As with any project, to ensure the best chance of success, it is necessary to acquire the required tools for the job. As I graduate from recreational cyclist, to one who is becoming a training lunatic, a few upgrades need to happen
Firstly, I invested in a really good pair of nix.
super nix
These particular ones have a gel insert that stops the pain and the feeling you are rubbing off all the fun parts of your body. They are breathable, washable, comfy and for a lycra thing, don’t look too bad.
The next thing I did was get some socks. For a long time I poo pooed cycling socks, but on further investigation I realised they had little compression areas sewn into them to increase circulation and help stop foot cramps, ha, not so silly.
magic green fluid
This little green bottle, from Eagle brand, is an amazing linament, that fits in the bike satchel under my seat with the spare inner tube, and is fabulous for sore, stiff areas. Don’t rub your eyes after applying it, like I did…
I also found myself a coach. Sara Carrigan is an Olympic Gold medalist, that is gracious enough to pass on her knowledge to other cyclists. I had a one on one session at the Nerang velodrome, where Sara taught me how to corner properly using my center of gravity, how to avoid hitting industrial bins (very useful), turning and not falling into potholes (also useful). The trick is to always look where you are going, not where you are wanting to avoid, a pretty good thing to do in life in general I think.
Also riding posture, using the Core and engaging abdominal muscles to avoid bad technique when fatigued. Riding around the velodrome gaining confidence, riding whilst balancing with one foot, riding whilst being physically pushed from the side in a group type situation and many other useful tips. Any velodrome that has a section called ‘risk it for a biscuit’ has my vote any day for a great time. Here is a link to her school. Take a moment to watch the video, it’s amazing.
https://www.saracarrigan.com/
Sara Carrigan
The other thing that I learned is the importance of nutrition. Apparently on a long ride it is good to eat every hour, and if you get hungry, your body is already playing catch up. I like bananas, so I always take one when I ride, but there are some yummy energy bars out there. I don’t have time to bake (thanks Dave Groom for your recipe, but I am not that organised!) The two bars I have taken to, are the Cadel Evans bars, they have a yummy apple crumble one, which didn’t fall apart as I ripped it open and scoffed it on the uphill section of Beechmont hill this morning, and the other is the Cliff bars, I personally like the peanut butter one, but they have all sorts, that one is a bit crumbly though and I did lose some while I was riding, and grieved the half that lay on the hot bitumen for the rest of the ride.
yummy
Artistically, I can’t help but notice the Heart Beats, the speed charts and the elevation ratios. I am wanting to join them all together and do an etching somehow. I have just done a really quick join up of my strava charts from this morning. Perhaps something circular.
very rough roughness
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two hands together 