They are no different from you, they have two arms and two legs and are just trying to do the same thing as you (M. Hall)

47th Annual Chevron Manhattan Beach Grand Prix (presented by Rock Racing), CA, USA Sunday, 30th July, 2008.

With 67 pre-registrations, and more lining up I could only guess that we had about 80 starters. It was a hotdog course (described by the organizers as a ‘bent paperclip’-only if you have a vivid imagination) with two hills, one shorter steeper one into Turn 1 and a longer uphill into the wind before Turn 2. There was 2 right hand 180 degree turns. We had 5 Bicycle John’s Team riders including Skye-Lee. Today we were wearing radios (see picture above), not that you wanted to take your hands off the bars to use them, it was rough from the road and the riders.

As it was a NRC race with big time pro racers and teams, I was a little nervous, it was great to have a hit out yesterday. But I went in there with clear direction, and a "nothing to lose" attitude, it really seemed to work for me. It was a really fun race, there were heaps of attempts to get away from the teams, but none successful. Stuff going on everywhere, half the effort was concentrating for 50 minutes solid. Because of the technical course, no one was really able to hold a position and everyone was constantly fighting to keep it.

There was a great purse of $7500 paid to 20th place for Cat1/2 women, my aim was to get prize money, so top 20 and I would be happy. In the last few laps the pace really was on, everyone knew that if you weren’t in the top 5 coming through the final corner you weren’t going to win. I moved up well on the final two laps, up the hill particularly and was happy with my position in about 6-8th wheel (behind a Cheerwine train of four, with Laura Van Guilder one in front of me) with ½ lap to go. There was a flyer up the inside and both girls in front of me hesitated or had nothing to go with it. Skye-lee was also around me at the time, I moved out and jumped on, now about 15-20th with a ¼ lap to go.

This was not good, I had to move…fast. So I got up and had a sprint coming into the final corner, there were people cutting in and chopping on the corner (worse that every other corner), then kicked hard out of the corner and just held on for as long as I could. I finished 14th, Skye-Lee 25th, Sandra Kolb 29th, and Anna and Charlyne thereafter (team photo-minus Skyee-Lee is below). Full results and details can be found on the event website. I took a photo of the results list (pictured here) as it said my team was Fleet Cycles, -you can double clink on it to make it bigger- it has since been changed to BJs. I had to be happy, my first NRC event, in a big field and I was winning decent prize money. So I was pleased, but I still want to win. I want to be on one of those big pro team trains I saw today, I want to be a part of that.

It was great to see Pete Dawson (Rock Racing) race, his team finished first and third in the Cat 1 Men. For a moment, talking with him I felt like I was home again. His team must have an enormous budget, the video show the cars/trucks etc. There was a great atmosphere with food stalls, promotional tents, music etc I was really impressed.

I have changed my flights and am now staying in LA (NoHo- North Hollywood) until Friday 4th July as the air quality is better, and I feel safer away from the bushfires. I am then racing 3 days straight, regional racing in Northern CA with Lindsay and Dewars Racing Team.

Sandra and Bicycle John's Elite Team has been fantastic, I have learnt so, so much and have been very well looked after. What an incredible journey I am on.

Thanks for reading.

If you arn’t going all the way, why go at all? Joe Namath

I have settled into "base camp" at Lindsay Myers’ house (pictured here) in Paradise, close to Chico, CA. We have been out and done a few easy rides and some rollers, my legs are getting there. The Health Warning for the Northern California bush fires has been upgraded to Stage 2- basically stay inside the house, and obviously this is not ideal for us and our training, not to mention the concerns about my safety from home. We have discussed the merits of wearing a facemask whilst on a training ride and I tried asking a man about the mask he was riding in the other day, but he couldn’t understand "Australian" so Lindsay had to speak with him.

We have used this time to plan our races and options to get out of town (and the region) to get away from the smoke. Change of plan for this weekend and I am now flying to LA (instead of driving) for the NRC Manhattan Beach Criterium and a regional race; Green Trolley. I will be picked up from the airport and staying with Sandra Kolb (the DS of Bicycle John’s regional elite womens’ team). Skye-Lee Armstrong (NSW-Australia) is racing with this team too.

