tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91498880069271289902024-02-18T20:24:41.047-08:00Raewyn MorrisonNZ MOUNTAIN BIKERraewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-9909995402719045582015-03-31T20:04:00.001-07:002015-03-31T20:04:22.135-07:00New wesite!All race reports, updates and current results are on new our new website <a href="http://www.kram.co.nz/">www.kram.co.nz</a> <div>
Shared with Mark Dunlop<br /><div>
<br /><div>
Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Raewyn-Morrison/1497612163811972">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Raewyn-Morrison/1497612163811972</a></div>
<div>
Instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/raewynmorrison/">https://instagram.com/raewynmorrison/</a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BGeeytyqFCGvHft7nfoN_R_ChOMipv4pniHT8PmQCGQaUEdCHE13brQ4kqmYSOyfjFjei4KTERf3-7irbPD7zJC2XIAx78z9DIzZEue-KETEEYmwf0M3MgjjdSrkgRiLf7A2tEd0x98/s1600/rae+rocks+road-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BGeeytyqFCGvHft7nfoN_R_ChOMipv4pniHT8PmQCGQaUEdCHE13brQ4kqmYSOyfjFjei4KTERf3-7irbPD7zJC2XIAx78z9DIzZEue-KETEEYmwf0M3MgjjdSrkgRiLf7A2tEd0x98/s1600/rae+rocks+road-10.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-67717908093789823332013-03-08T18:13:00.000-08:002014-10-07T01:42:56.358-07:00Road to Recovery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So much has happened since 3 weeks ago. I’m still trying to
piece things together with the help of my parents and Ash. At first I was not
keen to share my experience. Although there were some good moments, a lot of it
was an awful and frightening nightmare for me, particularly in such a fragile
and vulnerable state. I feel it was even worse for my parents, Ash and closest
friends, who spent extensive hours by my bedside, sleep deprived and worried
but still managing the strength to stay positive and care for me. So now, after time and hearing stories from
others who went through similar and more serious injuries, I feel it is helpful
to share in the hope it could potentially benefit someone else going through a
similar experience. It is also good for me to be able to look back and see how
far I have come. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My season so far had
not gone to plan. A back injury obtained in the second round of the National
Cup series put me out for the rest of the series, and by the time the National
Championships came around I was still out of contention. Luckily for me, I had other
options and I set my sights on two races that had respectable prize money and I
had a good chance at winning, the ‘Skyline Warrior’ and the ‘2W Gravity Enduro’.
The first race, ‘Skyline Warrior’, was a new downhill course next to the luge.
The track itself was handsomely sculpted, smooth and fast, with impressive
berms and big jumps. I had borrowed a bike for the race, and during practice was
trying to psych myself up for the jumps - the biggest one had a 6 metre gap. Luckily
for me, I had my friend Kris, from Cycle Obsession, there and he took the time
to show me the jumps and let me follow him in. I was on top of the world, with
a goofy grin permanently plastered on my face from the exhilaration of flying
through the air, especially now as I was considered one of the favourites to
win. Here is a link to a short video showing some of the track <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke-ITYpFuyI"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke-ITYpFuyI</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It happened on the last practice run on the last jump. I was
wanting to go fast and get some ‘big air’, so coming into the jump I preloaded
and jumped. My inexperience and ill judgement meant that when I jumped, because
I was clipped in, the back of the bike came up while the front stayed down – in
a spectacular endo. I remember thinking “oh shit I’m going to crash” and “I
can’t damage the bike” before I hit the ground. I don’t remember how I landed,
but I immediately felt my left hip pop out and my left leg go completely numb
with pins and needles and pain shooting down into the foot. Luckily for me, my
hip relocated after rolling over, which I later read is something that is
difficult to do after dislocation. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The First Aid response was awesome. I was immediately
surrounded by people securing my head, neck and body, while asking where it
hurt. I’m not sure what I responded, but I remember that my main concern was
that I was blocking the track for other competitors, limiting their last
practice of that jump. I was prepared to crawl out the way if I had to. Although
my hip was now back where it should be, the pain in it and into my leg was
crippling and I couldn’t walk. I was carried off to the side of the track and
given oxygen, as I began feeling dizzy and faint. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ash had just arrived in Rotorua and was at the bike shop
when he received a call. “You better get here quick, Rae has fallen off and
might be headed to hospital.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrk_8qJAsqGx2hyphenhyphenbcG_yryDBaRWi7-RYxVRRwU8fPsHHg-vwr7OjW-ITBr57e6Hcdp9csp8DnRYw6quZrF2NhM5kJ75-vUZbhFWwuzvcltZhsH5Zfl697ommBkjcWPzoFZ7VuB297IcnQ/s1600/858132_543057439058709_1093684460_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrk_8qJAsqGx2hyphenhyphenbcG_yryDBaRWi7-RYxVRRwU8fPsHHg-vwr7OjW-ITBr57e6Hcdp9csp8DnRYw6quZrF2NhM5kJ75-vUZbhFWwuzvcltZhsH5Zfl697ommBkjcWPzoFZ7VuB297IcnQ/s320/858132_543057439058709_1093684460_o.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Injured on the sideline but still smiling for the camera</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had made the decision with the help of the people surrounding
me to not wait for an ambulance or Ash - the pain was increasing as the shock
wore off and I wanted to get to hospital as soon as possible. I was lifted into a ute by four strong guys
and driven through the bumpy grass paddock to pick up two other injured guys.
We then had an agonising wait for one of the guys to find his phone before we
could leave. To finish it off, after the long wait, we drove through the
roughest road works and speed bumps I've ever seen. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At last we reached the hospital. I was so desperate to get
in that I couldn't wait for the hospital orderly to help, so Ash ended up just
carrying me to the wheelchair. Now
things started to happen. I was pushed into A&E, went straight through a
very full waiting room and was put onto a bed and given an IV line where
morphine was immediately administered. Relief at last! I was lucky to have Ash
and my good friend Janine to keep me company that evening. All the x-rays taken
came back normal and fracture-free, which was a relief to us all. Now it was
time to get discharged, which I could only do if I could walk. After three
failed attempts of the doctor to get me up and walking due to almost fainting,
the decision was made at 11pm to admit me over night and reassess things in the
morning. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QuKItdBA1rHmuGDKsXklNarEMZOYKLZ0-U64N_jH8iPEqE6nzJ65qjVR0FBY3vHNikqpvVmH7tbm1y6IpSM3zNKk6tz9eM5D_rMOaKIheX4ALjAR70ci5M7HvF1tOx5uxgbtuh49NGI/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QuKItdBA1rHmuGDKsXklNarEMZOYKLZ0-U64N_jH8iPEqE6nzJ65qjVR0FBY3vHNikqpvVmH7tbm1y6IpSM3zNKk6tz9eM5D_rMOaKIheX4ALjAR70ci5M7HvF1tOx5uxgbtuh49NGI/s320/Untitled.jpg" height="320" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rotorua A&E: Janine & me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My parents had driven up from Wellington that night after
receiving a phone call from Ash - “Rae has fallen off her bike, we are in
hospital but she is ok”. That morning I was taken down for a CT scan, which
unfortunately showed a significant displaced fracture to my acetabulum (part of
the pelvis that forms the hip socket).
The CT also showed a path of destruction where I had dislocated my hip,
as well as chipped off bony fragments floating around inside the joint. I was
warned that there was a high chance I would need surgery which unfortunately is
one of the more complicated orthopaedic operations. This is due to difficulties
accessing the bone and because of the close proximity to major blood vessels,
nerves and vital organs. For these reasons, the orthopaedic surgeon did not
want to do my surgery and it was agreed that I would go to Wellington Hospital.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPiYAkwL92iWGluIpWuetNcu5zWbrysVXZ6a7ynYcQ6eEIJfSbMdYjdDOrCyYGtxLAbcxYaOiuhw7fIh43xjZWMM-wmi2-KqDNyDhOvyqvGrge_rBTsx_XvICHMVKmFpLEfW5nUoM9ZA/s1600/2013.02+Rotorua+hospital7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPiYAkwL92iWGluIpWuetNcu5zWbrysVXZ6a7ynYcQ6eEIJfSbMdYjdDOrCyYGtxLAbcxYaOiuhw7fIh43xjZWMM-wmi2-KqDNyDhOvyqvGrge_rBTsx_XvICHMVKmFpLEfW5nUoM9ZA/s320/2013.02+Rotorua+hospital7.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My support crew: Mum & Dad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfckDHo6IPJt6HEbuQ9sYMbGyYXhsv8JvxfGs3eDjgFLR1_6DpqVEWcU41gPikC9gmnTJR_6Q_spVKshDma7HZOwifY1Ec4D2LMWAx-UC659M_WXeuKiAQ-8gjeC1Es-ah3MXoYFkB0mI/s1600/2013.02+Rotorua+Hospital2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfckDHo6IPJt6HEbuQ9sYMbGyYXhsv8JvxfGs3eDjgFLR1_6DpqVEWcU41gPikC9gmnTJR_6Q_spVKshDma7HZOwifY1Ec4D2LMWAx-UC659M_WXeuKiAQ-8gjeC1Es-ah3MXoYFkB0mI/s320/2013.02+Rotorua+Hospital2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the scrapes and bruises </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At first, the Rotorua surgeon wanted me to get up walking on
crutches and to increase my sitting endurance from 5min to 5hours so that I
could drive down to Wellington. I started to walk myself to the toilet, but in
the end needed someone to hold my leg to limit the pain and the horrible
clicking and grinding feeling with the sensation that my hip will pop out
again. Luckily I had a very good nurse who took one look at me and said there
was no way I could sit in a car for that long. She organised a transfer on the
air ambulance. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Monday night (4<sup>th</sup> day in hospital), a crew
flew up from Nelson to pick me up from Rotorua and flew me to Wellington
hospital. I felt like a VIP, with my own private plane and crew. Because I
lived in Nelson, the Nelson team had to take care of me. It was a small plane
with two pilots, an air nurse and me on a stretcher still hooked up with morphine.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wellington hospital was a big contrast to Rotorua. As soon
as the surgeon saw the CT scan, I was put on bed rest and placed into traction
to stabilize my pelvis and help with the pain. That was the first time I cried,
as the realization hit me that this is serious and I might never ride my bike
again. I was only in traction 2 days, but it was demoralizing being unable to
move or wash myself and having to use a bedpan. I lost all my dignity and
modesty. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ycs1s_5A_MCwYujXIcgiXJ_6UDwUZPF_D3ktyLizzHhv7xlhNmzg2ICwlTmbaLIg28TfhoQGs8aNU1fWAlyYBrLmHB6seHUkXsGzls6IK9uJlzY3jAT24UA2Qc6ycYkfq2MJD-6DGNI/s1600/551546_10151340260933300_1268240156_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ycs1s_5A_MCwYujXIcgiXJ_6UDwUZPF_D3ktyLizzHhv7xlhNmzg2ICwlTmbaLIg28TfhoQGs8aNU1fWAlyYBrLmHB6seHUkXsGzls6IK9uJlzY3jAT24UA2Qc6ycYkfq2MJD-6DGNI/s400/551546_10151340260933300_1268240156_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wellington Hospital: Setting up the traction</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My surgeon, although lacking some interpersonal skills, was
a great surgeon and before I knew it I was saying goodbye to Ash, Mum and Dad
while being carted off for theatre and put under general anaesthesia. For on-going
pain relief, they were going to put in a nerve block or an epidural while I was
still under.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3g2pjqYdyaNtVSUigfEZZRhout3krpyermqs1DIOhJe5ULFVCCuDCrGUOcu5GDPCFyzhzSpDh5AJO3ryYwNcNutkd7jJxqNNXw2Teh2pp_nWGGpgQ_zYZcLGMaDn9Yqai_-XLSjlN12E/s1600/pelvis+xray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3g2pjqYdyaNtVSUigfEZZRhout3krpyermqs1DIOhJe5ULFVCCuDCrGUOcu5GDPCFyzhzSpDh5AJO3ryYwNcNutkd7jJxqNNXw2Teh2pp_nWGGpgQ_zYZcLGMaDn9Yqai_-XLSjlN12E/s400/pelvis+xray.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pelvis X-ray: plate & 6 screws</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5a_DxFOAQC7Gfuo4RqJB2IbyWN-zXkeeybFCT-DXR2PQQQ5mmOaVuQSdV4SFQ7dAT8UJBG2Fr3v5fvwS5bISYTuvzafa2sF0L8AZ-EsaupFUCDzmkriu0kQxHVxgNb5rFI4P70NIR-Q/s1600/3260248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5a_DxFOAQC7Gfuo4RqJB2IbyWN-zXkeeybFCT-DXR2PQQQ5mmOaVuQSdV4SFQ7dAT8UJBG2Fr3v5fvwS5bISYTuvzafa2sF0L8AZ-EsaupFUCDzmkriu0kQxHVxgNb5rFI4P70NIR-Q/s400/3260248.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My next memory is of waking up in an excruciating amount of
pain. The pain was centred at my hip but rippled through my whole body. The
nerve block (an injection of anaesthesia into the spine) was meant to limit
pain after surgery for up to 24 hours, but for some reason it had not worked
for me. I was in absolute agony. The Pain Team, made up doctors, anaesthetists
and nurses, kept pumping drug after drug into me, but nothing seemed to help.
