowen2816]

I do feel encouraged by your vlogs, particularly with your openness and honesty which seems authentic. Thank you and hope you have a great holiday. 👍

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you Gareth, it really is appreciated!!

[@neilgmarsh4751]

I had a scan for prostatitis, that was clear. But they found a cancerous lump in my lung. Had it removed in April. Back on the bike, circuits, weights, stretching. Taking time, but getting there. Slowly-slowly-catchee-monkey.

[@chrisopie87]

Sorry to hear this, hope you are recovering well and enjoying being back on your bike. Well done for getting checked out!!

[@tomfletcher4106]

Chris, blimey, didn't know you went through those health issues - hope you are getting better. I've been struggling to get back since COVID associated chest infections last year. It has been a really slow recovery, but I am totally cool with it as like you say, it really takes time. I am on a gradual path and will not be pushing it - aiming for the Southern Divide on the 21st September. Add on to that I am in my 50s so that probably means things are a bit slower. Yes, the Le Col vid is excellent and in my view, better than the racing side. You should do the West Kernow Way and film that, would be good promotion for that route, I want to have a crack at it soon. Ha, one thing I noticed on the Le Col video, you should have definately borrowed my thermarest - those hard floors must have been tough!! See you out on the road soon dude.....

[@chrisopie87]

Hi Tom, I like to keep things quiet until I've made sense of them, I think. I hope you're still making progress with your recovery. And good luck with the Southern Divide! I'd love to do the West Kernow Way, I've been thinking about it... Just need a little dry weather 🤞 You may well be right about the Sleeping mat! 🤦‍♂️😅

[@christopherhood9241]

love the honesty Chris. Awesome Trans Pyrenees video. I took part with this years panceltic race - tried to 'fast track' fitness after covid - never again. Enjoy your holiday / downtime.

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you! I hope you enjoyed the Pan Celtic, that's so much tougher than how we approached the Trans Pyrenees.

[@christopherhood9241]

thanks Chris@@chrisopie87

[@keir91177]

I've gone through the same thing. Trained well, completed the Mallorca 312, came back, and didn't really rest properly. The next event was a gravel endurance and I picked up an injury a couple of weeks prior (knee). I attempted to complete the event and scratched halfway around (150 miles completed). I then canceled my next event (Chase the Sun) and gave myself 6 weeks off the bike. I then had limited training for my last challenge, which was to ride up Mont Ventoux on all three climbs. Not really bike fit, I got two climbs completed and listened to my sensible self to call it a day, two climbs (2800m elevation gain) in just over 4 hours is ok with me. I'm learning that I'm getting older, and things are getting harder. I'll be back and next time, trained to complete Ventoux three times in a day.

[@chrisopie87]

I'm sorry to hear this! Two ascents of Ventoux is still impressive, especially that quickly. Hope your knee is now recovering and you're back riding with no pain.

[@Tatterist]

Thanks Chris! I'm on 2 naps a day & think I need to listen to your advice. Hope the scare wasn't too awful and things are looking up. Been sober for years (no problems, just feel much better), and your new year video helped me feel less like it was just me. Thanks again.

[@chrisopie87]

I hope you see the end of the fatigue and recover well. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences, it really is appreciated.

[@Omnis2]

My friend's brother was hospitalized with sudden excruciating abdominal pain. He found out he had metastatic colon cancer and died 2 weeks later while undergoing chemotherapy. He was in his late 30s, too young for a routine colonoscopy and with absolutely no prior symptoms or anything to indicate that something might be wrong. Glad your exam was clear. This sounds kinda like a Crohn's history or some other inflammatory bowel syndrome. Will go watch your other vids. Best wishes for good health to you.

[@chrisopie87]

I'm sorry to hear this, but thank you for sharing. It's always good to hear more stories and read about other people's experiences. I hope you enjoy the other videos.

[@robjones2613]

Very honest advice thankyou loved watching you on the tour series and glad your doing well👍 you definitely still have it 💪keep making the vids too.

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you for the kind words! The Tour Series was brilliant fun, I hope it returns!

