Since coming into the Specialized Ladies Ambassador group I have met some truly inspirational ladies. From Sally Middlemiss (Rutland Cycling), to British Cycling coaches, to cyclo-cross champions, but also to the weekend warriors and newbies to cycling. They have all brought a smile to my face, with their determination and passion, and have left me wondering how on earth I fit in with them! I’ve tried to learn along the way, and I definitely think my knowledge of cycling has improved no end – and so has my number of bikes!
Cycling is a sport that has a bad reputation amongst other sports. Being those ‘know it all’ cyclists, the one in the £300 lycra, looking for marginal gains or aero gains wherever we can. But we have a collective pleasure. The freedom, the excitement, the thrill and adrenaline. No matter what kind of cycling you’re into, we all know that it’s more fun with friends. And that’s the message I’m trying to get across. Learn from each other, borrow kit off each other, and ride with each other wherever you can. Cycling can turn that frown upside down, it can remove those clouds on dull days, and I challenge anyone not to be proud of themselves once they get back from conquering a ride they were worried about.
With my history in triathlon it seems strange that I want to ride in groups. Most triathletes love a time trial, just me myself and I. But I just don’t get that, I switch off, I get distracted and I lose focus so quickly. Plus I hate ‘long’ distance. I’m a sprint triathlete through and through. Crit racing has always appealed to me with the fast courses, the bunch riding, the adrenaline. And I have really taken to it this year, I bought a race license and suddenly I was off! I have done a variety of courses – Lee Valley VeloPark, Hog Hill (Redbridge Cycling centre), Ipswich Trinity Park and one at York University too. They’ve all had their own special excitement about them.
I love turning up, meeting some like-minded women and I’m usually ogling at the bikes! I have definitely found out that I am much better on the hills than I am on the flat, but perhaps I should do a little more training.
About 6 months ago I was encouraged to join a team – the Magspeed team. Phoebe and Nat dropped the idea to me,planted a seed in my mind that perhaps I was ‘good enough’ to join a team. This is made up of some pretty decent cyclists. Epic in fact.
When I was asked onto the team I was so bowled over and happy, it was such a lovely feeling. I didn’t think I was good enough. But I had to take the advice I usually give to my clients when they are getting into running – it’s not about being ‘quick enough’ its about using it as a social group, as a collective to feel some belonging. There are some real legends on this team. I am so proud to have raced with the legend that is Nat Creswick. And of course the one and only Phoebe Sneddon – this gal balances life, a baby, and training with ease. These girls are inspiring, crazy, but awesome.
The other week I raced the Monument HQ Crit at Hog Hill – I dragged Nat kicking and screaming from retirement…everyone recognised her from 5 years ago! Racing with Nat reminded me the importance of team, she pulled me back on as I lost the group by a few metres. That feeling when you’re just looking at the wheel infront, trying not to lose it, trying not to get too close but still trying to get a slipstream. Then you lose it, and that’s it. You gotta be very strong headed, push push push to get back on. When you’re rolling round a corner and hoping your tyres don’t go out from underneath you, with your heart in your mouth, trying to find the perfect place and time to take a drink. Hoping there won’t be an attack that will push you into the red. A thousand thoughts going through your mind at a million miles an hour. You need to draw it back in, take that breath, focus on the pedal stroke, focus on your position, who’s around you. Count to 10. Now goooo!… And suddenly, Nat was there – pulling me back on – helping me get through those thoughts, put them in order, she gave me the order and I put that power down and got back on – all with her help.
Now that’s what I call team work. And that’s why cycling rocks.
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