At one stage, I remember a Pain Doctor saying to me, “If you had no pain, the
amount of drugs I’ve given would mean that you would have been unconscious ages
ago.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At one stage, Ash came in to join me. My parents and Ash had
been waiting a long 7 and half hours for me. After enquiring, they found out I
was still in the recovery room due to issues with pain management. Ash was due
to catch the ferry back to Nelson soon, so they sent him in to spend some time
with me. Ash told me later that he barely recognised me when he saw me. My
whole face apparently looked plastic and puffy. I don’t think he talked much, but
just sat by holding my hand. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6d5xLtDvW6FSsYfoIozh0CYitkoxbp61RyRHg8wMs2TxImpKvk-B2zf9tEitkFHY0Xb7aTl7UQDonnDfC9XczZrxadjj6yVcrVy59RNFFcULLKWQ_OUwO1AELcaoJr8sx74GlP4vYcY/s1600/420253_10151341034498300_370479924_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6d5xLtDvW6FSsYfoIozh0CYitkoxbp61RyRHg8wMs2TxImpKvk-B2zf9tEitkFHY0Xb7aTl7UQDonnDfC9XczZrxadjj6yVcrVy59RNFFcULLKWQ_OUwO1AELcaoJr8sx74GlP4vYcY/s320/420253_10151341034498300_370479924_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before surgery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2sHgWjfgyRu9f-F_tA5qNyIHjjHBeBnU185ImYmaqrFeOAu7cSZgccUJAX9g3ekkiRh5KDI55j6pDlxlkIObgDvkjjIuFz6QeWsvviVJ9aqZzHishfkpe-0gNxYkPz4Y2z3hqf6l_9Q/s1600/2013.02Wellington+post-op2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2sHgWjfgyRu9f-F_tA5qNyIHjjHBeBnU185ImYmaqrFeOAu7cSZgccUJAX9g3ekkiRh5KDI55j6pDlxlkIObgDvkjjIuFz6QeWsvviVJ9aqZzHishfkpe-0gNxYkPz4Y2z3hqf6l_9Q/s320/2013.02Wellington+post-op2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After surgery: Looking plastic and puffy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was finally released and wheeled back to my room, where my
parents were waiting. I looked so terrible that mum stayed with me the whole
night. I was on a PCA (patient controlled analgesia) where I could push a
button every 5 minutes to get a hit of morphine. Problem was I was in so much
pain and too groggy that I wasn’t capable of pushing the button. Mum ended up
sitting there the whole night, sneakily pushing the button every 5 minutes for
me. I didn’t sleep much that night, but we both made it through and in the
morning the ‘Pain team’ came to the rescue. I was very teary that morning with both
the pain and relief that something was going to get done about it. The initial
dislocation and fracture felt like a tickle compared to what this pain was. A
concoction of strong drugs was put together that finally made things bearable. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdACbx_CaZeeggu9aPnylfuPvV5FjUtrUNkzq9BNQBvaOVU3CxT4zYSbcT1W_3xjACw0qWXVYJbNzcBZq8IwRr3ron9NiG360yNYxf88PCCPqaHXDmZpZm0IKRs8qhTHKoTXiXkM4FoOU/s1600/2013.02Wellington+post-op11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdACbx_CaZeeggu9aPnylfuPvV5FjUtrUNkzq9BNQBvaOVU3CxT4zYSbcT1W_3xjACw0qWXVYJbNzcBZq8IwRr3ron9NiG360yNYxf88PCCPqaHXDmZpZm0IKRs8qhTHKoTXiXkM4FoOU/s400/2013.02Wellington+post-op11.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pale and in pain but still trying to smile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That day was a blurred. Dad came in at some stage to take
over care. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The following night was the most traumatic and horrific
moment of my whole life. Dad was pushing the button every 5 minutes, so that the
pain was controlled enough for me to get some sleep. At around 4 am, the nurse
came in and told us that I wasn’t breathing enough. Despite being on supplementary
oxygen, the oxygen levels in my blood had dropped because I was so drugged up
and my drive to breath had reduced. She was concerned about the effect of the PCA
and instructed us not to press the button for an hour, which we agreed to. My
pain would previously get harsh at about 4 minutes and I would have to wait an
agonising minute for the button to be pressed. Now to wait a whole hour was
going to be intolerable. I gritted my teeth and tried to concentrate on my
breathing to increase my oxygen levels. The pain was at a whole new level, but
somehow we got through. We called the nurse and she said we could use the PCA
again, but unknown to us she had actually turned it off. I eventually started
crying- the first time I have ever cried due to pain- and asked for her to call
the pain team for advice. She called them and came back saying that they agreed
with her and gave me some ibuprofen. She
said that if the pain hadn’t reduced in half an hour, she would call them
again. I silently cried to myself. I was being tested to my absolute limit
waiting for that long 30 minutes to pass. It took every ounce of strength I
had. After half an hour, we called for the nurse again. She came in and lied,
telling us it had only been 10 minutes and to keep on waiting. I had used
everything I had and had nothing left. I remember wishing my dad would just
smother me with a pillow and put an end to this torture. I then had a full blown asthma/ panic attack.
I couldn’t breathe. I was aware of making a lot of noise waking up everyone
else in the room, which I shared with another three patients, but I couldn’t
stop. I was a mess, crying, gasping for air and in an absolutely panic because
I couldn’t breath. The nurse couldn’t handle it and just kept telling me angrily
to listen to her and slow down my breathing. She ended up going for help and
came back with another nurse, who was an angel. Very calm and confident, she
controlled the scene and was able to slow my breathing down and find out what
was going on. She asked my pain level and I cried “10 out of 10”. She asked
what the pain felt like and I said it was as though someone was stabbing me. I
felt so small and helpless being in so much pain and needing that pain relief
just to keep it at a tolerable level and then having it just taken away by one
incompetent nurse could have had such severe consequences for me. The angel
nurse sent the other nurse out of the room and told her to call the pain team
right now and get them here urgently. She then apologised to me, which I really
appreciated. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An anaesthetist, who was part of the pain team, eventually
came and injected some powerful drugs right into my veins. The effects were
immediate. My pain was instantly gone, but now I was suddenly hallucinating.
The hospital bed was gone and I was in an old wooden cart going high speed down
some rail tracks in the middle of space and into the mouth of a big dragon like
some sort of dodgy roller-coaster ride. I could feel the cart get tipped upside
down, doing summersaults, turning too sharply and me almost falling out into
nothingness. I was desperately hanging on for dear life and scared because,
even though I knew this couldn’t be real, when I looked down I couldn’t see my
legs, just blackness. Dad told me afterwards that, as soon as the drugs went in,
I raised my arms in front of me and just held them there. Then I began asking
him “where am I?”, “where is my leg?”, “where is my other leg?”, “I don’t like
this”. He answered all my questions calmly and, although I was spaced out, it
was a relief for him as my face had relaxed and he knew I wasn’t in pain any
more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That morning I was exhausted and still sore, but it was nothing
compared to that night. The doctors and pain team came during rounds and were
surprised and appalled by what had happened that night. After that I was given
my own room and some hospital feedback forms in case I wanted to make a
complaint against the nurse. Luckily that was the last time I saw her and I now
had great team looking after me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Things started to improve. I wasn’t strong enough for
visitors yet, but the pain was being managed and I finally started sleeping. Friday
night I had my first solid sleep, it was only 3 hours but it made a huge
difference. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08-ItXc0rcXhOfeGwBFVQu9Ys0QwNGRfz13AnKvbpEG2oR1LaezDqVgnvU7JRXzU-373sR5VjeWK0SPha8pP_TixJA-p4mHYyGyhb5NjT0C7hrKZMAjXPgzIuW6IFGYPhvRavSAi74Wg/s1600/2013.02Wellington+post-op13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08-ItXc0rcXhOfeGwBFVQu9Ys0QwNGRfz13AnKvbpEG2oR1LaezDqVgnvU7JRXzU-373sR5VjeWK0SPha8pP_TixJA-p4mHYyGyhb5NjT0C7hrKZMAjXPgzIuW6IFGYPhvRavSAi74Wg/s400/2013.02Wellington+post-op13.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum watching over me: Checking my breathing regularly </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Saturday, I had my catheter out which meant I had to
start walking to get to the toilet. By the weekend, I had recovered enough and
was motivated again. Every little achievement felt like I had won a race.
Friday I walked for the first time with a walking frame, Saturday I sat out of
bed for 10 minutes and sent my first text (though needed a power nap
afterwards), and Sunday I could cope with my first visitors since the surgery.
I was very fortunate to have a lot of support and visitors throughout my time
in hospital. I was so grateful for all the visits, flowers, magazines, baking,
gifts, texts and messages. After the trauma of Thursday night, I was back to
being strong, positive and happy, and I owe most of that to the support that
was given to me. I got on well with a lot of the staff as well and they seemed
just as pleased as me that I was starting to feel better. Dad had also made
friends with the food lady, so after finishing off my meals he would then be
offered extra food and drink. I was recovering very quickly every day, so on
Monday I had my PCA removed and was upgraded to crutches.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3ls9tlDT10qtv1KJ_B9lfgN9kwx-n85ncdm2h8MUh_Orlcs7KFrpPCDiGW9R5lxuG77Gqb8AjOMrIMxsGpt4mxK7sBc3dkolJESjYQoqe3yu09R2OnMcpuYaXGYWALiOxzhyphenhyphenKVOTCDQ/s1600/2013.02+WGTN-Gav,Marco+Shane.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3ls9tlDT10qtv1KJ_B9lfgN9kwx-n85ncdm2h8MUh_Orlcs7KFrpPCDiGW9R5lxuG77Gqb8AjOMrIMxsGpt4mxK7sBc3dkolJESjYQoqe3yu09R2OnMcpuYaXGYWALiOxzhyphenhyphenKVOTCDQ/s400/2013.02+WGTN-Gav,Marco+Shane.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying my friends company and humor<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwyCarxEq1gyrrk6CCSk5etN3ocp6mTu6Z84547VvkB-AU7gAVPAw8eugylwx8jotv97X3sABh7xobSxWXZB25SHL5cuREFRDSuaprMWIip59BFRDsP1hh0MAUxJNz4tsIgPzdiBE24c/s1600/2013.02Wellington+post-op10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwyCarxEq1gyrrk6CCSk5etN3ocp6mTu6Z84547VvkB-AU7gAVPAw8eugylwx8jotv97X3sABh7xobSxWXZB25SHL5cuREFRDSuaprMWIip59BFRDsP1hh0MAUxJNz4tsIgPzdiBE24c/s400/2013.02Wellington+post-op10.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jelly snakes for visitors and bribing the staff</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The time had come to get back to Nelson. On Wednesday I was
transferred by the air ambulance to Nelson hospital by an awesome team. Since I
had come from a different hospital, I was kept in isolation, which meant a
single room with a TV. Score! By the weekend, I was good to go home with some extra
equipment to help out at home. This was
after 15 days in hospital where I lost 7kgs. Mum and Dad stayed the first week
with me at home to help out and set things up while Ash went to work. There is
no way I could have managed this on my own and I’m just so lucky and grateful
to have such wonderful parents. I still have a long road ahead, but things are
looking promising. With the help of my work, Active Body Centre, I’m getting
the best rehab available. I am still non weight bearing on two crutches and can
only walk short distances, but I have started doing my rehab in the pool which
is keeping me sane. I am also extremely lucky to have Cath Cheatley, who has
been through a similar injury, advising and encouraging me through this
journey.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwS6PMaTJGeRVYZQOQ6bsmiVuckeJ1igW9RGYmtz121X-IAMXXYSbNuf2FVIwkMJFjOglwATKbhGUzypz6RtinjsuRJBEk6vTv4rRhVZ88zoDtBYu1D5SrrKS_eh-MMn7okP1by_pJe04/s1600/2013.03+Nelson+Hospital2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwS6PMaTJGeRVYZQOQ6bsmiVuckeJ1igW9RGYmtz121X-IAMXXYSbNuf2FVIwkMJFjOglwATKbhGUzypz6RtinjsuRJBEk6vTv4rRhVZ88zoDtBYu1D5SrrKS_eh-MMn7okP1by_pJe04/s400/2013.03+Nelson+Hospital2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nelson Hospital: Struggling to do a Suduku</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m unsure what the future all bring, but I am 100%
determined and motivated to get back to racing on the bike. After a lot of
downtime and thinking, at this stage I have decided to give the National series
a miss next year. I didn’t enjoy it this year except for the social aspect and
financially it is very taxing. Instead I will concentrate on enduro and Super D
racing where next year I hope to start racing on the international circuit for
the first time. Furthermore, to the dislike of many of my mountain bike friends,
last year after a taste on the road and track, I have become a big fan and would
like to see how far I can go. So having my finger in many pies at the moment,
hopefully I have a big future ahead of me. Thanks again everyone for your
generous support <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> I
couldn’t have got through this without my friends and family,<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcIXeIq_6qZpqal1tUsmuB-R4lR88AEdTNP2ABcbZ6kPzMFHw-UD4jWiFSPzvMHHFBqQ0vCUK4U2z_T14FsSfDZv5nW9JAizkyx31n4aERMm563IIr8XKcXpoT8LO9a0F0H47gOrR7l0/s1600/299803_10151358438533300_337432965_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcIXeIq_6qZpqal1tUsmuB-R4lR88AEdTNP2ABcbZ6kPzMFHw-UD4jWiFSPzvMHHFBqQ0vCUK4U2z_T14FsSfDZv5nW9JAizkyx31n4aERMm563IIr8XKcXpoT8LO9a0F0H47gOrR7l0/s640/299803_10151358438533300_337432965_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freedom at last: Discharged from Nelson Hospital<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsL_oiYfVtMYKS9nHVPhJRKljrSN2tFRe78k5q8XJpbL7gWa7kB4PYmyozdy5ReRhfF0yfzHo9WILOKilqC6_ducu4sAfjaboLa686NodwX4_ouPMBFrRUFapYinYeAF9rzfW6zC_8eqY/s1600/WP_000441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsL_oiYfVtMYKS9nHVPhJRKljrSN2tFRe78k5q8XJpbL7gWa7kB4PYmyozdy5ReRhfF0yfzHo9WILOKilqC6_ducu4sAfjaboLa686NodwX4_ouPMBFrRUFapYinYeAF9rzfW6zC_8eqY/s640/WP_000441.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying being at home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-31520967743743917562013-01-02T16:56:00.002-08:002013-01-02T16:56:55.626-08:00Tour de Vineyards<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy New year everyone<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012 has been a big milestone for me with moving to Nelson
and the completion of my physiotherapy degree. Now entering into the real world
with a job and finally starting to move away from just scraping through financially.
