Wow, we've been back for a touch over 3 weeks already! Training has been full on and I have to say I am mighty pleased with how well things have come back up!
I do enjoy this time of the year, usually! The nights are long enough to get loads of bike time after work, it is not so hot that you need fresh bidons every 30 minutes and the pollen has buggered off! Tuesday night track racing is in full swing and the boys are providing some excellent competition! Wednesday night crit racing is on and as always is a good mid-week hit out! And if it will kindly stop raining the weekends are perfect for time in the hills!
There are some important races for me coming up and it is all building well for nationals- both road (January) and track (February). And I will have some exciting news later in the week!
All I can say is bring it on!
(I know that someone has been photographing Tuesday nights, I am not sure who... stay tuned and I might find some photos!)
Nov 29, 2010
Nov 17, 2010
It's so much easier if you use your head!
Wagga Wagga Golden Wheel
13-14 November
Knowing that I was somewhat underdone and still on antibiotics, a double header racing weekend was going to a big ask. I was prepared for that mentally and as agreed with Brian, if it got too much then I would call it a day.
The story of the weekend was consistently finishing in the place just off the podium! Whilst this is frustrating, it is in no way disappointing given the state I was in. In fact, despite the lack of results, it was technically some of the best and smartest racing I have ever done! Which is more of a confidence boost than most results would have been (although the $ would have been good!)
The weather gods were kind to me on Saturday and just when I was really starting to feel my lack of endurance (I had made it through 4 events, including some pretty harsh marks- thanks Baz!) the heavens opened! That was the end of day 1.
Day 2 was equally as ominous but the weather gods weren't playing nice for anyone. Even with a re-jigged program, I only got one race in before we were all drenched! There was no Golden Wheel result nor a Rules Club Wheel Race this year. But we will all be back in February to finish what was started and this time I will have my head and my legs working together...
13-14 November
Knowing that I was somewhat underdone and still on antibiotics, a double header racing weekend was going to a big ask. I was prepared for that mentally and as agreed with Brian, if it got too much then I would call it a day.
The story of the weekend was consistently finishing in the place just off the podium! Whilst this is frustrating, it is in no way disappointing given the state I was in. In fact, despite the lack of results, it was technically some of the best and smartest racing I have ever done! Which is more of a confidence boost than most results would have been (although the $ would have been good!)
The weather gods were kind to me on Saturday and just when I was really starting to feel my lack of endurance (I had made it through 4 events, including some pretty harsh marks- thanks Baz!) the heavens opened! That was the end of day 1.
Day 2 was equally as ominous but the weather gods weren't playing nice for anyone. Even with a re-jigged program, I only got one race in before we were all drenched! There was no Golden Wheel result nor a Rules Club Wheel Race this year. But we will all be back in February to finish what was started and this time I will have my head and my legs working together...
Nov 16, 2010
Back to Reality
3 weeks after setting off overseas we found ourselves heading home. This timeframe also meant that I had about 6 days of bike cramming to be ready to race at my favourite race of all time- the Wagga Golden Wheel Track Carnival! Surely 3 weeks off, which included 7 days trekking at altitude just meant I was going to be super fresh to race, right?!
The first ride back was like slipping on an old pair of slippers and I was so glad to be back on my bike. It was looking good for a good impromptu prep for racing on the weekend, until things went pair shaped.
A ride from work to BundaDome, all of 3 km, with a HR pushing high E3 suggested something wasn’t quite right and I was dutifully sent home from the track with no racing. Wednesday and things were no better. In fact they were worse with the gastro infection that I had had when we were in Phuket, and that had started to simmer away before we got home came back with a vengeance. Couple that with a mild chest infection and it was off to the doctor for me.
Being a microbiologist, I had a fair idea what was going on. The most important part of the conversation with the Dr, after he had prescribed some god-awful broad spectrum antibiotics, was “Can I race my bike on the weekend?” “If your lungs and gut are up to it.” That was enough for me. I was going to race in Wagga (besides the accommodation was booked).
