Well had my first Crit for the season and although I only lasted 36.16 out of a 40min + 2lap race, I am happy where I am at. For now. I entered into the Elite A Bank Of Queensland Twilight Crit series Race 3. Jokingly some one yelled out for no attacks for the first 10 minutes, I think that got confused with 10 seconds as it was on immediately. With crazy speeds of 69km/h with around 40 in the race, and attack after attack, it was a tough day out. I helped bring back a dangerous attack, but at the 30 min mark I was dangling off the back under the constant pressure being applied at the front by some of the guys who have just return from the Jayco Bay Classic(a 5 Crit series with some of the best riders in Aust) and the National titles. I tried to chase back on but couldn't do it. Oh well.
Anyway some solid training coming up and more racing with another Elite A crit on Saturday morning and some Track training on Sunday. Legs will be firing soon and I hope for some good performances over the coming year.
Chat soon
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
The season has now started
Well not quite. It really starts on Tuesday. The Cancer Council Criterium was held in Adelaide, South Australia last night, and as much as many of the US and Euro Pros dont like him, Australia's pocket rocket won a lightening quick(47.417km/h ave sp). Go Robbie McEwen. Now most of the attention leading up to the Tour Down Under, which is yet to officialy start has been on the return of Lance Armstrong, therefore taking some of the pressure off the Australians in the race. It very much expected by the Australian tifosi that an Aussie rider should win, and Stuart O'Grady is always the hometown favourite.
Team Columbia-High Road had good control over the last couple of laps providing a good lead out for Andre Greipel(2008 TdU GC), but Robbie from Team Katusha had it all over everyone on the line.
Anyway my Season will start on Wednesday night with the Bank of Queensland Twilight Critrium Series (race 3) missed races 1 and 2 due to work. So noty really being in the running for the overall I can go for individual wins and use the remainder of the 5 race series as some intensity training prior to the State Masters Track titles and the Oakey Kermese on 08 Feb. My season this year is a very long one and as such targeting races is going to be important. However, using the weekend crits to keep the legs and lungs fresh and in shape is paramount and will be good for the extra intensity in training. It doesn;t matter how hard you try, you can never have the same intensity in traininig as you do in racing.
Anyway will let you guys know how it goes on Wednesday night.
Team Columbia-High Road had good control over the last couple of laps providing a good lead out for Andre Greipel(2008 TdU GC), but Robbie from Team Katusha had it all over everyone on the line.
Anyway my Season will start on Wednesday night with the Bank of Queensland Twilight Critrium Series (race 3) missed races 1 and 2 due to work. So noty really being in the running for the overall I can go for individual wins and use the remainder of the 5 race series as some intensity training prior to the State Masters Track titles and the Oakey Kermese on 08 Feb. My season this year is a very long one and as such targeting races is going to be important. However, using the weekend crits to keep the legs and lungs fresh and in shape is paramount and will be good for the extra intensity in training. It doesn;t matter how hard you try, you can never have the same intensity in traininig as you do in racing.
Anyway will let you guys know how it goes on Wednesday night.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
My last day and Eilish has her first day
Today as promised was a Daddy Daughter day. It started at about 0630 this morning when I was woken by Rohan watching Cartoon Network on Foxtel. So I got up and got myself some brekkie and then Eilish got up and sorted herself out. At around 0730 we headed of to Chandler and jumped into the training session that was going on with LCCC.
Kevin, another ADCC member had a small track bike setup for his daughter to use but kindly offered Eilish the opportunity to put on some platform pedals with toe clips and have a go. Now I wasn't sure yesterday whether the bike was a fixed gear or a SS. Well it was a Fixie
. So with a few instructions on what not to do and what to do when riding a fixie, then the do's and dont's on riding on the track I gave her a push and sent her on her way. Of course being the caring Father I am, I pulled the camera out and tooka few pics so her Mum(Emma) could see how she went. She had a ball. The smile on her face should indicate how excited and how much fun she was having. Anyway After a couple of laps I raced of to get my shoes on and joined her in rolling around the duckboards. After a couple more laps I was encouraging her to come up the track a bit. So she had some attmpts at riding in the Sprinters lane. It took a few goes to complete a lap above the black line and stay in the sprinters lane.
