Echelon Christmas Ride

We were a fabulous sight to see!  About 30 riders all dressed up and on our bikes to bring a bit of cheer to the early morning commuters.  It was cool to see the 'fast' group enjoying themselves and riding with the rest of us!

Tuesday Albany Loop

This was John's first ride with his new Specialised bike.  What a difference it makes.  He was zoooooming up the hills.

Taupaki Loop - Hot As

I had a shocking start to this ride.  Left my socks at home so went back for them.  This made me late for the start so rushed to get ready.  I realised about 2kms down the road that I'd forgotten to put on my gloves and grab my sunglasses.  Thank goodness one guy wasn't wearing his and lent them to me :-)  It was sunny and hot - summer is here!
I love this ride.  A good mix of flat, undulating and good climbs.

Bling Ride

Another fabulous morning for a ride.  I went with Brett from Echelon Cyclery so it was a ride at a great pace.  Lots of bling on Strava!  It was great to do a different ride as well.  We went down some roads / areas I've never ridden before.

Thursday Albany Loop With John & Lorraine

Awesome morning ride.  The conditions were primo!

Tuesday Albany Loop

An easy cycle this morning with Lorraine & John.  It really is awesome to have them back on the road again.  I'm really enjoying their company and the fact that they are keen!
Great news that Maria & Michael from Wellington have joined Team Awesome.... BOOM!


31.28km
1:15:56
24.71 av speed
59.33 max
78 cadence

Silverdale Superstars!

Our usual leader was away on Saturday and I had the pleasure of being 'camp mother'.  We had an awesome cycle with loads of laughs and great camaraderie. 

On the ride we had: Myself, Ro, Nan, Sam, Greg, Peter, Nerena and Kara

87.40km
3:29:36
25.02 av speed
67.09 max speed
80 cadence

Clearing Emails I Found This

An ex parent of mine emailed this to me earlier in the year.  I had forgotten about it.  Superior skills!

Second Ride With John & Lorraine

We had an awesome ride this morning.  Great conditions and it is very cool that John & Lorraine are both keen to get out and about on the bikes again.  John is super keen and is looking to buy a new bike.  At the moment he is on a hybrid type bike I think..!
Strava crapped out on me again so no record of the ride unfortunately.

Lorraine and I with our sponsors gear!

21.44kms
52:14
24.63av speed
41.10max speed
77 cadence

Close, But Yet So Far!

5:10 was the official time.  12 mins over my goal!  However, it was windy and I cramped from about the 90km mark.  My nutrition and electrolytes were sorted so upon reflection it was probably due to not putting myself under 'race' conditions and pushing my body before hand.  The shop rides always stop and start to wait for people - this is great as nobody gets left behind.  And when I ride by myself it's only 30-40kms.  Good lesson - next year a bit of stress on the body before hand.  
What I did enjoy on the ride was the exhilarating feel and sounds of being part of a HUGE peleton.  There would've been about 100 riders crusing up to 45kph along the flats from Turangi to Hatepe hill.  
I almost collapsed at the finish line when I took my right leg over the seat.  My leg cramped like I've never felt it before.  Fortunately a young girl asked if she could take my bike to the bike valet!  Once I'd sorted my leg out I had to find her as I had no idea where my bike was!!
The afternoon was spent in Schneider Corporate tent that John & Lorraine had managed to score for us!  Complimentary drinks, food with Schneider and entertainment in the form of a live band courtesy of race organisers.  What an awesome way to finish the day.
Just found the results.  20th in my age group.  Gotta be happy about that!

Only 2 More Days Until Taupo!

Only more 2 days until I get to conquer Taupo for the 2nd time.  There's nothing like putting a bit of pressure on myself.  I'd like to smash it in under 5 hours.  This is  realistic if the conditions are the same and I manage to keep up with a good paced peleton! I'm looking forward to the challenge!  I'll be thinking of Yvonne and Pat and all of the other cancer survivors as I'm going up those massive hills with Rule #5 firmly entrenched in one's brain!  Their pain would've been 1001 times worse than a bloody hill!

YUUSSSS! Finally on the Fitzwilliam Leaderboard!

It's only taken 7 months.... BUT finally I'm on the Fitzwilliam Drive leaderboard.  Great ride this morning.  Last one before Taupo this weekend.  The forecast is still not the best, but I guess this will force me to use Rule #5 and #9!!