The last 4 years of my degree has seen me move between Auckland, Kapiti,
Tauranga, Rotorua and now Nelson, spend over 1000 hours clinical placements,
clock up over $40k on student loan but also maintain an A average and the
passion I have for my career and helping people recover from injury to achieve their
goals. I have also managed to maintain a reasonable competitive level in
mountain biking with minimal training thanks to the amazing and clever coaching
from John Lee. Although 2013 it is all going to change, finally with a good 9-5
job I will have more time on my hands and be able to fit training in. Watch
this space over the next few years<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b><span style="color: red;">Tour de Vineyards</span></b></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have only really started races road this year outside of
club races and have secretly being enjoying it, especially after injury to my
back which saw me off the mountain bike for period of time. So to end the year with a bang, I competed in
my first road tour within the days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Tour
de Vineyards, a solid 5 days on the bike racing against a quality competitive
elite women’s field including two 2012 Olympians, multiple national champions
and international level athletes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1feLbMdzR8r3EJXLo7DzbjkqUvX86kp39OYfvW5bs1_Ms26Jecjq6kRVfToJZAxjJ42VGRHCzNKqKweUVnif9D7NdmveYq2UmZdmYsZbNzMCKgyh_fS5jH2227vK4aGN7rkOvKVkwpeM/s1600/DSCF1690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1feLbMdzR8r3EJXLo7DzbjkqUvX86kp39OYfvW5bs1_Ms26Jecjq6kRVfToJZAxjJ42VGRHCzNKqKweUVnif9D7NdmveYq2UmZdmYsZbNzMCKgyh_fS5jH2227vK4aGN7rkOvKVkwpeM/s320/DSCF1690.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Day 1: Prologue:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The 4.5km flat individual time trial was a nice short and
sharp way to start the tour. I went out too slow initially and took a while to
get into a good rhythm. At the half way mark I realised my pace was off and I
had to speed things up before it was too late. Despite the bad start I was happy
to find out I was sitting in 14<sup>th</sup> (out of a staked field of 29 fast
girls), losing 32 seconds behind Lauren Ellis in first place.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1aX_6uAqVcQmCwDhG2BlrnWw1acOIc8J4uNkjQyi4Tw_SNNgvpnFLtjiCLz2KhJZflhy6MFDsgo85oHKbpMxT18sBx4HHWT7TNr80a5B_p4cFFi0ODnFs-R2FFpXJYuJlyvCy0M3pXL8/s1600/735010_4607061651378_1773420986_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1aX_6uAqVcQmCwDhG2BlrnWw1acOIc8J4uNkjQyi4Tw_SNNgvpnFLtjiCLz2KhJZflhy6MFDsgo85oHKbpMxT18sBx4HHWT7TNr80a5B_p4cFFi0ODnFs-R2FFpXJYuJlyvCy0M3pXL8/s400/735010_4607061651378_1773420986_n.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Day 2: Stage one:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The hilly 40km criterium was an average day for me. I felt
really good, lots of energy and speed in the legs but I couldn't get my timing
right or a good position for the sprints. Near the beginning of the final lap I
was blocked behind a slower riding going around a sharp corner which made me
play catch up for the remainder of the lap. I luckily did manage to catch the
end of the bunch on the final hill so the GC time was ok.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MclYPbcLNMKmzj5GPtb6HbwyW38qW4-tmMTJ7_0NZd3iXYK4Udzdx3tdL1sBD7zxoMNMQJP_ezycFrKRmUxWPx_3mctkU2KcXK0HfveQ_1Vb-G9Z9fLpsf_QvRRg18yBt4sTyVng78o/s1600/701981_509353892438955_489117977_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MclYPbcLNMKmzj5GPtb6HbwyW38qW4-tmMTJ7_0NZd3iXYK4Udzdx3tdL1sBD7zxoMNMQJP_ezycFrKRmUxWPx_3mctkU2KcXK0HfveQ_1Vb-G9Z9fLpsf_QvRRg18yBt4sTyVng78o/s400/701981_509353892438955_489117977_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Wheelworks </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Day 3: Stage Two:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day three was the brutal 130km stage finishing with the
infamous Takaka Hill. It was not my day today and unluckily it was a long and
difficult stage to have a bad day on. I started out by dropping my chain on a
climb 30km from the start which I had to stop and wrestle with for a bit as it
was jammed in the frame. As a result I lost the bunch and had to chase until I
managed to catch back on 10-15min later. Soon after I joined back on there was
an attack going up the hill. I was still
tired from my solo expenditure and ended up getting dropped. Luckily for me
there were a few other girls that had fallen off the bunch so I was able to
suck wheel and catch up once again. The next couple of hours were a blurred, it
was scorching hot with no shelter from the sun and by the time Takaka hill came
along I was already exhausted and fried by the heat. The bunch split
immediately right at the start of the climb, I failed to get into a group and rode
by myself. 790m climbing over 15km and it
was a grovel up. I was shattered and overheated beginning to shiver and feel
faint. To make things worse there was a headwind 5km from the finish which
almost brought me to tears. I was lucky
to have Ash supporting me and constantly driving up ahead to shout encouragement
and blast pumping music to keep me going. I honestly don’t think I would have
made it without him. After over 50minutes of climbing I breached the top and
unfortunately lost about 7minutes to the leader as well as several places, putting
me in 18<sup>th</sup>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hcasA-l0WT79J6WwWr-6ENf1shkF5NTzntTza3r0msH0KKyEJVC9jILg9_VZbQo3DjpF-flzzW_VG8nZZ9qJ_yvVL54mBGBNXyBpiDqkFaU6gVgeCgywmXesNrI5yBiFPgSMLmtJ1RY/s1600/474380_509791585728519_1804886766_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hcasA-l0WT79J6WwWr-6ENf1shkF5NTzntTza3r0msH0KKyEJVC9jILg9_VZbQo3DjpF-flzzW_VG8nZZ9qJ_yvVL54mBGBNXyBpiDqkFaU6gVgeCgywmXesNrI5yBiFPgSMLmtJ1RY/s400/474380_509791585728519_1804886766_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Wheelworks </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Day 4: Stage 3:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I felt pretty tired and sore in the morning but in hind
sight I had recovered extremely well after my disappointing ride the day
before. Day four was another hot 130km stage. Rain was forecasted again but
never came which was disappointing as it would have been nice too cool off. The
race was long but pretty uneventful until the finish where it was a bunch
sprint. I finished comfortably in about 10<sup>th</sup> and luckily narrowly
avoided a 3-person crash just in front of me. All the girls involved in the
crashed raced the next day and finished the tour- what legends. Due to the
crash everyone was awarded the same time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTJC-fmUzUm3tTQiu0jTqAWmJcNtUqbduR8CsN4ZVc64O10mm9lP9dzJLwlQmfZDhj2YmK4e9xnVsugzvtc1mrNMTqxBH5NDLSYPQbVl_DIyPBa6H8rFyVD4LwZ0l81nn3xaCPsjUutY/s1600/738142_510823685625309_2142268666_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTJC-fmUzUm3tTQiu0jTqAWmJcNtUqbduR8CsN4ZVc64O10mm9lP9dzJLwlQmfZDhj2YmK4e9xnVsugzvtc1mrNMTqxBH5NDLSYPQbVl_DIyPBa6H8rFyVD4LwZ0l81nn3xaCPsjUutY/s640/738142_510823685625309_2142268666_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Wheelworks </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Day 5: Stage 4:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The final stage was my favourite and best race of the tour. It
was 46km of an undulating 5 lap circuit with a beautiful cold wind that made
all the difference. The pace was nice and fast throughout and the bunch all
stayed together until the final lap where there were several break aways. Just
before the finish the all the break-away groups were caught except one and it came
together in another bunch sprint. I was finally in a good position for the
sprint and was feeling strong. During the sprint, just ahead of me to my right
one of the girls chains dropped and her foot unclipped from her pedal which
threw her out of control. I rode off the road onto the gravel to avoid the anticipated
crash but she somehow managed to save it. Truly the best bike handling skills I
have ever seen! I got back on the road and continued with the sprint finishing
in 8<sup>th</sup> which meant I got 1 sprint point- yus!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRzkyjCInoTnMC9LrdGpk9t22hPTpEX09d4qMTHsh9cyG1zjzEuBRq50U3L4Zh2RMXsO4EuR_8DuTDAJ2OsA80zF-B9z6P9Ic30a-5uDrC8IdzFk6We8t5PJXTDwK-E4SUnIKfrPV2Pk/s1600/701974_510823922291952_924191770_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRzkyjCInoTnMC9LrdGpk9t22hPTpEX09d4qMTHsh9cyG1zjzEuBRq50U3L4Zh2RMXsO4EuR_8DuTDAJ2OsA80zF-B9z6P9Ic30a-5uDrC8IdzFk6We8t5PJXTDwK-E4SUnIKfrPV2Pk/s400/701974_510823922291952_924191770_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Wheelworks </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This season I will compete in the mountain bike National
Champs for cross country and the Enduro/ Super D. I will also do selective
races of the NZ Cup that are accessible and affordable to me. 2013 will also
see me get involved in the road cycling and dabble in track racing to mix
things up! So bring on 2013!<br />
All the best for the people competing in the first round of the NZ Cup this
weekend Bluff.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-54655432375977947722012-08-16T23:32:00.000-07:002012-12-17T13:20:40.571-08:00Winter riding fun<br />
<br />
Ash following me down the trail 'Corners' in Rotorua<br />
<br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/45048937">http://vimeo.com/45048937</a>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/hJNGVNze32Y?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-47877376388914857912012-03-13T00:22:00.000-07:002012-03-13T00:22:06.092-07:00Spoke mentionArticle about the Endura Team in the Current issue (45) of Spoke magazine<br />
<a href="http://nz.zinio.com/browse/issues/index.jsp;jsessionid=977B46D319187D5D3D31580F15815AE7.prd-main-news6?skuId=416213438&pss=1">http://nz.zinio.com/browse/issues/index.jsp;jsessionid=977B46D319187D5D3D31580F15815AE7.prd-main-news6?skuId=416213438&pss=1</a> <br />
<br />
And a mention on the website post-Oceania Champs<br />
<a href="http://spokemagazine.com/2012/03/12/endura-cleans-up-the-juniors/">http://spokemagazine.com/2012/03/12/endura-cleans-up-the-juniors/</a>raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-73781260006082774292012-03-12T23:16:00.001-07:002012-12-17T13:23:17.068-08:00Oceania Championships 2012: Rotorua<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
The final and biggest race of the season approached quickly, the Oceania Championships, where New Zealand and Australia’s best mountain bikers compete for victory. I unfortunately spent the lead up in Auckland with long hours at University and the bonus of classic Auckland traffic. I was very happy to return to Rotorua on the Wednesday where I had the comforts of my new home, even better I was chuffed that my parents came all the way up from Wellington for the weekend to watch the races.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Super D: Friday</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
The super D or endurance downhill was held on the Friday down the tracks ‘Hot x Buns’ and ‘Be rude not too’. With a full suspension demo bike kindly lent to me from Cycle Obsession for the weekend, I was set. Unluckily the number of competitors was slim, I think due to the confusion of race time and lack of signs or maps to the race made it impossible to find unless you were familiar with the forest. Although once it was found, the event ran efficiently and smoothly. Again I had tough competition from my fellow talented XC racer Sasha Smith, both of us eager for the win. After practicing the course for most of the day, at 5.30pm we were shuttled up for the final time to begin our race runs. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My run was clean, pedalling pretty much down the whole course and going as fast as I could safely go without risking a crash. I finished the run exhausted and out of breath but listening intently to hear whether my time was fast enough for the win. It took only a few moments for the numbers to come through…7.54min. Sub 8 minutes was better than I had hoped for taking the win and also placing 14<sup>th</sup> overall making me the 2012 Women’s Oceania Super D Champion. Congratulations to Sam Shaw who took the men’s title with a time of 7.08 minutes.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-pkcXGtLOWp3V5V-PvBrtSEFPh6vupp3_fO9p4bTDdKIPHR4N5aIPtrH5uPzxuk_NWyilu29oYC1YPUwu8F2elctZIzqkbVM2cM7no-2zVUK2RTvhh2Fb3ahmdMu7656f8qlUQDoA9Y/s1600/422635_369349009762645_196016863762528_1151518_399485790_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-pkcXGtLOWp3V5V-PvBrtSEFPh6vupp3_fO9p4bTDdKIPHR4N5aIPtrH5uPzxuk_NWyilu29oYC1YPUwu8F2elctZIzqkbVM2cM7no-2zVUK2RTvhh2Fb3ahmdMu7656f8qlUQDoA9Y/s320/422635_369349009762645_196016863762528_1151518_399485790_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012 Woman's Oceania Champ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cross Country: Saturday</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ikn9J_g9nSv8e1pKsvLxoABInYI-TTGfwVgngf8bxXqUhg5-i2j-FpfFNxhIxsqfrdxemmLH-OPGOHOKuW5FffEMOohdzG-FegwMYHfrB8NgXWBvjdcBxt3lnaYlrWZCJBzpiA8tU0E/s1600/XC.419865_398384956841818_250234805_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ikn9J_g9nSv8e1pKsvLxoABInYI-TTGfwVgngf8bxXqUhg5-i2j-FpfFNxhIxsqfrdxemmLH-OPGOHOKuW5FffEMOohdzG-FegwMYHfrB8NgXWBvjdcBxt3lnaYlrWZCJBzpiA8tU0E/s400/XC.419865_398384956841818_250234805_n.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start crash in the Women's elite race</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday rolled around, and after a full day at the Super D on the previous day I was feeling quite tired and un-psyched about the race. I registered last minute then went for a warm up lap to adjust back to my bike and free up my legs. Once on the start line I was in a better mind-set and focussed on the race ahead. It didn’t take long for everyone to be called up to the line, next moment the whistle blasted and we were off. I’m still unsure of what exactly happened as it all occurred so fast, but next thing I see is Bridget on the ground in front of me and suddenly I’m down as well. We both crashed onto concrete within the first 10 meters, not the ideal start. I took a moment to re-orientate myself and get over being winded after I was hit in the guts by possibly a handle bar? By the time I was back on my bike the rest of the field was out of sight, already up the first hill. I continued on full of adrenalin and managed to make up ground on the first lap, plus further save time by doing the rock garden each lap. The rock garden was a bit sketchy since my rear brake lever had been knocked under the handle bar and was difficult to engage, it saw me come off on my third lap but luckily no further injury. After 3 laps my asthma was present, my back was aching and referring pain down my leg into my foot, and I was exhausted from pushing through the resistance of my dragging brake, caused by the crash. At the end of the third lap that was it for me, and I pulled out of the race feeling shattered and extremely disappointed. Thanks to all the people who came and talked to be after the race, it was really helpful and cheered me up a lot <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> I am very lucky with all my friends and family. Well done to Karen who continues to dominate!