Training Report - Thursday 25/5

A big welcome to this week's new members Kate and Shal out for their first training ride with the Valkyrie Vikings.

Thursday's session was great, personally I felt really strong up the hills, Verity was pretty close behind but she's been unwell this week.

Attendees:
Rach
Verity
Ange
Liz
Kate (first time) - just did one rep as she is tapering at the moment
Shalan (first time) - did three reps, slower paced

Apologies:
Haylee
Jane

What worked well:
Giving the 'escorts' instructions that at least one of them had to gate keep and if any girls dropped off they would ride with them, so they didn't ride alone. Mr Gribble rode with Shal which was really great, meant she didnt spend her first session alone, and had some encouragement. For the last lap back Mr T and I also dropped back to cheer her on. 3 laps is very impressive for a first sessionso WELL DONE SHAL!!.

Also impressive was Kate's first time out, she targeted me on one of the hills so I think we will see her pretty strong in the bunch later in June!

I took the lead a lot more in this session, which actually made me feel a lot more comfortable about the safety of the group, by calling and explaining the drills, pointing out safety spots (gravel corner) and reminding them to work on the climbs and hydrate etc.

What didn't work so well:
There's one really sketchy and gravelly corner on that loop which im tempted to attack with a broom... I gave it a special mention so that all the girls were prepared and then still managed to skid a bit as I went around it.
One to remember to watch out for.

What's next?
Next up is our Skills session on Sat 28/5, then later in the evening a few of us are racing the Crace Nocturne Criterium http://www.vikingscyclingforum.org.au/forum/showthread.php?t=3684