[@stuartpotter4923]

Thanks for sharing Chris - insightful as always... definitely something I can relate to, but also something I have to remind myself about regularly. Cheers.

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you!! Always good to remember the essentials.

[@swites]

Glad to hear it wasn't the big C! So easy to overdo it, not listen to the body, and dig oneself a hole. I've done it a number of times over the yrs. Anyway glad to hear you're much better.

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you! Yes, it really is all too easy 🤦‍♂️hope you avoid it successfully in the future!

[@markfairchild5122]

Just went thru prostate cancer scare. It really creeps into your mind. Glad u are doing better.

[@chrisopie87]

Hope all is ok with you now. I can imagine how that was.

[@markfairchild5122]

@@chrisopie87 i m good. Had biopsy that came back negative , but those what if thoughts get in ur mind.

[@chrisopie87]

I'm pleased to hear this. Yes, they have a way of creeping in! But hopefully they can now be gone forever and you can continue to enjoy good health.

[@johansiren510]

Good to see you back. And thank you for sharing. You are my muse and my Hero, Chris 😎

[@chrisopie87]

That is very kind of you, thank you!!

[@ocbyn]

Thank you for your honesty. That is just one if the aspects of your channel I really appreciate. It keeps everything real. Take it easy man

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you for your kind words!! I'm pleased to hear this 😊

[@thedoginside]

100% honesty as always. Hope you're on the mend.

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you, getting there now 😊

[@robhollander72]

Thank you for sharing - I sustained a leg injury and am healing up now. Your video inspired me take it easy on the recovery as I am training for a fall marathon run. I

[@chrisopie87]

Wishing you the best with your recovery! Thank you for commenting.

[@stevenbridgland3727]

Chris - great video. The irony of being a performance oriented athlete is that it is counterintuitive to hold back - I have finally learned that lesson after a few more mistakes than I would have liked. Great that you are putting this message out there. As we get older, Ultra’s are actually a gift as they will slow you down and as we age, mentally I think it gets a bit easier and this provides an advantage. Remember, ultra’s are 90% mental - the other 10% is mental…

[@chrisopie87]

This is very true. What you say about ultra endurance is brilliant and something that really appeals to me more and more. Hope you continue to enjoy ageing and riding!

[@stevenbridgland3727]

@@chrisopie87 I am loving riding more than ever - bikes are life ! It just gets better I’m holding a 350w FTP at 56 yrs old, doing Leadville next weekends (#6) and loving the ultra world - its therapy of a different kind. Love your channel Chris - your biggest advantage in a crowded space is your authenticity, honesty and integrity and that will always trump clicks and subscribes - though I appreciate those are important too !! Be well.

[@chrisopie87]

It makes me smile reading this, wishing you all the best at Leadville! I'd love to go back one day. Thank you for your comments, they are really appreciated!!

[@monsterthemink5787]

Don´t worry about creating content, look after yourself first! Thx for another great video.

[@chrisopie87]

😊 thank you!!

[@scottishjohn]

Well that was kind of unexpected to hear. Firstly a big well done on the Trans Pyrenees, that looked like one of the hardest weeks you could spend on a bike not just those incredibly hard climbs but the sleeping and eating challenges... amazing that you got through it unscathed! Seconly, just blown away that you did that after suffering all of those problems with your health. I was heartened to hear that your local GP did take your symptoms so seriously and you got yourself screened for Colon cancer, that is definately concerning if that had been a possible diagnosis. I do hope that you are able to get to the bottom of what is ailing you and you are able to find a long term solution for this instead of just a short term fix. A really important message to get over about firstly looking after your health and listening to your body and getting warning signed checked out but also about not trying to rush your fitness gains to quickly. Really hard when there is a big event on the horizon and your want to be in your best shape for it not to push too hard. I guess it is the real downside of a racers mindset. I really hope that your on the road to better health soon. Oh and big praise to Meike for the video editing cause it makes a non climber like me think that going to the mountains is attractive!!

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you for your kind words and well wishes!! It really is appreciated. I was also pleased the GP was so proactive in helping. The while process with everyone involved was really very good and they couldn't have been more helpful/supportive throughout, especially at the hospital.

