Race report : Carnival City Macsteel Cycle Challenge 2010

Start Information:

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Start Time (Official): 8:25:17


Start Time (Reel): 8:26:07


Distance: 65 Km


Category: Vets 30-39


Batch: CM

Finish Information:
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Finish Time (Gross): 3:06:59


Finish Time (Net): 3:06:09


Avg. Speed (min/km): 2:52


Avg. Speed (km/h): 20.95

Race Positions:
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Category (Gross): 52 out of 57


Gender (Gross): 192 out of 212


Over All (Gross): 617 out of 676


Category (Net): 52 out of 57


Gender (Net): 192 out of 212


Over All (Net): 617 out of 676

(does not include cyclists who rode without timing chips)

I had originally entered for the longer route - 103 km's but was not quite feeling up for another century so I dropped back to ride with my friend Sandi in the 65 km race.   We got there very early and had plenty of time to make our way to the start line - and this time I had breakfast.  Yippeee and I managed to get it all down.  Some yummy oats.

I took a big chance and tried some new energy gels - it is not reconmended to try any new products on race day.  With the shorter distance I decided it was worth the risk as I was treating this as a training ride anyway.  They worked fabulously and I'll definitely be using them in all my races.  I tried the GT Gels and Replenish Overdrive for hydration :  Form and fitness  

I loved the taste and not once did I feel queesy - my stomach definitely coped.  I will definitely be looking at the full range of products for supporting my races and training - especially with regards to my attempting the Kremetart 175 km Stage race. 

Back to the race - we started at about 08:25 (late start), the heat of the day already beating down on us.  We started on the right side and managed to wangle our way over to the left hand side - a much safer place to be.  30 minutes in and we made a quick stop to take our respective gels and take in some fluids (I really need to learn how to do this on the go).  I was really feeling strong and shortly after our stop I last Sandi - the wind proved challenging and slowed me down but thankfully my legs felt strong.  I wish I could say the same for my 'cookie' - a certain part of the anatomy that is in constant contact with the saddle.  OUCH!!  Fortunately for me, today I found a group of cyclists placing an order with a supplier in the UK and I quickly jumped on the bandwagon and ordered another saddle - hopefully this will help with the issues I have been having lately.

When we had about 20km's to go I wondered if I was going to quit due to the pain I was experiencing but I gritted my teeth - and focused on catching up to various riders in front of me.

I also somehow managed to drop my chain during the race which required me to keep my wits about me while I got it back on - thankfully it behaved mostly after that.

Hubby and sms'ed me that he had decided to catch a movie while I was out on the road - so instead of the quickie phone call to say that I didn't have far to go - I thought it was wise to let him enjoy his movie - he is my biggest supporter and deserved some timeout.  ((grin))  I crossed the finish line with hopes that I had finally done a sub 3 hour but alas when the results came out I was just over by 6 minutes.  Needless to say I was unhappy and kept trying to think where I could have pushed more - if I can avoid stopping to take the gels and fluids in that will be a huge save time wise.  The wind was also a factor, as well as the constant burning/sharp stabbing pains in my groin area with the saddle issues.  It might be time as well to check the set-up of my bike and to make double sure that everything is where it should be.  Maybe TMI but going to the loo had me bursting in tears - NOT GOOD at ALL!!

This is the saddle I am going to get :

It is the Madison L21Z Comfort Zone D2 Saddle

It has the following features :

A sporty saddle for women with a pressure relieving cutaway

• Built in flexi-rail support reduces vibration transmitted through the rails for the ultimate smooth ride
* Dual-density base with thermo-formed Kraton inserts provides soft andflexible support to the sit bones
• Specially designed Comfort Zone base helps to reduce pressure build up and discomfort around the sit tissues and organs for maximum comfort
• Strong, dependable 4130 Cr-Mo rails offer fantastic strength with little weight penalty
• Multi-density foam padding for cushioned comfort and effective shock absorption
• Vacuum bonded cover uses a special process which bonds the cover material to the base of the saddle without the use of staples or glue, giving a seamless finish and maximum durability

I didn't think I had managed to get too far ahead of Sandi and was surprised to find out that I had come in about 28 minutes ahead of her.  I thought that was a huge achievement as I consider Sandi to be a much stronger rider than me as she has been doing this a whole lot longer.

All in all I loved this race and I will definitely be putting it on my calendar for next year.

My next race is only 3 weeks time and then nothing until June and then it starts up again around September.  I will be putting my focus into losing weight and trying to lose it quicker than I have been.

As for Saturday's weigh-in, it was a nothing more and nothing less situation.  The scale didn't move in either direction which I guess is better than a gain.