But atleast it is hurt that is being banked, inthe right way and the right time. And I am going to need it come August when we take on 360 off kms of this.... non-stop.
Monday, June 27, 2011
structure and purpose
But atleast it is hurt that is being banked, inthe right way and the right time. And I am going to need it come August when we take on 360 off kms of this.... non-stop.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Tailwind Race 4 - 8 hours of getting over it...
Race 4 was the 8 hour - billed as the Qld Enduro Championship. Coming off some serious illness and a week of hard training, too much work and other turmoils, I hit out at the University crit the day before to set my expectations for the next day - would it be a race or a ride? Legs were turning fine, though the bunch was not thumping it too hard. In the final laps I ramped it up and bit, and after 6 weeks of sickness wasn't sure what would happen. My lungs worked, my legs responded and I managed to ride up through the bunch in the straight - it boded well for the next day. The race was on.
Driving out to OHV we watched the temperatures plummet to a chilly 2'c and there was frost on the ground when we set up. Arrgh! Bring back summer! OHV is always a tough track. It favours those with good technical skills and I wouldn't say it suits me. OHV has dealt me some serious pain in the past, including a concussion. I love these days that I can say I rolled it clean, with no crashes and riding everything the course offered. I know I am not the quickest through there yet, a Willett on my tail through Rock Bottom reminded me of that - but I do love that I don't need to be scared of getting hurt anymore.
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| OHV Rock Garden on 007 |
The start was fun, going from 6 abreast to single file immediately - log jam! I didn't repeat the 4 hour and kept the weasels off my bars so that was a bonus. Riding across the billabong was a nice touch (Hayden!), and ended up (for me) an unrideable wheel locking swampfest by mid race. I guess it just wouldnt be right after the season we have had, not to have SOME mud! I hear while I was riding there were more than one or two mishaps for all those in transition to enjoy! Go Captain Cracker!
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| Captain Cracker loses it in the Billabong (photo by Tailwind) |
I went with no support and it probably cost me a little time, but in the end a few people showed and started to let me know times and pass bottles for the second half of the race. Thanks Robbie & TR-Frank! I actually managed the whole 8 hours on eLoad and eLoad gels so self feeding wasn't too bad.
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| Happy Gilmore always brings a smile to my face (photo by Morbo) |
I really enjoyed the ride, and spent 95% of it rolling without company just enjoying myself. Still managed to make a friend through putting a face to a name - Mr.Hubcap yes, I am talking about you. Hope the leg is ok!
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| Koiled Cruising (photo by Morbo) |
Emma showed her style, by running in a chain mechanical and proceeding to calmly get back to the business of lapping her way back to third. Well done, many a rider would have thrown in the towel. Kylie rode another strong race to finish in 2nd, and ripped a couple of fast laps in the middle that made me change gears.
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| 007 is fast and fun (photo by Alan Uthmann) |
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| Solo Podium - Kylie, Rach and Emma |
Great to see strong rides from Bekkers and Westwood. A top day on the trails with the Uni Gang, and Koiled team mates. Thanks to Shan for all the wrenching, Tallboy was faultless as per usual and my new middleburn cranks are the business!
Catch you at the presentation night for a few cold ones and some quality tall tales as we relive the highlights!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
update!
So things have been pretty quiet round here.... I am still trying to get over the cold virus I had that gave me so much grief. In general I am well, but unfortunately my lungs just don't want to play the game yet. It has kept me off the dirt and on the road in cruise mode only. Current diagnosis is post viral inflammation which now sees me onto some pretty hardcore asthma type steroids. Hoping for some improvement to avoid doing the whole bloods/xray thing. Never been there before, and not in a hurry to experience it! I think the real diagnosis is a chronic lack of patience which I am trying to correct.
Disappointing to not be at capacity for the 24hr, and still not fit for the recent road Metros - but still managed to get amongst it with the Uni SheBeasts in the EliteB Crit. We are getting our act together as a team and I really enjoyed riding with them and working together.
Nic and Nerida were amazing launching attack after attack. Dom also pitched in, while saving some legs for her hard core kick. Dom and I finished 5/6th. We weren't all able to attend - soon we will have Georgie, Miff and Stef back too. That's SEVEN. And I happen to think Anne won't be too far away either!
We'll be putting up a fight at the upcoming HPRW Women's Series and the planning has started!