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClZ7b3wWuaIf6NAQr1puEemW-y9rOSe3YniTRqkBuezCVm3qr2CEZMEI70FYe8Y3yK2ugENBp1_aFJ6J_AN1sTNLMxOqiof9c85tw785TI6IyqZXUTdjcprEwfz3tdWXMX_USL7dpepA/s1600/431636_305189392880956_100001696928755_820528_575646613_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClZ7b3wWuaIf6NAQr1puEemW-y9rOSe3YniTRqkBuezCVm3qr2CEZMEI70FYe8Y3yK2ugENBp1_aFJ6J_AN1sTNLMxOqiof9c85tw785TI6IyqZXUTdjcprEwfz3tdWXMX_USL7dpepA/s400/431636_305189392880956_100001696928755_820528_575646613_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Simon Blanchett</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cross Country Eliminator: Sunday</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday after the race I received some TLC including ice, bandages and strapping on my wounds which meant when I woke up on Sunday morning I felt way better- especially after some pain relief in my system. Ash and I headed over to watch the downhill and I was also contemplating whether to compete in the XC eliminator. The eliminator is a new race consisting of a 500m knock out format where four competitors race at the same time in heats, and the winners of those heats go to compete in the final (similar to BMX). I was very hesitant to race at first but was kindly convinced by my fellow team mates Harriet and Amber. It turned out to be a very fun and social event with many non-competitive girls giving it a go, as well as hung over XC racers, and ex world downhill champ, Vanessa Quin. It was so great to see an event where you could just have fun and not get lost in the seriousness and competiveness of racing. My legs were roasted after already two days of racing, but luckily the course required more skill rather than fitness with ruts and logs to jump over. I started off well winning my heat and making it into the finals with Vanessa Quin, Katherine O'Shea (Aussie) and Melissa Newell. I had a great start and got in the lead around the first corner which was continually getting cut up and loose. I took the corner too sharp, beginning to drift…and then proceeded to wash out, crashing for the second time in two days. In a panic I scrambled back onto the bike, but was too late as all three riders passed me. Bugger. I struggled to catch up in the remaining 400 metres and managed to move into second place over the logs. Unfortunately the course was too short to be able to catch back up to Vanessa who had a good lead. So second in the first ever held Oceania Champs eliminator, not bad considering I wasn’t even going to race- I’m chuffed <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcZrIordtab579dLt3JuvzGmKRZ0C9myChIYdljm_nUp5u0UaMFuyPRGjKehIO-00Bfc0csfnlJM2FvRGHPwp0K_OdtXCzIbyUTPIsJHiAC1ZFNoteQbEqYCDFN_cb2R658XmG9d20to/s1600/XCE.430584_392336644127374_241563255871381_1416340_1356090878_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcZrIordtab579dLt3JuvzGmKRZ0C9myChIYdljm_nUp5u0UaMFuyPRGjKehIO-00Bfc0csfnlJM2FvRGHPwp0K_OdtXCzIbyUTPIsJHiAC1ZFNoteQbEqYCDFN_cb2R658XmG9d20to/s400/XCE.430584_392336644127374_241563255871381_1416340_1356090878_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women's final: Race for second</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYnyai15wwTHH6RgVsPyKjoChaEUyedGsKOoVSEyryCWXorhVP5LxjyHJf5hBQsTUm7QHOhaCPqiOQrinlxxzcnC3ovId2kWV4SFg6GdGOItZDl4BGrErT50BSHggRdjOspnZayqHgJs/s1600/422102_398398776840436_201662923180690_1716483_1418534530_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYnyai15wwTHH6RgVsPyKjoChaEUyedGsKOoVSEyryCWXorhVP5LxjyHJf5hBQsTUm7QHOhaCPqiOQrinlxxzcnC3ovId2kWV4SFg6GdGOItZDl4BGrErT50BSHggRdjOspnZayqHgJs/s400/422102_398398776840436_201662923180690_1716483_1418534530_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women's podium: Raewyn 2nd, Vanessa Quin 1st, Katherine O'Shae 3rd</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s been a good weekend despite Saturday’s mishap. Thanks to all those that supported me- it’s all VERY appreciated, special thanks to John Lee who has been an incredible coach, my parents, Ash, Nigel from Endura for the team support, and Andy from GoFast for the support and product. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58B23h0FXVeQKqO_khudr2yH4Hal17muOyTlDL0aDmSXEzz9Dw853UyJUGLi9c0zDIf73NyvNXvFbJvwnP3U77uNbSIj70qZpNwgAd1bTwPCQcKP39wvGP8iBoOYKjM8n2wWTZurdP-A/s1600/Photo0015_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58B23h0FXVeQKqO_khudr2yH4Hal17muOyTlDL0aDmSXEzz9Dw853UyJUGLi9c0zDIf73NyvNXvFbJvwnP3U77uNbSIj70qZpNwgAd1bTwPCQcKP39wvGP8iBoOYKjM8n2wWTZurdP-A/s320/Photo0015_001.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday night treat with home made pizza</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-78553436506119049282012-03-12T11:47:00.000-07:002012-03-12T11:47:58.162-07:00Wellington NZ Cup Round 3<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another impressive race held and organised by the PNP club at Mount Victoria in Wellington. The course was a typical Wellington combination of steep technical sections and sharp brutal climbs. For an idea of the track here is a video I made with footage from Ash’s helmet camera and my Dad filming some of the race <a href="http://vimeo.com/37405761">http://vimeo.com/37405761</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ2t2X8pizSxUnSTmvpmyV2N3S42gsJnJoegqPlGGrThvdxSXv7vSQs49wDtoVV685nWDx7yH__p67mvMkKkLEgmA4zGQ0FRsPqAh8UNSYPePrAeA8q_d4LapqYR0PQ_RbZSyh4h9-jo/s1600/402014_3289399402807_1502375260_3008843_1702990259_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ2t2X8pizSxUnSTmvpmyV2N3S42gsJnJoegqPlGGrThvdxSXv7vSQs49wDtoVV685nWDx7yH__p67mvMkKkLEgmA4zGQ0FRsPqAh8UNSYPePrAeA8q_d4LapqYR0PQ_RbZSyh4h9-jo/s320/402014_3289399402807_1502375260_3008843_1702990259_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">photo taken by Shane Wetzel</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a great race and was encouraged on by the fantastic atmosphere and spectator support. By the end of the first lap I had made my way into 3<sup>rd</sup> place in the elite women with a comfortable gap between me and the chasing group. Half way through the second lap the leading boys started to the lap the women’s field. Dirk Peters (NZ’s National Champ) was coming up behind in a narrow bit of single track, I didn’t want to hold him up and got out of the way as quickly as I could. Unfortunately I wasn’t looking where I was going after he passed me and I lost my front wheel down a bank. I did a superman over the handle bars and crashed down the bank with my bike. I scrambled back up to the track and untangled my bike from the sticks and vines that were caught in the spokes, by the time I was back in the race I had lost about one minute and 3 positions. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I caught up by the start of the third lap and it became a battle between Bridget, Sasha and I until Bridget had an impressive crash which left Sasha and I battling it out for third. I was narrowly ahead for the remaining laps but managed to pull away on the 5<sup>th</sup> and final lap to finish in 3<sup>rd</sup> place – and my first Elite medal. </span></span><div><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpna0YQhdkEMHRUyzbj0F-wEM4jGdwz2HiT0wXT46VOQz8LESKYKreRxz0vHn1ySq-8bizDvC9kL3wagl4BocOEiLnuOMG5to4npYmUu6ZvBIARy8s5RkSir1LRRsuZERzqJKYVHrdRYI/s1600/420874_383553848324929_201662923180690_1666044_1610666610_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpna0YQhdkEMHRUyzbj0F-wEM4jGdwz2HiT0wXT46VOQz8LESKYKreRxz0vHn1ySq-8bizDvC9kL3wagl4BocOEiLnuOMG5to4npYmUu6ZvBIARy8s5RkSir1LRRsuZERzqJKYVHrdRYI/s320/420874_383553848324929_201662923180690_1666044_1610666610_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sasha and I at the finish after a good battle</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLgUKDSirDtz2eC4A3vx7-l-Y3YkPsZSchW5FAU-S9X8RPxqsNoteWz4ESKO5s4kX7PZOc0maMjO1E9nWn-r8SmzVOgez_Ou4QuMcmn_bORJ5z9yHR2lYS_3ssh0G1Nu5Fcyhxg5_R_I/s1600/421617_387286441285003_201662923180690_1677302_1898800203_n+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLgUKDSirDtz2eC4A3vx7-l-Y3YkPsZSchW5FAU-S9X8RPxqsNoteWz4ESKO5s4kX7PZOc0maMjO1E9nWn-r8SmzVOgez_Ou4QuMcmn_bORJ5z9yHR2lYS_3ssh0G1Nu5Fcyhxg5_R_I/s400/421617_387286441285003_201662923180690_1677302_1898800203_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Elite Women's podium</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-58666607419356830862012-02-16T01:06:00.001-08:002012-02-16T01:06:44.668-08:00New Video: National Champs, NelsonPre-riding the National Champs track (Super D course and Cross country).<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://vimeo.com/36883956">http://vimeo.com/36883956</a></b></span> <br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br />
</span>raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-42385943031700529992012-02-06T01:34:00.000-08:002012-02-06T15:48:49.665-08:00New Zealand National Championships: Nelson<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What a weekend! Friends, Briony and Brad, kindly let us stay in their house for the first half of the week. It was a great holiday, we were very lucky riding every day, enjoying the nice weather and loving the wonderful hospitably shown to us. On the Thursday we moved to join the PNP Club members at the Brook Holiday Park, which happened to be invaded by the mountain bike community. It was a great atmosphere, bikes everywhere and everyone was super friendly, chatty and hyped up for the weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A great set up for the new Endura race team also had it's perks. Thanks to Nigel, we were spoilt with a gazebo, bike stands, chairs, water and our own photographer catching all the moments - It has been such a great and supportive team environment, I have been very lucky to a part of it all. You can follow Endura and view race photos via facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Endura-NZ/201662923180690">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Endura-NZ/201662923180690</a> just like the page :)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_3izyUjutWa32BfAdTSqBsAw5gLiOsTolVsRNDFGMk9zvylsTSkWODXyoSXZuYkWIfz6IT0qJ0z9KtHJJWraTO_bmNPisuyI9TRaGgQfPa5sjDg0KkSZOKAdnvnb8zUprAnp4n6zVdo/s1600/428844_367064209973893_201662923180690_1619437_677410135_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_3izyUjutWa32BfAdTSqBsAw5gLiOsTolVsRNDFGMk9zvylsTSkWODXyoSXZuYkWIfz6IT0qJ0z9KtHJJWraTO_bmNPisuyI9TRaGgQfPa5sjDg0KkSZOKAdnvnb8zUprAnp4n6zVdo/s320/428844_367064209973893_201662923180690_1619437_677410135_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Super D<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The first ever Super D National Championship was held in Nelson on the Friday. A super D race is a mix between Cross country and Downhill. It is predominantly downhill course that is between 10-40min long and requires good technical ability on the bike as well as fitness. I made do with what I had, which happened to be my Cross Country race bike, a 29er carbon hard tail. Not the ideal bike for Nelson’s steep and rough tracks but I decided to make the most of the Cross country image and rocked up with my lycra, hardtail and seat up high in amongst all the downhillers with full suspension and baggy shorts. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The course was great fun. It consisted of fast, narrow single track, rocky steep corners with a few pinchy uphills thrown into the mix. The shuttle runs (a luxury us XC riders seldom come across) took us up to the top of the hill and then riders were released at 1 min intervals to negotiate their way down the course as fast as they could. The women were the first to start, I was impressed with the number of women that entered with riders from both cross country and downhill backgrounds racing. The course itself suited the downhillers more with the steepness and roughness of the track. I felt pretty disadvantaged with a hardtail and found it limiting in many parts of the track, although the course did include a short 4WD climb where I was able to make up a bit of time. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The race run started out with a near crash at the first corner where a big rock had fallen, my front wheel collided with it and almost got thrown off my bike down the bank. Lucky I grasp my balance in time and after coming to a stop I shuffled my way around the corner, repositioned my bike in the right direction and took off. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The rest of the course I loved, I was carrying speed as best as I could and even caught up and passed two of the girls who had started ahead. The last bit was steep and loose heading to the finish line. I went as fast as I could feel I could go without compromising my bike or risking a fall.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the end I won the senior woman National Champ title over Sasha Smith who was only 11 seconds behind me. I was second woman overall behind Nelson local Harriet Harper who was only 25sec ahead, which is very exciting as I know I can make much more time if I was on a bike with rear suspension. My sights are now for the Oceania Championships in Rotorua, where hopefully I can borrow a bike and really have a strong chance of a win. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWZaVCkxgfsbC9Oqtkq7-9i-7_CuO3tEaRmSwQjL1uRpYrJawM79hWmr5-anDPFS_m-D4HN7mAQEc2703-NF53xQG78TUcDYxCO0H25orhpDE652pNGpPcqbvAODLqsJiQzM80cAJJ54/s1600/426650_367060339974280_201662923180690_1619388_1583734889_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWZaVCkxgfsbC9Oqtkq7-9i-7_CuO3tEaRmSwQjL1uRpYrJawM79hWmr5-anDPFS_m-D4HN7mAQEc2703-NF53xQG78TUcDYxCO0H25orhpDE652pNGpPcqbvAODLqsJiQzM80cAJJ54/s640/426650_367060339974280_201662923180690_1619388_1583734889_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sasha Smith (2nd), Me (1st), Sarah Atkin (3rd)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></o:p></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Cross Country</u></b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My cross country race was a bit messy and I was disappointed with my performance and result. The course was fun, fast, loose and pinchy with the heat of the day getting hotter and hotter. By 2pm it was time for race start, I was feeling good, excited for the track as I really loved the course. