Friday, December 13, 2013

29" MTB wheels? Yes!

This was the question, and now I have answered it.  Although I am not 'super short' (approx 161cm), there was always the worry in the back of my mind that maybe 29" wheels would not be suitable.  I had read lots of reviews of bikes for women, particularly Specialized 29" vs Giant 650B, and although both had benefits, I was more and more tempted by the leap to 29" wheels.

Part of my decision was helped along by Marianne (from http://dutchielovescycling.tumblr.com ).  She (probably unknowingly) helped me take the plunge and buy the Fate.  Marianne had nothing but good words to say about the bike, and fortunately she also recommended me to a really good Specialized mountain bike dealer.  Having previously helped out at a bike shop, and looked at many others in the past, I know what makes a good bike shop, with great customer service, and staff who really know their products.

My favorite bike shops (by Steve at Crankstar, and Shayne and Pip at Semiracer) are road-specific... so I was obliged to go elsewhere to buy a new bike for the dirt.  In the end, I couldn't have landed at a nicer place.  Bicycle Riders Morningside (BRM) now also has my big 'tick of approval'.  They were incredibly helpful while I made my decision, without being pushy at any stage.  Simon could easily answer all my questions about the different bike options and extras, and had lots of additional helpful tips also.  He is also very well trained at bike fitting (a credit to both the body geometry fit (bgfit) system and Simon's own eagerness to learn more about what makes a good fit).

I am now even happier than I thought I would be with the bike.
The Fate is a dream to ride, light weight and responsive.  The 29" wheels definitely do roll much better over obstacles than my old 26" bike.  I did splash out on carbon tubeless wheels, to reduce the weight of the bike, and to gain stiffer, faster rolling, precise wheels.  Definitely worth every cent.
More about BRM...
http://www.bicycleriders.com.au
More about the Roval wheels...
http://www.bicycling.com/mountainbikecom/bikes-gear/specialized-s-innovative-roval-control-29-carbon-wheels-tested

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

KPCC Novice Women's Tour Week 3 - like fortifying wine

The last weekend of the KPCC #NWT was held at Crestmead on Sunday (1/12). The teams time trial was held first to assist the reinforcement of team skills learned in the previous two weeks. A short tea break followed, including an informative bike maintenance session held by both Tracey and Bronwyn of Planet Cycles. The modified road race that followed showed lots of assertive racing by the women, with some bold breakaway attempts and good use of team tactics. Again this week, the participants demonstrated what you can achieve by going outside your own comfort zone.

Just like fortified wine, bike racing events should be delicious, memorable experiences. KPCC is endeavouring to take the 'base wine' (ie. women's base interest to ride bikes and to take part in cycling events) and then fortify it with additional 'alcohol' (ie. further skills, knowledge and experiences for women in a safe, supported environment) to develop a truly awesome product that lots of people will talk and reminisce about, and naturally encourage others to try.

To end, I have borrowed an excerpt from the womenscyclingmatters blog about SKCC and last weekend's Tour of Bright...  it pretty much sums up what we should be noticing and encouraging with women's cycling...
"Our clubs and administrators are on board and are shouting from the rooftops about women’s cycling. There are photos of women riding and racing on websites... yes it is just the small things for now but just the same, it is symbolic of change and I am very excited."  

Visit www.kpcc.org.au for more motivating projects during 2014.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

KPCC Novice Women's Tour Week 2 - onwards and upwards


This week the participants learned some more about team tactics and racing, as well as some more individual skills.

Many ladies surprised themselves with their own abilities, 

and realised that you can trust your riding buddies!


The media gallery were also out in force after the glowing feedback from the participants of week 1.

Week 2 also involved a criterium at Nundah, this time with four groups (team red, team blue, team yellow and team pink) of 4-6 riders. 

This was an excellent opportunity to use some recently acquired team-racing skills. 

Quite a few attacks went off the front by various riders, but in the end a team rider from each of blue, pink and red stayed away for the podium spots. 

