Today I had my first road race. Well, the first in over thirty years. It didn't go too bad. I went better than I thought I would and excepting that I made a wrong turn and did about six kilometers out of my way, all went well. Its ok I am absolutely laughing about it, its hillarious.
We raced out of town on a Course call Wallaville, after the little township that is out that way. It is a rather hilly course, and being a big bloke, I actually don't mind the climbing. Now I never said I was a champion at it, just that I don't mind them.
I was surprised to be put off with the first group, I was expecting the second group off. Although I didn't mind this as I was with a couple of my regular riding buddies.
We started off and all was going well but as we hit the climbs I started to pull away. The idea was to stay together but it was difficult to stay back on the hills. So off I went.
Mark, another friend of ours started off two minutes before us. Mark is still recovering from a quadruple bypass, and I have to say, he is an absolute inspiration, a legend. The reason for him starting just ahead of us was just to give a bit more time to settle his heart rate.
As I pulled away from the other two I thought that I would just catch Mark and settle in with him. Not long after the first turn around I caught him and he was happy to just chuggle along at his own pace. So I set my own pace and being on my own thought it was a good time to practice time trial mode. Something else I don't mind, but need desperately the practice at. Not long after this I started to pass the other groups heading for the turn around from whence I had just came.
I was doing well, and with a slight tail wind I was sitting on a good pace. The course had flattened out a bit but was still fairly undulating. They weren't steep hills, but gradual ones, and some longer than others.
I knew that the other groups would be gaining on me so I hooked into it fairly well knowing that I not only had them coming up from behind, but I would have a head wind on the way home.
Coming over a rise I could see the small township in the distance, and feeling good kept the throttle on as best I could. This is where it went pear shaped...lol. I saw a yellow "Caution - Cyclists Ahead" sign, but it was placed slightly around the corner of the side road. Slowing off a bit and thinking, "Will I, or Won't I", I took the plunge. I should have went with my gut feeling. Anyway, needless to say it was a nice little ride...lol.
After travelling to the end of the road and realising my peril, I about faced and hit it as hard as I could, thinking if could only make it back to the main road as the other groups were coming. NO, they had gone past. Not only the second and third groups, but the group I had started with. Anyway, shit happens, so I just did what I could do, hit the turn around and headed back for the finish line.
As I headed back out of the township I saw the chopping block, heading in. OK, this was going to make it interesting. Then a bit further down the road, here came the Scratchies. Alright, just have some fun now.
After a couple of rises I could see Mark again in the distance, the headwind was building and I just wanted to persist to the hills. After catching Mark I set my sights for Leonie and Bob, the other two in the group I started with.
Head down, tucked in behind the drops I could here the chopping block coming behind. They were actually a very welcome sight, as I sat in behind them and had a little respite from the wind.
We hit the final turn for home and hit the final set of climbs for the finish line. I was amazed I was able to stay with them for so long, even up the climbs. But as the climbs got longer, the distance got greater. A couple of them dropped off behind me, so that made me feel good. I kept the spin up and persisted to the finish line. There was another guy in front I was gaining on up the climbs but as we hit the top and flatter ground he was able to get going before I reached the top.
Anyway I made it, I'll be sure of my bearings next week, I'm a newby, I'm allowed to make mistakes.
All in all it was a fantastic day and I can't wait for next week to come around.
If you're my age and getting into cycling and want to take the plunge...do it. Nothing is stopping you except yourself. Racing at club level is fun and light hearted. I have come to the conclusion that I am only racing myself. I am doing it for the fun, and a world of fun it is...
Saturday, 16 April 2016
Thursday, 14 April 2016
I Just Hate It - Part 1
I haven't done much driving since my bike accident. With the constant dizziness from the vertigo and the awful feeling that you get as the ground rushes by due to concussion I haven't been able to. Once cleared and all good again, I was on the bike and have mainly ridden everywhere.
On Wednesday night the club had a road training session, by whereas we do one hundred laps around the velodrome. Well I soon found out how fit I wasn't, especially coming into the road racing season. Just let's say I have a long way to go.
Anyway waking up Thursday morning early I decided to drive to work as the legs were rather, as I say, hungover. After getting home from work I had to run some errands and continued to drive.
I came to a realisation, an epiphany was had. I absolutely hate driving. That's it, there's no way to candy coat it, sitting in traffic, looking for a parking spot, dealing with other people in shopping centers, it was all just too much.
I had become accustomed in a very short time to riding, not just to work, but every where I went. The ease in which to get around, able to dismount your steed, roll it to the shop front and lean it there before going in. When going from shop to shop, just wheeling the bike down the footpath. Being able to filter through traffic, the complete congestion free hassle a bike brings to life, it was wonderful.
I used to love driving, and I suppose that is what got me into truck driving in the first place, along with the need for employment. Going from place to place, seeing new areas never traveled, it was all very romantic. But after thirty five years, the love has died, not just for driving trucks, but for driving in general. I absolutely hate it, and would not be bothered one iota if I never had to hop behind the wheel again. Actually I would not be upset one bit if I never had to hop in car again. I know that's not possible, but a lovely thought just the same.
So why the change, why this complete abhorrent attitude towards driving all of a sudden? Well it's not all of a sudden. It started raising its ugly head long ago, even before I started cycling again.
Yes my deep passion for cycling has contributed, but the major factor is the motor car and the mentality that often accompanies it. I have seen too much and had too many close calls for my liking. Not from cyclists, not from other truck drivers, not even from bus and taxi drivers, but from the common everyday motorist.
Yes, there are a good many, courteous and respectful motorist out there and I certainly have no intentions of generalising. But unfortunately there seems to be an all too much entitlement mentality out there. Not only does this attitude exist, but sadly it is an increasing cancer on our roads. This coupled with an opinion based ideological belief of road rules is a dangerous mix. In that is where the problem lies, attitude.