For now though, I am focused on getting well. And then getting to Mawson. Will be a smashdown. Everyone was is anyone is going to be there and it will be on. Can't wait !!!
Disappointing to not be at capacity for the 24hr, and still not fit for the recent road Metros - but still managed to get amongst it with the Uni SheBeasts in the EliteB Crit. We are getting our act together as a team and I really enjoyed riding with them and working together.
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| Casually Planking the Podium, as you do. |
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| Uni SheBeasts at the Metros - Nic, Dom, Rach and Nerida (thx for the pics MIFF). |
For now though, I am focused on getting well. And then getting to Mawson. Will be a smashdown. Everyone was is anyone is going to be there and it will be on. Can't wait !!!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Tailwind Race 3 - hello hindsight!!
So, I been sick y'all. Not just a head cold or flu thing. but a lower respiratory infection, followed by inner ear.... story goes like this.
In the beginning it didn't really bother me too much - started out as a sore throat, a dry itchy cough and some headaches. I ignored it and continued to ride. After all I didn't feel *that* sick. It started on the Tuesday after easter. For the first week it wasn't a big deal. Take some painkillers for the headache, and yes - I was coughing on the bike - but I was going fast and legs felt good. I was also scheduled for a fluvax so took that on while I had this virus. Looooooad up that system.
Around this time I also took on some intense club racing with points and elimination.
I now know this is a pic of me ending my 24hr race.... oops
Shortly after this race the cough went from dry and itchy tightness in the chest to lungs full of junk. I also experienced what I now know was a vertigo attack while riding home from that race. It was like someone grabbed the world and shook it - I managed to keep it upright and stop safely. Not ideal when riding along kingsford smith drive! After 10 minutes it settled and I rode into town. Again - I didn't realise at the time but I was now developing inner ear viral inflammation - vestibulitis. So now I had upper and lower respiratory infections. I put the attack down to low blood sugar (something I never get - doh!) and forgot about it.
I started on antibiotics the next day and took a few days off the bike. My patience is apparently 3 days long. So while I felt like I was resting - I wasn't taking enough TOTAL rest to get over this thing. I might drop a day or two, but then bang back at it only to decide I was still sick. Add to said lack of patience the immense desire to be able to race my favourite race and in comes stupid. I kept riding - and there was intensity (speed sessions with uni) where I felt it hard to get air in, but the speed was still there so on we go. Can anyone see where this is heading?
Ok race week, 2.5 weeks in on this thing and getting worse. I had kept my sickness to myself. My Uni team mates I had seen at training knew - but no FB updates, no blog updates. The racer in me didn't want everyone to know, still hoping that I would be fine come May14th. Wednesday I had another frightening vertigo attack. Worse than the first one. I actually honestly wondered if I was having a heart attack and I will admit it scared the hell out of me. Dr then diagnosed vestibulitis and gave me stemitil. It would help the symptoms but in general I just had to wait till it got better as it was viral. I didn't tell him about the race. You don't ask questions that have answers you don't want to hear!
Race eve - went for a roll in the morning to test the BlackSheep. Felt the worst, and struggled. I mentioned the vestibulitis to my team mates - Deef told me he had it once and had to lie on his back for three days. Wow. Really?? Lucky I am tougher than everyone else (mental). Excellent, good to go to the race then (more mental). Came home and packed my race gear (reallly mental) and next morning Shan picked me up and took me out. One small part of my brain was still functioning - and it added a tent and bed to my gear - something I never normally take to a 24hr. I guess part of me I knew, but the racer part of me kicked it in the gooch and told it to shut up.
team koiled rock
Well, I started and despite getting on the snort with my prescribed ventolin, I knew immediately that if I continued to ride I would be doing myself damage, possibly of the *permanent* lung kind. The transaction was not adding up for me. I couldn't climb, not that there is much in that course, and I struggled to get air in.
how good are the new bridges at OHV? Tailwind Rock too!
It took me 5 hours to accept this. I was not being soft. I was not being a sook. I was not giving up. I was trying to be smart. I am glad my big brother was there, he is always a reference point for me when things get tough and he helped me separate the usual 24hr demons from what was a real and valid concern.
So - a week on. I have spent the week OFF the bike and mostly in bed. It has taken 6 days for any change. Pleased to say I have less vertigo and my cough finally seems to be showing some signs of improving.
