Lots of Laughs at the Youwies

Jane Ollerenshaw and Amanda Herd were exactly what I needed today to kick off my weekend.  We had a general whinge about life's 'stuff', then rolled on the mountain bikes for a couple of hours with lots of chatting and laughter.  The sun was shining and it was warm/hot (depending on whether you were Justine or Jane).  

This photo was on the flat section over the back - one of the many times we pondered where we were and what trails to ride.

Amanda shared advice and stories of life as Amanda, which had us laughing so hard I stopped concentrating and fell off my bike flat on my back !!!  Such a fun day.  Thanks to my girl friends. xoxo

A New Ride - my new Cannondale Scalpel

I am indebted to Panther Cycles and Cannondale for their generosity and support in kitting me out with my bike collection in preparation for the 2013 WEMBO World 24 Hour Solo Mountain Bike Championships.  My new 2012 Cannondale Scalpel brings a very nice 80mm lightweight, dual suspension ride for my upcoming XC races and second bike for endurance races.  It fits together perfectly with my XX equipped 100mm Scalpel, giving me the XC/endurance race bikes that I need and want.

Mount Buller Ride

Our last ride together was Mansfield - Mt Buller - Mansfield.  A slow but achievable 92km 4 hour 1800m elevation gain ride.  Gav was really tired all the way until the last 3km climbing section to Mt Buller Village.  I felt good - not fresh but still able to tap away at the climbs.

It was cold at the top so we didn't stay long, and then I smoked Gav on the descent.  We met up at Mirimbah and peddled back to Mansfield.  The Red Bull and hamburger Gav consumed at Mt Buller must have helped, cause he was able to do turns on the way back, which meant that I returned from my (almost) 100km ride still feeling good - pleasantly trained would be wording, I think.

Gav and myself at the end of our Mt Buller climb and descent

I've had a great few days away, now have a cycling tan to be proud of, am now going to watch the New Moon set tonight from the top of Mt Buller (this is probably a bit romantic blah blah to be doing with my brother, but hey...beggers can't be choosers).  The New Moon has a spiritual meaning of new beginnings, setting goals and wishes, and opening yourself to magical change.  So, here's to a new outlook and a happy future.

A Week On Holidays

My brother Gav has come to visit for my week on holidays and my week of riding.  We started with a casual Beach Road 2.5 hour ride on Saturday, with good friend Dave.  

On Sunday we started our 5 days of riding in Mansfield.  The dogs were (sadly) dropped at dog kennels on the way.  Mansfield Holiday Park didn't disappoint with the accommodation and beautiful setting, and the weather was perfect.

The outlook from our cabin - Gav getting ready for Jamieson ride

Jamieson general store

Our first ride was to Jamieson - 70km 2.5 hours and 850m elevation on undulating, quiet roads.  We were kept entertained on our return journey with cars that had participated in the Targa Mt Buller Hill Climb weekend.  The late afternoon was spent sitting on the deck with a good book, then a couple of episodes of 'Allo 'Allo.

On the way to Whitfield - Gav with a Movember moustache and me with a mouthful of food

Second ride, after nearly 12 hours sleep for me, was to Whitfield and back - 128km just over 5 hours and 1800m elevation.  The sun shone beautifully but the wind was not kind - head wind and cross wind for a good part of the ride.  My legs held up really well, considering I haven't ridden that far for 2 years.  I was slow but Gav was patient.  The locals in Whitfield were a great laugh and very friendly - a highlight of the ride.  As much as I enjoyed the ride, I was looking forward to getting back to the cabin, and giving my bottom a break from the saddle.

Tomorrow a shorter 2 - 3 hours for me, and Gav is planning to do a couple more hours than me.  

Base Miles - more than a training stage

I submitted my final assignment for the year at 1am the morning it was due.  Not quite the 2:15am of my good friend Shauna, who also had a house move and upheaval before the due date.  

That morning I woke to a beautiful sunny, warm morning.  Beep wasn't used to the new approach I had to life that morning - after breakfast she climbed back into bed for our usual lie-in, an attempt to put off the start of another day of pressure, demands and depression.  

A long walk with the dogs followed by a ride to work.  The ride was amazing - I felt free and as though I could do anything.  I felt confident and comfortable on the bike, and I belonged there.  I wish the ride had been longer than 35 mins, because I was making so many plans and had so many new insights.  

Planning the next 12 months was fun.  I've been set a rough plan for the next few months by coach Tory Thomas - base miles.  Without base miles I will never reach my racing potential.  I began to think....

Base miles: without base miles I will never reach my potential

What does this mean?  Well, of course I'm feeling lonely after 9 years of having a best friend with me all the time, who is no longer there.  But looking for someone to fill that loneliness is not healthy.  I need to build the basis for my life - without a good base I can never fulfil my potential.

So I'm on the program - I'm building me - and I'm going to reach my potential.  

Chicks MTB Weekend - Daylesford

My thanks go to the girls of Daylesford, Jane Ollerenshaw (Liv/Giant) and St Mel for putting on a great girls mountain bike ride.  23 girls on a social ride - it was awesome.  The riding was fun and the laughs were plenty.

The real fun came when 6 of us got to our rental house for the weekend.  Jane Ollerenshaw, Amanda Herd, Kira Douglas, Nicole Jeffries and Jo Riley - what a fantastic group of women.  The laughs were endless and much needed - thank you girls.  Organising meals really was a laugh - emails were flying back and forth for days....how do you cater for gluten free, vegetarian, grain free.