. So with a few instructions on what not to do and what to do when riding a fixie, then the do's and dont's on riding on the track I gave her a push and sent her on her way. Of course being the caring Father I am, I pulled the camera out and tooka few pics so her Mum(Emma) could see how she went. She had a ball. The smile on her face should indicate how excited and how much fun she was having. Anyway After a couple of laps I raced of to get my shoes on and joined her in rolling around the duckboards. After a couple more laps I was encouraging her to come up the track a bit. So she had some attmpts at riding in the Sprinters lane. It took a few goes to complete a lap above the black line and stay in the sprinters lane. 
The warm up session was over so she sat down and watched the U15 and up have training races. In amongst the people there was a current Masters World Sprint Champion, along with other state reps and juniors. After a while Eilish came back and asked if whe could get back on the tack a ride around some more. So I set her up and got her going even though there was a seniors Scratch points race going on. She went well getting faster each lap. Once the seniors Points race was over teh juniors came out for a 3 lap Handicap race. The youngest in the Coby, is about 7 so it was the perfect race for Eilish to have a go in. So I set her off from the 140m mark and told her to pedal as fast as she could for the 2 an a bit remaining laps. Off she went. She came last but the smile on her face was awesome. After that we left so that she could get to a Birthday party. 
Once the Birthday party was over it was time to head home and help out with some house cleaning and get ready for work.
Thats right my last day of holidays and back to work tomorrow. 
Being a Soldier I am required to be clean shaven each day. So, like most soldiers, Holiday time means letting loose and not shaving. This holidays I really let go and grew a beard. I shaved it off just after Chrismas and thought bugger it and grew it again. Well today it had to come off. So with a bit a mucking around a being silly I thought I would go with the Marty Maaskant look or the Paul Teutul Snr look. My kids as expected are grossed out about it but a bit of fun for the First and Last day.
Being a Soldier I am required to be clean shaven each day. So, like most soldiers, Holiday time means letting loose and not shaving. This holidays I really let go and grew a beard. I shaved it off just after Chrismas and thought bugger it and grew it again. Well today it had to come off. So with a bit a mucking around a being silly I thought I would go with the Marty Maaskant look or the Paul Teutul Snr look. My kids as expected are grossed out about it but a bit of fun for the First and Last day. Saturday, January 17, 2009
Father and Daughter time
It has been a couple of days since my last post and all is well. Not allot of time on the bike but that is becasue I have babysitting duties with my kids still on school holidays. However I have managed a couple of roller sessions in on the roadie and they have been good solid sessions.
just prior to Christmas Eilish expressed an interest in giving Track racing a go. So without being a pushy parent I have encouraged her to give it a go. I haven't been on her about it but instead have waited for her to continually raise the subject. Which she has. Anyway, tomorrow is her first go. So we are heading out to Chandler Velodrome(Built for the Brisbane Commonweath Games in the early 80's), where she will be able to utilise one of the Logan City Cycle Club bikes. Now I believe they are a track racing bike without the fixed gear, but I could be wrong. We'll find out tomorrow.
She is really keen and considering she has a cometitive streak in her hopefully she will enjoy it. Anyway I will try to get some pics of her having a go.
If she really likes and wants to stick to it I will get her her own track bike and set ther up fully. You never know she could even hit the road as well. Anyway the time that Eilish and I will spend at the track will be some quality Father and Daughter time.
Ciao
just prior to Christmas Eilish expressed an interest in giving Track racing a go. So without being a pushy parent I have encouraged her to give it a go. I haven't been on her about it but instead have waited for her to continually raise the subject. Which she has. Anyway, tomorrow is her first go. So we are heading out to Chandler Velodrome(Built for the Brisbane Commonweath Games in the early 80's), where she will be able to utilise one of the Logan City Cycle Club bikes. Now I believe they are a track racing bike without the fixed gear, but I could be wrong. We'll find out tomorrow.