No I haven't always been innocent when it comes to cyclists. I too, like many thought that they should pay their way, get registered or get off the streets. How dare they hold up traffic. You know the babble...
Only within the last fortnight has Queensland passed the Distance Rules as Legislated Law after a successful two year trial. I, as a truck driver was opposed in the beginning. Now keep in mind this is prior to me cycling. How could they pass a law that would force me into oncoming traffic? What if I'm on a country road and its narrow and I come across a cyclist, can't stop and have traffic coming the other way. What do I do then?
You see, many years prior to this I had an attitude behind the wheel. I know that would be hard for many to believe...lol. But I was quite an aggressive driver. Road rage was my middle name sadly. It to the point where where my wife refused to hop in the car with me. I changed, I had to. Not just for me, but for my family, and all the other road users out there. But it was my right, my right, my right...to the point where I forgot about my responsibility.
So change I did, and mellow I become. Yes I still got annoyed, but once I realise that I had power over my attitude behind the wheel, other peoples' faults on the road didn't appear to be that, well still bad, but I could get passed it without a massive spike in blood pressure and the loss of focus that comes from being agro behind the wheel. I could change my attitude, no, I couldn't change others' that is true, but my attitude and composure behind the wheel was entirely up to me.
I changed through educating my self, leaving behind my distorted and self centered view of traffic laws. You see, with an entitlement attitude the rules are for other people, their responsibilities and obligations, what they are doing wrong. When we change that attitude we change the way we perceive the laws, and start to look at our place in this.
Well anyway, after a couple of weeks of grumbling and complaining about Lycra clad poofs in my way I decided to educate myself all over again. Firstly on registration, I decided to find out how our roads were funded. You see we have this distorted view that our rego pays for the roads, and that seems to give us more "rights" then anyone else. But roads aren't funded by registration, or road improvement fees for that matter. They are funded by Federal and State Taxes and Local Rates. Registration of a motor vehicle only funds the bureaucracy that governs them, and even then there is a tax payer funded short fall.
Registration comprises of several components -
1. Registration = $289.85
2. Traffic Improvement Fee = $ 50.55
3. CTP (Compulsory Third Party Insurance) = $336.60
Bringing it to a total of $677.00
Now, considering that cars use the roads and damage its surface there is a TIF. That well, kind of, led to believe it goes to the roads, sort of. It takes 9,000 bicycles to do the same damage to the roads as one small car. This TIF still only goes to fund a Bureaucracy, not repair roads.
There is also CTP, the major component of registration. The reason of it being so high is that it is more likely a motor vehicle will have, and be the cause of, a serious accident resulting injury or death.
The Registration component is to the body or bureaucracy that governs motor vehicles, oddly named a Department of Motor Transport.
I worked the above figures out by using my car, a four cylinder passenger vehicle for private use, and the cheapest CTP listed.
Queensland Transport have released numerous statements of late, that our roads are not governed by a user pays system. A cyclist using the road is no different from someone coming from Interstate using them.
Registration of vehicles and licencing of drivers in Queensland primarily came about because of the increase of accidents. Newer traffic laws were introduced to combat this as well. So accidents and the automobile go back a long way. Before the motor vehicle started taking over our streets, horses and cyclist mingled together quite harmoniously. So as a motorist you are simply registered to govern the use of your "motor vehicle". A vehicle that is potentially, and is on many occasions, lethal.
Registration does not fund the roads and as can be seen above a short fall of QLD Trans operational costs of $0.3 bill was funded by tax payers. So in actual fact motorists do no pay to use the roads at all through registration. This is a misinformation and many use it to defend their distorted ideological "opinion".
A survey was done into what was the most annoying thing on the roads for a motorist...cyclists didn't get a mention. A more recent one was done and cyclists came in at Number 5, the problem, lane filtering in traffic...The most annoying thing to motorists on our roads are well, other motorists.
When asked specifically about cyclist they come up with a multitude of reasons, completely oblivious to any fact, rhyme or reason...It was heard of, or seen once, so they all do it. I'll address this later.
The agro and hatred toward cyclists is subsiding in Bundaberg where I live. I believe it is improving dramatically thank goodness. But other places are not as privileged as us, and especially on-line, social media and main stream media.
There is a deep seated resentment towards cyclists and for the life of me I can't figure out why. Yes I had my issues with road rage, but towards other motorists, and yes, I wasn't always pro-cyclist, but I was never aggressive to them.
Once I realised that cyclists were every bit as entitled to use the road, and use it safely as I was, I calmed down and looked once again at my part in all this. Driving a semi isn't always easy, and especially on narrow country roads. This was my main angst so I started here. As a driver it is my responsibility to drive to the conditions. Not only to the current visible ones, but also the unexpected. This could mean a variety of things, fallen tree, livestock, kangaroos, breakdowns, a local child out riding their horse, and yes even one of those cyclists.
We've gained a mentality in this country whereas anyone doing under the speed limit is doing the wrong thing. They're not, speed limits are maximums, not minimums. Quite frankly, I came to the understanding long ago that it is far better to sit behind someone going slow and taking care than following a ratbag.
This was my first approach, slowing down on narrower roads, if there was a cyclist there I had more time to think, and act accordingly. It changed with me, and me alone. Now remember this was months before I became one of those Lycra clad poofs.
Should we need a Distance Rule to keep vulnerable road users safe, no we shouldn't. But it is our action that directly affect the implementation of laws. Don't like being in a Nanny State, be responsible for your actions and we won't have to.
A change in driver attitude should never have to be through laws, but we, and we alone have made it so. Our technologically filled over rampant lives have made us oblivious to others around us. We are so connected in many ways, but yet so isolated from reality...so demanding of our rights, yet so negligent of our responsibilities.