Unfortunately Kirsty has been teaching the subject of camaraderie and respect a little too well, and the girls decided to cross the line together for equal first place!!!

Next week is the final week of #NWT, this time at Crestmead, with a teams time trial, and then a longer “road race” / kermesse style race.  Thanks again to Kirsty Broun Cycling, Activ Cycle, and Planet Cycles for their involvement, and to Brad Gooda for the photos.

Monday, November 18, 2013

KPCC Novice Women’s Tour Week 1 – nurturing the development of women in cycling

Sunday morning (17/11) was the first round of Kangaroo Point CC's #NWT. It is an initiative of KPCC (Cam and Claire Hemming, and Craig Briant) aimed at getting more women comfortable with riding bikes in groups, and allowing them to gain some race experience in a friendly, low-key environment.

KPCC recruited some prominent, respected female cyclists to help with this round, namely Kirsty Broun (Kirsty Broun Cycling), Kim Pettigrew (Activ Cycle) and Tracey Knight (Planet Cycles / Planet Femme).

The women’s tour includes a series of 3 races over 3 weekends, all mentored by these 3 ride leaders. The tour is accomodating of all women partaking in the events. Some riding and racing theory, as well as lots of practical skills training are provided to all participants. Even with a group of women with ranging abilities and with a variety previous bicycle experiences, no-one feels left out! :)

Like SKCC (St Kilda Cycling Club) and the Breeze women’s cycling program (in Victoria), KPCC recognises that so much can be gained by supporting women who are new to riding and racing. By improving knowledge and awareness, and then providing skills training, this improves their confidence and their enjoyment of the sport of cycling. These things will then assist more cycling newcomers, as well as solidify the existing group.
Week 1 involved some theory, some skills training, a light morning tea, and then a novice criterium on a closed circuit. According to the smiles at the end of the day, everyone is looking forward to week 2!

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

End of season Noosa criterium

It was fast, it was hot, and it was furious once again.  On Saturday afternoon it was time again for the women's Noosa criterium.

The Specialized Securitor team were probably the on-paper favorites to win this year,

but the Wiggle women's team and Orica Green Edge were also good prospects.



Local riders from teams such as Campos, Bike Bug, and Pensar were also there to make their presence felt.

In typical Noosa style, some breakaway attempts were made; early on by Kat Garfoot (QAS)

and then much later in the race by Emily Roper (Suzuki-Trek).

Close to the end of the race, another last-minute attack saw Peta Mullens (Wiggle) and Kat Garfoot (QAS) get away.

Despite some amazing work by Amy Bradley, Loren Rowney and the rest of the Specialized team, Kimberley Wells was left to bridge by herself to the 2 riders away on the last lap.

Despite a super-human effort (and apparently unclipping a pedal on the final corner), Kim missed out on the top two spots and had to settle for third.

With lots of great form from this year's NRS races, Kat outsprinted Peta for the win.

Thanks to Brad Gooda for the photos (and podium photo via Veloshotz).

Monday, August 26, 2013

Back in the sunshine

A lack of blog updates for quite a while reflected my recent disillusionment with cycling.
After lots and lots of training, and feeling incredibly “ready” to race, I had a personally soul-destroying performance at Battle on the Border back in May.  I didn’t even survive the first hour with the bunch.  The problem?  Muscle cramps again.  Hands, feet, legs, you name it.  Despite the many hours of doctor visits, blood tests, second and third opinion referrals, weight training, improving core strength and flexibility, diet changes, bike set-up changes, and supplement additions, I was still getting these frustrating cramps in races.  
Why?  Well it seems it was all in my head.  Race nerves.  Too much pressure on myself.  Thankfully just before I was about to toss the bike away, I visited a sports psychologist for one last try at finding an answer. 