29.46kms
1:03:16
27.94 av speed
64.95 max speed
82 cadence

First Ride With John & Lorraine #RTCCAK2014

Wahoooo!  Just like old times, this morning I was back on the road with Lorraine.  It was awesome.  John came too which was very cool.  The funniest part was stopping for them to take off their jackets and Lorraine asking when and where the next Pit Stop was!   This was after 8 kms!  I think she's thinking ahead to next year's Auckland Ride to Conquer Cancer!
I just need to talk them both into signing up for 2014.  I'm sure they'll sign up soon....

First Ride Success

Vic and Wayne completed their first 10kms on the road with success.  No crashes.  No swearing.  No near misses.  Just a few wobbles now and then.  They just need to do it more often and they'll be away.  The ride was finished off nicely with a shandy at New Brew in the afternoon sunshine.  Bliss!


11.21kms
33:15
20.23 av speed
39.75 max speed
72 cadence

Newbies On The Road

Vic, who I work with, and her fiancee Wayne have just bought new bikes.  Vic has signed up in Team Awesome for The Ride to Conquer Cancer 2014.  I'm working on getting Wayne there.  They haven't had much luck going for rides and when they do they've fallen off.... So this afternoon I'm taking them to an industrial area and practising unclipping and re-clipping and a bit of biking etiquette.  Hopefully they survive with no falls or crashes.... and a well earned beer or coffee at the end.

Saturday Silverdale Social Superstar Sycle

Awesome ride today.  Sun was shining, great company, loads of laughs and I felt fabulous climbing the hills.  Roll on Taupo next weekend.  Check out the stunning view and weather!

92.35kms
3:41:14
25.04 av speed
70 max speed
81 cadence

Hurtbox Tuesday

It felt like I had ridden 200kms in the weekend on Tuesday.  Still great to get out on the bike again.  The sunrise was amazing.  I should stop and take a photo one day.


31.32km
1:14
25.25 av speed
61.46 max speed
81 cadence

Auckland Ride To Conquer Cancer

What an amazingly epically awesomely weekend the Auckland RIde To Conquer Cancer was.  The incredible camaraderie, positive atmosphere, awesome people, fabulous stories, sad stories, heroic stories.  You name it! 
It was an honour to be part of it.  An honour to wear the polka dot shirt.  An honour to be part of a great team in Team Echelon.  
A magical life event!  AWESOME.  Roll on 2014 where Team Awesome will take part. 

200kms
9:27 hours in the saddle
24 average speed
72.71 max speed
76 cadence

Day One - Courtesy of Rob from the Vision Crusaders
Click on the Pic to view in full

Day Two - Courtesy of Rob from the Vision Crusaders
Click on the pic to enlarge

Thursday Albany Loop

Had no energy this morning. Still managed to get a Queen of the Mountains....On a downhill segment!
29.49kms
1:09:28
25.47av speed
61.66 max speed
78 cadence

Red Light Ride

I had one of those rides where I hit almost EVERY red light.  Felt a bit heavy and slow with not a hell of a lot of energy too.  Oh well can't be totes awesome every ride!  Saving it for the weekend when we do the Conquer Cancer ride.


32kms
1:18:23
24.57av speed
63.60 max speed
78 cadence

5 Days To Go....

After such a long build up we are finally about to ride in the epic 200km journey with friends and strangers united in one thing - a battle to conquer cancer.
I'm hoping that my roomie doesn't snore, or the people next to us.  Might need to have a wine or two to be anaesthetised!
Roll on Saturday!

The Characters We Come Across...

My friends John, Lorraine and I went to Takapuna Sunday Markets today to raise some more funds for Auckland Cancer Research Centre - Ride to Conquer Cancer.  The lady in the photo was a scream.  She wanted a ride on my bike.  I thought she was joking until she started hitching her skirt up into her undies and had her leg over!  She was loving being back on her bike and mentioned that hers had a flat tyre.  We got her address and went and fixed it for her!  She was really appreciative.  It doesn't take much to make someone's day.  She certainly made mine!

Lake Taupo Training Ride

I've been waiting for an opportunity to do a long ride and to feel right to do it too.  So Saturday was the day!  I felt great on the bike.  In fact I could have kept on going.  Roll on Taupo.  I know I can get to Turangi ok.  The flats and Hatepe will be a breeze... as long as there is no breeze!


121.00kms
4:46:43
25.32 av speed
63.60 max speed
80 cadence

Thursday Night Session

Good session on the rollers tonight.  

I must be getting fitter as it wasn't such a slog to get to 30kms.