There is much more I want to say about all this, but this will do for today...I look forward to continuing on this little rant in the near future.
On Wednesday night the club had a road training session, by whereas we do one hundred laps around the velodrome. Well I soon found out how fit I wasn't, especially coming into the road racing season. Just let's say I have a long way to go.
Anyway waking up Thursday morning early I decided to drive to work as the legs were rather, as I say, hungover. After getting home from work I had to run some errands and continued to drive.
I came to a realisation, an epiphany was had. I absolutely hate driving. That's it, there's no way to candy coat it, sitting in traffic, looking for a parking spot, dealing with other people in shopping centers, it was all just too much.
I had become accustomed in a very short time to riding, not just to work, but every where I went. The ease in which to get around, able to dismount your steed, roll it to the shop front and lean it there before going in. When going from shop to shop, just wheeling the bike down the footpath. Being able to filter through traffic, the complete congestion free hassle a bike brings to life, it was wonderful.
I used to love driving, and I suppose that is what got me into truck driving in the first place, along with the need for employment. Going from place to place, seeing new areas never traveled, it was all very romantic. But after thirty five years, the love has died, not just for driving trucks, but for driving in general. I absolutely hate it, and would not be bothered one iota if I never had to hop behind the wheel again. Actually I would not be upset one bit if I never had to hop in car again. I know that's not possible, but a lovely thought just the same.
So why the change, why this complete abhorrent attitude towards driving all of a sudden? Well it's not all of a sudden. It started raising its ugly head long ago, even before I started cycling again.
Yes my deep passion for cycling has contributed, but the major factor is the motor car and the mentality that often accompanies it. I have seen too much and had too many close calls for my liking. Not from cyclists, not from other truck drivers, not even from bus and taxi drivers, but from the common everyday motorist.
Yes, there are a good many, courteous and respectful motorist out there and I certainly have no intentions of generalising. But unfortunately there seems to be an all too much entitlement mentality out there. Not only does this attitude exist, but sadly it is an increasing cancer on our roads. This coupled with an opinion based ideological belief of road rules is a dangerous mix. In that is where the problem lies, attitude.
No I haven't always been innocent when it comes to cyclists. I too, like many thought that they should pay their way, get registered or get off the streets. How dare they hold up traffic. You know the babble...
Only within the last fortnight has Queensland passed the Distance Rules as Legislated Law after a successful two year trial. I, as a truck driver was opposed in the beginning. Now keep in mind this is prior to me cycling. How could they pass a law that would force me into oncoming traffic? What if I'm on a country road and its narrow and I come across a cyclist, can't stop and have traffic coming the other way. What do I do then?
You see, many years prior to this I had an attitude behind the wheel. I know that would be hard for many to believe...lol. But I was quite an aggressive driver. Road rage was my middle name sadly. It to the point where where my wife refused to hop in the car with me. I changed, I had to. Not just for me, but for my family, and all the other road users out there. But it was my right, my right, my right...to the point where I forgot about my responsibility.
So change I did, and mellow I become. Yes I still got annoyed, but once I realise that I had power over my attitude behind the wheel, other peoples' faults on the road didn't appear to be that, well still bad, but I could get passed it without a massive spike in blood pressure and the loss of focus that comes from being agro behind the wheel. I could change my attitude, no, I couldn't change others' that is true, but my attitude and composure behind the wheel was entirely up to me.
I changed through educating my self, leaving behind my distorted and self centered view of traffic laws. You see, with an entitlement attitude the rules are for other people, their responsibilities and obligations, what they are doing wrong. When we change that attitude we change the way we perceive the laws, and start to look at our place in this.
Well anyway, after a couple of weeks of grumbling and complaining about Lycra clad poofs in my way I decided to educate myself all over again. Firstly on registration, I decided to find out how our roads were funded. You see we have this distorted view that our rego pays for the roads, and that seems to give us more "rights" then anyone else. But roads aren't funded by registration, or road improvement fees for that matter. They are funded by Federal and State Taxes and Local Rates. Registration of a motor vehicle only funds the bureaucracy that governs them, and even then there is a tax payer funded short fall.
Registration comprises of several components -
1. Registration = $289.85
2. Traffic Improvement Fee = $ 50.55
3. CTP (Compulsory Third Party Insurance) = $336.60
Bringing it to a total of $677.00
Now, considering that cars use the roads and damage its surface there is a TIF. That well, kind of, led to believe it goes to the roads, sort of. It takes 9,000 bicycles to do the same damage to the roads as one small car. This TIF still only goes to fund a Bureaucracy, not repair roads.
There is also CTP, the major component of registration. The reason of it being so high is that it is more likely a motor vehicle will have, and be the cause of, a serious accident resulting injury or death.
The Registration component is to the body or bureaucracy that governs motor vehicles, oddly named a Department of Motor Transport.
I worked the above figures out by using my car, a four cylinder passenger vehicle for private use, and the cheapest CTP listed.
Queensland Transport have released numerous statements of late, that our roads are not governed by a user pays system. A cyclist using the road is no different from someone coming from Interstate using them.
Registration of vehicles and licencing of drivers in Queensland primarily came about because of the increase of accidents. Newer traffic laws were introduced to combat this as well. So accidents and the automobile go back a long way. Before the motor vehicle started taking over our streets, horses and cyclist mingled together quite harmoniously. So as a motorist you are simply registered to govern the use of your "motor vehicle". A vehicle that is potentially, and is on many occasions, lethal.
Registration does not fund the roads and as can be seen above a short fall of QLD Trans operational costs of $0.3 bill was funded by tax payers. So in actual fact motorists do no pay to use the roads at all through registration. This is a misinformation and many use it to defend their distorted ideological "opinion".