The drugs did their thing. My legs did their thing on Thursday at the track and I wasn’t as shabby as I thought I would be. An easy roll around with MiffyG on Friday morning and I was itching for the weekend!!
The first ride back was like slipping on an old pair of slippers and I was so glad to be back on my bike. It was looking good for a good impromptu prep for racing on the weekend, until things went pair shaped.
A ride from work to BundaDome, all of 3 km, with a HR pushing high E3 suggested something wasn’t quite right and I was dutifully sent home from the track with no racing. Wednesday and things were no better. In fact they were worse with the gastro infection that I had had when we were in Phuket, and that had started to simmer away before we got home came back with a vengeance. Couple that with a mild chest infection and it was off to the doctor for me.
Being a microbiologist, I had a fair idea what was going on. The most important part of the conversation with the Dr, after he had prescribed some god-awful broad spectrum antibiotics, was “Can I race my bike on the weekend?” “If your lungs and gut are up to it.” That was enough for me. I was going to race in Wagga (besides the accommodation was booked).
The drugs did their thing. My legs did their thing on Thursday at the track and I wasn’t as shabby as I thought I would be. An easy roll around with MiffyG on Friday morning and I was itching for the weekend!!
Nov 15, 2010
Going off in the offy
The impetus for this trip was Tom and Sab’s wedding. With one being Danish and the other Indian, they wanted somewhere in between for family and friends to travel and the solution was Phuket. More specifically Katathani Beach Resort. This place was fantastic. Whilst I am not normally a sucker for 5 star resorts, for a couple of days of sitting around and doing nothing except relax and drink mojitos, Katathani was fantastic! From there it was on to Nepal for some trekking and immersion in Kathmandu. Rather than bore you with words, here are some pictures; enjoy!
The bride, looking stunning, escorted by her brother; Happy couple during the vows; yes there was an elephant involved, and ice swans!!!
Photos from Nepal
Big waterfalls, steep stone stairs, big mountains, temples with Buddha eyes and monkeys. Oh, Nepal you are country full of juxtaposition and amazement
(More photos are available here)
Nov 10, 2010
M.I.A.
I know it has been a long time between posts. But there was a period of time that I was merely going through the motions of riding my bike, trying to keep my head above what was going on at work. Consequently there wasn't much to say.
To get out of this rut, I went and got a new job. One that is far more rewarding and enjoyable and far less stressful. I will post a story on the effects of stress on training soon as it was an "interesting" experience.
Shortly after starting said new job, I went on holidays. Annual break time- woohoo! Good friends of ours were getting married in Phuket so we made the most of being half way to anywhere from Australia and went to Nepal for 2 weeks. All up, away for 3 weeks and despite getting sick, twice, it was an awesome experience. More on that in a later post.
Now we are back. The Wagga Golden Wheel track carnival- my favourite race of all time- has been and been washed out! I will post on that soon! And it is full steam ahead in preparation for the Nationals season!
Promise to be back soon with some interesting tales for you!
To get out of this rut, I went and got a new job. One that is far more rewarding and enjoyable and far less stressful. I will post a story on the effects of stress on training soon as it was an "interesting" experience.
Shortly after starting said new job, I went on holidays. Annual break time- woohoo! Good friends of ours were getting married in Phuket so we made the most of being half way to anywhere from Australia and went to Nepal for 2 weeks. All up, away for 3 weeks and despite getting sick, twice, it was an awesome experience. More on that in a later post.
Now we are back. The Wagga Golden Wheel track carnival- my favourite race of all time- has been and been washed out! I will post on that soon! And it is full steam ahead in preparation for the Nationals season!
Promise to be back soon with some interesting tales for you!
Aug 30, 2010
I don't feel like dancin'
ACT ITT Championships
22 August 2010
Knowing that there wasn't going to be a lot of competition, coupled with some bad news about my grandmother a few days earlier, I wasn't really that motivated for this. But, sometimes you just have to do these things!