She is really keen and considering she has a cometitive streak in her hopefully she will enjoy it. Anyway I will try to get some pics of her having a go.
If she really likes and wants to stick to it I will get her her own track bike and set ther up fully. You never know she could even hit the road as well. Anyway the time that Eilish and I will spend at the track will be some quality Father and Daughter time.
Ciao
Thursday, January 15, 2009
www is wide wide world
Have had a quiet day with the kids. w ewent over to their cousins house to enjoy some time in the pool. Spent most of the day there. Just got home and received a SMS from Rocky. Check out MASHSF.com. So I did.
Check out this link http://www.mashsf.com/videos.php now I dont condone some of the antics that are projected in the videos but hey it does look like some good fun with soem good mates.
The Austin Texas video has, thats right you guessed it Mr L.A cruising around on a SS and thrashing it about with the MashSF boys.
Some quality riding in some quality locations. Makes me consider getting a SS to commute and train on. Might stay away from the fixie for that but a SS could be the go. But it would have to be a Mashed together bike. MMMMMmmmmm
Check out this link http://www.mashsf.com/videos.php now I dont condone some of the antics that are projected in the videos but hey it does look like some good fun with soem good mates.
The Austin Texas video has, thats right you guessed it Mr L.A cruising around on a SS and thrashing it about with the MashSF boys.
Some quality riding in some quality locations. Makes me consider getting a SS to commute and train on. Might stay away from the fixie for that but a SS could be the go. But it would have to be a Mashed together bike. MMMMMmmmmm
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Mt Nebo or Nudgee Beach?? Climbing or flat ??
Judging by the title you can imagine what I ended up doing cant you. I was meeting up with Rocky, a mate from work, for a training ride this morning. Originally we planned to to do Mt Nebo to Jolly's lookout, but he mentioned to me that he did Mt Coothat yesterday and it nearly destroyed him. So after a shocking sleep and a long night I woke up this morning not so refreshed and not keen for 45min of pain along with the numerous undulations between home and the start. Besides with the kids home now time has ben restricted a little( i knew this would happen) as I have to be home in time for Emma to go to work. So, after a quick sms, we agreed to head out to Nudgee beach for a spin and a couple of laps of the Nundah Crit circuit for some efforts then a coffee.
So off the Nudgee Beach went after meeting at the crit circuit at 0530. We went at a steady pace of 35km/h all the way out. It was such a beautiful morning. Nice and cool, but not cold and the sun was warming but not hot. The was a light breeze. We got out to the Beach(more like a mud flat at low tide) and the water looked very inviting. It is nice to be able to get up and go for a ride to views lik
e that. After a short break, enough time to take these photos and a quick drink of water from my beloved bidon, we started the return trip back to the crit circuit. Once there we began a few laps under effort. Pulling turns of 42km/h was like training to work in a breakaway scenario, something Ineed to work on. I am not the best in a breakaway if it is a small group. I will still do my bit I tend to get a bit excited in the break and do to much work or to much effort and blow myself up. So breakaway training and training to dose my effort and work load so I can go harder for longer in the breakis something I need to work on.
e that. After a short break, enough time to take these photos and a quick drink of water from my beloved bidon, we started the return trip back to the crit circuit. Once there we began a few laps under effort. Pulling turns of 42km/h was like training to work in a breakaway scenario, something Ineed to work on. I am not the best in a breakaway if it is a small group. I will still do my bit I tend to get a bit excited in the break and do to much work or to much effort and blow myself up. So breakaway training and training to dose my effort and work load so I can go harder for longer in the breakis something I need to work on.
Whilst at Nundah this morning, there was that much money riding around it was crazy. It seemed everyone had a new Cervelo P3 Carbon, with Zipp or Dura Ace carbon wheels. I dont understand the idea of training on your carbon race wheels
. Mind you the training had a race like feel to it with all the carbon wheels flying around the track and the tents from the Speed Skating championship tents set up on the side line. Some atmosphere at training. There was even a podium. Yesterdays sprint intervals session saw 6 of us clown around and stand on the podium for some photos after all the intervals were over. (From l-r Mark, Mick, Suz, Donna,????, Me)
The following pic is more suited to yesterdays post (Early starts and Stolen Silence) but have only just got it so will put it up now.