A survey was done into what was the most annoying thing on the roads for a motorist...cyclists didn't get a mention. A more recent one was done and cyclists came in at Number 5, the problem, lane filtering in traffic...The most annoying thing to motorists on our roads are well, other motorists.
When asked specifically about cyclist they come up with a multitude of reasons, completely oblivious to any fact, rhyme or reason...It was heard of, or seen once, so they all do it. I'll address this later.
The agro and hatred toward cyclists is subsiding in Bundaberg where I live. I believe it is improving dramatically thank goodness. But other places are not as privileged as us, and especially on-line, social media and main stream media.
There is a deep seated resentment towards cyclists and for the life of me I can't figure out why. Yes I had my issues with road rage, but towards other motorists, and yes, I wasn't always pro-cyclist, but I was never aggressive to them.
Once I realised that cyclists were every bit as entitled to use the road, and use it safely as I was, I calmed down and looked once again at my part in all this. Driving a semi isn't always easy, and especially on narrow country roads. This was my main angst so I started here. As a driver it is my responsibility to drive to the conditions. Not only to the current visible ones, but also the unexpected. This could mean a variety of things, fallen tree, livestock, kangaroos, breakdowns, a local child out riding their horse, and yes even one of those cyclists.
We've gained a mentality in this country whereas anyone doing under the speed limit is doing the wrong thing. They're not, speed limits are maximums, not minimums. Quite frankly, I came to the understanding long ago that it is far better to sit behind someone going slow and taking care than following a ratbag.
This was my first approach, slowing down on narrower roads, if there was a cyclist there I had more time to think, and act accordingly. It changed with me, and me alone. Now remember this was months before I became one of those Lycra clad poofs.
Should we need a Distance Rule to keep vulnerable road users safe, no we shouldn't. But it is our action that directly affect the implementation of laws. Don't like being in a Nanny State, be responsible for your actions and we won't have to.
A change in driver attitude should never have to be through laws, but we, and we alone have made it so. Our technologically filled over rampant lives have made us oblivious to others around us. We are so connected in many ways, but yet so isolated from reality...so demanding of our rights, yet so negligent of our responsibilities.
There is much more I want to say about all this, but this will do for today...I look forward to continuing on this little rant in the near future.
Monday, 21 March 2016
Back On The Bike
I haven't blogged at all this week, simply because I have been too bored and, well, just not bothered. There has been a few things going around in my head to write about, but I'll get to them eventually.
I hate it...not riding, its like I've hit a brick wall and there is no center to my universe, there is no ying to my yang...
Insurance has taken a little longer to get through, but got a phone call from them today so hopefully not too much longer.
My two daughters had the opportunity to have their first road race on Saturday in the Juniors, but it was painful watching the adults take off from the starting line.
I had a friend come to my rescue by lending me a pair of shoes and helmet, wow, what a relief. Ok, the shoes are one size too big and the helmet one size too small, but they do, and for someone like me who has been chomping at the bit for a week and a half, they have been a God send.
Yesterday saw my first ride since my tumble, a nice steady 67 km ride out along the coast line and then back home via a slightly longer route. Ahh, the breeze in my, well hair so to speak, and a sense of freedom that I had been yearning for for the past week. It was good to be among friends once again, pedaling and chatting, and then of course the coffee.
Coffee is a given and goes hand in hand with cycling. I don't know why, it just is. As a truck driver I lived on the stuff, maybe too much, is there such a thing? But around the table at the cafe, we can relax, catch up on some goss, reminisce over the highlights of the morning as well as past rides. The ride always gets a run down, a bit like a debriefing.
I think that it the thing about cycling, the social side of it. Yes I want to get racing but I think I will always have to find the time to just chill out in the saddle with friends. I've had a turn at quite a few sports and pastimes and I have to say that there is none so social as cycling. Yes, of course you will always get your dicks, but that is life. They're not dicks because of their cycling, they are just dicks.
But the camaraderie is great, we have from time to time been joined by someone we didn't know out along the road somewhere. I've even had the pleasure of coming across some and being that one who joined the group. Its just par for the course...
Getting back to my little girls' first race. It was great to see them. There were only three juniors there for the days run, but hopefully that will change the week after Easter. Lena has been riding for a while. She has done track for a couple for seasons now. She used to join us for the Saturday shop rides and Sunday Club rides until the day she came off breaking her arm. This put her off, for a while sadly.
This is Lilly's first year, first year at track and, well its only been a couple of rides on the roadie.
But it was a sheer delight watching little Lilly line up as first off. I had to laugh, one of the parents that were following in a car told me that 6 kms in all she could see was this huge smile.
It was a hot day and I was a little apprehensive at how she would go. It was only a 7 k course for starters but, her being out on her own, with no dad or big sister beside her. She had a car in front of her, so that was a good thing, and they kept a close eye on her.
Lena was off next after 4 minutes. She had never ridden on her own as well. Track is different, you go round the velodrome with mum and dad there watching you. The other boy that was there started off 4 minutes after Lena.
Lena came in first with Lilly second. I was so proud of them. Not because of the finishing line up, but that they finished it...and loved it. I saw Lilly coming down the straight toward the finish line, she realised where she was, the legs started to spin faster and the smile got bigger. Lena finishing about 500 meters in front of her was happy as well, but a little knackered after the heat, and lack of riding fitness.
Today we headed out early this morning for a light ride. I want to get them used to riding on the road, and will gradually increase distances as we progress. Usually you have to drag them out of bed, but they were awake and up as I walked into their respective rooms.
We just headed out for an hour, but it was good and they were both adapting to riding on the road really well. They listened, paid attention, and did I say they listened...lol.
After dropping them back home I escorted them to the front door quickly so I could get going myself. Catching up with a couple of friends down at the local Crit track we did a few laps, and then headed for coffee huhhummm...I did say it come hand in hand. After that I took off in a different direct to head out some of the old roads I often visit.