30kms
54:53
32.83 av speed
43.43 max speed
85 cadence

A Good Ride

I felt great on the bike today. First time for ages!  It was very cool seeing my new cycling buddy on the road going the opposite way too.  She was lucky to see me as I was tucked in behind a random hot guy, with great legs, getting a tow back to Northcross!
32.07 kms
1:16:59
24.99 av speed
59.91 max speed
80 cadence

Cycle Catch Ups

It has been a while so here are a the rides I've done over the last few weeks.



38.88kms
1:32:01
25.35 av speed
54.87 max speed
81 cadence



80.63kms
3:02:21
26.52 av speed
58.56 max speed
81 cadence



29.46kms
1:07:20
26.25 av speed
62.05 max speed
78 cadence

Pain Is Temporary...Quitting Lasts Forever!

I'll remember this as Beach Road tries to own me AGAIN in the morning.  

Thanks Lance xx

Jason's Mystery Tour De Gravel

I met Jason on the coffee ride and got invited to one of his 'Mystery Rides'.  I was a bit perplexed as to why there were only 4 us going.  I now understand why!  It was actually a very cool ride.  Even took my baby over 3 or 4 gravel roads which at one point I got off before I fell off!  The hardest part was not knowing where the hell I was in terms of the finish line!  
One of the best parts of the ride was brunch at Coatesville.  I needed it as my feet were starting to cramp and my arse was sore as!


109kms
4:27:29
24.45 av speed
68.44 max speed
77 cadence 

Coffee Ride!

I discovered today that there's nothing better than a 'coffee ride'.  I met some fellow cyclists on Saturday who live on the same ride as I do.  I got myself invited to join their Sunday ride with friends.  It was awesome cycling with no urgency just a common purpose - enjoying the sunshine with great company.  This was all the more sweeter when I got home and read on Facebook that the 100km ride I was supposed to go on was cut short when the peloton crashed going 40kms per hour.  A few broken collarbones and lots of blood was the verdict from my friend who was riding.  
A reminder to keep your wits about you especially when riding in a large group.



46.9kms
1:56:20
24.18 av speed
65.92 max speed
79 cadence

Hills, Hills & More Farkin Hills!

We cycled the Silverdale Route today.  OMG it was hard.  After having a pretty full on day yesterday there wasn't much in the tank.  However, once I hit Beach Rd I knew it was nearly over... I also decided it wasn't a race even if Strava was tracking my every move.  I even stopped at Rothesay Bay for some water!  Rebel man...


92.67kms
3:39:47
25.29 av speed
63.40 max speed
Cadence wasn't working

YUSSSSS!!

What an awesome total.

Can't wait to get my white with black polka dot cycling jersey.

Here's hoping the money raised makes a difference and saves lives!

Gorgeous Morning Ride

What an awesome ride this morning.  Perfect conditions.  I felt like I was flying heading down to Takapuna.  Strava didn't think so though!  I was sure I'd get some PBs!  Nevermind.... there's always the next ride!


31.67
1:16:36
24.81 av speed
57.97 max speed
76 cadence

Sunday Sunny Sycle!

After having a wee sleep in I finally got my a into g and got on my bike.  Today's ride was one of those days where no matter what direction I was cycling it was a full on head wind.  I can't wait for the day that there's a tail wind all the way around.  Strava will go wild!

Saturday Taupaki Loop

A great ride with the Echelon crew today.  I've been sampling/ trying the various gels and chomps and bars on the rides.  Today's one was a Peak Fuel gel in a toothpaste like tube.  It was bloody awful in texture but seemed to do the trick.  Beach road after 65kms was ok.  My top one would have to be a natural product from Health2000 at the mall called BOOM!

Mid Week Cycles

Midweek cycles were on the rollers this week.  Pushed for time I had to avoid the road and do short bursts on the rollers.  So not much to show for it!
15kms
27:30
32.82 av speed
38 max speed
82 cadence

Tuesday Taka/East Coast

After a week off I thought I'd ride better than this.  I'm starting to panic a bit about Taupo.  I need to fit in a couple of big rides over the next couple of weekends.
Onwards and upwards!

How Much Does One Person Have To Deal With?

I have just got home after taking my friend Yvonne into Auckland Hospital as her cheek, on the side where she lost her eye to cancer, has become infected again.  It is awful what she is going through after losing an eye, radiation for 5 days a week for 6 weeks and 2 lots of chemotherapy.  Now, as if that's not enough, she is on her 3rd or 4th infection.  NOT FAIR!

Guilty.....? No Way. Great Sleep Instead!