Despite finding myself a little distracted and not fully engaged with the actual race, I still posted a pretty tidy time for the 30km course, and finished on top of the podium. With the race not coming as naturally as it normally does, I used this an opportunity to focus on some technical aspects, which in the long term will be beneficial and in the short term, made me concentrate on the job at hand.
It was nice to be able to tick off one of my goals from the start of the year. Sometimes, even when you don't feel like dancing you should give it a bit of a wiggle just in case... ;)
22 August 2010
Knowing that there wasn't going to be a lot of competition, coupled with some bad news about my grandmother a few days earlier, I wasn't really that motivated for this. But, sometimes you just have to do these things!
Despite finding myself a little distracted and not fully engaged with the actual race, I still posted a pretty tidy time for the 30km course, and finished on top of the podium. With the race not coming as naturally as it normally does, I used this an opportunity to focus on some technical aspects, which in the long term will be beneficial and in the short term, made me concentrate on the job at hand.
It was nice to be able to tick off one of my goals from the start of the year. Sometimes, even when you don't feel like dancing you should give it a bit of a wiggle just in case... ;)
Aug 20, 2010
Third day's a charm
Day 3- Criterium, Geelong Botanic Gardens
Waking to rain, and a forecast of more rain and increasing wind, part of me was keen to race, another part keen to just call it a weekend and start heading home. However, since conditions were no where near as horrific as the weather that resulted in the final day of this even being cancelled last year, we were racing.
A plan was hatched with the other girls from Canberra, although conditions would prove that the plan wouldn't be enough.
The course was perfect for me- tiny bit technical, power climb for each lap, fast front straight and a windy back straight that would mean position position position! 30 laps were to be completed, with sprints every even lap. I made a decision early that I wasn't interested in an intermediate sprint, saving everything for the end.
Sunshining
Weather conditions were amazing: we started in sunshine with standing water (quite deep in places), wind, stronger wind, gusting wind, raining and then pouring and then the sun was out again. Oh how I love Geelong weather!!
Cats and dogs
(I promise this is the same race!!! And that my socks are actually white!)
The race itself was without incident. I rode position well and overall I was happy that I rode a smart, strong race. However, I ran out of gears in the final sprint- it was slightly down hill, with an incredible tailwind and a fast moving bunch of about 25 girls! I was on the perfect wheel, and am disappointed to not have been able to capitalise on that, finishing 16th in the wash up. On the upside, I am satisfied with how the race went technically.
Unfortunately as you may have heard, an over eager photographer stepped in to the path of the oncoming bunch bringing down a number of girls (more info here). There were a number of serious injuries and I wish all the girls involved a very speedy recovery.
Big thanks to: Glenn and Brent for all your support over the weekend; my half way houses in Wodonga and Albury; Geelong bed friend; and Brian for coaching excellence.
Waking to rain, and a forecast of more rain and increasing wind, part of me was keen to race, another part keen to just call it a weekend and start heading home. However, since conditions were no where near as horrific as the weather that resulted in the final day of this even being cancelled last year, we were racing.
A plan was hatched with the other girls from Canberra, although conditions would prove that the plan wouldn't be enough.
The course was perfect for me- tiny bit technical, power climb for each lap, fast front straight and a windy back straight that would mean position position position! 30 laps were to be completed, with sprints every even lap. I made a decision early that I wasn't interested in an intermediate sprint, saving everything for the end.
SunshiningWeather conditions were amazing: we started in sunshine with standing water (quite deep in places), wind, stronger wind, gusting wind, raining and then pouring and then the sun was out again. Oh how I love Geelong weather!!
Cats and dogs(I promise this is the same race!!! And that my socks are actually white!)
The race itself was without incident. I rode position well and overall I was happy that I rode a smart, strong race. However, I ran out of gears in the final sprint- it was slightly down hill, with an incredible tailwind and a fast moving bunch of about 25 girls! I was on the perfect wheel, and am disappointed to not have been able to capitalise on that, finishing 16th in the wash up. On the upside, I am satisfied with how the race went technically.
