Tour de Femme keeps her charms

By Pip Read

I have just returned from our sunny capital city. Well most of it was sunny if you ignore the downpour that arrived 25 milli-seconds after we arrived at our accommodation and unloaded the race bike.

The weather on the Saturday was much better, bright and sunny after a sleep in and a decent refuel of the body, and the fridge. I headed out for a training ride and to loosen up the legs after the previous day's drive from Geelong. I've been to Canberra a few times over the last few years so am starting to know my way around without getting lost too often.

One landmark in Canberra is the Telstra Tower, at the top of Black Mountain. No matter where you are, if you need to get back to town just look for it and you can't go wrong. I had a great experience a few years ago when I was almost to the top of Black Mountain and saw a little possum happily walking down the middle of the road on the white line. Being the good Samaritan I tried to coax the little thing of the road, only to have it attach itself to my race shoe! It must have been a sight me trying to walk across the road with this little possum on my foot and me still straddling my bike. The prefect photo opportunity shot!

I always like to climb Black Mountain but this time I unfortunately only had the race wheels on and my easiest gear was a 21. That meant lots of out of the saddle work. I was also on the lookout for my little possum friend. The ride also features a wicked descent, which gives the brakes a good workout at the bottom.

I followed my nose for a while before looking for the old Telstra Tower and heading home. I quickly checked out Stromlo Forest Park, which is great facility with mountain bike trails and a purpose built criterium circuit. Then I hit the cafe and headed home. With luck the legs will be feeling a bit better tomorrow.

The Canberra Tour de Femme has been an annual cycle event for 18 years and as the name suggests it's for women only. I have been called mad for driving all the way to Canberra for a 20k race. My first event was six years ago and I wouldn't miss it for the world, as it is a great race, usually with good weather. Where else can you race and ride with 600+ women then sit around and chat and be fed? The event is conducted along the same lines as a fun ride with an elite race offering some serious prize money, which usually guarantees some top-level racing.

Another fine and sunny day saw me lining up with the elite bunch at 8.30am for a 9am start and I happened to look over my shoulder and was surprised to see how many women were waiting for the start. I'm not sure if I heard right but I'm sure they announced that 650 women had entered, which is pretty impressive. The elite race got underway with 40 odd starters. Seeded riders are given the numbers 1-20 so you need to keep an eye on some riders who are quite strong but lack racing experience. This fact was brought to everyone's attention on the first hill when one rider slowed so much it was like she put the brakes on.

This year's event saw a slight change in the route from previous years, due to road works. We had the predicable breakaways but the bunch stayed together for most of the race except for one girl who I think, if she had company, would have stayed away and won. It's always an exciting finish at the TDF. The second last turn near Parliament House leads into a downhill with a sharp left turn that leads to a slightly up hill finish. You need to be on the front for the down hill section if for no other reason as it gets you through the sharp left hander and gives you a good run at the finish line. I was very happy with my seventh placing. Have a look at the picture of the top 10 place getters and see if you can spot the old chook!

One of the nicest things about the TDF is sitting around at the presentations with so many women of all ages and abilities with one thing in common. We all took part in a great event and I personally can't wait for next year.

Cya,

Pip