[@dorydiavelone3531]

Chris I’m glad you listen to your body and that is that you face off with things you and your wife are so lovely you are special and we love you!!!!

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you for your kind words!! They really are appreciated.

[@carlstatham594]

All the best Chris and get back into form. It is keeping the core fitness that makes it worthwhile. Look forward to watching the Trans.

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you, I hope you enjoy the video!

[@stephenmorris6202]

You have incredibly high standards, partly because of what you have achieved and the world you lived in/still live in ish. Transition. Going through, accepting and then enjoying change. It's easy to write this but I fail myself at times, probably too many times. But I laugh about it a bit more now and new doors and experiences open with the changes. No, I haven't seen the Le Col vid yet. I've been waiting for it. This is a quick wish you well and to thank you for your waffling. It does me good to hear you share these experiences and you are a compelling presenter. Thank you.

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you Stephen, I really appreciate you sharing this. It always helps to understand the learning's and perspectives of others.

[@laurentaudibert9632]

Glad you’re ok Chris and taking the time now to unwind.

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you! 😊🚴

[@stevenpike7530]

Honest…good man…enjoy your break…excellent vlog.

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you. 😊I am looking forward to it.

[@Mr229357]

It's important to listen to your body, take care 😊👍🏻👍🏻

[@chrisopie87]

It really is! So easy to forget 🤦‍♂️

[@Andy_ATB]

Thanks for this Chris, this is the message I need to see the doctor over something similar, but without the pain.

[@chrisopie87]

Wishing you all the best, hope you manage to recover and get back to full health.

[@Philatlondon1]

Always enjoy your waffling and honesty.

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you Phil!

[@leedorney]

Well I'm glad you're ok and know what the deal is, I was told I had a 'fatty liver' which astounded me, I know what's caused it - a sedentary job and a bag load of stress (coupled with a 10ml a week just ain't enough, which I'm tackling and lessening as much as I can..eating BETTER is what it's about 👌

[@chrisopie87]

Wishing you all the best with this!! I hope you're able to make the changes you are looking for.

[@chrisemblen7812]

Really enjoyed the video & it also really helped me. Now I've retired that was one of the events that I had been thinking about but you helped me realise that its way beyond me. That is a good thing though because resetting aspirations really helps. Enjoy the break. Chapeau.

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you! I would highly recommend the event, there's no rush to complete, there was someone riding on flat pedals and enjoying the ride, just taking each day as it came. It was a beautiful adventure!

[@emblenworldtour]

@chrisopie87 Cheers Chris, that helps. Keep up the great content.

[@darrenhiggins9601]

I came to down with Transverse Myelitis after a triathlon. Back on the bike but won’t swim in rivers anymore . Onwards🚴‍♀️💪

[@chrisopie87]

Sorry to hear this. Wishing you a full and thorough recovery!

[@happytriking]

Whew, scary time, glad your okay. Thanks for the interesting vid.😀

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you!!

[@johnoakleymusic]

Great video this. Very open and honest and relatable. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you John! Hope you're well 🚴🎸

[@BrianRPaterson]

Hey Chris. Glad to hear you are all clear on the cancer front. On a less serious note, I see you are wearing Shokz bone conducting headphones.How are they standing up to all the sweat and rain cyclists endure? Water is a real challenge for cycling kit. For example, I've killed half a dozen different types of headphones so far through profuse sweating and rain showers. Shokz OpenRuns were the only ones that lasted more than six months. But last month even they gave up the ghost during a torrential Asian downpour. Admittedly, the rain was so hard it felt like being in a shower. But Shokz are rated to IPX67, which is supposed to be proof against total immersion for up to 30 minutes. Fortunately my Shokz came back to life after a week drying out in a jar half full of rice. All of this has led me to wonder about electronic shifting systems. How waterproof are they? And can you rely on them in really tough conditions. Or even just during bad weather on a trip to, let's say Thailand, where the rain can sometimes be so hard it's difficult to breathe! With more and more electronic tech making its way onto bikes, water performance is becoming a genuine concern. Maybe it would make a decent video sometime. Cheers for now

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you for sharing this! I haven't actually used these headphones in the rain yet, but I have had the bikes in horrendous conditions. And I pressure wash them regularly. I've never had an electronic issue from water ingress in all the years I've use electric groupsets. I've had batteries disintegrate from vibration (2016 team bikes) and derailleur failures after crashes. But they seem to be good against moisture. I hope this helps...

