Goulburn handicap

Yesterday Rach, Tegan, Maja, Liz and I (and Simon!) headed away from the sunny blue skies of Canberra with a really solid Vikings contingent and headed to rainy rainy Goulburn for the Windellama 50km handicap.

Apart from getting absolutely soaked, it was excellent fun (actually I think the rain added to the fun, especially some of those limited visibility descents). The Valkyries plus Milto made up the whole of E grade (I'm pretty sure there wouldn't have been much of a race without the Vikings!).

Highlights:

- The beautiful old couple arguing about how to start the race - 'ready, set...' 'no! aren't you going to count down from 5!?' 'oh, alright! 5,4,3,2,1 go!'

- Sitting on Bec's wheel down the hill and getting up to 60kms/hr - my new speed record:)

- Tegs and I had a very exciting 5 minutes riding with the fast kids before we lost them up that second hill.

- Maja was a legend for not turning back early, despite invitations from the driver behind her.

- Finally getting to visit the greengrocers/cycle shop that I've heard so much about.

Things I learnt this time:

- A towel is a really good thing to pack for away races, as well as a nice warm change of clothes (as is checking the weather report before you leave home).

- In the last 3kms of the race, don't take a turn on the front unless you have the extra energy.

- Be careful not to accidentally find yourself at the front of a fast bunch and getting in the way:)

- Getting soaked is not that bad when you're working hard enough to stay warm.

Thanks guys for a great day - can't wait til next time!