This one is in between one of the intervals, heading down the start finish straight. The next time round will start a new interval. All those wheels in front is the whole group that we had. Sandra is taking the picture and I am riding next to her.
Anyway, more training later. Might do rollers this afternoon and some weights.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
and we do this every day in Summer
Armstrong bemoans 'insanely hot' SA weather
Posted 6 hours 13 minutes ago
Map: Adelaide 5000
Lance Armstrong has received a taste of the brutal heat he can expect next week during the Tour Down Under.
The seven-time Tour de France champion cyclist has trained with his Astana team-mates in and around Adelaide, where the temperature has gone above 41 degrees Celsius.
Armstrong has described the weather today as "insanely hot".
Conditions are usually extremely hot for the Tour Down Under, which starts next Tuesday.
The race heralds Armstrong's comeback to top-level racing after a three-year retirement.
The Tour Down Under is the first UCI event of the year and becoming more popular with the early season pros. Wish I was there to see all the action.
Place your HOT TIP here as to who will win.
Posted 6 hours 13 minutes ago
Map: Adelaide 5000
Lance Armstrong has received a taste of the brutal heat he can expect next week during the Tour Down Under.
The seven-time Tour de France champion cyclist has trained with his Astana team-mates in and around Adelaide, where the temperature has gone above 41 degrees Celsius.
Armstrong has described the weather today as "insanely hot".
Conditions are usually extremely hot for the Tour Down Under, which starts next Tuesday.
The race heralds Armstrong's comeback to top-level racing after a three-year retirement.
The Tour Down Under is the first UCI event of the year and becoming more popular with the early season pros. Wish I was there to see all the action.
Place your HOT TIP here as to who will win.
Early starts and stolen silence
Well, I am back to the early starts. Was up at 0430 this morning so I could go out and get some training in. Met up with Sandra, Mark, Suz, Mick and at least dozen more riders for out Tuesday morning sprint intervals at Nundah. It was the biggest group so far, and really it was to big for the track and the number of other groups using the same track. Maybeb not too big but the difference in cycling fitness and ability was huge. So it was a struggle to get a some consistant effort in. The fitter in the group had a tendancy to spend longer on the front at effort and then slot into the paceline to fill the gaps that appeared, then hitout at the end of the five laps for the sprint against who ever was still holding on. I enjoy these sessions as I get to catch up with friends and get a solid sprint session in.
Tomorrow maybe Mt Nebo, depends on time.
Stolen silence, yeah thats right. The kids are home and they have made their presence felt already. the dog has been cuddled and is now hiding, the neighbours kids have already been visited and been brought back to my house to play. Then fed. My daily moments of peace and quiet have been stolen and gone forever. Well, until the next school holidays.
Despite my ramblings, I have missed the kids and it is good to have then home.
Tomorrow maybe Mt Nebo, depends on time.
Stolen silence, yeah thats right. The kids are home and they have made their presence felt already. the dog has been cuddled and is now hiding, the neighbours kids have already been visited and been brought back to my house to play. Then fed. My daily moments of peace and quiet have been stolen and gone forever. Well, until the next school holidays.
Despite my ramblings, I have missed the kids and it is good to have then home.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Sharks, Whales and Satellite TV
Lately there has been a number of Shark attacks in Australia. Why?? Is it because of over fishing of the waters all over the world, is it because we are spending more time in the water and therefore our interaction is more frequent? Is it simply just plain bad luck? I dont know and there are plenty of people being paid lots of $$$ to work it all out. However this is not the reaosn behind this post. Earlier today, on top of the 3rd shark attack in as many days, in NZ a surfer was photographed catching a wave or two. Not really exciting is it. But, how about the fact that in the bck ground there is a Killer Whale(Orca). So that covers sharks and whales but what about the TV?? While I am typing this I am watching Foxtel (satellite TV) and what happens to be on the movie channel? JAWS: The Revenge. Strange how things play out isn't it.
