Shake

My time as an NTID athlete has come to an end. I won't go into all the details, let's just say it is time for me to evolve separately. Unlike other products of NTID, like Bridie O'Donnell, I wouldn't say that I graduated with high distinction, but I would like to think that I have come through with at least a credit average.

The opportunity that was presented to me through the NTID program was fantastic and I will be forever grateful for the experience. Sincere thanks to: Tammie Ebert, senior co-ordinator of NTID, Josh Sear, Tammie's assistant, and the Australian Sports Commission for their generous support and encouragement throughout the last couple of years. Concurrent with this support, I would also like to acknowledge the support of the ACT Academy Support, specifically Glenn Doney and the Strength and Conditioning coaches, Dean and Dave, you guys have been invaluable.

And last, but by no means not least, Pothole, who has been my coach for the last couple of years, it has been an awesome journey, with some amazing triumphs and development. We both agree, it is time for fresh eyes and a new approach. Thanks mate!

Now, it is time to look to the future. There are a few too many what ifs for me to just walk away from this, and probably a little bit too much passion as well! I am looking forward to what lies ahead and seeing what I can achieve next.

PS: Thanks to those close to me who have listened, advised and supported me during this time- you all know who you are :)

Have you got a spare $10?

I reckon you probably do. If you bought your lunch today instead of packing something and bringing it in from home, you have a spare $10*.

A friend of mine, and fellow cyclist, is raising money for leukaemia. Those of you in Australia have probably heard of the World's Greatest Shave. See here for more details. Sarah, who currently has a rather nice head of hair, will be shaving it all off in memory of her friend Lisa who lost her battle with leukaemia.

Sarah (right) with lots of hair.
(Photographed here with India Faehndrich at India's wedding)

Here is Sarah's blurb about this important cause:

Please sponsor me! I am taking part in the Leukaemia Foundation's World's Greatest Shave 2010 because I hope that my involvement will help people who are suffering leukaemia at this moment and give them and their families the support they may need to help pull them through their long and tough treatment. A friend and I had a goal to raise $10,000 for the foundation this March, however she recently lost her battle with the disease. She had many goals. This one, I believe I can achieve in her memory. The funds we raise will help the Leukaemia Foundation to provide practical care and support to patients and families living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders. I think it is really important that we understand how significantly the families can be impacted by tragedy and that ultimately cancer heavily effects all involved. Therefore, we must do all we can to help find a cure and in the mean time, support those fighting.

Still not convinced... swing by the Facebook group: In memory of Lisa

Now, just get out your credit card and go donate here**

Thanks for your cash and thanks for reading, it means a lot to Sarah and anyone who has been affected by leukaemia and associated crap-house blood diseases.

*My peasant uni friends, you may reduce this amount to $3.70 (the amount for a pie and sauce from the ANU bakery).
**Australian residents, $2 and over is tax deductible.

Buninyong- home of the AORCC and...

a polite way to say b#%@$*d.

National TT Championships
6 January 2010

The course used to determine the Australian TT Champ is brutal. The start climbs for ~2.5km, not too steep, but just dragging, dragging, dragging, then it undulates predominantly downhill, then it undulates predominantly uphill, with some extra leg zap before the final very very fast 5km downhill run to the finish. It is 28km, it is exposed and the wind likes to blow, and the roads are rough and dead in many places. But, when the adrenaline is pumping and you have gone over those things in your head for the weeks before hand, race day brings out something special.

With the climb at the start I had been told that this course really wouldn't suit me and not to be too ambitious with my goals for the race. I hadn't raced the course before, but had ridden over it on a previous NTID training camp and I had spent a bit more time on it after the Victorian track titles, so I knew what I was in for. I even lost ~8kg before the race to be more attractive to the course! And, I convinced myself that me and the Buninyong course were compatible.

I would love to be able to tell you that this was my best race of the year, but it wasn't quite. Whilst I am satisfied that I did the best I could do on the day, there are things that can be improved (there always are!). It wasn't a day that I got on the bike and everything was perfect- for the most part I felt good, but I have felt better. It is hard to explain, but I think, dear reader, that if you are in any way competitive you will know what I am trying to say!

(photo from WomensCycling.net)

In the end I finished 10th in the elite women, a result that I am not unhappy with. Looking at the times just above me, if I hadn't had a nufty moment on the left-hander at the railway station it is possible that I might have placed a little further up. Maybe.

I was never expecting to be right at the pointy end, that spot is reserved for Amber Halliday (gold), Bridie O'Donnell (silver), Carly Light (bronze).

But I was pleased to be the first person to cross the line for the day (yes, I caught all the people in front of me), and I was also pretty stoked to stay leader for considerable length of time :)

I have some unfinished business in Buninyong and I reckon that this course and I might be compatible after all :)

Special thanks to the ACTAS support crew- Glenn Doney (head coach), Joel Stewart (mechanic), Susie Boer (mechanic), Sarah (masseuse) & Joel Ryan (chauffeur to the course), and my coach, Pothole.

Congratulations to Alex Carle for taking bronze in the U23 category (and beating me by 28 seconds).

Thanks also to my support vehicle- Al Matthews and Ben Hill- I'm glad I didn't need you guys but I appreciate that you were behind me, and thanks for all your vocal support from the car!