Coming home it was a nifty southerly headwind, I called in to see my mate at the bike shop and eventually made it home. Yes, all the stops upset my averages but I didn't care as I was back on the bike.
I hate it...not riding, its like I've hit a brick wall and there is no center to my universe, there is no ying to my yang...
Insurance has taken a little longer to get through, but got a phone call from them today so hopefully not too much longer.
My two daughters had the opportunity to have their first road race on Saturday in the Juniors, but it was painful watching the adults take off from the starting line.
I had a friend come to my rescue by lending me a pair of shoes and helmet, wow, what a relief. Ok, the shoes are one size too big and the helmet one size too small, but they do, and for someone like me who has been chomping at the bit for a week and a half, they have been a God send.
Yesterday saw my first ride since my tumble, a nice steady 67 km ride out along the coast line and then back home via a slightly longer route. Ahh, the breeze in my, well hair so to speak, and a sense of freedom that I had been yearning for for the past week. It was good to be among friends once again, pedaling and chatting, and then of course the coffee.
Coffee is a given and goes hand in hand with cycling. I don't know why, it just is. As a truck driver I lived on the stuff, maybe too much, is there such a thing? But around the table at the cafe, we can relax, catch up on some goss, reminisce over the highlights of the morning as well as past rides. The ride always gets a run down, a bit like a debriefing.
I think that it the thing about cycling, the social side of it. Yes I want to get racing but I think I will always have to find the time to just chill out in the saddle with friends. I've had a turn at quite a few sports and pastimes and I have to say that there is none so social as cycling. Yes, of course you will always get your dicks, but that is life. They're not dicks because of their cycling, they are just dicks.
But the camaraderie is great, we have from time to time been joined by someone we didn't know out along the road somewhere. I've even had the pleasure of coming across some and being that one who joined the group. Its just par for the course...
Getting back to my little girls' first race. It was great to see them. There were only three juniors there for the days run, but hopefully that will change the week after Easter. Lena has been riding for a while. She has done track for a couple for seasons now. She used to join us for the Saturday shop rides and Sunday Club rides until the day she came off breaking her arm. This put her off, for a while sadly.
This is Lilly's first year, first year at track and, well its only been a couple of rides on the roadie.
But it was a sheer delight watching little Lilly line up as first off. I had to laugh, one of the parents that were following in a car told me that 6 kms in all she could see was this huge smile.
It was a hot day and I was a little apprehensive at how she would go. It was only a 7 k course for starters but, her being out on her own, with no dad or big sister beside her. She had a car in front of her, so that was a good thing, and they kept a close eye on her.
Lena was off next after 4 minutes. She had never ridden on her own as well. Track is different, you go round the velodrome with mum and dad there watching you. The other boy that was there started off 4 minutes after Lena.
Lena came in first with Lilly second. I was so proud of them. Not because of the finishing line up, but that they finished it...and loved it. I saw Lilly coming down the straight toward the finish line, she realised where she was, the legs started to spin faster and the smile got bigger. Lena finishing about 500 meters in front of her was happy as well, but a little knackered after the heat, and lack of riding fitness.
Today we headed out early this morning for a light ride. I want to get them used to riding on the road, and will gradually increase distances as we progress. Usually you have to drag them out of bed, but they were awake and up as I walked into their respective rooms.
We just headed out for an hour, but it was good and they were both adapting to riding on the road really well. They listened, paid attention, and did I say they listened...lol.
After dropping them back home I escorted them to the front door quickly so I could get going myself. Catching up with a couple of friends down at the local Crit track we did a few laps, and then headed for coffee huhhummm...I did say it come hand in hand. After that I took off in a different direct to head out some of the old roads I often visit.
Coming home it was a nifty southerly headwind, I called in to see my mate at the bike shop and eventually made it home. Yes, all the stops upset my averages but I didn't care as I was back on the bike.
Sunday, 13 March 2016
It All Began Today
Well, finally the ability to get out and about more readily. Today was the beginning of the re-establishment of my cycling prowess.
First off contacting my insurance company and they were happy to comply to my needs. I decided to go through my home contents, 1. because the excess was cheaper and 2. because the excess was cheaper.
I do have my bike insured but as it didn't suffer too much damage I didn't seethe need to go through them. Also my contents covers my clothing, helmet, shoes and Garmin, so why not I say.
We pay insurance for this very thing. I have a good bike, but if it was to be a right off I can't at present afford to replace it. Some people think that insurances are a waste of money. I can see their point and they probably are...until you need them.
Living through floods here in Bundaberg I have heard all the, "I can't afford insurance" excuses. But don't tell you can't afford insurance whilst your sucking down a cigarette...ok rant over.
Insurance to me is a given, a must. I not only have my bike insured, I also have myself insured. I hold a Cycling Australia licence that covers me in the event of an accident. Mine is a race licence that covers me for all types of cycling, whether it be an event, race, or just pedaling around with the kids.
Well anyway, that is all sorted and I am just waiting for the bike shop to finish their report and it'll be off so I collect my claim. They will cover helmet, shoes, clothing Garmin and repairs to my bike up to and including a certain value.
I have also picked out my new helmet, which is in stock and have ordered my new shoes. My new helmet is a bright green (visibility...lol) Limar 778 Superlight Road Helmet. It is light, very light and super comfy.
My shoes are a pair of Bontrager XXX Road Shoes. I was considering moving away from Bontrager, but when you consider that my current pair and very well used I really can't complain. They come in red and white colours, but I think I'll stick with white...
As far as the Garmin is concerned I will probably go with the Garmin Edge 810. I currently have an Edge 800 and have been extremely happy with it. The reason I want to go up and stay around the same level is for the navigation side. I love this aspect of my 800 and would probably be lost without it. My Garmin is probably still usable but I have noticed a small crack in the screen. I don't know how this will effect riding in the rain, so my thinking is to just get it sorted.