With all the Sharks attacks it makes you think is it worth going out to the beach for a swim, but really, should we let an extremely small likelihood stop us from the things we love to do. I know it wont stop me. Having said taht I don't spend a lot of time in the surf unless I am taking Eilish boogey boarding.
Speaking of Eilish, both her and Rohan have been spending their holidays at their Nans and tomorrow they come home. So the peace and quiet that Emma and I have at the moment will be gone. Damm. Just jokes, We ahve missed them and they have missed us and it will be good to see them again. So tonight is our last night alone.
SO how has my bike riding going? Had a rest over the weekend to recover fromt he track carnival and went back out today. Knocked out a quick 40km of flat and then added another 10km of power climbs on the ay home. Concentrated on cadence and sustained effort. Tomorrow I am heading out to Nundah to have an interval session with Mark and a few others. These sessions are good. 5 lap intervals at about 40km/h with a full gas sprint at the end, then 2 laps recovery and start again. We start at 0530 and go through to 0630-0700 depending on work and time. let you know how it goes tomorrow.
Anyway time for dinner, having crab and chilli pasta. Emma is a great cook. Will let you know how that goes to.
Ciao
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Successful night on the track
Well, considering how much time off the bike i have had and how long I have been back on it, Friday night was a success.Turned up with plenty of time to warm upand settle myself. Pinned my number on and started to focus. Race 1 was a 25 lap Scratch race. I was the oldest in the Elite B race and at 34 up against 17-23 year olds I did ok. 2nd in the intermediate sprint and 4th on the line. Happy with that.Race 2 1600m Wheelrace. Held of the Scratchies until 3/4 lap to go and the fitness got the better of me. Finished in 7th.Race 3 a 24 lap point
s race. With out maing to much effort in the intermediate sprints I pulled a couple of 3rds then 6th on the line at the end. Not sure where that put me in the final point score, but I don't care casue I was having fun and getting my legs going.
Emma was bored at the start but hen met the partners of some of the gys and girls I race and train with and she started to enjoy it a bit more.
Now to start getting ready for the Elite A crits again. Keep you posted.
BTW some pics should be up later today so I will see what I can score for you.
s race. With out maing to much effort in the intermediate sprints I pulled a couple of 3rds then 6th on the line at the end. Not sure where that put me in the final point score, but I don't care casue I was having fun and getting my legs going.Emma was bored at the start but hen met the partners of some of the gys and girls I race and train with and she started to enjoy it a bit more.
Now to start getting ready for the Elite A crits again. Keep you posted.
BTW some pics should be up later today so I will see what I can score for you.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Race nerves. Is wierd to enjoy them??
As much as i tried to have a good night sleep and do the right things to prepare for the track carnival tonight, I had a shocker. Tossed and turned all night and didn't sleep well at all. The only thing I could think of was Pre race nerves kicking in early. Even as I type this I have butterflies. Problem is I really enjoy it. My senses are heightened and my reactions quicker and really cant wait to get on the track now. For a long time now I haven't had these felings unless it has been a title race, so to get them ofr track carnival is good. I think?Any way time to go for now. have to go to my LBS Lifecycle and pick up the roadie which has just had some new white bar tape put on.Will let you all know how I go tonight. Wish me luck!!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Rest in balance to aid recovery.
Stayed off the bike today. More for recovery to prepare for the Track carnival tomorrow night. I have a scratch race, a handicap and a Points race to do.
I enjoy my track racing and haven't had a really competitive session on the track in ages so really looking forward to the high intensity session.
Emma is coming to watch me on the track, so should be a fun night. I hope???
I would like to welcome all the readers from Sydneycyclist. com and Melbournecyclist.com who have followed my link from the network pages I have joined.
Tomorrow the roadie wil go into the Lifecycle shop for some new white bar tape. Instant Euro Bling!! I will be doing a couple of short sharp sessions to warm up the legs tomorrow, with both the training wheel and the disk to make sure everything is all good and get the legs spinning at right time for race time.
Wish me luck.