Now is the time to bring it home. I need to finish off my resting PROPERLY this time. In the spirit of this (and knowing I cannot be trusted) I have opted for a competing behaviours method of treatment (psych term). I have booked the weekend away with G and AB to montville - sans bikes. No uni world cup racing. No training. Just good food, rest and relaxation. And no ability to be tempted.
Next week though... next week will be a different matter
In the beginning it didn't really bother me too much - started out as a sore throat, a dry itchy cough and some headaches. I ignored it and continued to ride. After all I didn't feel *that* sick. It started on the Tuesday after easter. For the first week it wasn't a big deal. Take some painkillers for the headache, and yes - I was coughing on the bike - but I was going fast and legs felt good. I was also scheduled for a fluvax so took that on while I had this virus. Looooooad up that system.
Around this time I also took on some intense club racing with points and elimination.
I now know this is a pic of me ending my 24hr race.... oopsShortly after this race the cough went from dry and itchy tightness in the chest to lungs full of junk. I also experienced what I now know was a vertigo attack while riding home from that race. It was like someone grabbed the world and shook it - I managed to keep it upright and stop safely. Not ideal when riding along kingsford smith drive! After 10 minutes it settled and I rode into town. Again - I didn't realise at the time but I was now developing inner ear viral inflammation - vestibulitis. So now I had upper and lower respiratory infections. I put the attack down to low blood sugar (something I never get - doh!) and forgot about it.
I started on antibiotics the next day and took a few days off the bike. My patience is apparently 3 days long. So while I felt like I was resting - I wasn't taking enough TOTAL rest to get over this thing. I might drop a day or two, but then bang back at it only to decide I was still sick. Add to said lack of patience the immense desire to be able to race my favourite race and in comes stupid. I kept riding - and there was intensity (speed sessions with uni) where I felt it hard to get air in, but the speed was still there so on we go. Can anyone see where this is heading?
Ok race week, 2.5 weeks in on this thing and getting worse. I had kept my sickness to myself. My Uni team mates I had seen at training knew - but no FB updates, no blog updates. The racer in me didn't want everyone to know, still hoping that I would be fine come May14th. Wednesday I had another frightening vertigo attack. Worse than the first one. I actually honestly wondered if I was having a heart attack and I will admit it scared the hell out of me. Dr then diagnosed vestibulitis and gave me stemitil. It would help the symptoms but in general I just had to wait till it got better as it was viral. I didn't tell him about the race. You don't ask questions that have answers you don't want to hear!
Race eve - went for a roll in the morning to test the BlackSheep. Felt the worst, and struggled. I mentioned the vestibulitis to my team mates - Deef told me he had it once and had to lie on his back for three days. Wow. Really?? Lucky I am tougher than everyone else (mental). Excellent, good to go to the race then (more mental). Came home and packed my race gear (reallly mental) and next morning Shan picked me up and took me out. One small part of my brain was still functioning - and it added a tent and bed to my gear - something I never normally take to a 24hr. I guess part of me I knew, but the racer part of me kicked it in the gooch and told it to shut up.
team koiled rock
how good are the new bridges at OHV? Tailwind Rock too!So - a week on. I have spent the week OFF the bike and mostly in bed. It has taken 6 days for any change. Pleased to say I have less vertigo and my cough finally seems to be showing some signs of improving.
Now is the time to bring it home. I need to finish off my resting PROPERLY this time. In the spirit of this (and knowing I cannot be trusted) I have opted for a competing behaviours method of treatment (psych term). I have booked the weekend away with G and AB to montville - sans bikes. No uni world cup racing. No training. Just good food, rest and relaxation. And no ability to be tempted.
Next week though... next week will be a different matter
Monday, May 9, 2011
Race Week Progress
This year I've been doing things a little differently. Good DIRT (smp) friends have convinced me to come play on the ROAD, so to speak. I approached it with the idea that it would just be work, designed to improve my mountain biking. Probably boring, but a step towards improving my riding.
In reality, it is so much more. Great bunch of new bike friends at Uni, and a whole lot of new things to try. Like elimination races, points races, criteriums, and TTs. I like new things. And I will let you in on a secret, I also like trying to smash people twice my size.
Making it to the final 4 in the Triple Crown Elimination race
The downside is not being able to do everything! I will miss the Uni TT this weekend but there will be others. It is race week for the *big* 24 hour race for the Tailwind SuperSeries. Time to see if the new approach works. The work is done now and this week is about preparing gear and preparing for what is to come.