My clothing I will probably just pick up from various on-line bike stores etc...I still can't believe that my cheap $21.00 pair of bib shorts did not even suffer a scratch whilst my $100.00 Jersey has holes in the arms and down the back...
I'm hoping the process will all be done and dusted by the middle of the week. I have friends who have offered to lend me gear as a helmet and shoes. This is great, what a great bunch of folk I know, very happy to call them my friends. But to be honest I am still having trouble with the knee, so I will probably spend the rest of this week of the bike and just lightly pedal on the exercise bike.
While I was out I decided to drop into our local council and put in an official complaint about the section of road that the accident was on. My may concern was to have this section, and many like it, repaired. But I thought, what the hell, so I put in for some compensation.Not a lot. I don;t want to retire with a squillion on the bank, although that would be nice. But I feel that it is their lack of maintenance that contributed directly to the accident. So all I will be seeking is what I am replacing and/or repairing. Yes, I have gone through my insurance company, but the council is negligent. I have to claim through my insurance because god only knows how long it will take for council to pay out, if at all.
So we'll see how I go, and see what is to eventuate throughout the week...
Cheers all.
First off contacting my insurance company and they were happy to comply to my needs. I decided to go through my home contents, 1. because the excess was cheaper and 2. because the excess was cheaper.
I do have my bike insured but as it didn't suffer too much damage I didn't seethe need to go through them. Also my contents covers my clothing, helmet, shoes and Garmin, so why not I say.
We pay insurance for this very thing. I have a good bike, but if it was to be a right off I can't at present afford to replace it. Some people think that insurances are a waste of money. I can see their point and they probably are...until you need them.
Living through floods here in Bundaberg I have heard all the, "I can't afford insurance" excuses. But don't tell you can't afford insurance whilst your sucking down a cigarette...ok rant over.
Insurance to me is a given, a must. I not only have my bike insured, I also have myself insured. I hold a Cycling Australia licence that covers me in the event of an accident. Mine is a race licence that covers me for all types of cycling, whether it be an event, race, or just pedaling around with the kids.
Well anyway, that is all sorted and I am just waiting for the bike shop to finish their report and it'll be off so I collect my claim. They will cover helmet, shoes, clothing Garmin and repairs to my bike up to and including a certain value.
I have also picked out my new helmet, which is in stock and have ordered my new shoes. My new helmet is a bright green (visibility...lol) Limar 778 Superlight Road Helmet. It is light, very light and super comfy.
My shoes are a pair of Bontrager XXX Road Shoes. I was considering moving away from Bontrager, but when you consider that my current pair and very well used I really can't complain. They come in red and white colours, but I think I'll stick with white...
As far as the Garmin is concerned I will probably go with the Garmin Edge 810. I currently have an Edge 800 and have been extremely happy with it. The reason I want to go up and stay around the same level is for the navigation side. I love this aspect of my 800 and would probably be lost without it. My Garmin is probably still usable but I have noticed a small crack in the screen. I don't know how this will effect riding in the rain, so my thinking is to just get it sorted.
My clothing I will probably just pick up from various on-line bike stores etc...I still can't believe that my cheap $21.00 pair of bib shorts did not even suffer a scratch whilst my $100.00 Jersey has holes in the arms and down the back...
I'm hoping the process will all be done and dusted by the middle of the week. I have friends who have offered to lend me gear as a helmet and shoes. This is great, what a great bunch of folk I know, very happy to call them my friends. But to be honest I am still having trouble with the knee, so I will probably spend the rest of this week of the bike and just lightly pedal on the exercise bike.
While I was out I decided to drop into our local council and put in an official complaint about the section of road that the accident was on. My may concern was to have this section, and many like it, repaired. But I thought, what the hell, so I put in for some compensation.Not a lot. I don;t want to retire with a squillion on the bank, although that would be nice. But I feel that it is their lack of maintenance that contributed directly to the accident. So all I will be seeking is what I am replacing and/or repairing. Yes, I have gone through my insurance company, but the council is negligent. I have to claim through my insurance because god only knows how long it will take for council to pay out, if at all.
So we'll see how I go, and see what is to eventuate throughout the week...
Cheers all.
Saturday, 12 March 2016
Didn't Quite Make It
Cycling Around Bundaberg
https://www.facebook.com/ian.stapleton.33/posts/991507364264980?notif_t=like
This is a link to a video I have made. It takes in the earlier part of the ride with my friends as well as the accident that I had.
This is my first attempt at putting together a video. So yes, it is a bit rough, but practice makes perfect. It is something I want to do more of and eventually there will be other angels using a different camera. One day I may even fork out for a Fly 6 and get some rear action going as well.
https://www.facebook.com/ian.stapleton.33/posts/991507364264980?notif_t=like
This is a link to a video I have made. It takes in the earlier part of the ride with my friends as well as the accident that I had.
This is my first attempt at putting together a video. So yes, it is a bit rough, but practice makes perfect. It is something I want to do more of and eventually there will be other angels using a different camera. One day I may even fork out for a Fly 6 and get some rear action going as well.
Cycling Through The Heart
As much as people have probably forgotten today, cycling is etched strongly into our history. We have numerous medal at World and Olympic games and as far as the international stage is concerned, our riders throughout history have been up there with the best, making their mark and setting records. Even in Melbourne's Olympic Games which saw Australia's first cycling team, we stood proudly on the Podium along side the greats in both Track and Road.
But it isn't always about competition. Cycling has been at the forefront of meeting the transportation needs of the average Aussie. It has been a main source of commuting for adult and child alike. Unfortunately it was lost there for some time, but it is so wonderful to see the strong comeback that it is making, despite all the naysayers and anti bicycle brigade.