Green Trolley criterium (regional race) in San Diego, CA, USA (50 mins).
Sandra and I raced today (Saturday) and my goal was to win primes and help out Sandra where I could, she wanted a good overall placing for regional points (their road rider of the year). Cash primes were offered for the first four laps, then some prize primes throughout the race. The course was a square (all right hand turns) with an uphill section to the finish that reminded me of the Perth Criterium Series #3- Vic Park.

I honestly had no idea how I would go against the other girls, but felt okay and looking forward to learning, learning I did. I won the first two lap primes, then on the third lap/prime a group of three got away. Of the break, two of the riders were unattached and one was a Cat2. Shortly thereafter there was an attack and three of us got away. I wasn’t sure whether I should work with them or bring them back to the main group (as we wanted Sandra to place) so I decided not to work as it was very early in the 50 min race.

There were some good Cat 1 riders (and regional teams represented: Helens, DeWalt, SDBC) with only one team rider in the break, I thought that we would get plenty of opportunities to bring them back. In hindsight, Sandra was happy for me to go and wished that we had of worn the radios so she could tell me to. The teams did not seen to want to work to bring back the break, as Sandra is normally a dommestic rider (and a great time trialist) they seemed to be all looking at her to work to bring back the break. The couple of times I got on the front to help her out after my primes, they attacked. There was some bunch primes and I won another two.

Another attack went and Sandra was in front of me, she went and I saw it but didn’t react, keeping the rest of our bunch back (minus the other three riders in front of her). So there was a lead group of three, and then Sandra’s chase group of four, then the bunch. The lead group lapped the field and caught the bunch, and stayed in the bunch. I got on the front and slowed down the bunch (so that that Sandra’s chase group would also bridge to the bunch and I could lead her out for the finish). I copped a spray from a rider saying that I shouldn’t provide wind resistance to the lead riders (I am not sure they knew what I was trying to achieve).


It was clear that the front riders were content with staying in the bunch, I am not sure if they knew there was a chase group. So I changed tact as it was coming to the final few laps of the race and decided to drop off the bunch back to Sandra’s chase group to help them bridge the gap to the bunch and the front riders. I didn’t realize that you can’t do this according to the rules, so when I went past the start/finish the commasaire called my name to get off the front of the chase group. I did and rolled into the official stand the next lap. He told me what I did was against the rules, but because I came off straight away it was okay and I had some primes to claim that I should finish the race (with 2 laps to go) even though I was a lap and a ½ down on the bunch now.

The bunch slowed down and I got back on (now 1 lap down on the main field and 2 laps down on the leaders). We had a sprint for the finish (but because I was laps down I was not sure if I needed to complete these laps- just for the record you don’t) and came second in the sprint across the line. Sandra won her chase group sprint to take forth overall and wasn’t far behind the lead group in the end.

So all in all, I learnt heaps (that was the aim), we should have used radios, I cornered well and I won 4 primes (I would have been happy with one actually). I won some cash, $30 worth of Fluid powder (like Powerade) in a tub and some carbon brake pads. Luke will be happy, he loves it when I win prizes. Big NRC race tomorrow (Sunday), I will be racing for BJs in a team of 5, including Skye-Lee. There is 67 Cat1/2 women pre-registered (plus day- registrations) and I have to get up early (like 4:45am) to travel to the race.
So goodnight.

Footnote: Cat 1 = USA "A" grade/pro riders, Cat 2 = USA "B" grade riders etc.. down to Cat 4 for the women.

I am where I am because I believe in all possibilities (Whoopi Goldberg)

Hello USA…
As I arrive at San Francisco airport (California) I try to pick Lindsay Myers (Dewars Racing Team) from the line-up of eagerly waiting friends/family at the international arrival gate. In the end it is the lycra tan-lines that are a give-away and she is not one of the ones waving an American flag. We had a 4 hour drive to her house in Paradise (yes folks, that is what the city is called) with plenty of stops along the way.

