My first cycling tick – an ITT

Saturday’s time trial was over the same course as last weekend’s club time trial (see Rach’s post from last week). The women’s elite course started at the top of Urriara Crossing, headed straight down Uriarra road, past the homestead with a hotdog turn at 7.5kms near Condor Creek. This made for a 15km lap which we completed twice.

I was sooo nervous as I parked my car at Uriarra Crossing but was greeted very quickly by Pat from the V-Mobile crew and he helped put me at ease and helped me find my way up the hill to the registration desk. One by one the rest of the Valkyrie’s arrived – I was really pleased when I saw Linda as I knew this was her first ITT as well. In keeping with their excellent form Verity and Ches rode out to the start and Rach arrived a little later.

I was a little bummed we didn’t start until 1030 (the juniors started first), especially as I had to be showered and at work by 1pm, but it was really good to have a group of Valkyries and V-mobile guys to wait with. The guys were called up pretty quick and before I knew it we were on. It was my first ever held start (hadn’t even practiced one!) but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.

I had read Rach’s post from last week so I was in the know about the “soul destroying” false flat at the start, so I didn’t find that as too much of a shock... I also may have driven the course during the week to see what was in store for me ;) haha. What I found really surprising, however, was that most of the ride out to the turnaround point was really hard! I don’t know if there was a wind or if it was up hill but I was about ?500m away from the turnaround point when I started to think I would not be able to make two laps of the course. I was feeling pretty disappointed but I think that only lasted about a minute as I saw Pat and Brad coming towards me on their way back from the turnaround point and, with the loudest booming voices, they both yelled “GO MAJA GO GO GO!” It was so encouraging!! So I had a bit more heart pumped into me and once I turned around I was surprised at how easy the return ride was. I held a good speed, not quick enough, however, as Ches and Verity managed to catch and over take me, always in fine form these girls!! I also saw Rach heading out on her first lap after starting late – she was so focused!!!!

By the time I got back I felt strong enough to do it again. I couldn’t remember seeing Linda (she started a fair bit after me) however I found out later she missed the turnaround point at the end of the first loop and nearly rode down to Uriarra crossing. It wasn’t until the final turnaround point at the Condor Creek end when I again heard Pat and Brad’s booming encouragement for both me and Linda that I realised Linda was right on my tail. She passed me at some point on the way back but this just gave me something to target, and for the last k or so I got down into the drops and gave it everything I had and managed to just pass her near the end. She obviously still got a better time but I wouldn’t have pushed that hard if she wasn’t in front of me – thanks Linda, you were my rabbit to chase!!

Things I learned:

1) Just because there are signs everywhere on the road indicating a cycling race is on and the speed has been changed to 60kph doesn’t mean a crazy 4WD with a trailer wont race through the marshalling area at 100kph and knock out a witch’s hat. In short - stay off the road if you’re not riding.

2) I can ride at 30kph and drink at the same time

3) I can do both a held start and a hotdog turn

4) It is so good to be part of a squad and have the V-mobile guys to mentor us

5) Linda – missed the first turn around point and still got an awesome time for her first ITT; she may be quiet and sweet but she’s a tough little gem on the bike!! (Though this is becoming more and more apparent)

6) I need more ks in my legs!!!

Newbie : /

Hi,

My name is Maja (or Mya.... or Myer – like Grace Brothers...) and I’m joining Valkyrie Vikings for a training session for the first time tomorrow morning. Rach has asked me to put a few lines together re my previous experience with cycling and what I’m expecting or nervous about.

Well I’ve never been part of a cycling squad and only took to the road bike after breaking my arm coming off my mountain bike late last year. My first ride on the roadie after getting some range/strength back into my shoulder was the Big Canberra Bike ride – so have only really been on a road bike since then. I’m mainly riding alone – although occasionally I can pull some of my girlfriends or collegues out. I’ve never done a group or bunch ride and have been doing a bit of a mix of path and road.

I initially enquired with the club as I was finding it difficult to find someone else who was interested in regularly riding, training, setting goals and possibly competing with me... (one of the (many) goals I set while wasting away in a shoulder immobiliser after the break, was completing either the 50 or 100km ride in the Fitz’s in October) - big hopes especially when the sound of hill repeats as we do laps around Yarralumla tomorrow makes me SOOOO nervous about joining you girls!!!

I’m mainly worried that I’m going to run out of steam, or fall way behind. One of the benefits (if not the only benefit) of riding alone is that you set your own pace (the downside of which is not pushing yourself)... so riding alongside girls that train all the time and participate in club events/races... makes me a little queasy – let’s hope the intensity doesn’t make me feel queasy tomorrow too!!

I was worried that it would clicky and hard to fit in, but I must say is that I am impressed with is the level of support I have already received from members of the squad. I haven’t met anyone but have received so much encouragement over so many emails that I feel like I kind of know you already. I got a response right away after I enquired which was great as it’s gotten me really pumped to start and is making me think that maybe I will be able to make some of these goals happen... So yeah... guess I’m excited and nervous at the same time!! : /

Will see you all tomorrow morning, am sure it’s going to wake up my legs!

Maja