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