I enjoy my track racing and haven't had a really competitive session on the track in ages so really looking forward to the high intensity session.
Emma is coming to watch me on the track, so should be a fun night. I hope???
I would like to welcome all the readers from Sydneycyclist. com and Melbournecyclist.com who have followed my link from the network pages I have joined.
Tomorrow the roadie wil go into the Lifecycle shop for some new white bar tape. Instant Euro Bling!! I will be doing a couple of short sharp sessions to warm up the legs tomorrow, with both the training wheel and the disk to make sure everything is all good and get the legs spinning at right time for race time.
Wish me luck.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Climbing aint easy, but has to be done
Well, definately on the right track.
Chris and I headed up over Mt Nebo today. It was hard, not just because I am not a climber but because it was hot. Chris and I met at our rusual spot at the Sth BAnk end of the Goodwill Bridge and headed off through Red Hill and The Gap. We hit the base of Mt Nebo and set our own tempos. I hit my lap marker on the HRM so I could get and indication of my climb time. From the bottom to the first Cafe at the top, 55.06. Chris did it in 49.??, but he has been training hard over the summer break and been doing lots of climbing, so I don't feel to bad. On the way back down I drove the pace and made sure I still had a grip on the downhill part of climbing ensuring I was picking the right line through the bends.
So whatr were the ride details?
Time-3.40.29
Ave HR-140
Max HR-164
Dist-95km
Ave SP-26.8 km/h
Max SP-72.4 km/h
Ave Cad-78
Max Cad-128
Ascent-1435m
Temp Ave-30 celcius
Temp Max-38 celcius
All I need to do now is give my legs a good massage and rub down and have a solid sleep tonight, oh and eat well to refuel the body.
Tomorrow I will be heading out for a solo ride. Will go do the Zupps Loop which will be about 80kms and use it for some sustained intervals and cadence work. THen Friday will be a very light day on the bike with probably a coffee ride and a quick spin on the track bike before heading to the Velodrome for the carnival.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
On the right Track... I think
Well, my training is going well and I think I am in a better position than I originally thought. Although lacking in endurance my strength and power seems to be still with in a workable range. the endurance will come with time on the bike and solid kms.
So how did I go on my loop over Mt Cootha? Chris didn't come as he was called into work early, but that idnt stop me. So off I went for a solo loop. I decided to just ride the Mt Cootha loop and get a guage of my climbing fitness and a time for the climb.
Ride Time-2.27.18
Ave HR-135
Max HR-168
Dist-60.7km
Ave Sp-26.8
Max Sp-77.2km
Ave Cad-76
Max Cad-125
Ascent-630m
Temp-Ave 30 max 36(celcius)
Today I enetered into a track carnival. Although it is a 4 day arnival I have only entered into one day, Friday. I am not expecting any miracles, but I can use it as a guage to see where I am at prior to the crit season restarting and as a solid training session with high intensity spinning.
So I pulled out the track bike and had a short session to blow the cobwebs out and get used to the fixed gear thing again. I ride a 50/15 gear ratio.
Time-20.03
Ave HR- 134
Max HR-150
Dist-13.1km
Ave Sp-40.1km/h
MAx-Sp-52.3km/h
Ave Temp-37 Max 43 (celcuis) Damm that is hot.
Hopefully Emma will come to the Carnival and watch. She doesn't really enjoyt watching bike racing because there isn't allot to see but some Crits and the track she enjoys a little because she can see it all and the atmosphere is usually pretty good. If we can gets some pics from the night I will post them up.
Anyway tomorrow Chris and I are heading up Mt Nebo. A 20km climb that overlooks Brisbane. As much as the climbhurts it is really good and the descent can be pretty wild if you like to give it a little. The only thing tomorrow is it is supposed to be HOT. We are heading up at about 10am which means the sun will be high and burning but a bit of coin in the pocket and a stop at the shop just be fore the climb for something cold and to top up bidons and away we go.
Till tomorrow Ciao
So how did I go on my loop over Mt Cootha? Chris didn't come as he was called into work early, but that idnt stop me. So off I went for a solo loop. I decided to just ride the Mt Cootha loop and get a guage of my climbing fitness and a time for the climb.