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The start didn't go so well, my legs weren't firing on the climb and I got passed by some of the Under 19 girls who slowed significantly on the single track where passing opportunities were scarce. It was frustrating as I watched the leaders disappear. Finally at the bottom I was able to pass and endeavoured to play catch up. The rest of the lap went well I had passed a few people and made up time on some of the riders in front. Then second lap came and at the bottom of the first descent, I took a corner too sharply and clipped the side of the bridge with my handlebars which sent me over the bars into a large ditch under the bridge. Unhurt I scramble up the bank with my bike back onto the track and went to play catch up once again. The next few laps went by uneventful, I felt awesome on the entire single track, loving all the spectator support and cheers. I was able to pass two girls and started to look ahead to the next one who wasn’t too far in front. Before I could reel her in, the heat started to get to me. I was kindly been given bottles by Ash Sparks and obtained my last water bottle half way through my second to last lap. This nice full bottle filled with refreshing water tragically bounced out of my bottle cage before I could get a chance to take a drink. I thought I would be fine but my performance suffered and my climbs became embarrassingly slow. I was able to maintain my position to the finish and ended up 8th in the elite woman (7th New Zealander). Huge congratulations to Dirk Peters and Karen Hanlen who took out the Elite race, couldn't think of any two more friendly and deserving athletes. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUQjszG_JrmXJ1HooNvgjup_ybtZJp_D5o0OPZ6Vsd_DA5aKi-rqeCdqryleNprJ33qQ3Bu6y4X_3LuUX8FsmHEKJBMDOZiKPLraH3oB8WLyY9VymmeCRZOP-9YACiUBC6M-reDut1kI/s400/406534_10150524747046107_578791106_9087219_1412336879_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Jerome Luthi</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLRnCpNAsrn2j69IyQhTPoiybku4WfCOjV6eRi0qV2SrdXPm14WSEcr0TJmUOp_Y_6Nj1-EkW1XSzMiijehZORWZOgiuiB3UtNI-CM5o_LkHoj43XlUeeV5wWl-pO0S5OuWBaV80QHcQ/s400/426026_10150545344392825_531807824_8930422_1516505809_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by the Retief's</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLRnCpNAsrn2j69IyQhTPoiybku4WfCOjV6eRi0qV2SrdXPm14WSEcr0TJmUOp_Y_6Nj1-EkW1XSzMiijehZORWZOgiuiB3UtNI-CM5o_LkHoj43XlUeeV5wWl-pO0S5OuWBaV80QHcQ/s1600/426026_10150545344392825_531807824_8930422_1516505809_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-70144877798415113982012-01-17T16:22:00.000-08:002012-01-17T16:22:16.398-08:00Tour de Whaka VideoA sifty pre-ride of the Super-D course of the Tour the Whaka in Rotorua.<br />
Love Rotovegas trails :)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/34979742"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>http://vimeo.com/34979742</b></span></a> <br />
<br />
Video filmed and edited by <a href="http://ash-hough.blogspot.com/">Ash</a>raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-13256488439189661752012-01-09T11:59:00.000-08:002012-01-09T17:27:36.771-08:002012To start the week and the New Year, Ash cashed in his Ohakune Holiday house voucher (that he won from the Karioi Classic) and organised a group of us to do the Tongariro Crossing. After the rain and thunder storms on New years day, the weather did a 180 and put on it's Sunday best for the day of the walk. We were very spoilt with lovely accommodation, good company and one of NZ's best day walks. A few of us decided that we might as well climb Mount Ngauruhoe (2,291 meters) and spent the next hour scrambling up the mountain face to the top. The whole tramp took us 7.30hours, well worth it!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtalFCd_LB6RzFEzP7nbmhEe8qppwHmEpabQ9JTjr8In659D4mbtnvpWtbFr43qN9DnMN6qtxc0x2qRrh3zOv6S7Yxz2z2jqFn0JuGFg3xDJwxnHPKOI8BEbDDh1OvvP35c7eK1wZ0DU/s1600/DSC00606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtalFCd_LB6RzFEzP7nbmhEe8qppwHmEpabQ9JTjr8In659D4mbtnvpWtbFr43qN9DnMN6qtxc0x2qRrh3zOv6S7Yxz2z2jqFn0JuGFg3xDJwxnHPKOI8BEbDDh1OvvP35c7eK1wZ0DU/s320/DSC00606.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Ngauruhoe</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJSCfhA9XTNgdY6Fk0O9-W7jdLSyGGOqDRBMnVbYuDa5owVLHTnWSArTIA5CNmObWuNdv08H2yR0tof1h6AXbDPFt3yKCIZJ10oFPL7sGzbJ5-Cqw-XfHbEtDD2T6AFqmbYSdBNRmTmw/s1600/DSC00620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJSCfhA9XTNgdY6Fk0O9-W7jdLSyGGOqDRBMnVbYuDa5owVLHTnWSArTIA5CNmObWuNdv08H2yR0tof1h6AXbDPFt3yKCIZJ10oFPL7sGzbJ5-Cqw-XfHbEtDD2T6AFqmbYSdBNRmTmw/s320/DSC00620.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ash and I at the top</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">For the next couple of days after the Tongariro Crossing my legs were wasted and hurt from DOMS (delayed onset of muscle soreness) having not done much prior walking or running. Luckily it all cleared up just in time for the Tour de Whaka, and with some better tires that Kris Snow (Cycle Obsession) kindly lent me I was all set for the race..</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span style="color: red;"><b>Hill Climb</b></span><br />
The hill climb was a short and sharp 265 ish meter climb over 3.25km. I reached the top in 18min which put me in 3rd place overall (women). Seems my hill climbing has come a long way over the winter thanks to Auckland hills and John's training program. From the hill climb we headed on over to the start of the Super D<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbK5wL3qeTsHaDz56AtRoKIblJOz1vlvZ3v6H96peWzMInRCNDPq1sWbE4AQhXjKAw7tjiTBa4A7H0vXJoPs4GgIfU4JnGU1L47U7iCmlIewWxA73KBky8RjJA379Xj_n_e8NFOnaSfY/s1600/381684_263575310375698_100001696928755_731654_1522542284_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbK5wL3qeTsHaDz56AtRoKIblJOz1vlvZ3v6H96peWzMInRCNDPq1sWbE4AQhXjKAw7tjiTBa4A7H0vXJoPs4GgIfU4JnGU1L47U7iCmlIewWxA73KBky8RjJA379Xj_n_e8NFOnaSfY/s320/381684_263575310375698_100001696928755_731654_1522542284_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Simon Blanchett</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Super D</span></b><br />
The course made it's way down Split ends, Pondy DH, Pondy New and finishing at the bottom of Roller coaster. The course itself was very pedally with some good pinches of climbing in. I wanted the win and knowing a was up against locals that could ride the course with their eyes shut, I knew I had to pull something special out of the box. I started out good, loving my 29er and trying to carry as much speed as I could. Things were going great until I mistook a water run-off for the track. I made the wrong turn and crashed through the bush for several meters, coming to an abrupt stop just in front of a particularly large log. Cursing myself I jumped off my bike and carried it back to the track, well aware I was loosing precious time I took off again. I spent the rest of the race stressed out that I had blown it and utilized the adrenaline to pedal harder and corner faster. In the end I still managed to win the Super D by a VERY narrow margin of 1sec with Nic Leary as runner up.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLQPXgDZ_hXrDu92YGCgm6RWsB7ukwsXi1mPG22qycKLPvLDNSLZQUcofLltYogkmMCE_AWzvwHut3v_4JNHqEIKbwlL0Zhfby847s6SLXWMXbQvrjcLzgr8Bu8GkYg268zuiFDbJa_Q/s1600/407885_263576107042285_100001696928755_731669_182591519_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLQPXgDZ_hXrDu92YGCgm6RWsB7ukwsXi1mPG22qycKLPvLDNSLZQUcofLltYogkmMCE_AWzvwHut3v_4JNHqEIKbwlL0Zhfby847s6SLXWMXbQvrjcLzgr8Bu8GkYg268zuiFDbJa_Q/s400/407885_263576107042285_100001696928755_731669_182591519_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Simon Blanchett</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1VGta2ghvBKbw_RoM_cnFitoas3FbWs8q5Ojzds1rWuGfQAhi_VYELAQDua6Ak92-TaEbOjN37R-c-7yzSyAaM2C5JLNYMgKl18uWmxbGRidfxj3sIjevgwQJXaCtzjSJfcGkfXoT3o/s1600/Roto+Snap2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1VGta2ghvBKbw_RoM_cnFitoas3FbWs8q5Ojzds1rWuGfQAhi_VYELAQDua6Ak92-TaEbOjN37R-c-7yzSyAaM2C5JLNYMgKl18uWmxbGRidfxj3sIjevgwQJXaCtzjSJfcGkfXoT3o/s320/Roto+Snap2.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Time Trial</b></span><br />
The time trial was the final race on Saturday, like the Hill climb and Super D we were released at 1min intervals in a random order. The TT was raced on Old Chevy- a twisty pinchy track with little time to rest. I felt great, standing up and powering up the climbs and riding well on the bike. The only thing that let me down was my lack of local knowledge, missing all the 'hot lines', running off the track a couple of times, and over braking on corners. Still it was a blast! I finished 2nd women Overall for the time trial, putting me in 2nd place for day one.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYUYI70vwzwQcHX30UlTsUhzaMZYIhw_q9KKBxy6_xK_HmSz-iZijvkLuYNr9Si8H4weS5XFLQpNqnY5XOk_Z3iWdnBWDQ6URU7TGwG2515r6TQJAXQjRNsFwVQPSLgL2WGfIIlvS_eg/s1600/Roto+Snap1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYUYI70vwzwQcHX30UlTsUhzaMZYIhw_q9KKBxy6_xK_HmSz-iZijvkLuYNr9Si8H4weS5XFLQpNqnY5XOk_Z3iWdnBWDQ6URU7TGwG2515r6TQJAXQjRNsFwVQPSLgL2WGfIIlvS_eg/s320/Roto+Snap1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Cross Country</b></span><br />
The big finale, with Katie O'Neill leading the women's field by 1min and Nic Leary 1min behind me in total time, it was going to be close. The rain had held off on Saturday, but by Sunday the weather had turned for the worst. It had rained heavily throughout the night which formed numerous puddles of all shapes and sizes.<br />
I had good start along the road but once I hit the single track everybody was held up in a long train of people. Unable to pass I sat in conserving energy until an opportunity to pass came. Finally at the bottom of Dragons tail I got through and was off again feeling good. The rest of the tracks were slippery and fast which I rode very loosely and loving every bit of it. Again I struggled by not knowing Rotorua tracks and ended up riding off the track and taking not so ideal lines which began to exhaust me. Despite this it was still heaps of fun, I was particularly enjoying splashing through the puddles, at first unsure of the deepness until it was too late. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, and I enjoyed seeing Ash around the XC course giving me time splits and encouragement. I came 2nd Women in the XC race which meant 2nd in the tour, with Katie O'Neill winning the race and overall tour.<br />
<br />
Men:<br />
1st: Carl Jones<br />
2nd: Dirk Peters<br />
3rd: Mikey Northcott<br />
<br />
Women:<br />
1st: Katie O'Neill<br />
2nd: Raewyn Morrison<br />
3rd: Nic Learyraewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-56667660381073953532011-12-30T01:13:00.000-08:002011-12-30T01:14:17.916-08:00New VideoAsh has made a little video clip from our ride heading down North Face at Makara Peak, Wellington. At this stage we are planning on doing more riding videos featuring either of our Gluteus maximus on various trails and race courses as we head around the country chasing the National series.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Follow the link to the video :)</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://vimeo.com/34360658"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://vimeo.com/34360658</span></a> </div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-62978784878375655462011-12-15T02:46:00.000-08:002011-12-19T19:36:47.651-08:00Mid-North Island Cup Final: Rotorua<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The last race of the year and what a way to end it, a road trip to Rotorua to race the final Mid-North Island Cup. Nothing beats a road trip with good mates and mountain bikes on a summer weekend. The hype of this race was the incorporation of the newly developed rock garden, that was made for the Oceania Championships this coming March. The rock garden was the biggest topic of conversation that weekend, especially the day before the race - to ride it or not to ride it…</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The McDowell family kindly let us stay last minute at their house when our original accommodation fell through. Sunday morning we got up, I had my usual muesli and coffee for breakfast, then we were off to the course. The race came around quickly and before I knew it we were all lined up on the start line. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started reasonably well sticking with Katie and Samara up Nursery road and into the single track. After momentarily weaving in and out of trees we joined onto a 4WD track that began to climb gradually. My legs were feeling pretty good so decided to go with it. I picked up the pace and made my way into second place. At the end of the first lap I psyched myself out about the rock garden, and resorted to the nana line. On the way back up Nursery road, my awesome coach, John Lee, relayed me the times of my competitors and strongly advised me to do the rocks in order to gain time. It was the confidence boost I needed, so with a whole lap of psyching myself up I approached the top of the rock garden. Lots of spectators and supporters had gathered around to watch the riders navigate the way through the rocks. I felt their eyes and heard the silence as I directed myself towards the slope. I slowed my breathing down and while keeping my eyes fixed on the desired line I rolled on down, bouncing over rock after rock, then over the log into the berms and finally over the jump at the bottom. Both wheels meet the ground safely signifying that I had made it and was at the bottom, ready for the next lap. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBdB1XjYRWGW6_qnUrg6ORhVuU5JHFErQ8R3uCT-TAVMY91vtApgQSZuoZ1JD9wLbEGPAHqOxoqh3yXav3u6voPMZIQ0Yc1HvjVR-GtfccM51ZN_8A8mixkTRCisMVtlZx_45_k2RURM/s1600/383584_332088190138162_201662923180690_1494572_229581568_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBdB1XjYRWGW6_qnUrg6ORhVuU5JHFErQ8R3uCT-TAVMY91vtApgQSZuoZ1JD9wLbEGPAHqOxoqh3yXav3u6voPMZIQ0Yc1HvjVR-GtfccM51ZN_8A8mixkTRCisMVtlZx_45_k2RURM/s400/383584_332088190138162_201662923180690_1494572_229581568_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photo by Nigel Blanchard (Endura)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGaeEssxNpmS6BfMZ_2gaPgz4FclpsEpPQEj8mQjx14qDUewIh_G-q420GWxIYQFA0zoQVB9WZCeo29clFVGfEvxPt-sXLW91tNnoDfLx6-SknYh6THy4heyPxHttl14wYX2QKU5Z860/s1600/6490495751_8ea60611cc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGaeEssxNpmS6BfMZ_2gaPgz4FclpsEpPQEj8mQjx14qDUewIh_G-q420GWxIYQFA0zoQVB9WZCeo29clFVGfEvxPt-sXLW91tNnoDfLx6-SknYh6THy4heyPxHttl14wYX2QKU5Z860/s640/6490495751_8ea60611cc_b.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photo by Stephen Hough</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdECVRtwHqRtbtn5tUy8_wiDsf4VTdU_dQlq0HpDWTWMzG_wYDRBAEXEVkitRDhNIqPul8mFn9VHCa3JtnAhKkuAHcEHmAz63165tTnOs0Uq1CUQaenqRGkKZhaQrLynRW66QOgRsfLk/s1600/389945_308426159178061_135451396475539_1000828_82004071_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdECVRtwHqRtbtn5tUy8_wiDsf4VTdU_dQlq0HpDWTWMzG_wYDRBAEXEVkitRDhNIqPul8mFn9VHCa3JtnAhKkuAHcEHmAz63165tTnOs0Uq1CUQaenqRGkKZhaQrLynRW66QOgRsfLk/s400/389945_308426159178061_135451396475539_1000828_82004071_n.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photo by Hamish Dodd<br />
