This is one of the best events I've ever been involved in. It pushed me to the edge of my ability and then a bit. It made me think about what I might be capable of. It scared the shit out of me. It was utterly spectacular. It was exhilarating. It made me feel alive.
The event itself was run superbly, with everything happening exactly when it was supposed to. This made warmups and planning so easy. The results were always up in the web before I got back to my appartment. The Commissaires managed to find a good balance between keeping the peloton under control, being helpful and non-officious.
The racing was hot and competitive yet mostly friendly and considerate. In my race with the MMAS4-5 Masters between 45 and 55 at least there were very few racing for sheep stations. At times the racing was scary with riders going down in a bunch of 80+ or crashing on high speed decent from Tawonga Gap. I somehow stayed rubber side down.
In the end I finished in 33rd place in my division which was ok. I really wanted to finish in the 20's but let myself down with a crap time trial. I didn't leave anything in the tank though, virtually falling off my bike at the finish. I just have to practice TT a whole lot more. Some aero-bars, a disk wheel, tear-drop helmet and a specialist TT bike might help but it's mainly down to me. For those interested, all the gory details can be found here.
The most lovely part of the weekend was the care and support I received from Endurogirl, who prepared food, cold baths, clothes, prodded me to get to the start line and all the other things I needed, despite the fact that she'd been feeling ill all week. This made staying focused on the job at hand really easy.
What Have I Learned?
- I have a heap of work left to do before the Alpine if I'm going to set a time.
- I really did need a 27 tooth cog to climb Hotham - I actually found this out the previous week on the Alpine Delight.
- Sukkie Hydration really does seem to work. No cramping in the race or the Alpine Delight and I can still drink the stuff when I'm tired.
- A really cold bath can be fun when your legs are shot to hell. Just don't turn on the spa!
- At the end of a hard timetrial, keep your eyes open for road signs. (not me but it was ugly)
- Never drink half a litre of fruit juice and half a litre of milk just before racing up Mt Hotham.
- Don't EVER let anyone take a wheel off you in a bunch, they'll just do it again and again.
- If you think attack seems like a good idea, then attack. Don't think about it.
- Red shoes are faster.
- A sunshine smile can wipe away the darkest time-trial cough.
For the first time I feel like a real bike racer. Racing in big pelotons, up real mountains, in a stage race. What a hoot!
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1 comments:
Great job Nancyboi, good detail of all the race action - how do you remember it all??? Some tips for others learning tactics in the bunch...look out they might steal your wheel with your own tactics!!!
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