Ride Time-2.27.18
Ave HR-135
Max HR-168
Dist-60.7km
Ave Sp-26.8
Max Sp-77.2km
Ave Cad-76
Max Cad-125
Ascent-630m
Temp-Ave 30 max 36(celcius)
Today I enetered into a track carnival. Although it is a 4 day arnival I have only entered into one day, Friday. I am not expecting any miracles, but I can use it as a guage to see where I am at prior to the crit season restarting and as a solid training session with high intensity spinning.
So I pulled out the track bike and had a short session to blow the cobwebs out and get used to the fixed gear thing again. I ride a 50/15 gear ratio.
Time-20.03
Ave HR- 134
Max HR-150
Dist-13.1km
Ave Sp-40.1km/h
MAx-Sp-52.3km/h
Ave Temp-37 Max 43 (celcuis) Damm that is hot.
Hopefully Emma will come to the Carnival and watch. She doesn't really enjoyt watching bike racing because there isn't allot to see but some Crits and the track she enjoys a little because she can see it all and the atmosphere is usually pretty good. If we can gets some pics from the night I will post them up.
Anyway tomorrow Chris and I are heading up Mt Nebo. A 20km climb that overlooks Brisbane. As much as the climbhurts it is really good and the descent can be pretty wild if you like to give it a little. The only thing tomorrow is it is supposed to be HOT. We are heading up at about 10am which means the sun will be high and burning but a bit of coin in the pocket and a stop at the shop just be fore the climb for something cold and to top up bidons and away we go.
Till tomorrow Ciao
Sunday, January 4, 2009
The first ride for 2009
Well, I had my first session out on the road for 2009 and Damn it felt good. After hanging up the wheels for the 2008 season on 16 November, getting out today was good. The wind was up and blowing in from the water so for the ride it was in the face. However in a bunch that at one point was around 200m long, there was some time to sit on wheels and just spin and get the feel for the saddle again.
Anyway Chris and I hit the front of the bunch about 15-20km into the ride after having some Strong riders who are preparing for the Nationals at the end of the month keep the pace up around 38km/h. Thinking I would struggle to hold that sort of pace, Chris I belted along for a 5km turn at 40km/h. We then swung off and took what seemed a lifetime to reach the back of the bunch for some well deserved wheel sucking before the egos got the better of the rest of the bunch. Egos were going to be on display today particularly with 2 Pros in the bunch. Matt Hayman (Rabobank) and Ben Day(Toyota United) were in the bunch having a nice recovery ride of sorts as a part of their build for the Nationals.
As expected the pace rose but not with the vicious attacks that are the norm but with a gradual acceleration which shed the light weights or the unfit(me), and spread them along the Redcliff Peninsular. Once I was dropped I just rode as solid a tempo I could and manage to only lose 3-4min on the second group on the road and rejoined them at the usual drink stop at Brighton. Once their a quick can of Coke and off we went again to make our way towards our humble homes.
Today's ride-
Time- 2hrs 30min
Ave HR-143
Max HR-174
Dist-80.9km
Ave Sp-33.3 km/h
Ave Cad-87rpm
Max Cad-119 rpm
Ascent-305m
Over all a good start for the year. Time to build on it and get strong for both the track and road season.
Next week training is going to be some solid Kms.
Mon- River loop and Mt Cootha
Tues- Eatons Crossing and Samford loop
Wed-River Loop and Mt Cootha
Thurs- Zupps Loop
Fri- Eatons Crossing and Samford Loop
Sat-Rest
Sun-Zupps
Each day will have a roller session and some weights incorporated into the program.
I will keep you all updated with my training and will use this as a means for encouragement and to see improvements and losses.
Once HYPE gets together and works out the Team race calendar I will post it up.
