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My First Time Trial
by Sue Dancer
The Road Warrior is here and look out she
is getting better.
My first attempt at a ten was a bit of a
wash out with me busting my ankle before I got to the start line. So onto
the real first with the host club being Southborough and District Wheelers
23 March 2002. I was worried about how I would do and I almost pulled out.
Apart from cycling down to the club on Wednesdays and going to the shops I
had not really done any serious cycling. So some serious mind games were
going on here. Encouragement came from my other half - aka Mark and from
others around me, especially when they found out it was first go at a 10.
I rode the course on my Ridgeback Comet hybrid so it just goes to show
that you do not need fancy road bikes to compete.
Warm up and onto the start line and out I
go. Course was rolling and I managed to maintain a steady pace throughout.
51.02 minutes later I returned to the finish line satisfied that I had
finished despite being blown off my bike by a truck. Getting back to HQ I
checked the times - all else were sub 30 minutes but finishing earned me
my club jersey. Plans for the second 10 were put off for some time but
when given the all clear I decided that some upgrades were needed with the
bike. New wheels and tyres were bought and I was back riding down to the
club on Wednesday.
June 25 - the second attempt. Addiscombe
Evening 10 and I was out with a change of mind set. Yes I was going to
finish but I was going to knock a few minutes off the previous time.
Miracles happen - first off the rank and while others passed me on the way
I was not worried. 43.51 later I was home and safe. Finished and tired but
very happy with my result. My message is this, you may not own a serious
road bike or be the fittest person around but for me it is all about
getting out and having a go. So you may not get the greatest times but
finishing is a great reward and you can only get better. The encouragement
from other ACC riders was great and kept me going so thanks ladies and
gentlemen.
P.S. 42.02 was my season's best - but watch
out next year I will be improving.
Agreeably
Sue
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