After having spent the last 4 days in Hamilton, at Ulearn13, with a big night on Thursday night I had to consider whether I'd ride on Saturday morning with the Echelon team.  The weather forecast wasn't promising and I was knackered so it was a no brainer really, sleep in it was!  I slept for 12 hours and woke up feeling awesome!
It was hard work to complete a mere 20kms on the rollers though.  Hopefully the weather is better tomorrow.  Need to try and fit in a big one.
20kms
36:59mins
32.49 av speed
38.39 max speed
83 cadence

Tuesday Morning with Echelon

Funny!  I set off feeling fit as a fiddle with the fast group.  The intention was that the mediums would break away and create another group.  We hit the first hill and they left me for dead.  I could have possibly managed it on fresh legs but after a week of great cycling no show!
So I waited at the top of the Wairau hill for the other group and I created a group out of the slower riders.  So with about 6-8 of us we set of at a great pace.  It ended up being a bit shorter than what I'd hoped but a good ride all the same.


34.01kms
1:16:20
26.73 av speed
60.11 max speed
79 cadence

Madness!

I can't believe that I actually set my alarm for 4:45 to go for a cycle!  Utter madness.  BUT it was worth it.  What a magic morning for a cycle.  I went with the Echelon shop owner, Brett and Kara & Nick.  Brett took us on a hilly cycle where he looked like he was going for a walk in the park and the rest of us were burning as we attacked the mountains he made us climb!  As Nina my old neighbour would say "Good training!"


52.53kms
2:06:39
24.88 av speed
57 max speed
77 cadence

Sloowwww Riderrrr!

Jeepers it was a real struggle to cycle yesterday.  But I managed it with a few stops along the way.  At the top of North Head and then at the cuzzies in Takapuna.  Felt great when I got home though and the new seat seems to be a winner.  Just need to sort out my numb feet after 20kms now....


45kms
1:55:28
24.08 av speed
58.75 max speed
74 cadences

Velominati - The Rules

I never knew there were so many rules for cycling.  
Rule #5 is the best of course!

Rules for cycling

Echelon Taupaki Loop

I went in the medium slow group today.  It ended up being a great medium ride in the end I reckon.  We were all of a similar ability which was awesome!  My ride didn't start too well with a slight fall at the start, in front of everybody!  What a plonker.  In my defence I've got new shoes with new cleats and they're a bit stiff....

80kms
2:54:09

27.60 av speed

60.11 max speed

74 cadence

Earn a Gin or Two...!

Another day of chilling and eating far too much.  What is it about getting back to mum and dad's that makes you eat most of the time!


33.45kms
1:13:50
27.18 av speed
62.43 max speed
76 cadence

Time To Get Cracking!

After a day of chilling out, in my pyjamas, reading for most of the day I decided I'd better hit the tarseal and get moving!  It was worth it with 3 Queen of the Mountains titles!



33.65kms
1:14:17
27.18 av speed
64.18 max speed
77 cadence

Windy Season & New Shoes!

Finally, I got to try out my new Specialized Shoes from Echelon Cyclery today.  Have to say the wind was a challenge.  I was doing 22kms per hour heading into Waipu City and heading back from Waipu City to Mama & Papa's I was doing 44kms per hour.  The difference of having a tail wind is HUGE!
There were a heap of road works from Waipu to Langs.  Heading back to Waipu down the Langs Beach hill I nearly collided with a ute that had stopped, with another 30 odd cars winding up the hill.  I hit some gravel, which mixed with brakes isn't flash!  Fortunately there was nothing coming on the other side of the road so avoided a collision....  When I got to the bottom of the hill there was a very nice young 'lollipop' man!  He let me go before any cars went, "I'll let you get a head start, love!"  Fantastic!


33.27
1:15:49
26.33 av speed
66.31 max speed
78 cadence

Ride To Cure Cancer Blog Posts

Life's Like A Box Of Chocolates! - September 30

You never know whatcha gunna get! My friend Yvonne is back in hospital. This time with an infection in her lost eye socket. It's not bad enough that she's lost her eye, been through all of the treatment, moulting like my cat! but now is on her 3rd infection. This one bad enough that you can visibly see the swelling above her eyebrow and below her cheek bones. Not only does she have to cope with this but also the hideously disgusting food that the hospital dishes up. I think we need to get Yvonne's boyfriend, Jamie Oliver, over to help them out. Seriously the food is vile and unappetising to look at let alone taste it!
All of this certainly makes the hills easier to cope with. I keep thinking of Yvonne and her battles. A wee hill climb is nothing! 