One record that is probably not well know was set in 1914. It wasn't an Hour Track Record or a Tour de France annihilation of the peleton. It was a 3000 km trek from Adelaide to Darwin through the heart of the country.
It was in May 1914, almost 102 years ago, a 21 year old Australian of German decent, Edward "Ryko" Reichenbach, rode his modified bike the 3000 km journey from Adelaide Post Office up through the center, to arrive at Darwin Post Office just 28 days later.
Edward, or Ryko, was a keen cyclist and photographer, and the 28 day journey saw him break the record for the Fastest Person to Cycling from Adelaide to Darwin.
He left Adelaide armed with a trusted Kodak camera and a companion by the name of John Fahey. Unfortunately for Fahey, he sprained his ankle just prior to crossing the South Australian/Northern Territory Border which saw Ryko finish the journey on his own.
Edward "Ryko" Reichenbach took over 3000 photos of his trip and a display was exhibited in the Darwin Library on June 11 2014. The Darwin Library is built on the site of the Darwin Post Office where Ryko arrived 100 years prior and the exhibition was to mark the centennial of his cycling and photographic achievement.
Through the early years of the war Ryko was suspected of being a German spy because of his heritage. After the trip he moved to Sydney, but not for long. In 1915 he moved back to the Northern Territory where he continued to roam in his delightfully wanderlust manner.
As a truck driver I had noticed over the last few years how cycling touring has increased. More and more people travelling on bikes up and down our highways, back roads and of course through the center. It is becoming more and more publicized and is fast gathering interest on all levels as we see the establishment of rail trails in the country. Sadly New South Wales and Queensland are far behind Victoria when it comes to this.
New Zealand and European countries have had wonderful success in attracting tourism in the form of riders to their areas. Maybe one day we will have a Local Government with vision enough to see the benefits that could be had through these trails and attracting the touring rider to our area.
But rail trails or not, when I read stories such as this, it just makes my feet more the itchier, desiring the wanderlust spirit of Edward "Ryko" Reichenbach.
I love all forms of cycling but out of all touring intrigues me the most. It isn't so much the distance, but the travel that gets me in. Yes, you could enter a masochistic ultra distance Randonnee, much like the Paris-Brest-Paris, a 1200 km push in under 80-90 hours. But that is still in a sense a race, one that is against yourself. A cruel punishment, that yes, does have its attractions and I'm extremely interested in the distance stuff.
But touring is a holiday, getting back to that no pressure kind of riding. That fact that you can travel around at approximately 20 km/h all day just soaking in the sites, travelling (pardon the cliche) the road less traveled.
Many manufacturers cater for the touring rider, ranging form factory steel frames to custom builds, Incumbents to tandems and tandem/incumbent mixes. There are wonderful manufacturers, the Dutch Cargo Bikes, Butcher Bikes, Salsa (my pick) and the varieties are nearly as endless as the imagination. If I had a bottomless magical refilling wallet the possibilities could just be endless.
The slow road appeals to me, the simple fact that it is just you and your bike, no time restraints, no rush, no have to's, just riding and getting there when you do. The countless back roads we have in this continent makes it a tourer's paradise.
One day shortly the old red road bike wil have its modifications done. Nothing too drastic, just a rack, some panniers and rack bag, handle bar bag, some wider tyres and some flat mountain bike/touring pedals and shoes. Oh and a new seat, it desperately needs a new seat...lol.
So hopefully in the next couple of months I'll be set and off on my first short journey, riding off into the sunset on my shining red steed. Maybe I'll see you out there?
http://www.cycletrailsaustralia.com/# is a link of twenty great trips throughout this wonderful country.
But it isn't always about competition. Cycling has been at the forefront of meeting the transportation needs of the average Aussie. It has been a main source of commuting for adult and child alike. Unfortunately it was lost there for some time, but it is so wonderful to see the strong comeback that it is making, despite all the naysayers and anti bicycle brigade.
One record that is probably not well know was set in 1914. It wasn't an Hour Track Record or a Tour de France annihilation of the peleton. It was a 3000 km trek from Adelaide to Darwin through the heart of the country.
It was in May 1914, almost 102 years ago, a 21 year old Australian of German decent, Edward "Ryko" Reichenbach, rode his modified bike the 3000 km journey from Adelaide Post Office up through the center, to arrive at Darwin Post Office just 28 days later.
Edward, or Ryko, was a keen cyclist and photographer, and the 28 day journey saw him break the record for the Fastest Person to Cycling from Adelaide to Darwin.
He left Adelaide armed with a trusted Kodak camera and a companion by the name of John Fahey. Unfortunately for Fahey, he sprained his ankle just prior to crossing the South Australian/Northern Territory Border which saw Ryko finish the journey on his own.
Edward "Ryko" Reichenbach took over 3000 photos of his trip and a display was exhibited in the Darwin Library on June 11 2014. The Darwin Library is built on the site of the Darwin Post Office where Ryko arrived 100 years prior and the exhibition was to mark the centennial of his cycling and photographic achievement.
Through the early years of the war Ryko was suspected of being a German spy because of his heritage. After the trip he moved to Sydney, but not for long. In 1915 he moved back to the Northern Territory where he continued to roam in his delightfully wanderlust manner.
As a truck driver I had noticed over the last few years how cycling touring has increased. More and more people travelling on bikes up and down our highways, back roads and of course through the center. It is becoming more and more publicized and is fast gathering interest on all levels as we see the establishment of rail trails in the country. Sadly New South Wales and Queensland are far behind Victoria when it comes to this.
New Zealand and European countries have had wonderful success in attracting tourism in the form of riders to their areas. Maybe one day we will have a Local Government with vision enough to see the benefits that could be had through these trails and attracting the touring rider to our area.