Sneaky line on the last lap after someone had removed a log</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The rest of the race was much the same, I was lucky to have help from Scott Green who kindly handed me a couple of bottles. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After the fourth lap I had still maintained my position, and finished up 2</span><sup style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">nd</sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> woman behind Katie O’Neill.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks Ash, Emma, Miles and Tom for the awesome weekend!!!!!! Especially Tom Bradshaw who drove us, organised our accommodation, and for his wonderful sense of humor during the trip. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-79873787499198826242011-11-28T16:00:00.000-08:002011-11-28T18:05:33.795-08:00Huka XL Challenge<div class="MsoNormal">Saturday 26<sup>th</sup> November held the annual Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge around the lake, and the equivalent Huka Challenge for the mountain bikers. The event attracts New Zealand’s top riders with the promise of a good hard race with stiff competition and prize money. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I awoke early to another cold Taupo morning and headed out to the event centre to make the 7am start. The wind had picked up overnight and was blowing a gale. The race began with us climbing up Tongariro Street and then heading into single track, making our way towards Craters of the Moon MTB Park. Once at Craters we could hear the echo of creaks and cracks throughout the forest as the wind continuously struck the battered trees. Pine cones and branches were falling left, right and centre and I even witnessed two fully mature pine trees crash to the ground blocking the track ahead. It was dangerous, and the decision was made by the organizers to cancel the race at the 30km mark and to get everyone out of the forest before more people were hurt.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdP871uOiSCRAVJjc0GdHmnsK1cHGDgTbEW_0YjxtNMPRs_LdLax2GqVRbcidatO79BxftjViMfwzezbvOvqWKiVVnajfe3fjOBDd7FzwaHZQCBgJnKjo14MGBYDja-UkMfLHKHlVfwE/s1600/20x30-LTDE0019.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdP871uOiSCRAVJjc0GdHmnsK1cHGDgTbEW_0YjxtNMPRs_LdLax2GqVRbcidatO79BxftjViMfwzezbvOvqWKiVVnajfe3fjOBDd7FzwaHZQCBgJnKjo14MGBYDja-UkMfLHKHlVfwE/s320/20x30-LTDE0019.jpeg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFkODVQuDm0RnVtjIFsLGfYfNUCQn0VeBrKs5pIwPwymjd68P-SQMQaRrR6HdouncNwDMwmGbWB5S6Mh0FLGeijph3UlgP19pUTulaMZ_9EcLF5nO71j_EPa4AHMjgqfNm6AP7eIjidM/s1600/20x30-LTEH0063.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFkODVQuDm0RnVtjIFsLGfYfNUCQn0VeBrKs5pIwPwymjd68P-SQMQaRrR6HdouncNwDMwmGbWB5S6Mh0FLGeijph3UlgP19pUTulaMZ_9EcLF5nO71j_EPa4AHMjgqfNm6AP7eIjidM/s400/20x30-LTEH0063.jpeg" width="266" /></a> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">At the time the race was stopped I was having a good race and had made my way into 5<sup>th</sup> place. Top 5 of the women usually receive prize money so was a bit gutted they did not note the positions after first place. Though big congratulations to Mikey Northcott and Karen Hanlen who were the men’s and women’s winners, well ahead of the rest of the field at the time. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Once out of the forest, riders had the option to ride the last bit of the course outside of the forest, up to Aratiatia dam then through Spa Park to the finish. Obviously most riders did this, having a leisurely social ride with friends. In the end we still rode 55km (of the original 80km) and were still able to cross the finish line even though the places did not count. It was a good day, and least I know I continue to get faster with the help of John Lee, despite the tough university year I had. It was also a great opportunity to catch up with friends and see some of Taupo’s iconic landmarks.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IEGGRtoDh8GXZKUwt6t1zM14fXaXvJlrdqCd9Blyo1Ti_ZJhY3gat17W4BVTlNwf2ITmdreiZ11M3XKl_oapvBvfQhasG26Nw4TndD23fZseEzEI2VbLjd7OLTcmEuzYPz2hGVr8omk/s1600/Hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IEGGRtoDh8GXZKUwt6t1zM14fXaXvJlrdqCd9Blyo1Ti_ZJhY3gat17W4BVTlNwf2ITmdreiZ11M3XKl_oapvBvfQhasG26Nw4TndD23fZseEzEI2VbLjd7OLTcmEuzYPz2hGVr8omk/s640/Hands.jpg" width="574" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ash and I crossing the finish line together</td></tr>
</tbody></table><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My legendary Dad completed the Extreme Track Enduro for the second time, which consisted of two laps around the lake (320km) mostly into a headwind wind and with a sore knee. Go Dad!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMskqLNQdfTESzOUEkB1610cjCGJ9xcdQKvqK0x1EMXy1r6WQCGn94Eww2Bd5AAeKtRjiHE-L48MoWR945krVcBjW-320aH2QASytdK4qLyzvDb5mxQmOOZmEEVHWYaD3dITc7Rn1Tpo/s1600/20x30-LTDQ0590.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMskqLNQdfTESzOUEkB1610cjCGJ9xcdQKvqK0x1EMXy1r6WQCGn94Eww2Bd5AAeKtRjiHE-L48MoWR945krVcBjW-320aH2QASytdK4qLyzvDb5mxQmOOZmEEVHWYaD3dITc7Rn1Tpo/s640/20x30-LTDQ0590.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew Morrison on is second lap around the lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-72854059448750315182011-11-22T17:45:00.000-08:002011-11-22T17:51:33.022-08:00Auckland Championships<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DM78KcD3NR941mp-wYmhAlC_vQEew1N20xTUMMuXRRZ6W8s5EfARhtIwmh6ZZLYNpxRsTjPX_g-2MA_H5hks7s9Ozm-wXQoULHKCaATtsSuWUXz0ksg0Eak7K-oakpRrbiyt3AVV6JY/s1600/308812_276399809071229_126705344040677_819129_1556033554_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DM78KcD3NR941mp-wYmhAlC_vQEew1N20xTUMMuXRRZ6W8s5EfARhtIwmh6ZZLYNpxRsTjPX_g-2MA_H5hks7s9Ozm-wXQoULHKCaATtsSuWUXz0ksg0Eak7K-oakpRrbiyt3AVV6JY/s400/308812_276399809071229_126705344040677_819129_1556033554_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New look (Kit and Bike)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Last Saturday Ash and I drove up to Auckland for the final round of the Auckland Mountain Bike Champs held in Riverhead. I was leading woman in </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">the series,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> with three wins at the previous rounds in Woodhill, Hunua and Slater Road. Kindly, the Retief family generously let us stay Saturday night so we would be prepared to race on Sunday.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Sunday morning arrived and we set out to the track, I was feeling a little nervous about the course. W</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">e were to do three 11km laps of a very challenging and technical course which included a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">41% rutted and slippery</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> climb, tight rooted single track, and a steep knarly downhill with jumps and drops. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_ydtpJUszLQWkdp7-I1awSEaq4bvFEDb5F213ONmUkAWzQWH5zBCr8cje0y12m_fG4Jc32jPY7e-OFoHwtG3SW74LoFsCde76m6WCuEUIcjExMj18tvc2pZ_WNqgGGKPCj1EGqmX4ps/s1600/166898_276403685737508_126705344040677_819262_11770545_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_ydtpJUszLQWkdp7-I1awSEaq4bvFEDb5F213ONmUkAWzQWH5zBCr8cje0y12m_fG4Jc32jPY7e-OFoHwtG3SW74LoFsCde76m6WCuEUIcjExMj18tvc2pZ_WNqgGGKPCj1EGqmX4ps/s320/166898_276403685737508_126705344040677_819262_11770545_n.jpg" width="213" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I started out conservatively as I knew it was going to be a tough day on the bike. The first lap I was riding like a muppet, not use to the vast number of exposed roots which made for a harsh bumpy ride. This initially lead to me to making poor line choices with a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">disorganized</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> gear selection and a few crashes. As the race progressed, I began to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">recognize</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> sections of the track and became more confident, faster, and started to really enjoy it. Riverhead is such an amazing place to ride, it really challenges the rider's skills to cope with ungroomed, 'true' mountain biking tracks, never short of ruts, roots and mud. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I finished first women out of 3. The small number of women is a shame, but luckily the race format allowed everybody to start together so I was able to be competitive against the age-group men and push myself. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Thanks to Ash, the Retiefs, Nigel from Endura, Auckland MTB Club for the support at the race series. With 4/4 wins in the series means I am now the 2011 Auckland MTB Champ. Congratulations to Tom Reynolds who took out the men's title, and Matt Andrew who won the Single Speed class.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAE_VQxTMaMogpUGaPYPbCVXm793p5c66jbiysEVJ-5sD3y19kCtGwX7sJPovSrTRG3_IyCd47qRxXi9nbTb0h_D3UWj1yU1bvrdFGfwLuGvXm-WYM_HZ9GeKZq9gXD0BcZ6Alz_r1B8/s1600/310944_276411085736768_126705344040677_819491_1558395130_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAE_VQxTMaMogpUGaPYPbCVXm793p5c66jbiysEVJ-5sD3y19kCtGwX7sJPovSrTRG3_IyCd47qRxXi9nbTb0h_D3UWj1yU1bvrdFGfwLuGvXm-WYM_HZ9GeKZq9gXD0BcZ6Alz_r1B8/s640/310944_276411085736768_126705344040677_819491_1558395130_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Men and Woman's Auckland MTB Champs</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3vmPWRTbYxLxE6nxy0KfwUjI_zzOahDKB7Zh-1K2IVl0UCAQXQNTW2YDDTXQ4csGhjQqCwQuSdtEP2DE-iQgbg49sMyFUmrLxq-eQ9aauswEx8yXH9WKzrz7C085EQKWFlpu0xulufg/s1600/375990_276411015736775_126705344040677_819489_1408153363_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3vmPWRTbYxLxE6nxy0KfwUjI_zzOahDKB7Zh-1K2IVl0UCAQXQNTW2YDDTXQ4csGhjQqCwQuSdtEP2DE-iQgbg49sMyFUmrLxq-eQ9aauswEx8yXH9WKzrz7C085EQKWFlpu0xulufg/s640/375990_276411015736775_126705344040677_819489_1408153363_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st Raewyn Morrison, 2nd Renee Wilson, 3rd Naomi Wright</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" />raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-12117588621667819962011-11-17T16:02:00.000-08:002011-11-22T20:32:39.202-08:00Cycle Obsession<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ash and I have officially moved out of Auckland (for good) and are currently residing in Tauranga for the short term. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For 2012- my <u>final</u> year as a physiotherapy student -I have been allocated to Rotorua to complete 1000 hours of clinical placement. Understandably, I'm very excited to be moving to Rotorua (the heart of mountain biking heaven), making training easier and as a bonus I will be closer to my coach, John Lee.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Unfortunately by moving out of Auckland I have had to leave <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>239 Bike</b></span>, located in Pukekohe. Will and the team at 239 have been a huge help and support throughout my time in Auckland so it will be sad to leave. If you ever have a chance, I highly recommend you make time to visit the store, I guarantee you will not be disappointed. It's a massive shop, containing a wide range of top-end product and bikes with fantastic service. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.239bike.com/">http://www.239bike.com/</a></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On a different note, I have joined my partner in crime and racing (minus the crime part), Ash Hough, and now officially riding for Cycle Obsession, located in Mount Maunganui. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/225303_211194082245048_168185926545864_657069_5471065_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/225303_211194082245048_168185926545864_657069_5471065_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Owned by Kris Snow, Cycle Obsession is a passionate bike shop that is at the heart of the mountain bike scene in Tauranga. I am very excited to be part of Cycle Obsession as they provide a positive image and support for local events and athletes in the Bay of Plenty. You can follow them on facebook at </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/CycleObsession?ref=ts" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">http://www.facebook.com/CycleObsession?ref=ts</a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Recent races:</b></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Last Monday we decide to compete in the Monday night race up at the Summerhill mountain bike trails. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ash and I rode out to the track, only to arrive late and found that the race had already started.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> With a 3min handicap we set out, busting our guts to catch up and gain positions. After the tough hour I had made my way into 1st position, leading the women, and ash made it to 4th, 1min behind first place (Kris Snow). Looking forward to the next one :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For the last few months I have been competing in the Endura Auckland XC MTB Championship Series. So far I have won every race although unfortunately competition has been a little slim for round 2 and 3, which just means I have been racing against the guys. Ash and I will be travelling up this weekend to compete in the final round at Riverhead, and then Taupo the following weekend for the XL Huka Challenge. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-39489276396067376442011-11-17T14:24:00.000-08:002011-11-22T15:27:27.150-08:00Endura Team Launch<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>The new Endura team has been launch!</i></b> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week the team meet for the first time in Taupo. We spent the day trying on new kit, stickering our bikes up and taking photos, the end result being a snazzy looking team on bling bikes and flash kit (check out the photos below). It was a fun day with a talented group of up-and-coming athletes.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Team sponsors include:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Endura Clothing <a href="http://www.endurasport.co.nz/" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; line-height: 20px;" target="_blank">www.endurasport.co.nz</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Specialized bikes <a href="http://www.specialized.com/">http://www.specialized.com</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Crud <a href="http://www.crudproducts.com/" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; line-height: 20px;" target="_blank">www.crudproducts.com</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-DZ Nuts <a href="http://www.dz-nuts.com/" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; line-height: 20px;" target="_blank">www.dz-nuts.com</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a look out for us at the races this season....