It is summer weather, about 30 degrees, a little humid and there has been some very big bushfires in the area, the air is thick with smoke and haze. It is pretty hilly so I am looking forward to the training (in a crazy sort of way). Immediately, I set up my bike in record speed, SO KEEN TO GET ON IT. I am not feeling so special at this stage, very sleepy, but nontheless my legs were going to start circling themselves if I didn’t ride soon.

Lindsay (pictured here) and I rolled for about 1.5hours before meeting up with a small group of guys for another couple of hours for some E1/2 training. I now understand why the boys at home are so worried about me riding alone…1) I had seriously no idea where I was 2) I really had some issues with working out which side of the road to be on. I kept thinking I was turning in front of on-coming traffic. Everyone is very nice, friendly and welcoming, I am so keen to find my legs and race on the weekend.

Lindsay pointed out the gym on the way home from the ride, Andrew has sent through a basic strength program for me if I can fit it in. So it is pretty much business as usual, I have some pretty specific goals for this training/racing block, it will hurt, but I can’t wait to (hopefully) yield the benefits in the Australian summer season.

I have just finished reading a Bicycling article on the DS (Director Sportif- person in charge of a team) of Dewars Racing, Laura Charameda. She is one of America's most successful pros ever and I am in awe of her ability and knowledge, she is a road/crit sprinter. She has just emailed me about my kit for the local races and Cascade.

My stopover in Tokyo was interesting, having studied Japanese at High School, I had some understanding of the culture and enough of the language to communicate. I was still pretty shocked to find a Japanese toilet, but after working out what all the buttons mean… I think they are onto something, I wonder if you can get them in Australia…

I have just update myself with my emails and the Sunday Hills ride blog - there is a nice photo of Bec and I. See, I am not that far away really.

Don’t forget to breathe (M. Thomas)

Somewhere between Perth and Tokyo, I am reflecting on the week that has been and smile. I’ve almost made it to the USA. I still can’t think of anything I have forgotten which is surprising as I have not packed much. I have packed so little in fact that I was under my baggage weight (with two bikes) so have not had to pay any excess thus far.

We had another good turnout to the women’s track night on Friday, was great to see the ladies enjoying themselves. The “Handsome Ladies” went out to do some cornering practice on Saturday after the morning group ride. Unfortunately for me, the corners were left hand turns (after all we were still in Australia). The conclusion for the day was that very strange people hang out in car parks in South Perth…although the four of us were riding around and around in circles, so maybe we were the strange ones.

Andrew and I have invested a great deal of time getting my position on my new Specialized road bike as close to the set-up of my old bike as possible. This has involved spirit-levels, plumb bulbs and lots of measuring. I didn’t realize how much of a difference a few mms actually made. I have also received my fancy new red helmet (to match my go-fast bike), the shoes that I have always wanted (I almost slept in them) and glasses with light-adjustable lens. Red is fast becoming my new black.

To get an idea of where I am for the next few weeks click on the View Larger Map' Paradise/Chico/Reno/Manhattan Beach Map. I will be based in Paradise, (CA) with some days in Reno doing some altitude training. I will ride my ‘aeroplane’ legs in for the first 4 days and see how we go from there. My first race is part of the NRC Series (American National Road Calendar) at Manhattan Beach, CA (marked with the point on the map) and I have a guest ride with a pro team, Bicycle Johns. This is not New York-Manhattan (I had a slight panic thinking we were driving all the way across America earlier in the week, so it is funny now). It is a Pro1/2 womens’ criterium paying to 20th place with a purse of $7500. The race is sponsored by Rock Racing (Peter Dawson’s team) and I am impressed that 20th gets money.

The current plan for the following week is 3 straight days of local racing with Dewars Racing Team, this includes the Nevada/Northern California state criterium championships. Followed by 2 days of recovery, then Cascade Classic. This is a long NRC stage race, with some hilly sections and I am looking forward to the experience.

I have been instructed by both Luke and Andrew to not go riding on my own 1) I will get lost 2) I will likely turn in front of some traffic.
The phase-shift in my circadian rhythm begins, as I stretch my legs out over the three seats that I claimed with lightening speed as soon as the seat-belt sign went off…who says I am not a sprinter?

