Home town wins for masters champion
by Pip Read - Australian Masters Champion
I have recently returned to work after competing in the 2009 Australian Masters Games in Geelong, on my home turf. I entered the event with a bit of trepidation as I was not sure how I would perform, following my leg injury problems, and I had not heard a lot about some of my competition, who by the way came from as far away as NSW, QLD, and WA. There was also a good contingent of local girls entered. I was hoping for a bit of a hit out to test my much improved leg injury but I think if I looked deep enough I was just worried about injuring myself again. With Madam Lash's words ringing in my ears, 'race with your head not you legs', I headed out for the first day's racing and a bit of fun!
Originally there were three races in three days organised. A time trial on day one, road race on day two and criterium on day three. Unfortunately the road race was cancelled on the advice of the Country Fire Authority. Predicted 30 degree temperatures and strong winds found that the organisers were not prepared to risk injury (or worse). This is totally understandable when we remember the events of the past few weeks. As it turned out the weather was not as bad as predicted but it's better to be safe than sorry. Some grumbles where heard regarding not refunding entries, and some competitors were offered entry to events that they weren't originally entered for. Also the road race circuit had been changed not once but twice, which did not help the general feeling at the event.
Day one - Thursday, February 26.
I found myself really looking forward to the time trial. I'm starting to like the ultimate test, with my new bike, super cool looking disk wheel that makes just the best noise and time trial helmet. As my mum always says 'at least you should look the part'! Having ridden the course a few times on the TT bike I was looking forward to the race, especially when we noticed that we had a tail wind on the last part of the circuit, which in my opinion is the most taxing part of the race. There were also some hills which kept the gears ticking over nicely, and apart from dropping the chain and bidden and fighting with the strong cross wind early in the race, all went well and I finished first in a great time. My friend Gen finished second and also enjoyed the TT discipline. I enjoy racing with Gen as it's still early in her racing career and she is full of enthusiasm. Our other training partner Ann finished second in her age group. It was also nice to see Alison, who I introduced to you a few months ago as part of the SheSpoke team at the Amy Gillett Cup, finishing first in her age group.
Day two - Friday, February 27.
Race cancelled, short ride to Torquay and breakfast with Gen and Ann, life's tuff!
Day three - Saturday, February 28.
Almost perfect weather for racing, if a bit overcast, little or no wind. With all the girls starting at the same time I spent some time trying to settle nerves as some of the group were worried about the first corner, locally known as crash corner after numerous falls in the recent Jayco Bay classic. I've raced this circuit a bit over the years and I really love it, tight, technical, smooth parts and also some very rough sections but above all fast! My race average was 36.7kph. Admittedly we only raced for 20 minutes plus three laps. Ignoring Madam Lash's advice I went straight to the front and stayed there for most of the race, only going to the back of the break on the last lap leaving the other age groups to sprint for there own finishes. I finished first with Gen coming in second and Ann after crashing (not at crash corner) third in her age group. Great efforts! The important thing for me was that my strength was back, I just need to work a bit on the endurance over the next month or so. I was also reminded of how important it is to be prepared for a race! As I was racing in my home town I decided to ride to the race and yep, you guessed it, I flatted on the way to the race! A quick call home and a new wheel was on the way, it was only at the last minute that I decided to put my training wheels in the car. I was forced to race on my training wheel and I discovered that the valve on the spare tube was to short for the race wheels. The training wheels didn't having the best gearing and it also spoiled the pictures!
Now this bit of news may shock some, I'm considering trying my hand at track racing! Madam Lash (bless her soul) suggested it after the TT so I'm thinking of giving the World Masters Games a shot on the track. Ran the idea past my number one support crew without too much flack. Could be interesting, fixed wheel and no brakes!
Cya!
Pip