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!