Someone Stole My Mojo

Motivation, mojo, whatever you call it seems to be a dirty word for me lately. It is so hard getting my head into the game.

Its not the cooling winter mornings, I love getting up, getting rugged up and riding in the crisp morning air. It makes a wonderful change from Central Queensland's humid summers.

I still love my cycling, I'm just finding it so hard to get on the bike and get going. Its just the whole training thing that seems to have me bamboozled.

I suppose we all go through periods like this and I understand that I have a lot on my plate at present. Moving house, sorting things out, a spout of sick kids etc. But I have always been able to work around these kind of things before.

But ever since the last accident at Boonooroo I just haven't had it in me. I know it will pass, but when? That is the question.

I'm usually one that probably puts too much pressure on myself, but I have noticed that I haven't this time around. I really kind of chilled about it, which I suppose is a good thing.

I remeber reading somewhere that it is harder for the average Joe training than someone at an elite level. Yes, an elite rider trains harder and and longer, but this is what they do. For the average Joe he/she has to juggle work, family, bills, and all the aspects of general life along with trying ti fit in a training ride.

I don't know how true this is, but it kind of makes sense. According to the article I read, an elite rider has a manager, team nutritionalist, team physician etc. to help them on their way. The average Joe doesn't.

The article also mentioned that because of these reasons it was far easier for the average Joe to overtrain and find it harder to remain focused and motivated. Sounds like a good excuse for me at present...lol.

I suppose I can put into truck driver terms, the average Joes commutes to and from work with the odd drive on the weekend. An interstate driver clocks up more kilometers in a day than the average Joe is likely to in a month. A driver drives all day, its all he does and when done pulls off to the side of the road and sleeps where he is. This is his job, its what he does, and sometimes for weeks on end. Driving a distance is not an issue for him.

The average Joe has to fit work, life at home etc. and is not used to long trips, so come a trip or distant drive, its more feaseable to see fatique set in.

I suppose all I can do is to work through the processes one by one. Get done what I have to get done. I'm not racing for sheep stations, purely for the enjoyment of it. I still love riding my bike but sometimes things like family and work get in the way. This is reality, this is life.

In the meantime my baby awaits patiently and loyaly in the garage for me. She does not judge me or hold me to account. She is just there.

The everyday life issues at present will pass and things sooner than later will be back to normal.

Can't Stay On

Its been a while since I blogged last and I do have to try and get back into a regular habit. But yet again I have come a gutser.

It was in a race race down at Boonooroo near Maryborough. We were setting a good steady pace of around 38 - 41 km/h and being knocked by a hefty cross wind we managed to make it out to the half way point unscathed.

On the return leg we got a bit scraggly but eventually got it together as the faster group behind us caught up. There was some jossling going on, a few at the front got a bit angry as we tagged on. We noticed a bad fall in the scratchies group, slowed to have a quick look and then stepped up the pace again. Not long after that, two riders in front crossed wheels and six of us fell.

A puncture and broken derailluer hanger saw me out of the race. Not too mention the skin missing from my arm, and yes another head knock.

The rest of the morning had me arrive at Hervey Bay Hospital in an ambulance. Ah well the joys of this racing thingy I suppose.

The bike survived once again. With just the hanger needed replacing and, what I found out later, a severly cracked rear rim.

After some searching and thought, I opted for a set of Fulcrum 5 clinchers. Yes I know they are more of a training wheel, but considering my size and the local road conditions I thought that they were a far better option, and especially for the price.

I ended up with a severe bout of vertigo once again. This time I was unable to even attempt the trainer. It took several weeks for this round to clear but got there in the end.

I've struggled for motivation since. My first week back at racing saw me drop back a group and struggle which was fair enough. But I started to get my mojo back and then there has been quite a few disruptions to my plans. Good disruption, I have a new grandson, and preparing to move house.

So I suppose I should pull my finger out and get back into it, it's just been arwkward. I am looking forward to rugging up in the morning and heading out with a few friends. Maybe that might help get my spark back.

I have been day dreaming of touring a lot lately. Maybe that's my problem, I have wunderlust...lol....not a bad thing to be suffering from if I had a tourer set up...I'm going to have to start on modifying the
 old Alpha atleast to get me started.

Well that's about it tonight, maybe get some good pics of tomorrow's ride and have something to write about, other than a crash.