[@BrianRPaterson]

​@@chrisopie87​Good insight. And to be fair, Shokz are by far the best I've tried so far. But, when you pay over a hundred quid for a sports-specific device, its reasonable to expect it to perform in the rain. Garmin seems to manage with its watches and headunits. I reckon it's something to keep an eye on and flag up if you experience any issues. Meantime, live long and keep pedalling!

[@chrisopie87]

This is a very good point!! It's not unreasonable to expect, either. I'll pay attention to how mine function. Thank you for your message!!

[@janeg1685]

Nice and honest, as usual, but you will find as you get older, recovering is just as important as bum on seat time, well put across Chris, keep up the good work👋👋

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you! I'll take note of your advice, too 😊

[@stephenmorris6202]

Ok, I've now seen the trans Pyrenees video. You caught the spirit of the event, the challenges, the lows and the joy of achievement and comradeship. Never done an event like this .... and not sure i will. But i am more than happy for you to do them ... and enjoy this vicariously! Yes, call men lazy. But i am curious to experience what it is like to boldy go and keep on going rather than max out a ride for 2-3 hours. Oh, big shout out to Meike. I guess she helps you be you. How was the Tailfin bag? Looks more stable than the big saddle packs. Now the question is whether you dare give yourself recovery time? And finally i did a ride segment near me recently. Thought i did ok but then saw you did it 1.5 minutes faster. Still felt good about my time. I really enjoyed it, and it made me laugh that you had ridden in my area of rhe Surrey Hills. And on that note ... oh, where's the next adventure?

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you Stephen! I'd love to know which segment that was? I too am curious how the experience would be should I just keep pedalling and really pushing the limits in the ultra endurance world. Maybe next time I do such an event I will find out!... Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@phillipreynolds2512]

Great video thanks, I've just done the same thing this year, went really hard early it made me tired and stressed. I've also gone alcohol-free 6 months :)

[@chrisopie87]

Congratulations on your 6 months! And I hope you're recovering well from the start of the year.

[@andrewturnbull7690]

Chris, I really enjoy your presentation style in your videos and it is sometimes very hard to talk about issues we have as openly as you do. I hope that your family holiday helps to rest and recharge your mind and body. Years ago I had a weird virus infection, similar to glandular fever and tried to start playing football and all the other activities I did at the time thinking I would shake it off, I just digged myself into a bigger hole which eventually took me nearly 18 months to get over, we all should be more aware of the warnings our bodies give us and a few extra weeks of rest can have so much better long term benefits. Also, as a matter of interest I see you have an esensium and I believe have had an ecrosshill as well, what size of bikes do you ride ? I am 180cm and similar weight to you, but right at the boundary of two sizes so interested which ones you chose. Best Wishes Andrew

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you for sharing your experiences, Andrew. I'm a little shorter than you at 178cm and also find myself a little between sizes. For the off road bikes I tend to size up to L and then for the road bikes I tend to size towards an M for preference. I would use the head tube measurements for my own personal fit, as they are quite tall on the eCrosshill and eSensium. I hope this helps a little.

[@andrewturnbull7690]

@@chrisopie87 Thanks Chris for your reply, much appreciated.

[@savagepro9060]

I'm always wondered why we never see your former co-workers at GCN stop by to say hello in the comment section. Or, do they?

[@chrisopie87]

Jon Cannings and Hank have been known to appear 😅.

[@savagepro9060]

@@chrisopie87 Hmm🤔🤨, now that's more soothing🤗

[@chrisopie87]

😊😊

[@Xolotl44]

Greetings from Mexico Chris, thanks for your advice

[@chrisopie87]

Greetings back! And thank you!

