My morning started off still in bed at 8am wondering what time I had to be at the club house for the ride this morning. Lucky for me @CarolineSmith00 answered my tweet letting me know it was at 9am. I was like shit I better get out bed and get my skates on!
I was excited about going on my first club ride with Twickenham Cycling Club, I had recently become a member as I needed to improve on the bike, and all the riding I had done with them in the past 3 weeks was turbo sessions on a Tuesday night.
With all kit on, money in pocket, #Garmin geared up, tyres pumped I set off on my first leg of the ride to the club house. Got there and was greeted by other new riders to the club (James and Tim), it too was their first group ride. We chatted and greeted all the other people that started to show up. It looked like Saturday club rides seem to be quite popular, as there were a lot of cyclists, so many that there were various groups. I personally stuck to the beginner group. It had been a long time since I rode in a group, and I soon realised being a triathlete and cycling vs being a cyclist and cycling in a group of cyclists is EXTREMELY different!
Before setting off on the ride, we were given some insight to the ride......stick to the back of the wheel in front of you, we will be doing throw off and on (I think that is what its called) (this meant chain gang style of riding) it was a constant moving chain, and if there is a gap yell out to ease off. I was like cool I can do that. Off we went......about 10 of us I think initially were in the group. We hit the A316..........and this for me is where it started to fall apart. The traffic was a nightmare. I was not used to do group rides with so many cars zooming past, and I sure as hell was not used to constantly coming from the back, riding up the side and then taking the lead. The traffic and fear of holding other riders up started to break me mentally. I mean we hadn't even ridden 5kms at this stage and this was a 70km ride we were doing and I was already breaking. Not normal for me.
I carried on and I must say the Twickenham Cycling Cyclists are bloody marvellous, they were very encouraging saying things like 'don't worry we have all be there before' 'we are not leaving you behind' 'you can do it, Ive got you covered, stick to my wheel' 'trust me I wont do anything crazy, just keep pedalling'. What a patient bunch. I stuck at it until we got to a point where the group needed to be split. I stayed with a group of 4 riders.....Brian who led us, Rochelle and another lovely guy whose name I cannot spell. The four of us stuck together and Brian who has been with the club 7 - 8 years continued to encourage me until we got to Fairoaks Airport for the coffee stop. Big thanks to the 3 riders who rode with me.
Whilst I was cycling with these guys in my head not only did I have my mentor Chris McCormack's #MX12VIP words running through my head also encouraging me, I had self doubt of my ability and started to question my season that I've got planned ahead. My biggest race being Nove Colli from a cycling perspective. I mean check the profile of this race, its fucking hard!!!!
As soon as we got to the tea stop, I got some coke, I never drink coke but I needed a kick up the butt energy wise. Realising that I hadn't eaten anything before setting off was stupid and I really need to work on my nutrition before training, during and after. Also had a chat to Rochelle and explained my fears........hear I was thinking out of all the disciplines biking would have to be my strongest. She was very encouraging, stick with this Saturday ride it will build your confidence and it will make you strong. This club is great, don't give up. I started to regain my mental toughness, I know I can do this, I just need to train to be better, like anything. Put the work in and see the results!
On the way back towards home, another Twickenham Cyclist, Kay, took myself and a couple of other slow riders compared to the group on the way back. Again more work doing the chain gang....again where I seem to find difficulty but I kept doing it until I couldn't any longer. As soon as I saw Shepperton and the TT sprint race series course I said to them I don't feel safe doing the chain gang on this busy road and that I would drop off here and get myself home. Kay was very understanding and encouraging and ensured I was felt safe and comfortable. I was. I said thanks a million and I will definitely be there Tuesday eve for Turbo!
I continued to ride on........all whilst seeing Aya, Jonathan, Chad and even a fellow turbos partner and girls on my cycle home. As soon as I got away from the Hampton High Street, I applied the speed work and continue to push myself. Blimey it was very windy!!!!
Look all in all it was a great eye opener and a good wake up call that cycling with a cycling club is very different to cycling with a tri club. You learn completely different things and the ride is tough, constantly pushing you, which for me I need for when I conquer those hills in Italy in May.
Thank you to all the Twickenham Cycling guys and the other new riders who constantly encouraged me and made sure I was never left behind. I was broken at the beginning but I know I will get stronger riding with you guys so I will be there the week after next. Can't make it next Sat as I have a half marathon in Wokingham.
PS. Today was Day 6 - 70.3 IM training plan. Ride 32kms moderately. I actually rode 80kms in total! Check :) Tomorrow is swim and run.
If you read all the way to the end, THANKS I know this post was a long one.
Till next time
Smooches
xxx