Unfortunately as you may have heard, an over eager photographer stepped in to the path of the oncoming bunch bringing down a number of girls (more info here). There were a number of serious injuries and I wish all the girls involved a very speedy recovery.
Big thanks to: Glenn and Brent for all your support over the weekend; my half way houses in Wodonga and Albury; Geelong bed friend; and Brian for coaching excellence.
And your resilience?
Day Two- 96km Road Race around Anakie and its delightful surrounds
Keen to make amends for yesterday's disappointment, I had convinced the inner climber we were going to have a cracking day over what was going to be a challenging course. There were 4 KOMs each lap, and after driving over the course there had been a scrounge for anything bigger than a 25, we were all convinced we needed something like a 27!
The start of the race was a gradual false flat before heading up hill, the first QOM was 5kms in!!
A bit small, sorry, but you get the idea! Twice around, and throw in some strong gusting head/head-cross wind!!
At the 3km mark I was in perfect position for the start of the climb, tucked near the front of the buncbh out of the wind and ready to climb. Then, disaster! As I moved down the gears I threw my chain off!!
OK, staying calm, I jumped off (after getting out of the way) and put it back on.
Go to ride away... off again!! Arghhh!
A little more irate, jump off, put it back on. At this stage, the bunch was still going past, so I wasn't too panicked.
But, repeat this about 5 times and the bunch was no longer still going past. Luckily that meant neutral spares could get to me.
Spotto, cause of the problem. The joining link on my chain had started to come apart- may not have been fully clamped when it was put on earlier in the week. Easy to fix- take a neutral spares bike.
Onto the small-medium shimano bike I got, and up the hill like a rocket. I was probably in denial about how far away the peloton actual was! At the top of the hill I had to stop again to put the seat down about 3cm!! Then to get tucked in behind the sag wagon to find a bunch.
For the next 20km I was with a small group of girls who had been dropped on the first climb. It was nice to have company and the opportunity to have a break from the wind!! About 10km from the end of the lap, I accidentally rode away from this group. I was kind of keen to see how well I was climbing and to feel like I had challenged myself, so decided not to wait for them. To my frustration I climbed really well over all the parts of the course that I was most worried about, and spent the rest of the lap wondering what might have been.
I decided to call it a day at the end of 1 lap, I was about 12 minutes down on the bunch and was desperate for a good crit on Sunday!
Turns out that the panic over gears was completely unnecessary, the parts that I wanted a 27 for, I actually went over on a 23!!! Thanks for the bike, Shimano! It wasn't bad, it just wasn't mine (which is a straight small)!! :p Big thanks to Brent Miller for getting my bike sorted so I could front up on Sunday! And Glenn for witnessing my tantrum and making me do the lap!
Keen to make amends for yesterday's disappointment, I had convinced the inner climber we were going to have a cracking day over what was going to be a challenging course. There were 4 KOMs each lap, and after driving over the course there had been a scrounge for anything bigger than a 25, we were all convinced we needed something like a 27!
The start of the race was a gradual false flat before heading up hill, the first QOM was 5kms in!!
A bit small, sorry, but you get the idea! Twice around, and throw in some strong gusting head/head-cross wind!!At the 3km mark I was in perfect position for the start of the climb, tucked near the front of the buncbh out of the wind and ready to climb. Then, disaster! As I moved down the gears I threw my chain off!!
OK, staying calm, I jumped off (after getting out of the way) and put it back on.
Go to ride away... off again!! Arghhh!
A little more irate, jump off, put it back on. At this stage, the bunch was still going past, so I wasn't too panicked.
But, repeat this about 5 times and the bunch was no longer still going past. Luckily that meant neutral spares could get to me.
Spotto, cause of the problem. The joining link on my chain had started to come apart- may not have been fully clamped when it was put on earlier in the week. Easy to fix- take a neutral spares bike.