[@zeuszuki6698]

Hi Chris, how's it going 😁 Another great video and something more people are guilty of than they'd care to admit, myself included. I often find I hit a few PB'S after a few week holiday (off the bike). Look after yourself, gotta go, have another vid to watch about a couple of guys riding in the alps 😉

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you for taking the time to comment!! Hopefully fresh form is coming my way, too. I hope you enjoyed the other video 😅

[@adamgurule1458]

Love you Chris!

[@chrisopie87]

❤️❤️

[@neilgordon6450]

Great Pyrenees vid

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you.!!

[@bobfrode]

you are "only" a human Chris even though we want to be better and achieve our goals, but "the body" always win no matter what i have also learned. Our brain have to learn to listen to what the body is saying. If its not feeling well or have some pain we should pay attention 😀 anyway hope you get better after a much needed vacation with your family 😉

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you Bob! Very wise words.

[@Robin_Hood381]

Wow, was that really a 55mph sprint? That's absolutely unreal.

[@chrisopie87]

It was, a tailwind helps!

[@SimonAskham]

Good video Chris, just wondered have you had Covid in the past few years? Ive had similar fatigue issues and timings appear to link it to having that twice. But like you say might just be too much too soon...

[@chrisopie87]

I have, last March. It definitely took a little longer to recover from than I'd expected and some of the sensations on the bike were similar to what I described in this video, so you never know if I had it a second time without really realising. Hope you're now recovered and back to normal!

[@SimonAskham]

@chrisopie87 Yeah I think a bit of a long covid thing might be in the mix added to other stuff such as rushing back to fitness too. Getting there!

[@Elbrunosh]

I had pneumonia last october… then I decided to just chill until Christmas. In the beginning it was hard, but at some point I didn‘t care anymore.

[@chrisopie87]

Hope you've recovered and back to full health! Time definitely helps.

[@mullrump2]

I'm a fan of your work!

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you! 😊🚴

[@zeusfitter007]

Cornelius Would Be Proud.🙌🏼

[@chrisopie87]

You'll have to explain who that is..?

[@zeusfitter007]

@@chrisopie87 I have a friend name Cornelius, and it's a weird name to have in India. So one day, don't know why I started commenting this under every new video of my recurring KZbin creators and it has become my tradition now. 🤣🤣

[@chrisopie87]

Haha, that's brilliant!! I like this. And it's a great name !!

[@zeusfitter007]

@@chrisopie87 Yes. He is proud of his name, and he is proud of the videos.🤣🙌🏻

[@keithevans5667]

Well done Chris, get well soon and keep up the waffle!

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you 😊

[@brianwoods551]

So much of this resonates with me Chris, had the same buttcam and scary phone calls and STILL not at a level I was a couple of years on! Mantis T(zwift)

[@chrisopie87]

Sorry to hear this, Mantis! I'm sure I'm time you will be back to where you want to be!

[@cyclingonandoffroad]

Hopelijk ben je snel weer helemaal gezond en fit. Plezier beleven aan het maken van filmpjes is de belangrijkste reden om het te doen. Ook omdat er een fatsoenlijk inkomen uithalen vaak erg lastig en stressvol is. Zeker met fietsen als onderwerp. Dat idee krijg ik iig als ik het allemaal zo volg. Mocht je weer bij je schoonouders zijn. Een paar ideetjes voor in een vlog evt. Zij wonen dicht bij het beeld van Joop Zoetemelk en het Joop Zoetemelkpad, Zag ik op je strava. Ook het beeld van Jan Janssen is redelijk dichtbij in Nootdorp. Het fietspad langs de rotte is ook mooi met Molens, en Rotterdam kan je goed doorheen fietsen het handigste is zondagmorgenvroeg. Mooie beelden van de bruggen, euromast en havens. Dan kan je evt via de Hollandse ijssel terug. Veel succes met je volgende avontuur.

