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