White Van Man Road Rage!

My cycling time trials rarely go smoothly. There's normally a glitch in my racing. Sunday's 50 mile Time Trial was no exception. One week after crash week and National 100 mile TT I was either going to have an awesome race or a shocker. To be honest wasn't really sure if my legs and mind were recovered. But Sunday was a good day! Almost perfect conditions and on a good course - went 2:05:23. New PB for myself by 9 and a bit minutes. Smacked it to myself in the last 25 miles.
But, I had a run in with a white van driver during the race. which made me less than happy! I don't have anything against white van drivers in general. My dad drives one for work (Actually he's has also cut me up before, overtaking me on a descent near their house, not realising how fast i was travelling). This driver, of said white van driver (similar size and shape to Renault Kangoo) was not having as good as morning as me and decided to burst my little racing bubble. At about 25 miles, negotiating roundabout, back onto the A27 said white van driver overtook me about 5-10 meters from roundabout. My lesson learnt- should have been further over in the lane earlier. Anyway, he like me was taking the first exit, so pulled in front of me at the entry of the roundabout. Sending me swerving into a patch of sandy gravel almost coming off, but saved by the fact I hit the side of the van. I carried on riding not to lose any more time. White van driver had not had enough. He drove along side me for a bit, blocking both lanes of dual carriageway at 8:25am on sunny Sunday morning, when people were making there way to the beaches! Then he decided to pull in front of me. slow down and weave across the lane, every time I tired to overtake. This however did give me a chance to taken down his number plate. Unfortunately, i'd forgotten the last half by the time I got back to the HQ. The diver had the cheek to complain to the race organised about me landing on his van and request my details. So straight to the Chichester Police station I went to make my compliant. Rahh Rahhh Rahh! I could rant for so much longer!!

Rest of Day made better by plying 'chase' with my boyfriends 2 and 5 year old nephews. Entertaining while 'Mum' prepared lunch and 'Dad' finished last minute packing for holiday. Then sitting outside with Simon's Mum and Dad, Sue and Tim. Enjoying Lunch in the Sun, Coffee, Homemade Muffins and the last stage of The Tour de France.

End of crash week and National 100 Mile Time Trial

Last Thursday was my last hard day of training. I think by the end of Thursday morning the lady that lives in the flat above must have thought I was going mad as I did a multiple brick session. 5km run, 20km bike, 5km run, 40km bike, 3km run. Really love this type of session. Maintaining the intensity thought out the session, without the mental fatigue that might occur otherwise. Gives me confidence that I might do okay in some duathlons, which I'd like to dip my toes into next year. Long pool swim in the evening rounded off my training week.

Friday as rest day - travelled to Stroud and stayed the night at one of Simon's school friends - Rachel and her two children. They were kind enough to let us crash on their floor to break up the journey to Llandovery, Wales. Venue of the National 100 Mile Time Trial.

In Llandovery we had booked a cute bed and breakfast, which was also a lovely coffee shop, to stay at.
http://www.penygawse.com/
Lynne and Allan the owner's were fantastic, even getting up early on Sunday morning to provide us with breakfast. Not just cereals and toast, but go faster for longer, scrambled eggs.

Feeling full, head off 1/2 mile down the road to race HQ. Simon also racing but starting almost 90 minutes after me, so had someone to organise me.

Race report - Race to my wattage plan. Very tough rolling course, some long drags and some steep sections also. But very Pretty! Had a very embarrassing moment at 60 miles in. Had hidden some bottles at the exit of a lay by. Car belonging to David Collard Berry of A3crg was parked right in front. Slowed down, but but not enough. Back wheel slid on some loose stone and I landed on my right lower back and bum, Ouchh! Moments of flustering. Made DCB's day i think as he had to rescue a lady in distress - pick me up, sort out my brakes and put me back on my bike. Shouts out to the A3crg ladies (and men) out in force supporting their riders and anyone else that happened to pass. Enjoyed the last 25 the most. At this point being passed by the really fast men - Prebble and the likes. Also had stuck with my wattage plan, and something left to pick up the pace in the last 25 miles and gave it my all. Finished in 9th place 4:43:53. Beat my previous PB by almost 1 minute, on a much tougher course, after a heavy training week. Pleased. Simon also had a good ride PB beaten by 51 seconds for a 4:22:08.

Now looking for a flat 100mile TT, to really compare my previous 100 mile Time to !!!

This weeks been a recovery week, good job as my right hip, both knees and left elbow are all very bruised and tender. Not quite sure how I landed to sustain that pattern of bruises.

Very excited as I've received the new Zoot 2009 Catalogue and been told to put together my wish list!! I'd recommend anyone looking for new training or racing kit takes at look at their products. Great fabrics, innovations, colours and styling. Very excited!! It' like putting your christmas list together!

Club 7.2 mile Time Trial

Obscure distance I hear you say. Eastbourne Rovers club 7.2 mile Time Trial which starts just east of Birling Gap and winds it's way uphill to and over Beachy Head, before a steep descent into the Village of East Dean. Sharp left at the bottom of the hill to head back to Birling Gap, then onto the finish. 7.2 miles of thigh hurting pain. Wasn't brave enough to tackle the sharp turn on my time trial bike, so headed out on my much loved Road bike. Almost missed my start (due incorrect time on power tap display and spent too long watching the surfers at Birling Gap - much grovelling required to Dave Cox, TT Secretary post event for my tardiness). Sprinted to the start line as well as the finish. 22 and bit minutes of hurt. Can't say I enjoyed it. But really pushed my climbing limits. Spin home and a bit more. Then quick transition run - 6 mins hard. Felt like hard work! Still have last Sundays race in my legs.

Now off work for 1 week. To enjoy lots of training and relaxing. Hopefully will get some of the sunshine, that Eastbourne is apparently famous for.