Onto the small-medium shimano bike I got, and up the hill like a rocket. I was probably in denial about how far away the peloton actual was! At the top of the hill I had to stop again to put the seat down about 3cm!! Then to get tucked in behind the sag wagon to find a bunch.
For the next 20km I was with a small group of girls who had been dropped on the first climb. It was nice to have company and the opportunity to have a break from the wind!! About 10km from the end of the lap, I accidentally rode away from this group. I was kind of keen to see how well I was climbing and to feel like I had challenged myself, so decided not to wait for them. To my frustration I climbed really well over all the parts of the course that I was most worried about, and spent the rest of the lap wondering what might have been.
I decided to call it a day at the end of 1 lap, I was about 12 minutes down on the bunch and was desperate for a good crit on Sunday!
Turns out that the panic over gears was completely unnecessary, the parts that I wanted a 27 for, I actually went over on a 23!!! Thanks for the bike, Shimano! It wasn't bad, it just wasn't mine (which is a straight small)!! :p Big thanks to Brent Miller for getting my bike sorted so I could front up on Sunday! And Glenn for witnessing my tantrum and making me do the lap!
How's your tenacity?
Geelong Tour / Victorian Road Titles
13-15 August
Portarlington, Anakie & Geelong
First up- 20km ITT along the waterfront in Portarlington.
Feeling pretty confident with my form coming in to this weekend, I was pumped and eager to race. Unfortunately, I let myself down and made the classic time trialing mistake of going out too hard and dying on the way back. I can honestly say that I have never fallen victim to this evil before today, and I will be doing my damnedest to ensure it doesn't happen again.
There was a cracking tailwind for the outward 10km and I got a bit carried away trying to take advantage of that. Obviously it was going to be a headwind for the return leg, but somehow I just didn't factor that in. Despite Glenn's constant encouragement from the follow car, I had nothing to give in the final 7km.
On paper, it probably wasn't that bad- I finished in 7th, 37 sec down on first place and with an average speed over 40 kph. Most people would be satisfied with that. But, I know I could have/should have / would have been better! What I can be happy with is that I was mentally able to dig very deep to get to the end in a respectable time. My body was screaming at me to just stop, but I was able to rise above that and get to the end. (it may not have been very far past the end, but I got there!)
Thanks Glenn for follow car and disc, Brent for mechanical attention and Brian for wheels and keeping me on track!
13-15 August
Portarlington, Anakie & Geelong
First up- 20km ITT along the waterfront in Portarlington.
Feeling pretty confident with my form coming in to this weekend, I was pumped and eager to race. Unfortunately, I let myself down and made the classic time trialing mistake of going out too hard and dying on the way back. I can honestly say that I have never fallen victim to this evil before today, and I will be doing my damnedest to ensure it doesn't happen again.
There was a cracking tailwind for the outward 10km and I got a bit carried away trying to take advantage of that. Obviously it was going to be a headwind for the return leg, but somehow I just didn't factor that in. Despite Glenn's constant encouragement from the follow car, I had nothing to give in the final 7km.
On paper, it probably wasn't that bad- I finished in 7th, 37 sec down on first place and with an average speed over 40 kph. Most people would be satisfied with that. But, I know I could have/should have / would have been better! What I can be happy with is that I was mentally able to dig very deep to get to the end in a respectable time. My body was screaming at me to just stop, but I was able to rise above that and get to the end. (it may not have been very far past the end, but I got there!)
Thanks Glenn for follow car and disc, Brent for mechanical attention and Brian for wheels and keeping me on track!
Aug 12, 2010
Dear Weather Gods,
It is Tour of Geelong time again.
Please don't let this happen again this year.
And please, let the wind be favourable for me in the ITT tomorrow!
That is all for now!
Cheers!
Please don't let this happen again this year.
And please, let the wind be favourable for me in the ITT tomorrow!
That is all for now!
Cheers!
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