Sun City Tri

November and December were a bit of a disaster as far as training went.  Whatever there was at hand to put off a weak willed Triathlete was thrown at us.  Snow, ice, wind and rain sorted November out nicely. Then the traditional pre Xmas flu bug got anyone else who hadn't got the hint to just lie back and take it easy.

So January saw me, at least, several pounds heavier and a hell of a lot unfitter, thanks in part to my wife who insisted on filling me with red wine at every oppertunity.  Yes, I have the willpower of a gnat!!

Anyway, I turned up to the 1st ride of 09 with me knees bouncing off me man boobs only to find that there was only me and Mandy turned up.  Despite the bracing tempretures and the fact that I had pulled a muscle in my chest while putting my shoes on we decided to get out there and welcome in the new year.

Over the next 2 hrs we saw the sights of Seaham, Ryhope and Newbottle (remind me why I'm moving to Italy again), taking in some canny climbs along the way. 

 During the ride I discovered that I wasn't as unfit as I thought (unless Mandy was REALLY unfit and just making me look good) and that those few extra Xmas pounds can really improve your descending.

Back into Sunderland we had a go at getting the speed camera on Bede Bank to flash and just missed out by 2mph, then finished with a good sprinty bit along Bridge St, overtaking some very suprised car drivers.

A good start to the New Year, but it would be nice for the Coaches to have someone to coach.

I can't make every Sunday as I sometimes have to take the wife to work, but I'll be out as much as possible.  See ya soon.

Ian.

The Sunday ride kicked off again on the 19th Oct.  Today, the 26th was the 2nd running and again we had a good turnout.  Last week 5, this week 7.

At this time of year the idea is definatly steady paced rides with an emphasis on getting the novices up and running, and ironing out any problems they have.  Today was a prime example.  1st of all not everyone has ridden in a group before, so group etiquete in the form of hand signals and the all important code word 'Piano' (meaning slow down I'm getting dropped) is taught. 

Meeting at Seaburn we decided the route, depending on the wind direction and who is out.  Today Chris just wanted to do an hour, so we programmed that into the route, putting in a loop which dropped her back home while the rest of us carried on for a bit more.

During the ride advice was give on the correct gears to use and it became obvious that Chris was having a problem with the tension on her pedals, making it difficult for her to get her feet in, and more importantly getting her feet out!

Near the end of her ride we had to pull over to let an Ambulance past, but Chris was unable to disengage the pedal and decided to eat some tarmac.  But thats OK, we've all done it and thats what these sessions are all about, getting used to riding so in a months time everyone should see a big improvement in their riding skills

10mins later a more serious accident was narrowly missed whe, hoofing down Lizard Lane there was a bit confusion at a junction and there was a touch of wheels bringing Gary down quite heavily.  Luckily he bounced well and seemed to suffer no more than a bit road rash

Back at Seaburn we all went our seperate weays having got in 2hrs.  Just in time as the wind started whipping up a bit and sky water appeared.

Hope the mention of tarmac munching hasn't put anyone off, it's rare.  The more we get out the better we'll be next season. 

See you next Sunday.