Initially I was resistant to the idea that I could be sabotaging my own race performances inside my own head.  But then the more we talked about it, the more I realised I had turned a much-loved hobby into a horrible experience simply by thinking about it the wrong way.  I had started to hate racing because of my fear that I would not race well, and I was doubting all of my abilities even though I was doing all the right training.  It was a vicious cycle.  Then to top it all off, not long after Battle, I was hit by a car while out riding my bike.  It was almost the last straw for me to give it all up.

Luckily I was reminded by friends how much enjoyment my bike riding and racing used to give me, and why I started it all in the first place.  The sports psychologist helped me recognise that I was being far too self-doubting and negative, and worrying about things that were completely out of my control.  My mind, my “inner chimp”, was out of control.  (If you have read The Chimp Paradox, written by Dr Steve Peters, you'll know what I mean.)
Although it's still a work in progress, I can finally say that I like riding my bike again.  I want to get up and train in the mornings, and I want to race with friends on the weekend.  So thankful I didn't throw all that away.  Thanks again to Mental Notes Consulting :) http://mentalnotesconsulting.com.au/

Monday, May 13, 2013

Women's Toowoomba Criterium

Only a week after the northern new south wales NRS race (QSM Sports, Battle on the Border), the men's next NRS race was on at Toowoomba.  This year the organisers decided to mix it up a bit, and hold a women's invitational criterium on the last day of the men's race.  The men's event is sponsored by long-time supporter FKG, but in the last few weeks before the women's race, another sponsor put their hand up (McDonalds in Toowoomba).

The thought is that if there is enough continuing interest, then the organisers may be able to make the women's event into a bigger two-day event, perhaps even an NRS one in conjunction with the men.  Let's hope so!

The circuit around Queen's Park in Toowoomba is about 2.4km, and is quite a scenic one, with lots of large shady trees, and historic homes.

The roads are nice and wide (so it allows generally for some really safe racing), and there are some nice fast downhill sections, as well as a deceptively tough, leg sapping, but gradual, 3-5% climb into a strong headwind (apparently the wind always blows in the same direction, and the T'ba locals call it Mount Margaret, since it's up Margaret street).

We had close to thirty women register to race, with Ruth Corset (current NRS leader's jersey holder, Pensar), Emily Roper (current U23 champ, Suzuki Trek), and Jasmin Hurikino (current Qld criterium champ, Campos) all making an effort to drive "up the range" to T'ba.  Many other teams also made sure their team was represented (Riders Morningside, Specialized Securitor, Data #3, MB cycles, QSM racing) which was great to see, and even Kendelle Hodges (VIS) stayed up in Qld a bit longer to do this race.

The pace was fast from the start, and the girls were keen to race aggressively.  In only a few laps, the field was split up into the main breakaway group of four, and then several chasing groups.

By the end, the initial breakaway worked well together and finished well on the podium (Ruth 1st, Kendelle 2nd,  Emily 3rd, and Jasmin 4th) with Zoe Watters (Pensar) and Liz Young (UQ) winning their chasing bunch sprint for 5th and 6th spots.

Kudos also to the several U17/19 girls in the race who did their best and finished!  Thanks to Lynette Douglas Parker for the photos!

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Tale of two George's and a Broun...

Wanna improve your cycling?  Learn from the best.  I currently have the enviable position of being able to gain lots of cycling knowledge from three of Australia's best coaches... each of them unique in their coaching styles, and all with a wealth of experience.

- Steve George @ Crankstar


My "training program" coach.  Steve's the guy who tells me what to do, day after day, week after week.  He stops me before I start overtraining, but lets me know when I need to go harder.  Steve encouraged me to start weights at the gym late last year when I was concerned that this might not be the right thing to do.  Steve also picked up on the fact that my cranks were the wrong length, and quickly changed me over to 165mm ones.  Now 5 months later, I can see how the weights, and more core strength exercises and stretching, along with the shorter cranks, and my regular on-the-bike training, has really improved my power and my ability to spin.

