Firstly its been a while and happy new year to all Love Velo CC readers and followers!
Since I started cycling two and half years ago it’s always been fun to reflect on the past few years cycling. 2017 isn’t exactly starting with a bang as I have been struck with the Christmas lurgy, happens to me every year when I finally switch off for a rest. I quite enjoyed putting the below together about my past year on two wheels.
For the strava users here visit Veloviewer to get a year summary image. My cycling aim isn’t to ride as many miles as possible but it’s quite interesting to see when presented like this. Apparently eight times up Everest in 2017!
Darley Moor – Womens 2/3/4 Circuit Race
Started Racing…
With some encouragement from coach Dean Hughes and the British Cycling women’s development sessions I started racing and got slightly hooked. I did a little summary of my race season already here but in short I was pleased to gain some experience and confidence in races, meet some lovely people and was thrilled to get my cat 3 license. Whilst last year I raced circuit races I’m looking forward (with some nerves) to entering some road races and hopefully attempting to get enough points to move up to cat 2.
Thanks to Simon Jones for the photo
10TT’s
I just ride my local club TTs in the area and I don’t have a time trial bike but like to have a go to see what I can do. I get over taken most weeks I ride any time trials on my road bike with clip on bars and other than my aero road helmet I don’t have any proper TT gear. I like that it’s just a one constant pace and just me and my bike against the clock. In my club TT series I managed a PB of 24.11 which I was really pleased with but hope to improve it this year, of course.
Thinking of maybe trying a 25 mile TT for 2017
Polly Botts Hill Climb, Photo Credit – Laden Yak Photography
Hill Climb
I’m not a natural hill climber and I don’t like climbing hills but decided to give our club hill climb event a go, people told me Hill climbs are fun! I’m not sure I can agree. I also can’t say I enjoyed it and immediately after told myself never again, but slightly surprised myself too!
I didn’t do any more hill climbs as after a summer of time trialling and racing I was ready for a break but might be tempted to give a few more a go. It’s a funny business this hill climbing.
The Alps
This was a big highlight for me. I went on a coached trip organised by Tri La Tania with an amazing group of girls who I have stayed in contact with. The fitness benefits for this trip were huge and I loved training in such stunning scenery. Also great to feel like a pro with coaches and a support team! You can read my full write up for the week here. Love the French alps, I will return!
Happy cycling in 2017!
Lucy Sturgess | Love Velo CC
