It's Off Season !

I haven't blogged for a little while. It is the end of my 'regular' season and there is not a lot of focus around my racing and training at the moment. I finally shook the lurgee that hammered me for pretty much two months and I am actually enjoying riding my bike with minimal structure. I have been up to a few things though:

Retul Bike Fit

I saw a good, old friend, Nick Formosa, from Cadence, for a Retul bike fit recently. The whole process is extremely interesting. I got both of my bikes (road and TT) fitted. My road bike was almost 'spot on' with only a slight change in seat height (up) needed. My TT bike however, was a different story. Seat slightly up, seat slightly back, shorter stem, stem up (a lot), aero bars extended and arm pads closer together. This new position 'feels' good but is taking some adapting to.

The fit process also highlighted some strength issues I have with my upper body (especially core) so I have been working very hard on that ever since. My biceps have been responding quickly as you can see:

Tour de Valley TT

I rode this event on October 13. It was 'kinda' an excuse to have two nights at the beach with the family, but it was also a good preparation for the Bravehearts TT I am doing at the end of November. The race was an undualting 36km on the proposed 2018 Commonwealth Games course in the Currumbin Valley. It was an extremely windy day as well. I didn't do too well. It was Open Male category and I came 10th of the 25 starters in a pretty ordinary time. I am way off form, struggling with the new position and to be honest, probably a little too focused on the beach ! At least I got a nice photo of me going slow:

Club Criterium

October 19 was a combined club criterium at Glenvale. I thought it might be a nice little hit out. I had absolutely smashed myself in the Dalby bunch ride that morning so had hoped the legs were up to it. I rode fairly agressively and there were only five of the original seven left for the sprint. I came third which I was pretty happy with (I actually sprinted pretty well). Here is a picture of me basking in third place glory:

This is also my first club race in the Team TLD kit. I rode the Queensland Road Teams Series (QRTS) with TLD this year and they have very kindly offered me a regular spot with them for next year. This means that officially I will leave Pensar SPM racing at the end of the year (but will still wear their kit in the two opens I have left in 2013). I'm really looking forward to the move. It was a great QRTS with TLD this year and it's also good to be racing with the local team.

Upcoming Events

Be Better Psychology Criterium (Bikeline Open) is on this Sunday, October 27. Field sizes look small so I am guessing it will be combined Elite A / Elite B / Masters A.

Bravehearts Time Trial is on November 24. My fundraising is going really well and you can sponsor me here if you are interested: BRAVEHEARTS