Perspectives

Several people I know (who are non-cyclists) asked me during the week how my race went on Sunday.  "Great" I replied.  "So you won then?" was the next question... "Nope" was my reply.  With puzzled faces they then went on to ask why my race was so "great" then...

Not sure I can even explain it properly, but to have been sick with the flu / bronchitis again only 2.5 weeks earlier, and to have disappointed myself with my lack of racing form for much of the year, I thought it was super to have at least one race where I felt good for the entire time... all 120km of it.

And of course that gives me hope for the remainder of the year! (Yes I know, don't count your chickens and all that...)

In other news though, after Simone managed what I would call a spectacular recovery from her crash in northern NSW only weeks earlier, and truly gave it her all to win both Charles Coin and Cunningham Classic in consecutive weekends, she was taken down in another crash in the Geelong Tour.  I am not going to say much about it because there are many opinions already out there on the internet.  However, when I heard the news, all I could think is "why, why, why".  And I'm not sure there really is an answer.

Then just today, I visited the HPRW website to read some more sad news that faithful HPRW club member, racer and commissaire John Madigan was just hit by a car again this week.  I can't remember exactly how many months ago this happened to him last, but he toughed it out to recover from some horrific injuries, to get back to doing what he loves... cycling. 
And now he needs to battle through the rehabilitation process once again.  "Why does this happen?"  Again I don't have an answer, but it does make me more grateful for the health I currently have.

Westerly winds

Just in time for August, the westerly winds are in SE Qld.  After an unusually warm Saturday, you could feel the winds beginning on Sunday at the Charles Coin RR...
right on schedule for the Cunningham Classic RR this weekend.

I like the winds because they remind me of some 'classic' winter family weekend outings with my mother while growing up in Brisbane... including going to the flu-ridden Ekka! 

The crisp clear blue skies at this time of the year, and the ability to see miles and miles into the distance are definitely one of the highlights for me. 

And yes, even though the winds can be nasty as a headwind when travelling south into Brisbane, it also means an awesome tailwind when riding home.