Echelon Cyclery - 20 September

I have joined Echelon Cyclery Saturday morning shop rides. What an awesome group of people, who cater for all levels of cycling abilities. If you are struggling to find time to fit in some kms, come and join in. They are very welcoming, friendly and down to earth.
I had a bike Body Geometry FIT at Echelon Cyclery yesterday. It made the world of difference with the changes Brett made. Well worth the effort and cost if your cycling isn't feeling the best and/or you aren't achieving your goals.

Positivity - 17 September

I'm constantly amazed at my two friends and colleagues, Yvonne & Wendy, who have both battled cancer this year. Their amazing outlook on life and positivity at, what must be a traumatic time in their lives, is a real lesson to us all. Wendy is already back at work and Yvonne starts back next term. This in itself is to be applauded.
I'm in awe of these two women. I'm convinced that with their attitudes and positive outlook on life they will win their battles with the big c. 

Windy As Ride!

Crikey!  What a windy ride.  Several times it felt like the wheels were going to be swiped out from underneath me.  Shame I'd had such a manic week at work as I had very little in the tank to deal with a hilly ride plus wind AND rain!
92.23kms
3:42:57
24.81 av speed
62.05 max speed
75 cadence

What a windy ride today.  It was raining when I left home too.... I didn't melt!  Amazing!
Hard work today.  I'm not sure if it's end of term / end of a manically busy week or just the wind!  Anyway it'll make up for the excess in grape juice consumed this evening for Wendy's farewell....


31.62kms
1:19.54
23.74 av speed
55.25 max speed
77 cadence

Route Reversed

I thought I'd try the route I did last week in reverse.  It offers a bit of variety and approaching different hills from a different direction.

32.01km

1:15:30

25.43 av speed

60.69 max speed

79 cadence

Sunday Devo Ride

Once again I'm amazed by the people who ride bikes around Devonport.  NO HELMETS - even parents with kids on bikes and no helmets.  Amazing!
The bike still feels a heap better with the new set up.  Awesome!
I had a really interesting thing happen to me.  I was cycling up Takapuna Grammar Hill and because the traffic was relatively slow I was going the same speed as the car next to me.  Nek Minit.... A young boy rolled down his window and yelled out "You're doing well.  Keep it up!"  Amazing how much a little bit of praise (even if it was from a 7 year old) can make you feel on top of the world!



52.75kms
2:02:58
25.74 av speed.  When I got to Devonport it was 28.16.  Head wind heading home..!
63.99 max speed
79 cadence

Great Group of People

I forked out an extreme amount of money yesterday, but it was well worth it.  I had a Bike Geometry Fit with Brett Burton from Echelon Cycles.  It was well worth the money.  I had my seat raised 1cm.  My stem shortened 4cms and handlebars lifted.  Had a wedge put into my left shoe and orthotic type soles inserted in both shoes.  I also splashed out and bought new shoes!  Ok I got new gloves too.  AND yes I'm probably going to get the shop kit to wear!
The cycle today felt awesome.  The speed along Red Hills Road was exhilarating.   Brett also gave some tips on how to attack the hills which I could manage to do successfully until Ridge Road.   That's where my legs started to give out a bit.  It could be that I only had icecream and a glass of wine for dinner...Stupid I know!  
It was fabulous to see the Hook family out to support on Ridge Road today.  
I went with the next group up from last week and managed to keep up with them right until Dotcom's house.  The great thing is that at the top of the road the group waits and has something to eat.  
We also managed to hit Milford in time to watch the end of the first America's Cup race.  Who knew there were so many rules for a boat race.   The wind is too strong... Then it's too weak and there's a time cut off of 40mins.  Tomorrow's the day I think.
All in all a great ride with great people.  


I didn't check if my speedo was working before we started cycling this morning so it's about 5 kms short. 
75.55kms
2:41:37
28.04 av speed - nice number!
65.92 max speed
80 cadence

Windy + Hills = Hard Work!

Tough cycling today.  Not sure if it's the end of a busy week or the wind or a combination. Going up hills with a head wind is bloody hard work.  Good resistance training though I guess....!

31.69kms
1:22:02
23.18 av speed
55.84 max speed
80 cadence

Cycling Explained!

This is outstanding!

New Discovery - Map My Ride!

Check this out!  A new website I discovered to create routes.  This is what I'll be doing in the morning.




This ended up being quite a good ride!


31.67km
1:20:11
23.69 av speed
61.66 max speed
81 cadence

Morning After the Night Before!