Goal setting is tricky. Last years results will be hard to work from with the changes in course and likely conditions (as in HORRIFIC, WET, MUDDY conditions). I will likely come up with some sort of process goal and focus on that. The rest should follow.
Do you know how much 24 hours of that ^^^ rips a gooch? I do.
Better bring your brass ones peoples.
In reality, it is so much more. Great bunch of new bike friends at Uni, and a whole lot of new things to try. Like elimination races, points races, criteriums, and TTs. I like new things. And I will let you in on a secret, I also like trying to smash people twice my size.
Making it to the final 4 in the Triple Crown Elimination raceThe downside is not being able to do everything! I will miss the Uni TT this weekend but there will be others. It is race week for the *big* 24 hour race for the Tailwind SuperSeries. Time to see if the new approach works. The work is done now and this week is about preparing gear and preparing for what is to come.
Goal setting is tricky. Last years results will be hard to work from with the changes in course and likely conditions (as in HORRIFIC, WET, MUDDY conditions). I will likely come up with some sort of process goal and focus on that. The rest should follow.
Do you know how much 24 hours of that ^^^ rips a gooch? I do.Better bring your brass ones peoples.
Monday, April 18, 2011
It's probably time.
To get back on the training wagon.
Somehow the short break after worlds has turned into 6 months coach/program free. This has largely been due to waiting on the ever diminishing chance of hearing where/when WSC24 will be on. Time to fix it and time to give up on WSC24 for 2011.
Uni has provided an injection of fun into my riding, introduced me to a whole new group of people, and also helped me find a new coach that I will be starting with in the next little bit.
It has also provided new ways to suffer. Like the Mt Coot-tha TT we did on saturday, the hard way. None of this starting at slaughter falls with a rolling start. Oh no. Uni like to start at the planetarium with a proper standing start. The difference that planetarium hill, and the flat past Freers makes is large and finding a rhythm is elusive. Hurt fest.
Even better you get a public weigh in at the start. I was surprised to see I have dropped a bit of weight. I still feel strong, so I will take it - though will maybe try to put a little on before the 24hr. Backed up the Coot-tha TT with a roadie Nebo smashfest again with the Uni crew. 51mins to the school, and 29 mins down to my place. New record.
I am looking forward to the Super Series 24 hour. I have my eyes on my result from last year and am intending to break it, assuming conditions are conducive....
4 weeks people. Rip into it.
Somehow the short break after worlds has turned into 6 months coach/program free. This has largely been due to waiting on the ever diminishing chance of hearing where/when WSC24 will be on. Time to fix it and time to give up on WSC24 for 2011.
Uni has provided an injection of fun into my riding, introduced me to a whole new group of people, and also helped me find a new coach that I will be starting with in the next little bit.
It has also provided new ways to suffer. Like the Mt Coot-tha TT we did on saturday, the hard way. None of this starting at slaughter falls with a rolling start. Oh no. Uni like to start at the planetarium with a proper standing start. The difference that planetarium hill, and the flat past Freers makes is large and finding a rhythm is elusive. Hurt fest.
Even better you get a public weigh in at the start. I was surprised to see I have dropped a bit of weight. I still feel strong, so I will take it - though will maybe try to put a little on before the 24hr. Backed up the Coot-tha TT with a roadie Nebo smashfest again with the Uni crew. 51mins to the school, and 29 mins down to my place. New record.I am looking forward to the Super Series 24 hour. I have my eyes on my result from last year and am intending to break it, assuming conditions are conducive....
4 weeks people. Rip into it.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Tailwind Superseries Race 2
As a warm up for the Superseries Race 2 I headed to the crit track the day before to take part in the Uni vs HPRW head 2 head - an annual club challenge. It was my first experience in a handicap - wow they hurt. I really enjoyed it and look forward to racing with the Uni girls this year. Well done to HPRW who outrode us on the day, and played a better game of handicapper.
cheeeeeese - smiling at the family who came for a look.
I worked a bit harder than I had planned when I found myself off on scratch but lap 1 Sunday felt really good so I won't be afraid to pull a short sharp effort the day before in future. I really think it helped.
Race 2 was another day for the mudbeasts.