Goodnight xx

Life is change, growth is optional, choose wisely (Karen Clark)

It is official, I am flying to the USA on Tuesday 24th June to race for 8 weeks, I have a mixed, jam-packed schedule with some team affiliations and people looking after me. A special thank you to the following people who have really helped to make this happen and create opportunities for me, at the last minute mind you: Janelle Graham, Lindsay Myers, Laura Charameda, Michelle Beltran, Rochelle Gilmore, Leonie Burford, Darryl Benson, Marty Nothstein and Andrew Ivey. Of course, my husband & family for letting me go and NAM&S for sponsoring my flights.

The reality is setting in as my flights are booked, my international licence has arrived and I am now telling people I am leaving in under a week. This is a massive opportunity that I have created for myself (very early in my career, I am aware) and I am very much looking forward to the experience and the very many lessons I know I will learn. I will be professional in my approach and as always, represent WA/Fleet Cycles/Avanti-Specialized to the best of my ability.
I’m not at all freaking out about spending the next two months (or so) on the other side of the world, with people I hardly know, to ride my guts out every day that I can. No, not at all. I will keep you updated with regular blog posts and you can follow me around the US. But don’t be expecting wins, I am going to be racing at an international level for some of the NRC races against seriously hot bike racers, just finishing these races will be (as good as) winning for where I am at. I am also going to get a crash course in right hand turns for criteriums (they ride on the opposite side of the road- yikes, I’m not even very good at left hand ones yet). I am also stopping in Toyko and hoping to see some of this crazy kerien racing Benny K once told me stories about...

I am already starting to work out what I am going to miss out on; starting with the HUGE track event that is planned for June 29th in conjunction with Cyclosportif. There is the cyclist reunion event in the middle of the track with food and drinks included, apparently the first time this has been offered. I have been told that the social aspect to watching track racing is huge overseas (I will let you know soon) and I can’t see why we can’t create something awesome here in Perth with everyone’s support. Cycling WA website has all the details, apparently some of the AIS boys will be racing, some NZ National guys, Trav Meyer and Graeme Brown- why wouldn’t you go? My husband is doing the sound, so half of me will be there.

At this event, our Plan B WA Racing Team will be announced and launched. This is the first of its kind for WA after some seriously hard work by Darryl Benson, Chris Thompson and the Team Management. I will be disappointed to not be at the official launch but honored to be in the women’s team.

So much to do, so little time.

Try? There is no try, there is only do or not to do.

WA State Time Trial Championships SRS#8- 25kms; Dardanup, WA

With the top three podium places in last year’s race divided by only 5 seconds, and as defending state title holder I was fired up to ride well. The wind was up (the kind that seems to be coming from all angles) but the sun was shining. It was an undulating, out-and-back course and I was the last of the women off with a start time of 14:15, with 1 minute intervals between riders.
My aim was simple: win.

The starts were uneventful, Cherie (Symmetry CC) was granted a technical restart and was now starting 1 min behind me. The first half of the race was the worst, the overall gradient was uphill, there was a few hills that I overgeared slightly on (it is hard to change your gear if you are out of the saddle on a TT bike) and I picked the wrong one at the base of the hills. I tried to keep Lorraine (ATTA) in sight, but it was hard, she was really moving (and I was hurting). We turned the u-turn, it was confusing how to maneuver through the cones and I slowed considerably.

I had seen all the women come back from the turn; Danielle Longworth was riding on a flat tire, there were Claire (WAIS), Linda (SWCC) and Kelly (KD cycles) not separated by much, so I worked out Claire must be riding a fairly fast time. Sarah (EH Bike Services) came past, then Lorraine; at the time I estimated that Lorraine was 30secs behind Sarah and Lorraine was still 1 minute in front of me. I was on the final leg, and got (what I call) my second kick, the fun bit. I was starting to feel good and could finally see Sarah and Lorraine. We came to the finish and Lorraine was just in front of me, I tried so hard to catch her, but finished some 5 seconds behind.

As all good time trials should, it hurt, every single bit of it. I am trying to average 40km/hr over our standard distance (25kms), I can do it with 16km TTs, so am working on it over the longer distances, but with the hills and wind on our course in this race, I was happy enough with 39km/hr. I was just so happy to win.