- Rob George @ Roadie Rob's Bicycle School


My MTB skills coach.  Rob's the coach who can tell you how to ride a bike, without you even realising he's teaching you stuff.  Having self-taught myself how to ride a bike in my early 20's, I have never had the skills that people have when they've started riding as a small child.  Lesson for the future: if you have kids, get 'em on a bike as soon as possible!  Rob has a huge knowledge base from his days as a world cup downhill racer, and from many, many years of teaching students around the Gap Creek trails (Brisbane) and knows exactly how to make difficult trails seem super easy.

- Kirsty Broun @ Kirsty Broun Cycling


My road bike skills coach.  Several months ago I did not realise the benefit of improving some of my skills on the road bike.  Sure, my MTB skills are in constant need of improvement, but not my road bike skills... ?  After just a few sessions with Kirsty, I have also come to understand that cornering, unclipping with different feet, using different hands to grab water bottles, bumping shoulders with other riders, and many other on-the-bike skills are often taken for granted. I realise now that a lot of stuff that I was doing on the bike was "adequate" but not really done "properly".  And similar to being shown the right line on a MTB trail with Roadie Rob, Kirsty has really opened my eyes to the skills we should all have to ride (and race) more safely and confidently on the road.  In particular, being there to see Kirsty coach some groups of cyclists over the Easter weekend was an eye-opening and rewarding experience.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Ausenco Summer Series #2


If bike racing is a numbers game, then our QSM team was already ahead even before the start of race two in the series.  In race two, we had Claire, Jessica, Jemma, and myself racing, with our star coach Kirsty Broun.

The Campos team unfortunately had two of their 4 team riders out of the race due to illness, and Pensar was also limited to just three team riders.
To mix things up a bit, our team goal for this race was a bunch sprint.  So in contrast to the week before when we had been trying to help initiate a breakaway, this week we were aiming to chase everything down.

Since Pensar currently had the leader’s jersey (Jenelle), the pressure was on their two team riders (Sam and Nicole) to chase all the breaks down.

This was a pretty tough ask against another dozen or so other strong women.

Although Campos had only two riders (Jasmin and Louise), they both jumped at the chance to make the race a difficult one.

Louise managed a solo break to stay away for both the intermediate primes, before being reeled in by a marathon effort on the front by Sam from Pensar.

Although a few strong individual riders (such as Britt, Marianne, Alex, Linda) tried to get away during the race, they were usually fairly quickly shut down again by our QSM girls, or by Pensar.

Towards the end, I think most of the bunch realised the race was going to end in one final kick.

Channelling all of Kirsty Broun’s previous criterium winning experiences, we tried our best to form a QSM leadout train.  Practising it on a track in non-race conditions was definitely easier than in the real race.  Suddenly you are not only faced with keeping the train together for your team sprinter, but being on the lookout for other things such as another team’s train surging past; other riders getting in between your team mates; and individuals jumping past the train to get a gap up the road.

In the end, we did the best we could on the day, but we are all aware this will take some more practice before we become truly proficient in lead outs.  On a high note, despite minor deviations to our team plan, we got Jemma second in a bunch sprint at the end of the race.  Jasmin (Campos) took first, with Britt Lindores (Crino) a close third, and Jess (QSM) fifth.  Another very positive thing about this result was that Jemma had now accumulated enough points from her third place last week, and her second place this week, to put her in the leader’s jersey.

QSM in the leader’s jersey!!...

Amazing what a good team tactician and mentor can do.  When we recruited Kirsty Broun a few weeks ago to help us learn a thing or two about racing as a team, none of us imagined we’d have the leader’s jersey going into the final race.
There will be enormous pressure on us as a team in round three, but I believe we can rise to the occasion.  Winning isn’t everything, but working as a team is certainly building both our confidence and our team camaraderie.
Photos (above) are again courtesy of Brad Gooda.
For more on Kirsty Broun's coaching go to:
www.facebook.com/kirstybrouncycling