After an awesome birthday party / house warming and getting to bed at 2:30am I was determined to make up for not going out on Saturday morning.  Luckily the head was ok, just lacked a bit of ompf!  Managed to get 2 Queen of the Mountain titles! Ha it's all in the knowing of when and where.  Apparently one of them was going up a one way street the wrong way....  I was going the wrong way.  At times ignorance is bliss!



63.69kms
2:38
24.11 Av Speed
63.79 Max Speed
80 Cadence

Rain, Hail or Shine....

I was so brassed off with myself.  On Saturday morning I got up at 5am to rain, so I decided to climb back into bed to wake up to fine weather.  I was so annoyed with myself that I smashed out 30kms on the rollers.  Next weekend, I'll be going regardless.  What's a bit of water!

Raining - So On The Rollers!

All dressed up and nowhere to go!  I walked out of the front door this morning dressed for a bike ride to Milford and back and there was RAIN!  I don't do rain.  I suppose I should incase Taupo is raining or the Ride to Conquer is raining.  But nah.  Don't like it!

So on the rollers it was.  I guess my knees will thank me for two mid-week rides without hills.. I did quite well as I didn't stop until 10kms in and then every 5kms.  Must be getting fitter on the rollers.  Here's hoping it helps on the road!

25.11kms

45:05mins

33.42 av speed

38.2 max

83 cadence

Sore Knee!

After going hard out on the hills over the last couple of weeks my knee has begun to get grumpy.  After a quick physio session (at the art exhibition!) I've embarked on getting it right before it gets worse...

So just the rollers today, taped up to give it a bit of a rest from hills.  

15kms

29:52

30.18 av speed

37.03 max speed

85 cadence

I found this slideshow and it's quite interesting!  I might investigate getting a professional bike fit.

Cycling Knee Pain from knee-pain

Sunday Devo Ride

This Strava App is pretty cool.  It shows all sorts of stats and data.  What it also does is add a touch of personal motivation to always do better than the previous day.  It lets you know your personal best times and places overall.  Very cool.
Bike speedo stats:
54.37km
2:11:37time
24.78 av speed
63.60 max speed
82cadence

I Did It!

YUSSSS! I put on my big girl panties and joined up with Echelon Cycles.  A great group of people to cycle with and very welcoming.  It's great to be part of a group again, even though there are frustrations of going too slow, waiting for people to catch up etc.  However, the next group up I think will be too fast on the hills.  Big legs but no power!  I am getting better though.  I felt great on beach road today, and it was at the end of the cycle.
I'll probably put on both stat collectors as the little one on my bike is better than Strava - stats wise! 
The picture below shows the route we did today.  

Stats from my bike speedo

80.55 km

3:10:29

25.02 av speed

61.08 max speed

82 cadence

I Like This!

Slept in this morning as it was a NEAL work day so forced myself to do 15kms on the rollers after dinner!

15.04km

27.33mins

32.75av speed

38.78max speed

83cadence

Better than nothing!

Testing a New App for The Kids!

What an Awesome Spring Morning

A fabulous morning cycle this morning.  Nothing exciting to report, other than there were a few extra cycle groups out this morning.  AND it was lighter so much earlier.

Still not the best stats but I'm sure they'll pick up soon....
27.82kms
1:17:23
21.57 av speed
54.48 max speed
79 cadence

U2, Bruce Springsteen, Annie Lennox & Jimmy Barnes

I came across this clip in a tech newsletter of all places.  It lead me to finding all of my teenage favourites!



Imagine my delight in finding this clip.  Two favs in the one go!



Annie Lennox & The Eurythmics



Jimmy Barnes blasting full noise always got a rise out of the old man!



I think I'll have this Dragon song playing at my funeral with everyone up dancing to it!



I'll stop here for now.  I could go on... Prince, Australian Crawl, Split Enz, When the Cat's Away, INXS, The Clash, Talking Heads, Queen (Mum's influence)... The list goes on.  In fact I found a list of the top 100 1980s songs.  Most of the favs are there!

Social Sunday Sycle!

I didn't have much energy today.  A combination of a few drinks last night and a ride yesterday I guess.  I think I'll have to do a larger ride on a Saturday and a smaller one on the Sunday.  Or do I do 2 big ones....?  
I do need to work on building speed up hills.  I have Amy Taylor's Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge Book on my bedside table.  Perhaps that has a few gems of information inside it.  I'll make a plan to start reading that this week.
I also need to investigate apps that map my ride... Strava or Map My Ride?  Ones that are embeddable I guess.  Today's route:
from home up to Torbay, beach road, stop in Milford for a quick chat with Amy, North Head, Naval Base, Bayswater, Wairau Road to Spinella Drive onto the Vodka Vault in Bayview for a coffee and natter with the Smiths!, up Lynn Ave, Manuka Rd, Glenfield Road, Old Albany Highway, Oteha Valley, Glenvar and home:
62.81kms
2:35:35 time on the bike!  Getting home took a bit longer with the coffee stop!
24.22 av speed
59.53 max speed
79 cadence
All that moaning and groaning aside.... What an awesome weekend for cycling.  Great to be out and about.

