just taking a survey

[RoadRaven]

what type of racing? and what level if applicable

I belong to our local club, I joined after I had been riding for about a year and a half. They have weekly races which are predominantly bunch road races in including circuitt races, out and back, and "normal" road races. There is a smattering of Individual Time Trials (which is my fave type of race) and more recently a 5-up Team Time Trial in the Summer series, and one this (Autumn) series.

The club is graded racing based on ability. A is where the elite of the club race. G is for beginners and very young racers. I have been racing in F - this is my second series - I have yet to get placed.

The club also organises age-graded interclub and regional races, and when I participate in those I am grouped with other women aged 40-44yrs. These comprise, ITTs, road races, criteriums, circuitt races and hill climbs. I have no interest in doing criteriums - they are scarey enough to watch! - and do not do so well at circuitt races as I still need to master cornering.

why do you race?

Well - my partner and eldest sons started, and they seemed to be having so much fun I thought I'd give it a go. Plus i got to spend more time with my partner... even if it was just the journey to the start line and the trip home again (he is MUCH faster than me and doesn't ride in my grade). And I liked it - particularly TTs. I always knew I was competitive with myself (I always want an "A" on essays but do not measure myself against other students, just on my own standards). I didn't know I was competitive with other people - racing has opened this person inside me that dreams of dishing out sound "thrashings"

when did you start?

I did a 10km fun ride with my youngest sons in October 2004 (I trained and trained - so worried I wouldn't make the 10km!!!), then I did a 20km coorporate team triathalon in February 2005 (20km cycling leg only) - and that was alot of fun.

Racing though... well I joined the club nearly a year ago at the end of April 2006 - it was a Time Trial and I did the best time in G grade. I was hooked.

How supported do you feel in this journey? Do you have a group you train with, or just your SO, or...

I train mostly on my own. We live 23km from town, very rural roads, so it is hard to have a "group". Where possible I ride with my wonderful partner, or my delightful sons. Very occasionally I ride with a colleague from work, and even more rarely I manage to tee up with my boss.

However, I do feel extremely supported. I have 5 children - my partner and three of my children all ride/race... my other two children ride when they feel like it but don't race. We all support, encourage and talk about bikes together. Though my partner and eldest son are in A grade, and my seond eldest son is in B... they always treat my dreams, aspirations, frustrations, goals and disappointments with genuine interest... despite their average race speeds being between 38-43kph, and mine being 31-33kph, I never feel as if I am not "as good as" them. I am extremely fortunate.

I guess I am also lucky in that many people in the club know these three members of my family, and they encourage both me and my third son who rides in F grade with me. In the middle of a race, having been dropped by my own grade, a bunch of others from another grade will pass me and call out my name and words of encouragement. Again, I repeat myself, I feel extremely fortunate.

Name ONE thing that would make your journey better

To keep getting my salary but only having to work half days so I can fit in more training. This would have the added bonus of being able to train more with my partner whom is the one I miss most and want to spend any time I can with.