Final results (top 5):
1. Davina Summers 0:38:28 (57sec faster than last year)
2. Lorraine Schutz 0:39:23 (7sec faster than last year)
3. Claire McLean 0:40:06 (DNS last year)
4. Sarah Fraser 0:40:50 (22sec faster than last year)
5. Linda Evans 0:41:14 (48sec faster than last year)

Tracey Ober took out the Masters title over Sue Munro. The junior racing had a good turnout, with Melissa Hoskins (JETS) taking out the U/19 girls in a great win over Sarah Kent (Drapac/WAIS). U/17s girls: Michaela Anderson 1st, Bella King (JETS) 2nd. Full results can be found on the ATTA website.

Pleasingly, I am now leading the SRS points table (unofficially) with 2 races to go in the season. I may not be in Perth for either of the races, so sadly this may be as close as I get to winning it for 2008.

Thanks to ATTA (Peter Meyer) & SWCC for organising a well run event. A special thank you to Mr Bobby Barnes (9th place Masters Men), for letting me use his rear disc wheel, and my coach; Andrew Ivey(pictured here with me) for driving me down to the race.

A wise man will make more opportunites than he finds (Frances Bacon)

A week of organising and resting (I love organising and I am not so good at resting), and lots of NAM&S work.

My new road bike (pictured) has arrived and it is AWESOME! Sadly, I have not ridden on it much, due to the weather, resting and completing TT efforts on TT bike for Saturday's State TT Champs. It is much lighter than my Tarmac, it has Durace (as opposed to Ultegra) and I am looking forward to giving it a good run next week. I will test out the Rovel Fusee SL wheels and determine whether a red bike, in fact, does go faster. A massive thank you to Fleet Cycles and Specialized for arranging this for me.

The final (adjusted) results from Menzies have been published. I have been awarded 3rd overall. I had heard somewhere along the grapevine that the guy who ran second was on a day licence. The girls' protest for the Female prizes was upheld, great that it all has been sorted.

My thoughts are with all the male riders involved in the big crash at the 100km champs last weekend. Hope all of your bruises, scrapes and broken bones get better soon.

The training focus for the week has been on TTs, even at NDCC training on Weds night we were all doing TT efforts (good efforts by Allee Proud and Rebecca Mumme BTW). As the defending champion for all 4 state road events from 2007; I am hoping I can actually defend this one. Second is good, but I like to win and are not afraid to say it. With the 'race of truth' there is no wheel for me to sit on, me and my (still) fuzzy head will have hurt all on our own for 25kms.

According to Cycling WA there is 10 Open Women confirmed to start; DS, Lorraine Schultz (World Masters TT Champ), Claire McLean (Australian LC1 AWD athlete), Sarah-Jeanne Fraser, Linda Evans, Kelly Grey, Danielle Longworth, Cherie Bonasera, Tracey Ober and Anna Kauffmann. Lorraine and Claire have excelled in TT events past, everyone else seems to be in good form, should be a great race. Melissa and Sarah Kent will fight out for the U/19 title over less distance.

As far as the SRS WA Women's Points Table is going, I (unofficially) have Sarah-Jeanne in the lead on 370 points, with Holly McClellan and I joined second, Linda Evan 4th and Melissa Hoskins 5th. Sarah may just take out the award again this year, I must say, very impressive if she can.

Thanks to those who comment on my posts, I am hoping to see more.

You are the handicap you must face- James Allen

State 100km (85km) Championships, SRS#7; 10 x 8.5km laps, Wandi, Perth WA.

Av speed 35km/hr
Max speed 56km/hr
Av HR 161bpm
Max HR 188bpm

We had a good turnout (for WA women’s racing) for our 2nd State race and 7th race of the state series, with 15 women at the start line. It was great to see riders like Kelly Harry (Glen Parker Cycles) and Jo Bennett (Kalamunda Cycles) who haven’t raced (cycling) for a while. Also, some of the regular, new faces like Kelly Grey (KD Cycles) and Anna Kauffmann. Despite resting, I still hadn’t been able to shake the headcold I’ve had for the last 3 weeks, so I was just going to see how warm-up and the first lap went. I figured I would work it out pretty soon, the course was flat but breathing was still not-optional. I thought I would set the scene early by attacking within the first few 100m of the race (unsure of how long I would last, at least I could contribute whilst I was there). This was counter-attacked by Melissa Hoskins (JETS). In comparison to what usually happens in our races, there were quite a few attacks, and a couple, but not nearly enough, counter-attacks. Without these counter and third attacks it would be pretty difficult to get away on such a flat course.