</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7RDSpIFeNyOIvKY791sVhbxNaw1gD-Sj1EhdVNsPsoh-_K2fpmYGesLWjPnR-hGUPyVaK6ZIDjwymKxsqLoAxEuaM5zii-GjrsvQ4YKd7qEatiennrwqcqT6vwMeoFSyWvPRCgK94u0/s1600/336596_311936942153287_201662923180690_1430993_263873401_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7RDSpIFeNyOIvKY791sVhbxNaw1gD-Sj1EhdVNsPsoh-_K2fpmYGesLWjPnR-hGUPyVaK6ZIDjwymKxsqLoAxEuaM5zii-GjrsvQ4YKd7qEatiennrwqcqT6vwMeoFSyWvPRCgK94u0/s400/336596_311936942153287_201662923180690_1430993_263873401_o.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApfdAjLlBwR4j3WILTZFoDbFhQg7GsxqPmTPTDrd7w4K0NdwPzXh91A1VmkxVj0NTBYpfHrM3ICUxuZYQ19hkAiS1sxT6K4jbnwP4XYOFmw7UdrPTmZLeG8W8Bwq9CIs07PsvnWt466o/s1600/Endura+NZ+Race+Team+Launch+2011+113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApfdAjLlBwR4j3WILTZFoDbFhQg7GsxqPmTPTDrd7w4K0NdwPzXh91A1VmkxVj0NTBYpfHrM3ICUxuZYQ19hkAiS1sxT6K4jbnwP4XYOFmw7UdrPTmZLeG8W8Bwq9CIs07PsvnWt466o/s400/Endura+NZ+Race+Team+Launch+2011+113.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Nigel McDowell, Adrian Retief, Nathan Johnston, Josh Parkin, Amber Johnston, Ryan Hunt, Raewyn Morrison</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWbxtJ60dr8PqKSs6_VvwMem7Xx6HtbdUt-0ONdqvDuUfpQ7XBpA2UlWil5LniMnJ-oZC-8fYESAKpQr-8bwSYkHzQu2iEW3tsLNtdpEobt4m6Cb5ylbiUrAol9LbWgNXMvZlxlncGfY/s1600/Endura+NZ+Race+Team+Launch+2011+099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWbxtJ60dr8PqKSs6_VvwMem7Xx6HtbdUt-0ONdqvDuUfpQ7XBpA2UlWil5LniMnJ-oZC-8fYESAKpQr-8bwSYkHzQu2iEW3tsLNtdpEobt4m6Cb5ylbiUrAol9LbWgNXMvZlxlncGfY/s400/Endura+NZ+Race+Team+Launch+2011+099.JPG" width="265" /></span></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9K9sL4-cmFVodgeOZfW2YPq5uzIHU5666bo1MYQObfz2N-5s3CLptvXc8z0ZlJOzns3OyKVN-MpoxhJMc_qiAhx_ESWmsYoT6zGhPv-bxSdjfR5GL1ljpUkc4upABIuDpOoUyDRXMuE4/s1600/Endura+NZ+Race+Team+Launch+2011+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9K9sL4-cmFVodgeOZfW2YPq5uzIHU5666bo1MYQObfz2N-5s3CLptvXc8z0ZlJOzns3OyKVN-MpoxhJMc_qiAhx_ESWmsYoT6zGhPv-bxSdjfR5GL1ljpUkc4upABIuDpOoUyDRXMuE4/s400/Endura+NZ+Race+Team+Launch+2011+042.JPG" width="266" /></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEG4wVj66ouzJn7BX3xy7DXKmCS5vzBRaO6puIB2_hbTvqlAmbgPv8QuO2PafhXIQVfizRI2KPHIBJSO6-0-M5qBcHvD2hq79p5fhD4LRBqA7or_q1eeRJFw0_OCA3UAYvGLK5aD1IeM/s1600/Endura+NZ+Race+Team+Launch+2011+173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEG4wVj66ouzJn7BX3xy7DXKmCS5vzBRaO6puIB2_hbTvqlAmbgPv8QuO2PafhXIQVfizRI2KPHIBJSO6-0-M5qBcHvD2hq79p5fhD4LRBqA7or_q1eeRJFw0_OCA3UAYvGLK5aD1IeM/s400/Endura+NZ+Race+Team+Launch+2011+173.JPG" width="266" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBD6EJ-r-6MB3F2tm0Pq_5hV7KI_5Hdp4DPHFHuIF3OOmOn4rEjYD6c8DaEAcRAQrZXLNFWAsIKZ_d8dmpGVnAjYRSgyQHBRiWqJQFSNGRuXyAFlsTeeMzBmiJvqfplXwAIOeONTdTIkE/s400/Endura+NZ+Race+Team+Launch+2011+215.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stumpjumper 29er!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBD6EJ-r-6MB3F2tm0Pq_5hV7KI_5Hdp4DPHFHuIF3OOmOn4rEjYD6c8DaEAcRAQrZXLNFWAsIKZ_d8dmpGVnAjYRSgyQHBRiWqJQFSNGRuXyAFlsTeeMzBmiJvqfplXwAIOeONTdTIkE/s1600/Endura+NZ+Race+Team+Launch+2011+215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-869561097783892762011-09-16T01:31:00.000-07:002011-09-16T01:31:30.560-07:00September's Adventures<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Have a look in Spoke Magazine, there is a short write up on me- pg 74</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Thanks Tiger from Bushlove for letting me borrow his mtb shoes, and Caleb's wife for lending me a bike for the photo.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u>Auckland Championships:</u> Round 1: 4<sup>th</sup> September</b></span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have never really enjoyed races at Woodhill as the courses tend to consist of my least favourite trails, but this time it was good. The whole atmosphere was amazing, the race organisers did a wonderful job with the running and setup of the event - one of the best I’ve been to. I was in such a good mood I have even committed myself to a new bike… <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqiJ33knujivZXEbiUe8b5Nu_rZXxAYEOiVvst3F48F3i60UgGkigbt2KCnxcnDs9SrWG4Bu1kC3OC_Tok8QCIMH1EXR0vhfJBrwBuxd3-3pKj1XixS8rrxljNYNrt1v9mVUawXXlm6Y/s1600/327953_277202722290178_100000013587642_1182843_5055219_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqiJ33knujivZXEbiUe8b5Nu_rZXxAYEOiVvst3F48F3i60UgGkigbt2KCnxcnDs9SrWG4Bu1kC3OC_Tok8QCIMH1EXR0vhfJBrwBuxd3-3pKj1XixS8rrxljNYNrt1v9mVUawXXlm6Y/s320/327953_277202722290178_100000013587642_1182843_5055219_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">I left this write up too long to remember any details, but I was first overall female in time of 2.16hours-ish…on my Birthday…Wahoo <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span>J</span></span> <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZpt0LEE53kwpRVtT3TEB9B9_JwEgH0d4RIcXivVUJhZHLj_zVjr4eP6fy5jfxm3NnjXlSrXsdXm1vZdDp_cEWBGqZO6zMSdBSuKdmpdgHLZjXUKvrv4yS2Gy1GS4MvStJbvwMp31sJw/s1600/304819_10150295970128654_571258653_7639944_4901750_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZpt0LEE53kwpRVtT3TEB9B9_JwEgH0d4RIcXivVUJhZHLj_zVjr4eP6fy5jfxm3NnjXlSrXsdXm1vZdDp_cEWBGqZO6zMSdBSuKdmpdgHLZjXUKvrv4yS2Gy1GS4MvStJbvwMp31sJw/s320/304819_10150295970128654_571258653_7639944_4901750_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Looking forward to the other rounds!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u>Day-Night Thriller</u>: 6 Hours Solo: 10<sup>th</sup> September</b></span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsddowcimwtsYetxJZWun89b_b_ubN4BhiWgULoG0u8VhYHCL29PfBKNYKAiDlOEAUo5D4Jb1DkE-G-tbKJyL3uigwob20j433p4ehkyYk74kX8qbXsv6J1JThAB5lOGmWKJ9vLAaIzEQ/s1600/20x30-JAMA1733.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsddowcimwtsYetxJZWun89b_b_ubN4BhiWgULoG0u8VhYHCL29PfBKNYKAiDlOEAUo5D4Jb1DkE-G-tbKJyL3uigwob20j433p4ehkyYk74kX8qbXsv6J1JThAB5lOGmWKJ9vLAaIzEQ/s400/20x30-JAMA1733.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Being sick leading up to this race seems to be a common occurrence with me, but everything seemed to come right on Saturday morning. On the start line I was relaxed and ready, my race plan was to ride until I was tired, and then ride some more. I knew I would be fine up until the 3 hour mark, having never ridden over 5 hours before. After the half way point I was going to rely on my GoFast to see me to the end. The start loop was a bit dramatic with all the racers pumped on adrenaline and ready to go, as soon as the race began guys and gals were jostling and elbowing for position. Understandably a crash happened to the rider in front of me, I had to jam on the brakes and swerve to avoid riding over top of him. By the time I composed and freed myself from the pile up I was near the back of the pack. The next few laps consisted of trailing behind trains of people. I wasn’t too worried as from previous experience I had wasted a lot of energy going off track to overtake. Instead this time I followed, taking opportunity to drink, stretch back, then overtake when space was available with a friendly “thanks” to the rider. I was surprisingly feeling really good, and continued steadily on lap after lap. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The sun was out, making it a beautiful hot day. I was very lucky with an incredible guy giving me bottles and food (a dad of one of the 24 hour races), couldn’t have done it without him. By the half way mark my legs were great but I was suffering,with my back becoming increasingly sore. I was standing up as much as I could, but my lap times were being severely affecting going from 20min (fastest) to 27minutes ish. After 14 laps I finished up 2<sup>nd</sup> to the consistently fast, legs of steel, Fiona Macdermid. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorWQ5wbTbpa5x9vAUyCHwlxH1yIHRTZIGB3weOmL4CJndZk9E0G4LBHGyP-_iEKgiFMVqIX6F0Wi19ERkTxa9nxjJ315y80ObNp1uH6nmSOW2lNLEHVgSG6d37cQq8dQMi4sfrWuuk_k/s1600/20x30-JAKE0018.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorWQ5wbTbpa5x9vAUyCHwlxH1yIHRTZIGB3weOmL4CJndZk9E0G4LBHGyP-_iEKgiFMVqIX6F0Wi19ERkTxa9nxjJ315y80ObNp1uH6nmSOW2lNLEHVgSG6d37cQq8dQMi4sfrWuuk_k/s400/20x30-JAKE0018.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was 14<sup>th</sup> solo (out of 79) and 2<sup>nd</sup> female overall (out of 17). <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Huge thank to all the help I had from the Auckland MTB Club with feeding and looking after me during the 6 hours, and all my friends along side the track who cheered me on and even offered me food. Also thanks to Ash for all his support throughout the year.</div><div class="MsoNormal">It was a great weekend, will probably do it next year, maybe just not on a hardtail again...<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nvDFDWR35Dye5E3gPQJ_RabZlwNSenk2cgQccogAlRVgfKyy6GJspbzbNeuITExZAy8sLAKTXw14UHgTJn1nmsqPANiCMLC_oFK-V0SUxXoUxiEIqQmClJiXFWUdAVd5efACYQLwvRY/s1600/20x30-JAMB0757.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nvDFDWR35Dye5E3gPQJ_RabZlwNSenk2cgQccogAlRVgfKyy6GJspbzbNeuITExZAy8sLAKTXw14UHgTJn1nmsqPANiCMLC_oFK-V0SUxXoUxiEIqQmClJiXFWUdAVd5efACYQLwvRY/s400/20x30-JAMB0757.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-59862352235255159132011-08-28T14:13:00.000-07:002011-08-28T14:19:46.482-07:00Single Speed Sundays: Round 3<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Saturday night before the race involved a last minute conversion of my bike into a single speed (courtesy of with Ash and SS parts from David). It was a rushed job due to the time limitation, which meant no time to test the integrity of the build. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It was freezing on the Sunday morning, with the outside temperature showing 0 degrees at one point, but </span></span>once the sun came out it started to warm up. I took my bike for a little spin 1 hour before the race, and this realized very quickly that I had a problem...the chain was constantly falling off, on every big bump- (which is obviously VERY frequent in mountain biking).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GN7CvBe1agbkQJyv7T-m-mGNRZQ8SO1jONUAhPalv89WfBYd7qJ7rFPstHGfshLRUX1CIhi63GGmYEQ_Ce_y42Rgi_GmNL0nD-IHooGCeZWMNwp4tgujw0WZVai2cL972MLPrB8RDYM/s1600/289039_270011656342618_100000013587642_1155941_3833101_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GN7CvBe1agbkQJyv7T-m-mGNRZQ8SO1jONUAhPalv89WfBYd7qJ7rFPstHGfshLRUX1CIhi63GGmYEQ_Ce_y42Rgi_GmNL0nD-IHooGCeZWMNwp4tgujw0WZVai2cL972MLPrB8RDYM/s400/289039_270011656342618_100000013587642_1155941_3833101_o.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Ash and Brad redid the chain alignment on the bike which seemed to solve the problem at a glance…then it was race start.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The race began with the lined up bikes on one end of the field, and the competitors (most in fancy dress) at the other end with our front wheels. At the random 'go' we all ran with our wheels to reunite with our bikes, and then we were off.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOFzDpkcr9ofnNqDcT_E-xBNCz2it8LQNP8hTROrxxNvKy0m0EK_p2wkb_6FbbLLFMMSigKeQis33SLvRM1WEWZ6B_aEj4nqKdpvjc5pFKXlauKGnmH4d8yeqb0oMjn9D6yQHAnvBAMM/s1600/316999_233802589997618_126705344040677_684484_1248024_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOFzDpkcr9ofnNqDcT_E-xBNCz2it8LQNP8hTROrxxNvKy0m0EK_p2wkb_6FbbLLFMMSigKeQis33SLvRM1WEWZ6B_aEj4nqKdpvjc5pFKXlauKGnmH4d8yeqb0oMjn9D6yQHAnvBAMM/s400/316999_233802589997618_126705344040677_684484_1248024_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The first lap was a shambles for me, the chain continued to be a constant problem- falling off on almost every downhill. One of the times it bounced off while I was going over a root on an uphill, I ended up falling off hitting the dirt. By the last trail of the first lap the chain had gotten all tangled and jammed, so I resorted to running, and coasting down the hills. On one of the "coasts" I was talking to Tim (race organiser), was not looking where I was going and went flying over the handlebars in superman style…luckily it was not captured on the camera.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I continued on with a wounded pride, and galloped to the beer tent where help was available for my bike. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It was agonizing watching everyone pass me, I went from first women with a great lead to 3rd, behind by about 10min. It looked very doubtful that the bike could be fixed. Luckily for me, superhero Brad came to the rescue, and by using cable ties managed to secure the tensioner. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I was off, brutally behind, but bike was now fully functioning. For the next lap I was on the rivet, putting everything out there to catch up. It paid off- by the end of the beer shortcut I was comfortably in first place again…and a wee bit tipsy from sculling the beer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The next lap was enjoyable; I kept the pace up to extend the lead and see how many guys I could catch, finishing in a sprint finish.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Very cool race! Hope they bring the series back next year. In the mean time I am looking forward to Round one of the Endura Auckland MTB Series on my birthday- the 4th September! :) </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefFMwAoSwSWFGrNpg-_YuQnadhVBwgvDh-Evy5iHMSg3Uw6JXq2eBjmzzq1HjLKvHcNtA1tkvYid5QSSbM_9evsLUxASVqqeSH7fg4rUpAx650nUtPlkvXNqUUHQGOO7JiHEZhTqifH4/s1600/340854_270010796342704_100000013587642_1155907_1632896_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefFMwAoSwSWFGrNpg-_YuQnadhVBwgvDh-Evy5iHMSg3Uw6JXq2eBjmzzq1HjLKvHcNtA1tkvYid5QSSbM_9evsLUxASVqqeSH7fg4rUpAx650nUtPlkvXNqUUHQGOO7JiHEZhTqifH4/s400/340854_270010796342704_100000013587642_1155907_1632896_o.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-60733681685741241082011-08-18T22:45:00.000-07:002011-08-18T22:45:17.868-07:00Karioi ClassicI have been a bit busy with training, assignments, university and work that I've procrastinated in writing up this race report, so here it it finally..seriously overdue, but complete :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYN0Xvq-iAXziyUdaBhr_yYovy6YMQkF5D9GtgHJRzavmhS8V7o4sBozX5Eh5j3nbhaTlSP5d5YplXyWTlHFKhbfJdv8Wm0HYvuIy22ZRrau7RhPRH2xLjd7IHa-TZ10b5IsYnX1VbB5M/s1600/The+legnum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYN0Xvq-iAXziyUdaBhr_yYovy6YMQkF5D9GtgHJRzavmhS8V7o4sBozX5Eh5j3nbhaTlSP5d5YplXyWTlHFKhbfJdv8Wm0HYvuIy22ZRrau7RhPRH2xLjd7IHa-TZ10b5IsYnX1VbB5M/s400/The+legnum.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div>The Karioi Classic is a 46km race in Raglan that heads up and around Karioi Mountain on sealed and gravel roads, whilst incorporating spectacular coastal views. We were exceptionally lucky with the weather, nice cool temperature and crystal blue skies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oeRCGlbF9yTK6zvLULZZyjmDZLAhfJMGN2xmgtM_Hlk9nNxpxFWVLmbArPL7Nz2VIqOokxjLnvim0BkcnRKYcNfPRP0dgioiqrKq26D-hPl_MwOjiFxcaQZA1UDxrwui30zxiuscleE/s1600/adsc_5549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oeRCGlbF9yTK6zvLULZZyjmDZLAhfJMGN2xmgtM_Hlk9nNxpxFWVLmbArPL7Nz2VIqOokxjLnvim0BkcnRKYcNfPRP0dgioiqrKq26D-hPl_MwOjiFxcaQZA1UDxrwui30zxiuscleE/s400/adsc_5549.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>There was plenty of climbing that was rewarded by long and fast downhills-hitting speeds up to 70km/h down one section of gravel hill.<br />