[@chrisopie87]

Dankjewel voor je wensen en je bericht!! Leuke suggesties!! We willen ook graag weer naar NL, dus hopelijk dit jaar nog. Fietsen en filmpjes maken blijft inderdaad een levensstijl, iets dat heel veel plezier oplevert. Daar gaat het om, we zijn maar een keer hier 😅🚴.

[@keithfromchute8885]

Interesting video Chris, but did you ever find out what you had. I felt very similar and all tests were negative. Still unexplained.

[@chrisopie87]

I actually haven't, I was so focused on being fit enough for the Pyrenees, I had overlooked actually finding out what was(is) wrong. So I need to follow up!

[@flairabc]

What are your thoughts on the Alt wheels mate ?

[@chrisopie87]

I absolutely love them, I've had several sets to test over the last two years and they're genuinely very good. It's a small business that belongs to my friend (who sometimes appears in these videos) and he has invested a lot of time in sourcing good materials and it really shows in their durability.

[@Tatterist]

Thanks

[@chrisopie87]

Very kind of you, thank you.

[@oreocarlton3343]

Hqve you considered anti-inflammatory medicine like cbd or black cumin oil?

[@chrisopie87]

I actually hadn't even considered anything like this.

[@oreocarlton3343]

@@chrisopie87 there are plenty of highly affordable and usefull herb cures for inflamation in the gut, like e centarium tea etc. if your issue is inflamed gut like with 90% of the people, good luck!

[@savagepro9060]

new urban dictionary inclusions, Chris Opie, [noun] means a long series of ups and downs, with serious bouts of threats! Chris Opie, [verb] enduring long bouts of ups and downs!

[@chrisopie87]

Haha, this sounds like my life!

[@Niala8419]

Hey Chris. Is that a Trenta 3K your wearing for a lid?

[@chrisopie87]

I believe it is, yes. It fits my head well and I like the look of it.

[@Niala8419]

@@chrisopie87 Thanks Chris. Yeah the Met helmets are the least mushroom looking in my view. Looks great 👍🏻.

[@chrisopie87]

Haha, yes! They do manage to sit lower on the head.

[@davidcraig2532]

Health and family always come first over training for events. Glad your tests didn't result in worst case scenario.

[@chrisopie87]

Absolutely agree with that! And thank you😊

[@dannylo4807]

While it’s still fresh in your mind, write down the full list of items you brought and note down which you can do without next time.

[@chrisopie87]

This is a good idea. I've been through the list a few times and could definitely do without a few items. But the only thing I didn't use was the spare tyre.

[@chrisopie87]

This is a good idea. I've been through the list a few times and could definitely do without a few items. But the only thing I didn't use was the spare tyre.

[@andysmith8877]

Warrior...

[@chrisopie87]

😅🚴

[@markmark2469]

Which Garmin is that?

[@chrisopie87]

The watch is a Garmin Fenix 7 and the on bike is an Edge 840. Both solar and with incredible battery life. Something that hopefully becomes more needed in the future 😅

[@markmark2469]

@@chrisopie87 Thanks!

[@stephencharles6932]

What was his problem? Taking so long to get to the point ...

[@chrisopie87]

Standing ovation for this guy.

[@richardpolidore1702]

We are our own worst enemy.

[@chrisopie87]

So true! 🤦‍♂️😅

[@human-pl7kx]

This GCN video is way more boring than usual

[@chrisopie87]

Brilliant, pat yourself on the back.

[@human-pl7kx]

@@chrisopie87 Cmon man grow up, find a job. We both know youtube thing will not work for you.

[@markanderson7412]

You don’t know what you don’t know 🚵‍♀️👍

[@chrisopie87]

A truer statement is hard to find!

[@andy_xtr3861]

Thanks

[@andy_xtr3861]

I've never been the same since I had COVID. Lactate builds up early, and get fatigued/drained easily. Used to ride 80 odd miles but feel knackered at 40.

[@andy_xtr3861]

Good luck with building your fitness and at the gravel champs.

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you.

[@chrisopie87]

I'm sorry to hear this. I hope this isn't a permanent new normal and you're able to enjoy your previous fitness.

[@chrisopie87]

And thank you so much for your support, too!