Over the last couple of years I’ve progressively been doing more exercise. Really started when I realised that being fit and fat wasn’t good enough and that putting on a kg or two a year meant there was much more pressure on my heart and lungs than there needed to be. I did events including the Karapoti mountain bike ride and round Taupo but didn’t do much training and still ate too much.
So I’ve been eating a bit less and getting up a bit earlier to exercise a few days a week. Good results – abut 20kg lighter and knocked more than half an hour off my round Taupo time.
Recently I managed to crack the wheel on my old bike and decided to invest more than I ever imagined I would in a new carbon frame Trek. And it does make a difference. Power seems to go more directly into the tarmac especially climbing hills.
But I need a target. Did the Lake Brunner ride ok but not satisfied that I got close enough to my potential. So the target became the three day Tour of Taranaki. I’ve never done a club or regional event before. All races have in fact been “fun” rides.
I’ve entered the “D” grade = because there is no “E” grade in this event. And I have no idea how I will go. There are about 50 entries in the grade and if I can stay with the peloton most of the way I will be happy.
There is a time trial on the first day – only 7k – but I’ve never done one before and won’t be getting the special bike or bars. That afternoon there is a 61k undulating ride from Normanby. The next day has a 60k morning and 50k afternoon race out of Stratford and on the Monday (if still able to ride) we will do 90k closer to New Plymouth.
I’m told the weather is sometimes pretty unkind – having much more body fat helps in the cold but not in the wind.
A week out I’m looking forward to it with a weird sense of anticipation. Have got a cold and the last fortnights training has been light. May have bitten off more than I can chew. Reading Julian Dean’s great blog for inspiration. Puts clearly some of the challenges of cycling.
Good luck Trevor. Once I would have said “Hope you fall off!’ but maybe I am mellowing with age, even tho some of the comments here still make my blood boil. It’s an interesting forum, with some wide ranging views, but a bit less of the personal attacks on people who can’t defend themselves here would be good. I know, I know, you are all going to say that if they put themselves out there by being in politics they are fair game. But are they?
Anyway Trevor, all power to your pedals.
Goodluck Trev!!!
Trevor. You are just trying to make us feel guilty.
Wish I could do that sort of thing but am happy tootling along on my old rusty non-carbon bike enjoying the Autumn. Good luck on the hills.
All the best Trev. As a fellow two-wheeled amatuer I can understand your excitement and trepidation. Just go for it and give it everything. The satisfaction of completing the Tour will last longer than the pain of competing
In other words this post is a gentleman’s way of saying that you’ve lost more weight than Parekura and have put Tau to shame again
Balance deleted Trevor
Well Trev i have found that talking about it is a second step after thinking about it but if the ladder is to be climbed then each step is worth carefully contemplating all things considered.
A good mate of mine is getting good times for his age class in triathlons but he is 67 and feeling every bit of it – but still beating some of the younger pack. He will never win but still gets one hell of a buzz for his pain. I envy his persistence.
Another mate of 65 years does 5 laps in the Taupo event but rides up to Taupo for the event and also home to Wellington afterwards. He is fit , bright but poor and can’t afford to go there if he doesn’t bike up. There is not too much carbon footprint in his effort. Pain is irrelevant and temporary he tells me.
I envy his mind over matter philosophy
Good luck it’s a hard road even if you stay on the pedals. Nice to hear and better than dancing with the stars.
You will surprise yourself Trevor, get over your cold and you will get a good performance out. Just remember to have some fun as well.