So not surprisingly, it came down to a bunch kick. I was thinking, surely someone didn’t want it to be a sprint finish. I was waiting for the early moves, and then they didn’t come…until the last km when Rebecca Armstrong (Cyclemania) came up the inside…fast. We all sort of looked at each other, someone had to chase but no one went immediately (Rebecca’s lead was growing). Jo Bennett got on the front and chased her down (a mighty effort after being on the front for a great deal of the day), Sarah-Jeanne kicked up the inside, with Melissa on her wheel and Cherie Bonasera (Symmetry CC)(pictured above) followed by the bunch. After getting out of my (poor) position through the corner, I started my sprint wheel-less and into the wind, not ideal, I am aware. I could see that Melissa had passed Sarah and was in the lead with only about 100m to go. I gave it all that I could to try and get there, but the line came too quick for me.
A great win to Melissa (pictured- special thanks to Pete (her Dad) for the photo), I was second, and Cherie third. I will need to check but I think it was Melissa’s first road race win (with the Open Women) and Cherie’s first podium finish. We all seemed pretty happy with the day.

Now, I need to rest for the final state race next weekend: State TT Champs.

Opinions are made to be changed - or how is truth to be got at? (Lord Byron)

Interesting week this week, with some great track racing last night at the WA Speed dome. I was scheduled for more recovery so took the rollers down and watched the racing for a couple of hours whilst rolling. The rider participation numbers were good and I was itching to be out there. A grade had an ominium series, some great racing from Jordon VdT, Luke Durbridge and Duane Johanson which was very entertaining. B grade had Bella King giving her best in a big field, very impressive. C grade was a mix of new adults (like Bec Halliday, Anna Kauffmann (pictured below), Stephanie, and Dannika-returning from injury), some Masters (Bobby Barnes etc) and juniors (mostly NDCC; Kate Rendell, Allee Proud etc). Bec H was impressive (pictured above) and may have just earned herself a promotion to B grade. Next track racing is 29th June in conjunction with Cyclosportif, see WA Cycling website for more info.

There has been a little bit of discussion over the women’s prizes for the Menzies last weekend. As I understand, a formal complaint has been submitted and the results are being re-assessed. I have chosen not to support the formal complaint as I am happy with my 4th (overall) placing and prize money. As I read the rulings, I am not entitled to ‘women’s prizes’ as my outright placing is of greater monetary value than the first women (and you should be only able to receive one prize, of the highest value). As in my previous post, I had a top weekend.

We have our state WA 100km title on this weekend, the second of the road state titles up for grabs and the SRS #7 race for the year. It seems there will be a quality field of women with; myself, Anna K, Melissa Hoskins, Kelly Gray, Kelly Harry, Sue Johnston, Sarah-J F, Nadine, Jo Bennett, Cherie B, Danielle, Rebecca Armstrong and Nathalie L. I have been informed by Russell Miller (race organizer) that if we have 10 starters on the day there will be a separate women’s race. It will be my last race with my current Specialized bike; Specialized and Fleet have arranged me a new road bike that will be getting built on Monday. I am very excited, photos to follow soon. Apparently it has red in it…red goes fast doesn’t it?

The main event for the week was my birthday. This was a great opportunity to be reminded by my friends that life is not ‘all about the lycra’ as they put it. I had a great day starting with breakfast with my four best mates (pictured here). They have watched and been very supportive of my transition into being a cyclist over the last two years; thanks guys, you are the best. My day finished with a romantic dinner out with my husband to our favourite restaurant. What more could a girl ask for?

