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.

[BikeMomma]

Sortof a "get to know the TE racer chicks" survey...good idea!

what type of racing? and what level if applicable
I race on the road (crits & road races) and am currently a Category 4 rider. I think I have a few upgrade points, but not enough to move up to the 3's -- not really interested in that anyhow, for the moment. I'm pretty much just out to have fun at this point.

why do you race?
For the camaraderie, for meeting new friends, for testing my willpower, for the adrenaline boost, for the fitness, for the self-empowerment, for the speed, not-so-much-the spills, & thrills......er, tell me when to stop....

when did you start?
Which life phase? In the first life phase (before boyfriend/fiance/husband & before kids), I started riding at 16yrs and racing at 17yrs. A couple guys from the local racing club rode past while I was out riding, slowed to talk, then invited me to join the club and perhaps race. I ran track before cycling, so I was already in decent shape. My first racing experiences were very novice-like, but with each I gained experience, if not placings. I actually didn't race that much, as I didn't have my own way to the races and my mom couldn't really afford to front the entry fees very often.

Segway between phases....met my eventual husband...dropped cycling altogether to do what I thought I had to in a committed relationship -- dedicate myself to making him (and us) happy. Started taking night classes to get a career going, had three kids...but there was something missing....hmmm...three guesses as to what that was. Three years ago (12 years later), drove up into my garage, looked at my dusty bike and decided to ride again, just like that. Got in shape on my own, showed up to a group ride, and was welcomed by the old-timers from yesteryear with open arms and lots of encouragement. When one of them noted I was getting stronger and that I should race the next season, well --- that was it. I had a new goal.

Segway to current phase....started racing again last year (2006) with way better results than I had as a kid, which is pretty cool. By the end of the season, I had raced enough to be ranked #25 in Cat 4 Womens Criterium category in California in my first year back. That was kinda cool. This year, I've raced only twice, as I hurt my L5 disc & vertebre in early January on a mountain bike ride, and I have to concentrate on my recovery if I want to salvage a season.

How supported do you feel in this journey? Do you have a group you train with, or just your SO, or...
I feel pretty supported by two groups -- my family, especially my husband who holds the fort down when I'm out training & racing (couldn't do it without him); and the cycling gang -- they are very encouraging. There is a special degree of camaraderie and respect I get from them and riding/racing with them is a total blast. Also, this season, I joined the same team with my racing/training partner Charlotte Hart (who's been tearing up the crits in the 3's) -- she's VERY encouraging and is constantly my best cheerleader.

Name ONE thing that would make your journey better
A win! Came close last year with a 7th place mid-season in a competitive race, so I'm hoping my back is all better by the same time this year. I'm definitely stronger than last season this early, so we'll see. More time to train would be cool, but have to think of my family first. After all, this is all for fun and personal enrichment.

Sorry for the long answers!
Happy racing y'all & good luck this year....
~BikeMomma

[han-grrl]

I love reading all your stories!

Thanks for responding...

[rocknrollgirl]

What type of racing:

I race mt bikes, off road triathlons, duathlons, and this year XTerra

[B]Why do I race, and when did I start:

I raced triathlons a million years ago in college as a way to focus some negative energy and make it positive.

I came back to racing on a whim about 5 years ago, and then put it aside again to pursue rock climbing.

I came back to it again two years ago once again to help me focus on something positive. I was sort of lost and grieving hard. I had suffered three losses in a short time and needed something to focus on.

I like to push myself. I need a goal to focus on. I love having something to train for.

How supported do I feel:

My husband is my training partner/coach. We race together. He is incredibly supportive, as is most of his family and my family. We mt bike with a group of guys that race mt bikes with us. They are great. When my husband can't ride with me, they take over "training the girl"

My coworkers do not get it. Most of my non-riding friends are the same way. I think they are waiting for me to come to my senses.

What would make my journey better:



I guess I would like to keep my guys and add in a few girls that like to train hard and are really supportive of each other.

The second thing would be living closer to the trails. I waste precious training time driving to mt bike. It makes it tough.

Other than that life is good.

[han-grrl]

Hey Ladies

How interesting, many of you started racing because hubby rides or races. And family seems to be the largest support system.

Can I ask about your training? How do you come up with a plan or do you just ride? do you have a coach?

Since my job is fitness training, I now spend significan time developing my training plan because I am learning in the process. I have had a coach in the past, and I did learn a lot, but some of it in how NOT to train as well as how to improve. I find that many coaches are "missing the mark" when it comes to training sport and entry level racers.

[rocknrollgirl]

I got some input from a friend that is an experienced triathlete. I have also read all the books. So far my program is working.

As far as mt bike racing, the first season I just flew by the seat of my pants, learned stuff the hard way.

My biggest problem in the past was embracing rest and recovery days. Go figure.

[RoadRaven]

Hey Ladies
How interesting, many of you started racing because hubby rides or races. And family seems to be the largest support system.

I was going to write something quite similar, Han... family is def my largest support system... my partner being the most effective and motivational for me (ie, the one who kicks my but when needed, or who allows me time to lick my wounds and then chases me back on the bike.

Can I ask about your training? How do you come up with a plan or do you just ride? do you have a coach?

My training is based on the discussions we have at home. We talk bikes, dissect races, analyse racing form in riders we know, share anything we hear or read in terms of rider performance or training plans.

Most of my partner and my training has come from books like Friel's training bible and cycling past 50, and Bernhardt's female cyclist. My partner rides in the elite grade in our club so he is able to talk to cyclists who race in the Olympics, as well as in pro-teams in Europe.

We all coach each other. We were considering getting a coach for my eldest son as he had big aspirations and we didn't want to spoil the relationship between him and his dad - but he started tertiary study this year and is taking a semi-break from the intense riding he was doing - he is not quite 19, so now is a good time for a break if he is ready. He hasn't reached his full potential yet and I would hate for us to push him and him get sick of it all together.

I have considered a coach a few times this year. A guy has moved to this area and he has taken under his wing a few of the women of similar age to me from the club. Their racing has REALLY improved...

So yes, I have a plan - it incorporates various training rides (intervals, hill reps, endurance, ATTs) as well as rest days. I do no cross training except trying to remember to do tummy crunches. I do not have anymore TTs for a while, so will be focusing on hill reps and refining skills such as cornering at speed. And I make this plan myself and run it by partner and get his input and modify if I agree... thats it thus far.