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RoadCycling's ride around the lake |
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Nerves on the start line ©RoadCycling.co.nz
Two weeks of pilates and using a new massage tool called "The Stick" has helped relieve the pain so I hoped my knee would hang together over the ride. It seemed like a few hours in the saddle wearing the new $150 / set RoadCycling.co.nz gear would be good for marketing.
The weather forecast was for rain which did eventually show up but only in the form of a light drizzle at the south end of the lake. Not enough to put a dampener on what was, and always will be, one of the nicest rides on the planet.
After watching the start of the Avanti Classic (the pros race), and after some small laps up and down the streets to warm up, I lined up with my allotted starting group.
As everyone stood waiting for the gun to fire there was a large amount of nervous chatter. It was the usual chat to the person next to you; talk about the weather and comment on the crazy people riding on a unicycle or Raleigh 20.
It's fair to say there were quite of lot of these interesting bikes. I was even told by the starter next to me that Wellington is holding the unicycle world championships in January. I guess that must be why there seemed so many out today.
As the first start groups were let go, it was soon our turn. The barriers were removed and we rolled up to the start/finish line. After a small race briefing it was showtime and away we went.
Something I have always thought wasn't fair is that the Taupo Challenge starts, and within 300 metres you are into your first climb. Sure it's not a big one but enough to remind you that today is going to be a long day, and there is going to be some hurt.
Luckily the group I was with took it gingerly up the first climb, obviously knowing that if I redlined too early it might mean I don't make it to the finish. Once we turned of SH1, the group settled into a nice 40km/hr pace (gulp) and the race was on.
Not too far into the first leg, and we came across a large group of supporters on the side of the road all wearing Contact Energy gear. There were lots of children too, all clapping and cheering as the riders went past. I must say I enjoyed it and it reminded me of what it's like at the PowerNet Tour of Southland, where all the schools come out to watch the race go by.
Friday afternoon stretch the legs ride with other Wgton cyclists ©RoadCycling.co.nz
It didn't take much longer after that to realise the lack of training was definitely going to be a factor for the day. At approximately 25km into the race I would say I experienced what is commonly known as a bad patch. The heart rate was up, the legs were hurting, and the group was going far too fast compared to what my body was willing to do.
Once I had managed to have a chat to the guy inside my head, and remind him that pulling out after 25km was not an option, things seemed to settle down.
A shot of Leppin and a drink of SIS took my mind off the hurt. It wasn't long until the rhythm was back and the heart rate dropped a little, and I was feeling like I might actually be able to make it.
As the pelotons grew once the various start groups caught and merged with the one behind (or in front) we were in what would have to have been 300-400 people bunches.
This is a nice size, you never have to do any work on the front, but there were numerous times where bottles were dropped, chains were dropped or someone decided to stop from the middle of a six person wide group for a toilet break.
While I didn't actually see any accidents, there were a handful of times where people were sitting on the side of the road having just had a spill.
As we were riding in a large peloton I was expecting the pace to pick up as riders started to focus on their target times, but the peloton I was in seemed to settle back into a fairly gentle pace after 60 odd kilometres. After some crafty manoeuvring I moved up a bit further where I discovered what was going on – rubber necking.
Jon Bridges, who was riding his bike with microphone in hand, was interviewing riders with the television camera riding alongside on a motorbike. It seems that everyone slowed down to try and get on camera. Not to be left out I tried to do the same thing and I even started talking to Jon, but he didn't seem interested in me either.
Once I spotted Trevor Mallard next to him, I realised why. I guess the story of RoadCycling.co.nz might not be as interesting as talking to a Government Minister.
By now we were almost at Kuratau, the body was starting to falter and the legs were basically empty. After some slow climbing it was great to get to the top and see all the supporters with new water bottles at the ready. It's awesome that everyone cheers for every rider, and supporters go to the effort to make signs up for their family and friends. It's great for motivation and it boosts the spirits for the remaining 80km.
Crossing the line! ©RoadCycling.co.nz
Hatepe came oh too soon, and that was the end of riding with the group. Off the back and passed by lots of people is what happened to me on this 2.3km climb. The lack of hill training was definitely starting to show its ugly head.
Now that I was riding alone, or with one or two others at a time, the ride home was more relaxed and I tried to tell myself this is enjoyable and why I like cycling. I quickly passed Airport Hill, then the start area for the Heart Riders, and soon after the announcers were calling my name over the loudspeaker.
I crossed the line in my usual fashion, head down, no smile, much to the displeasure of Sarah from RoadCycling.co.nz, who was at the finish line ready for that joyous photo opportunity.
All and all, a good ride. The knee held together. No punctures and no crashes. Very happy. Marketing meeting over. Time almost an hour over my best. 5h15mins, I should get paid overtime for that!
I was glad to be heading back to the Baycrest Lodge where my hot tub (and free wi-fi) awaited me. Now it's time for prize giving. That spot prize car has my name on it, I can tell.
Ben, co founder of RoadCycling.co.nz
Other articles on this great weekend of cycling
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Nov 28th, 09. Over 11,000 people lined up for the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge this morning. Ben from RoadCycling.co.nz shares his ride over the 160km course.