I felt like this today!!

Awesome 'Winters' Day

What an awesome day for a cycle this morning.  I set off down to Devonport via Fitzwilliam Hill and East Coast Road, through The Strand at Takapuna.  Here I abused Sam, Ashley and baby Willow for holding up the traffic as they crossed the road!  I have to say it was lovely to stop and have a chat and enjoy the magnificent view of Takapuna Beach.  I carried onto North Head in Devonport where I stood and contemplated life before heading back to Torbay via The Naval Base, Bayswater, Takapuna and Beach Road.  I have to say that Beach Road is getting easier.  I'm not any faster, I don't think, but it is getting easier.  I have to remind myself to dig it in as it is very easy to drift off into dreamland!
53.26kms
2:10:06 Time
24.56 av speed
61.66 max speed
82 cadence
There may have been a few car accidents and pedestrians being blinded today.  Because it was such a nice day I wore my bike shorts instead of 3/4 bike pants.  My legs matched my white base layer perfectly.....

Next time I head off for a cycle I need to get sorted before I leave the property.  I forgot my gloves so had to turn around and go back.  I also forgot deodorant, sunblock for my face AND when I looked at my bare legs, I hadn't shaved in a couple of days.... well maybe more than a couple!  Nice :-)

First Impressions

This says it all really.  Interesting how someone can make you feel 1cm tall after one conversation.  The abusive use of assumption and taking a simple comment the wrong way.  Their first impression is marked by an inability to decipher fact from fiction from a straight up statement of truth and reality.  Ironically, my first impression is forever marked and will remain so.  I certainly won't be allowing them to live rent free in my head.  Not worth it.  Once I get over the injustice and disbelief and cheek of it all.

Rant over, off my soapbox, back to bike business in the morning!

Opportunities

I like this.  Simple, true, effective, exciting.

So many people don't make the most of new and exciting opportunities.

Make the most of opportunities as they arise.  

You never know what is around the corner!

And, what is holding you back may never eventuate....

Those Hills Really Slow Ya Down...

The stats aren't pretty, but something to work on I guess.
27.83kms
1:16:05
21.94 av speed
56.23 max speed
80 cadence

No incidents this morning which was great.  Apart from doing an 'All Black snot out' going down hill.  It stuck to my face then started to flap about!!  Gross but funny.  Made me giggle, which would've looked hilarious to anybody passing ;-)  When I was telling the kids in my class about it they were in fits of laughter!

I need a new pair of clear glasses.  I had to take mine off this morning as they were fogging up going up hill.  Might shout myself a new set for sun and early mornings in September....

Things You Don't Expect To See

A few interesting things on my cycle to Milford this morning.  Yes, I made it to Milford. Managed to haul myself out of bed fairly soon after the alarm went off.
1) The roads were wet until Campbells Bay and then 'dry as a bone' from there until the top of the Milford Marina hill.  Does it not rain in Campbells Bay?!!
2) A bunny rabbit danced its way in front of me up the Mairangi Bay hill.  Bizarre!  All I could think of was Dad with his gun and saying where there's one there's 50 of the b&*@*%&s!
3) You need to slow down going down hill on wet roads!  The curbs aren't pretty up close and personal!
4) I have to watch out for orange Holdens.... One mad woman tried to run me off the road.  She pulled up to the intersection.  I was halfway across and in front of her.   We made eye contact and I ended up on the other side of the road.  There may have been some colourful language and hand gestures.  She looked quite away with the fairies.  A close call!
5) Even though lights are off it doesn't mean Amy & Jeremy are having a sleep in.  Amy was at the gym and Jeremy out jogging (supposedly)  My superior assumption skills at work again.  I'd make a useless spy according to the Choco/Alcoholics What's Ap group!

Not terribly pretty stats today.  I had bumped the sensor on my wheel when I was cleaning it so it only started once I pushed in back into place halfway up the Browns Bay hill.
21.64km (+ 6.26 = 27.9km total)
Stats from Browns Bay Hill to home
1:00:35 time
21.43 av speed
55.26 max speed
79 cadence

Note to self.... It's not a good idea to put dinner on in the mornings after a cycle.  It makes you a tad late to work and the kids miss the bus!