But rail trails or not, when I read stories such as this, it just makes my feet more the itchier, desiring the wanderlust spirit of Edward "Ryko" Reichenbach.
I love all forms of cycling but out of all touring intrigues me the most. It isn't so much the distance, but the travel that gets me in. Yes, you could enter a masochistic ultra distance Randonnee, much like the Paris-Brest-Paris, a 1200 km push in under 80-90 hours. But that is still in a sense a race, one that is against yourself. A cruel punishment, that yes, does have its attractions and I'm extremely interested in the distance stuff.
But touring is a holiday, getting back to that no pressure kind of riding. That fact that you can travel around at approximately 20 km/h all day just soaking in the sites, travelling (pardon the cliche) the road less traveled.
Many manufacturers cater for the touring rider, ranging form factory steel frames to custom builds, Incumbents to tandems and tandem/incumbent mixes. There are wonderful manufacturers, the Dutch Cargo Bikes, Butcher Bikes, Salsa (my pick) and the varieties are nearly as endless as the imagination. If I had a bottomless magical refilling wallet the possibilities could just be endless.
The slow road appeals to me, the simple fact that it is just you and your bike, no time restraints, no rush, no have to's, just riding and getting there when you do. The countless back roads we have in this continent makes it a tourer's paradise.
One day shortly the old red road bike wil have its modifications done. Nothing too drastic, just a rack, some panniers and rack bag, handle bar bag, some wider tyres and some flat mountain bike/touring pedals and shoes. Oh and a new seat, it desperately needs a new seat...lol.
So hopefully in the next couple of months I'll be set and off on my first short journey, riding off into the sunset on my shining red steed. Maybe I'll see you out there?
Below are some historical photos taken by 'Ryko' on his epic journey
http://www.cycletrailsaustralia.com/# is a link of twenty great trips throughout this wonderful country.
Wednesday, 9 March 2016
The Morning After
As I lay awake in bed the old Maureen McGovern song from Poseidon Adventure plays through my head, "There's got to be a morning after".
Unfortunately this is true, there's no escaping it. Very much sorer, and the pains of yesterday are being etched in my memory. Aches that were not apparent yesterday are coming to the surface. Even other symptoms like dizziness are starting to make themselves known, and there is only so much Panadol can do.
Today is a day of laying around, a visit to the doctors for a better check up, and some phone calls to the insurance company. I'm not looking forward to going out and looking at my bike. Although when my mate dropped it off yesterday there didn't appear to be too much damaged, I just know the more I look, the more I'll find.
I suppose I should upload yesterday's ride to Strava and title it DNF. After all if its not on Strava, it didn't happen. So maybe I should omit it, and by some miracle the angst and reality of yesterday's drama will somehow magically disappear. But no; the Piper has been paid and I must dance to the music, I must play the hand that I have been dealt.
I think disappointment is the strongest emotion, and not of the injuries I'm suffering, but my bike. I know, I know, its just a bike right? Wrong...it's my bike. I have done over 13,000 kilometers of joyous riding in her. I know her sounds, I know her feel, I know how she changes gears and I have become so accustomed to her agility and handling. I love my bike, and the thought of having her replaced makes me forlorn. The thought of replacing the damaged parts, may be ok, but the deep seated notion that there could be an issue in the carbon frame somewhere makes me nervous.
Another disappointment is that road season starts next week. The One Hundred Laps of a Wednesday night around the Velodrome followed by the first race of the season the following Saturday afternoon. Ah well, at least my girls will get to ride...
I also just miss my riding. Days off the bike are like days locked in a prison. My riding is my time to fly, my freedom.
So today I'll face the music, begin doing what I have to do and start working through the processes one step at a time. I suppose if I take this approach it may just go by more speedily than I expect.
Maybe I am over complicating it all in my head, maybe it will all go smoother and faster than I think. Maybe I just need to go and have a coffee, and take a breath. Sounds like a plan.
Unfortunately this is true, there's no escaping it. Very much sorer, and the pains of yesterday are being etched in my memory. Aches that were not apparent yesterday are coming to the surface. Even other symptoms like dizziness are starting to make themselves known, and there is only so much Panadol can do.
Today is a day of laying around, a visit to the doctors for a better check up, and some phone calls to the insurance company. I'm not looking forward to going out and looking at my bike. Although when my mate dropped it off yesterday there didn't appear to be too much damaged, I just know the more I look, the more I'll find.
I suppose I should upload yesterday's ride to Strava and title it DNF. After all if its not on Strava, it didn't happen. So maybe I should omit it, and by some miracle the angst and reality of yesterday's drama will somehow magically disappear. But no; the Piper has been paid and I must dance to the music, I must play the hand that I have been dealt.
I think disappointment is the strongest emotion, and not of the injuries I'm suffering, but my bike. I know, I know, its just a bike right? Wrong...it's my bike. I have done over 13,000 kilometers of joyous riding in her. I know her sounds, I know her feel, I know how she changes gears and I have become so accustomed to her agility and handling. I love my bike, and the thought of having her replaced makes me forlorn. The thought of replacing the damaged parts, may be ok, but the deep seated notion that there could be an issue in the carbon frame somewhere makes me nervous.
Another disappointment is that road season starts next week. The One Hundred Laps of a Wednesday night around the Velodrome followed by the first race of the season the following Saturday afternoon. Ah well, at least my girls will get to ride...
I also just miss my riding. Days off the bike are like days locked in a prison. My riding is my time to fly, my freedom.
So today I'll face the music, begin doing what I have to do and start working through the processes one step at a time. I suppose if I take this approach it may just go by more speedily than I expect.
Maybe I am over complicating it all in my head, maybe it will all go smoother and faster than I think. Maybe I just need to go and have a coffee, and take a breath. Sounds like a plan.
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