BTW, Emma and I went out on a Date the other night. It was good. We went to Brett's Wharf Restraunt down in Ascot on the Brissy river. The food was superb and the service excellent. I highly recommend it, but it is not cheap. We had some tapas for the entrees, Emma had some crumbed Scallops, mmmm nice. I had some Goats Cheese stuffed olives in a parmesan crust, mmmmm Very nice. For mains Emma had a Paella which was huge and filled us both and I managed to score the Atlantic Salmon on Roated Potatoes and Chilli Jam. Then we went to Baskin Robbins for some Ice Cream and came home. A very nice night and the first of many nights/dates to come.
Till tomorrow Ciao
Anyway Chris and I hit the front of the bunch about 15-20km into the ride after having some Strong riders who are preparing for the Nationals at the end of the month keep the pace up around 38km/h. Thinking I would struggle to hold that sort of pace, Chris I belted along for a 5km turn at 40km/h. We then swung off and took what seemed a lifetime to reach the back of the bunch for some well deserved wheel sucking before the egos got the better of the rest of the bunch. Egos were going to be on display today particularly with 2 Pros in the bunch. Matt Hayman (Rabobank) and Ben Day(Toyota United) were in the bunch having a nice recovery ride of sorts as a part of their build for the Nationals.
As expected the pace rose but not with the vicious attacks that are the norm but with a gradual acceleration which shed the light weights or the unfit(me), and spread them along the Redcliff Peninsular. Once I was dropped I just rode as solid a tempo I could and manage to only lose 3-4min on the second group on the road and rejoined them at the usual drink stop at Brighton. Once their a quick can of Coke and off we went again to make our way towards our humble homes.
Today's ride-
Time- 2hrs 30min
Ave HR-143
Max HR-174
Dist-80.9km
Ave Sp-33.3 km/h
Ave Cad-87rpm
Max Cad-119 rpm
Ascent-305m
Over all a good start for the year. Time to build on it and get strong for both the track and road season.
Next week training is going to be some solid Kms.
Mon- River loop and Mt Cootha
Tues- Eatons Crossing and Samford loop
Wed-River Loop and Mt Cootha
Thurs- Zupps Loop
Fri- Eatons Crossing and Samford Loop
Sat-Rest
Sun-Zupps
Each day will have a roller session and some weights incorporated into the program.
I will keep you all updated with my training and will use this as a means for encouragement and to see improvements and losses.
Once HYPE gets together and works out the Team race calendar I will post it up.
BTW, Emma and I went out on a Date the other night. It was good. We went to Brett's Wharf Restraunt down in Ascot on the Brissy river. The food was superb and the service excellent. I highly recommend it, but it is not cheap. We had some tapas for the entrees, Emma had some crumbed Scallops, mmmm nice. I had some Goats Cheese stuffed olives in a parmesan crust, mmmmm Very nice. For mains Emma had a Paella which was huge and filled us both and I managed to score the Atlantic Salmon on Roated Potatoes and Chilli Jam. Then we went to Baskin Robbins for some Ice Cream and came home. A very nice night and the first of many nights/dates to come.
Till tomorrow Ciao
Saturday, January 3, 2009
2009 Time for the bike again
Well, Welcome to 2009 everyone. I hope it has been as good so far as one could expect. I know mine has kicked off well so far with things between Me and Emma going well. Ware lucky enough right now to be able to have a couple of weeks togethre withoout the kids as they are out camping with their Grand mother.
Any way, like I said at the start, Time for the bike, but not at the expense of the family. SO a balanced tarining program which will include rollers and road time.
Emma is back at work on Monday which will allow me time to start my training again. But just to give it a real hard kick in the guts I am heading out with a couple of team mates to do the Zupps ride tomorrow (Sunday 04 Jan), which will hurt but be a good starter to blow the cobwebs out of the lungs before starting a targeted build up/base training phase on Monday.
Training Program to come
Any way, like I said at the start, Time for the bike, but not at the expense of the family. SO a balanced tarining program which will include rollers and road time.
Emma is back at work on Monday which will allow me time to start my training again. But just to give it a real hard kick in the guts I am heading out with a couple of team mates to do the Zupps ride tomorrow (Sunday 04 Jan), which will hurt but be a good starter to blow the cobwebs out of the lungs before starting a targeted build up/base training phase on Monday.
Training Program to come
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