Living the dream

Menzies-Kalgoorlie Australia’s Richest Handicap Race, May 31st and June 1st.
We missed all of the rain in Perth this weekend, and had a FAB weekend away in Kalgoorlie (6 hours drive east of Perth) for what is fast becoming my favourite race of the WACF calendar. The smooth running of the race(s) and events were a credit to the Eastern Goldfields Cycle Club and I encourage all WA (or Australian) riders to support the well-paying event next year. Saturday was the criterium racing and Sunday was the handicap road race.

Saturday 31st May, 2008 C grade Criterium: technical, hotdog circuit with slight uphill and round-about in the middle
Distance 25mins plus two laps,
Av speed 33.4km/hr
Max speed 49.2km/hr
Av HR 181bpm
Max HR 189bpm
Start # about 15 men, 2 women

I had a little cheer squad on the sidelines, the screams of "Go Davina" made my day each time I rode past, thank you very much for your support. I rode conservatively initially, the pace was on but no one was getting away, I just tried to settle in. There was good jostling for position, quite a few good attacks, and only one corner incident (affecting two riders). The round-about in the middle made it interesting when the group bunched, appropriately positioned hay-bails ready to soften any impact, thankfully were not required. In hindsight, I started my run for home a little early perhaps and may have done a bit too much to bring back attacks later in the race. Murray Hall rode a great race with good positioning, I was watching and learning. Out of the final corner, there was a clear leader and the bunch sprint was on for 2nd, I finished about 9th and was happy with my race.

The only other race I saw was the A grade criterium, an awesome effort by Luke Durbridge (Ward Cycles/WAIS) to win by lapping the field. I was impressed, and taking more mental notes.

Sunday 1st June, 2008
Menzies to Kalgoorlie Australia’s Richest Handicap Race
Distance 132kms
Av speed 42.5km/hr
Max speed 56.2km/hr
Av HR 159bpm
Max HR 187bpm
Start # 120 (inc E grade)

I was so very excited about this race and you could not wipe the smile off my face. C grade was smaller than last year (20 riders), with a big D grade (27 riders), B grade also looked strong (20 riders) with some of these riders knocking on the door of A grade (11 riders). E grade went off at 10am. E grade it is largely considered a participation grade with riders not being able to claim prize money- we will come back to this. D grade started with some haste a short time later and I remember thinking, I hope they don’t keep this pace up, there are some good female riders in D grade that we were going to need to catch for the first female prizes.

C grade lined up to start and lead by Murray Hall we agreed to work together right from the start. We had an awesome group that worked well rolling through, we were romping along and I looked down at my speedo and saw 52km/hr, I smiled, I love this. There was encouragement and organisation, in particular by a tall rider in orange Orbea kit to whom I would like to thank. (I will look at the video and try and get a name, my apologies). We caught D grade (with B/A nowhere in sight from behind) and did what we could to avoid them getting on, but they were on the ball and straight onto the back.

Unfortunately, this where our perfectly rolling through group finished, and the big bunch “cat and mouse” game began for the final sprint, with about 25kms still to go. I was worried that A/B would catch us as our pace had dropped dramatically. Murray Hall did about 3 attacks to stretch it out, with no one countering (I thought about it, need to go, not think). Paul Lamond did a stint on the front for a couple of kms and then the final attacks and fun really began.

I was towards the front of the bunch for the right turn into Hannan’s street but I was getting engulfed by the bunch and told myself to be patient, make it through the round-about and corner. We had a hairpin turn and a final 200m sprint to the line. The video (starts out of the turn) and says it all. Paul Lamond taking the win (awesome effort after a tough day), I had a good go for third with a great throw on the line, but Terry Andrews getting there by about a tire width, I started my second kick just a bit too late. I finished 4th, 2 places higher than last year. Last year, I was told that I was the highest placing female in the race’s history, so I guess I still am (assuming it was true). I was wrapped!

Results (unofficial): 1. Paul Lamond 2. Laszlo Sebestyen 3. Terry Andrews 4. Davina Summers 5. Sarah-Jeanne Fraser 6. David Berglund

There was a little bit of confusion with the female prizes at the presentation dinner, with the first female being awarded to the first female over the line (from E Grade), this is a new interpretation of the ruling that the women will be watching out for next year.

Best cycling wishes to you all