Bugs Still Biting!

After a night of coughing and spluttering (thank goodness the kids were at their dad's) the last thing I felt like was going for a cycle.  But, when Jen text to say Jase was keen for a cycle who am I to say no to a cycle buddy!

So off to Milford and back via Beach Rd was our plan.  However, when we got to Milford the weather was superb so decided to carry on to Devonport.  We came across a running race so turned around at the bottom of North Head - Jase was too chicken to go up!  We did go home via Beach Road and the coffee shop in Torbay!  A great way to finish a ride.

Stats:

44.57kms

1:51:17 time

24.03 Av Speed

59.33 Max Speed

82 Cadence

Not a bad effort considering I'm still not 100%.  I'm tempted to start taking 14yo's leftover antibiotics.  Sick of this cough!
Amazingly enough when I got home I felt really energised so thoroughly cleaned my bike AND my car.  They both had birthdays!

Always a great part of the ride through The Strand in Takapuna

Kids Sport Comes to an End!

Finally the kids sport comes to an end.  Well, one more game of football.  BUT netball has finished, thank goodness.  It has cramped my cycling!  It is bang smack right in the middle of the morning which is when I like to ride my bicycle!  I could get up early but it's nice to have a sleep in one day a week....
So after football today I raced home, in the mighty corona, got my gear on and managed about 1km until it poured... After being off sick for 4 days a couple of weeks ago I decided to go home and ride on the rollers.  It's such a mental, head game.  Because it's hard work I think to myself after a few moments that I'll just do 10kms.  Get to 10k and think might as well do 20.... and so on!
So, today's effort:
1 hour cycling 1:12 total with drink, nose blowing and sweat wiping stops.  The stops are becoming a lot more spread out compared to when I first got on the rollers.
33.76 kms
33.62 average speed
38.20 max speed
88 cadence
Hopefully the rain comes through overnight and I can get on those hills in the morning.

Yeeeeehaaaaaa

First ride at 6am, by myself, under my belt...YUSSSSSS
Distance 22.02km
Time 59.33
Av speed 22.18
Max speed 53.13
Cadence 84
I managed to get to Red Bluff Rise in Campbells Bay.  I would've actually got to Milford if I'd got out of bed instead of lying there wondering if it was raining or not!
The great thing this morning was the lack of traffic.  There was hardly any at all.  It was great!  The old route I used to do every Tuesday and Thursday was busy as in comparison.
The funny thing, as I was cycling along, I was thinking about the people I know along the way, nice and warm inside their homes as I rode by.  Julz & Lincoln on Glenvar - I wonder if they've gone for a walk?  Deb & Rainer in Torbay - I wonder if they're up and about getting their kids organsied for school.  Erlene in Browns Bay - I must check in with her this afternoon.  I wonder how her packing is going? Sarah & Jason also in Browns Bay.  Opps I forgot to get back to her on Tuesday about her digital learning goals.... must touch base with her too.  The wood pigeons at the top of the hill in Browns Bay - are they dancing in the guttering waking owners under their duvets?  Lorraine & John in Rothesay Bay - Has she gone for a walk?  Will I see her along the way?  Louise in Murrays Bay - Hmmmm she should be joining me....  Holly & Rodney in Mairangi Bay - Hopefully I won't need an SOS for Holly to pick me up.  AND did she write her 700 words yesterday and will she be on fire to complete more today... Should call in and join her for a quick cuppa - or not!  And finally Campbells Bay - I wonder if Brenda & Martin make the most of living so close to the beach and are wandering along the waterfront?   I'm guessing not!
One of the great things on the ride back was the moon!  I should've stopped and taken a photo.  It was spectacular this morning.  It looked bright, huge and close enough to touch!

I realised this morning that cycling by yourself is a bit like having your morning shower... Lots of thinking gets done along the way.  Ticking off that mental list of jobs to do.  Who do I have to catch up with?  What needs to be done at home?  What is Sacha going to throw at me today?  Any meetings?  If so what for?  How will I deal with 'Joe', my tricky student, today? What strategy will I try to engage him today?  What is for dinner?  Just as my mind wanders again, onto the next thought, a young whipper snapper speeds past me, leaving me in his dust.  Time to wake up, dig it in and get home in under an hour......

So my next steps... get out of bed when the alarm goes off and get to Milford to abuse Amy & Jeremy at the Marina!