I shouldn't complain as tough stuff is meant to be my business. The course had some great single track with a couple of fast connecting fire road bits, just a shame it wasn't drier! The first few laps weren't too bad but the course quickly degraded to the point that it was unrideable in one section. Gave me memories of insomnia - though this time around I have a few more skills and am pleased to report I kept it rubber side down all day. Still the amount of freebies in the race kit (musette, bottle and cap) really made it worth while.
check this SMP corner Miff!
Got a reasonable start (no-one on my handlebars this time) and settled in pretty quickly for what felt like a straight forward race. A bit of work early, then cruise mode and settle in. I didn't pre-ride but I recognised some of the course from LunarC which I am sure helped. I knew getting through without a major mechanical was again going to be important. Smooth pedalling! Plus, as a fall back I had my BlackSheep SS there should the worst happen! I made the most of learning to ride the best I could in those conditions, trying different lines and approaches to see what worked and didn't. There were two pinch climbs - one shorter one, and then a longer, tricky one with wet roots. For some reason the first one was doing bad things to my drive train, but I could ride the second. I made the call to leg it after the first hint of chain jam even though I had the legs to ride, just to avoid drive train explosions. Given the number of dead derailleurs and busted chains I saw at the top of it - I reckon that was a solid plan!
Have to hand it to Santa Cruz, my Tallboy (which is carbon) has copped the abuse and is holding up amazingly well. They obviously have their finishes dialled in re: top coats. I didn't have to replace anything after Race 1, but this time round new BB for me. Not bad - that thing has been flogged for 12 months including a bunch of 24's and riding all season in our brisbane weather so not unexpected really. Any excuse for an upgrade. Nice new Hope on the way :)
Podium shared with Emma and Amanda - nice riding chicks!
In the wash up I got the 1st solo and was stoked to find I also clocked all the girls for the fastest lap. Scored a random prize too, but called a redraw - that should earn me some good trail karma! Will be cashing it in for DRY TRAILS.
Fastest lap - Rooster was 4+ mins faster than me with a 14.something !! Must be the haircut.
I enjoyed seeing Nick have another consistent ride, and bump himself up to 7th from 14th. I bet he has already done the calculations for next race. Shannon also made the most of his hard earned fitness as he starts to return to form - riding into 4th again in the SS - great consistency which I believe puts him into the top 3 of the series points. Matt Dog again prevailled giving him a strong lead in the SS series points. Top Dog! Prof and Pommy owned the pits, with help from Ms K, Liam and Em. Thanks guys!
Upon review of the series points that's three Koiled riders in the top 3 of their solo categories - believe it - bling makes you go faster!!!
cheeeeeese - smiling at the family who came for a look.Race 2 was another day for the mudbeasts.
I shouldn't complain as tough stuff is meant to be my business. The course had some great single track with a couple of fast connecting fire road bits, just a shame it wasn't drier! The first few laps weren't too bad but the course quickly degraded to the point that it was unrideable in one section. Gave me memories of insomnia - though this time around I have a few more skills and am pleased to report I kept it rubber side down all day. Still the amount of freebies in the race kit (musette, bottle and cap) really made it worth while.
check this SMP corner Miff!Have to hand it to Santa Cruz, my Tallboy (which is carbon) has copped the abuse and is holding up amazingly well. They obviously have their finishes dialled in re: top coats. I didn't have to replace anything after Race 1, but this time round new BB for me. Not bad - that thing has been flogged for 12 months including a bunch of 24's and riding all season in our brisbane weather so not unexpected really. Any excuse for an upgrade. Nice new Hope on the way :)
Podium shared with Emma and Amanda - nice riding chicks!In the wash up I got the 1st solo and was stoked to find I also clocked all the girls for the fastest lap. Scored a random prize too, but called a redraw - that should earn me some good trail karma! Will be cashing it in for DRY TRAILS.
Fastest lap - Rooster was 4+ mins faster than me with a 14.something !! Must be the haircut.I enjoyed seeing Nick have another consistent ride, and bump himself up to 7th from 14th. I bet he has already done the calculations for next race. Shannon also made the most of his hard earned fitness as he starts to return to form - riding into 4th again in the SS - great consistency which I believe puts him into the top 3 of the series points. Matt Dog again prevailled giving him a strong lead in the SS series points. Top Dog! Prof and Pommy owned the pits, with help from Ms K, Liam and Em. Thanks guys!
Upon review of the series points that's three Koiled riders in the top 3 of their solo categories - believe it - bling makes you go faster!!!
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