I led the women's field from the first 2km road climb, surprising myself with how good I felt. To begin with, I mostly rode by myself passing the occasional person, but once I reached the second tarseal section I was caught by 5 guys. For the remainder of the race I rode with the pack, pushing the pace to secure a respectable course time.<br />
<br />
I finished with a time of 1.41hr, smashing the women's record by 9minutes. For winning, my name engraved in the trophy and won a crown with money melted in it, some prize money, and a goody bag full of trade aid stuff.<br />
Ash also did really well winning the Single-speed category, scoring a great prize- a free stay at an Ohakune holiday house.<br />
<br />
It was such a lovely trip, and really nice to catch up with everybody and to share the day with Ash, Katie (uni friend), and riding buddies David and Shaun. Will hopefully be back next year :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3f4k4PvtGjqy0RxByQl1HhHh17rh9C1w0Q47sN2F4gwaji4pdsA8ghPoe9Hg8rUHds4zMgb3qrzUO3yau-5b2sOEBtaEDk3MIJ3CKnpgdGqo0183mR17o8Z3mY1yvFv9EwC42tNwcgI/s1600/King+and+Queen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3f4k4PvtGjqy0RxByQl1HhHh17rh9C1w0Q47sN2F4gwaji4pdsA8ghPoe9Hg8rUHds4zMgb3qrzUO3yau-5b2sOEBtaEDk3MIJ3CKnpgdGqo0183mR17o8Z3mY1yvFv9EwC42tNwcgI/s320/King+and+Queen.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVF16L500fuQS0wLVpZKcRNFIi0w0LT15mhA3dOq1-1AnOXWxEVD9lL2-1Snj6AQrj7rmLAwwsKW86FXfadBoStbrt8qPy2jn6i89DlRqtH0KsY0yPUxIGhafWK-1EI0T8QyG8RhaYslU/s1600/adsc_5459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVF16L500fuQS0wLVpZKcRNFIi0w0LT15mhA3dOq1-1AnOXWxEVD9lL2-1Snj6AQrj7rmLAwwsKW86FXfadBoStbrt8qPy2jn6i89DlRqtH0KsY0yPUxIGhafWK-1EI0T8QyG8RhaYslU/s400/adsc_5459.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trophy</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAPiY7-sMyV8RUe9KCBofH7DsQnk29cvdGm9Q8VdbT-eYqKAQY_Vh4_oRM8RY14s_-J7SbQxLK2WM0cSxcDbF9SQkINC0i-PjxCtEH2q15UAjgPxKg0_jf7KIcHJKULcaxwYZsb2nmC4/s1600/IMG_1573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAPiY7-sMyV8RUe9KCBofH7DsQnk29cvdGm9Q8VdbT-eYqKAQY_Vh4_oRM8RY14s_-J7SbQxLK2WM0cSxcDbF9SQkINC0i-PjxCtEH2q15UAjgPxKg0_jf7KIcHJKULcaxwYZsb2nmC4/s320/IMG_1573.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David, Katie, Ash and Rae</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyyxMmEmPjhSihyphenhyphenD5qOQ8IrvryAAkEzR2iGPeJUO8Dpbonf7fme-BSm-MsgKc6pKWWbC67oKXhqjq5qxgA41UkeDIDuRwTFwtnOauROXtzenTsCtVarWqven6aymjWV6OfN_cNuFQ9gc/s1600/IMG_1579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyyxMmEmPjhSihyphenhyphenD5qOQ8IrvryAAkEzR2iGPeJUO8Dpbonf7fme-BSm-MsgKc6pKWWbC67oKXhqjq5qxgA41UkeDIDuRwTFwtnOauROXtzenTsCtVarWqven6aymjWV6OfN_cNuFQ9gc/s320/IMG_1579.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Results: <a href="http://www.karioiclassic.org.nz/#!results">http://www.karioiclassic.org.nz/#!results</a>raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-68500298660079539972011-07-29T03:49:00.000-07:002011-07-29T15:17:23.450-07:00Roadie RaeRae<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the past I'd always be the first to bag road bikes and especially the roadies, I just didn't understand how cyclists could choose traffic and the wind over the natural bush and the forever challenging and varying terrain available with the mountain bike. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">During the Summer I had my first taste of road racing in the Kapiti Summer Series, and I can honestly say<u> <b>I finally get it!</b></u> The appeal of the road bike has won me over- the speed, the challenge of breakaway or final sprint, the tactics (which I am still lacking) and the easy cheap accessibility. Although I am a mountain bike chick at heart, I can see and feel the road riding is benefiting me and I am enjoying the new experience. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I did pretty well in the Summer during the Kapiti race series, winning my group (Scratch 1) and coming 8th overall in the Akatarawa hill climb (first female).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHspgcitmquEAHr4hX6CfVglOap-SN8btG9iyRw7ITWTRRoSlnFasQMmXiPCOegS2QBaj-XaDTSjTeskcp4IV13rk4EuC_PuynDaST0zYPFQzBHWqYHohQn0p-pIWOvK1Zz2dueMlbs-k/s1600/P2080563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHspgcitmquEAHr4hX6CfVglOap-SN8btG9iyRw7ITWTRRoSlnFasQMmXiPCOegS2QBaj-XaDTSjTeskcp4IV13rk4EuC_PuynDaST0zYPFQzBHWqYHohQn0p-pIWOvK1Zz2dueMlbs-k/s400/P2080563.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Photo by Gavin McCarthy: January 2011</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><u><i style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></i></u></b><br />
<b><u><i style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Auckland Half Distance Championships: 10th July 2011</span></i></u></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have had a bit of bad luck this winter with illness, so after catching my third cold I decided to do the race anyway since my asthma was not affected. The race was hosted by the North Harbour Cycling Club and consisted of 4 laps around an 11km course in Kumeu. It was a tough day on the bike with strong headwinds on the climbs and the constant threat of rain. It was a quick pace from the start, beginning with a long steep uphill that was exposed to the violent wind. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I lasted a 2 laps with the lead group until I was dropped. After I took my turn at the front up a hill into a headwind, an attack happened. Subsequently, I failed to summon that little bit extra effort to stay on, and myself and another girl fell behind. The remainder of the race I rode in a group of three, but now I was starting to feel good. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">During the last lap, on impulse I attacked on a corner into the headwind. This turned out to be reasonably successful and I immediately broke free from the other girls. I stayed away for a good 7minutes, but was chased down and eventually caught. Nearing the finish line on the hill top, no one wanted to lead out the sprint, so the pace began to slow. I stepped up and took the lead, as the hill began I clicked up a gear and jumped on the pedals. I could see the shadow of the girl following, I pushed harder to get away, searching for that final burst of speed for the finish line. I got it!!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">By winning the group sprint it landed me on the podium, 3rd elite (senior) women, and 5th woman overall.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><i><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Kapiti Potato Guy Winter Series #3: 16th July 2011</span></u></i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Leading up to the race I couldn't decide whether to race B or C grade, in the end I took the easy option and opted for C. The race itself I found challenging, it was very flat and exposed to the wind. There were 40 people racing in C grade alone, consequently, it was a constant struggle for position near the front of the bunch. Because of the flat nature of the course it was extremely hard to split the pack, although there were constant attempts which made for a very unsettled ride, with varying amounts of accelerations and braking.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the end it came down to a lengthy unsafe sprint finish, with 40 people jostling for position, cutting people off, going for gold. I went for it but was quickly overtaken and intimated by all the strong, aggressive male sprinters. I ended up 17th, 2 seconds behind 1st place.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlVnNfm2R5C6urshpKAxk3OPs6Yx3Z8mCE9goh5WIekKhR2Bu0_R3dD-e6SPiCTV7toHKAUrLCTE5tOG7QuUoQgPHoFc35KjwJgxqkpxZIhRtFwd6zgCFM4-ipCa-8aUk7gWGaWOMW7o/s1600/269061_249052128441072_100000088592614_1031644_92840_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlVnNfm2R5C6urshpKAxk3OPs6Yx3Z8mCE9goh5WIekKhR2Bu0_R3dD-e6SPiCTV7toHKAUrLCTE5tOG7QuUoQgPHoFc35KjwJgxqkpxZIhRtFwd6zgCFM4-ipCa-8aUk7gWGaWOMW7o/s400/269061_249052128441072_100000088592614_1031644_92840_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Photo by Finlay Brazier: July 2011</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Huge thanks to Andy from <b>GoFast</b> for putting me in contact with new sponsors <b>JustWorkout</b> in Auckland. I have never been much of a gym person until now, with a wide range of the latest equipment, a variety of classes, friendly staff and hair straighteners in the changing rooms... I'm turning into a bit of a gym bunny. </span><br />
<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img src="http://www.petewilliams.co.nz/images/justworkout.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.justworkout.co.nz/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">http://www.justworkout.co.nz/</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div></div>raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-19799984596496817072011-05-18T22:30:00.000-07:002011-07-11T13:08:52.399-07:00Reflections of the previous 3 months<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">It has been a very busy last few months with moving, university, training, and the odd race dashed on the side. There has been a period since my last update as I’ve struggled to find the time to sit down. </span>Though yesterday I picked up a nasty cold, and spent most of last night awake with fever. Today I took the day off university and was lying in bed feeling sorry for myself, when it struck me this was finally the opportunity to update my blog. So here we go….<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Cateye Moonride 2011</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Moonride is a well establish mountain bike race, consisting of solo riders and teams from elite through to your average Joes. Previous years I have competed in 12 or 24 hour team categories, but I continuously seemed to develop an annual flu around the race, so this year I decided not to compete. However, a few weeks out, Stephen Hough offered to enter us in a 6 hour team consisting of Stephen, Ash and I. How could I say no. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xcaOn53XK2jtm6slJsiKrcSxXI70pOPTB8eRrfWddOo4ABR1B8dYZ6BbVaSoDwlny32mRXUp9EE1VmNFlM7QjQOwAFm6sEhsP5nerSxIxKGZaCYYh7ymH5z9c2hnJhwsIgBPZf-Etns/s400/226616_1673941181182_1617025635_1266251_1114889_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos by Stephen Hough</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xcaOn53XK2jtm6slJsiKrcSxXI70pOPTB8eRrfWddOo4ABR1B8dYZ6BbVaSoDwlny32mRXUp9EE1VmNFlM7QjQOwAFm6sEhsP5nerSxIxKGZaCYYh7ymH5z9c2hnJhwsIgBPZf-Etns/s1600/226616_1673941181182_1617025635_1266251_1114889_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;">It was great being back on the mountain bike again (it’s been a bit neglected as of late) especially experiencing the very sole of mountain biking…the mud. I love riding in the mud, it’s challenging technically and physically testing for the body. Ash started us off and set a hot pace right from the gun. From lap one, we were winning the 6 hour team division and our lead continued to extend throughout the race. Our team “Rusty, Lusty and Crusty” Won 6hr Mixed, and was the fastest team overall with 12 laps. I am quite happy with this result, although it was nicer just to be on the bike racing again, the perfect break from study.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfkwPbxYji0kN4Bms1ygUkjEjPO0FcbykB7gEKOfI6O4c_CYxzc1cNshkwmCFc4AbbcUBVpGIoMjpECeuaAvwkcf2E63bhAznJ8f4_if9nYJUByK8jGJPiA0sieRn21Fs09jt3w8AYnE/s1600/222365_1673942861224_1617025635_1266259_255520_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfkwPbxYji0kN4Bms1ygUkjEjPO0FcbykB7gEKOfI6O4c_CYxzc1cNshkwmCFc4AbbcUBVpGIoMjpECeuaAvwkcf2E63bhAznJ8f4_if9nYJUByK8jGJPiA0sieRn21Fs09jt3w8AYnE/s400/222365_1673942861224_1617025635_1266259_255520_n.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCZjcHtzkM893W1juKlLVoAY3D-hrx9I0op5QJ_tpK-Qhn2HocdaESLN6EKyfDwyQFRUDnc3V3EsRt2RnjAhrviYqi7LxOml-x-yIWZSsOnOzb1XOWYgeLngQcVI0tfckxq2U0FGj30E/s1600/228559_1673945261284_1617025635_1266272_4797305_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCZjcHtzkM893W1juKlLVoAY3D-hrx9I0op5QJ_tpK-Qhn2HocdaESLN6EKyfDwyQFRUDnc3V3EsRt2RnjAhrviYqi7LxOml-x-yIWZSsOnOzb1XOWYgeLngQcVI0tfckxq2U0FGj30E/s640/228559_1673945261284_1617025635_1266272_4797305_n.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crusty, Rusty and Lusty</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfkwPbxYji0kN4Bms1ygUkjEjPO0FcbykB7gEKOfI6O4c_CYxzc1cNshkwmCFc4AbbcUBVpGIoMjpECeuaAvwkcf2E63bhAznJ8f4_if9nYJUByK8jGJPiA0sieRn21Fs09jt3w8AYnE/s1600/222365_1673942861224_1617025635_1266259_255520_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Hardin-Up 12 Hour Single Speed Race</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On April the 9<sup>th</sup>, Ash and I headed down to Ngaruwahia for the inaugural “Hard n up single speed 12hr relay” on the infamous, gruelling black stump mountain bike track. We were entered as part of the GEON sprocket rockets team which consisted of Ash Hough, Shaun See, Janine <span class="apple-style-span">Kavanagh</span>, and me. It was a 7.5km course with over 270 vertical meters of climbing per lap. The race started with a long farm track downhill to the bottom of the course which had us hitting speeds of up to 60kph. Then a long grovel back up the hill to the event village.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAr9rfzP2PitBMdDwTgh47BUPB2CJVG1MUZTUu3hAKkLgfLf5UbvilSpnNQcfVQxgrI2D2hZJwWZTfwc0Um3p1Sjzr9J072RlPWd_zFQBOzS9-BGr10X9agz0vDOZELHN9INRGZpGjSA/s1600/IMG_1410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAr9rfzP2PitBMdDwTgh47BUPB2CJVG1MUZTUu3hAKkLgfLf5UbvilSpnNQcfVQxgrI2D2hZJwWZTfwc0Um3p1Sjzr9J072RlPWd_zFQBOzS9-BGr10X9agz0vDOZELHN9INRGZpGjSA/s320/IMG_1410.JPG" width="240" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ash started us off and was the guinea pig for gear selection. He soon found that we all need a much lower ratio to get us through the next 12 hours due to the amount of climbing. It was a fantastic race, very well run, and although there were not the large numbers the event organisers were hoping for it still had a great atmosphere, our entire team loved it. Additionally, the event had a few Quirky parts to it including undie laps. There were bonus laps for completing two laps in your underwear, Janine and I step up for our team. We were also provided with an amazing free dinner – fresh lamb and wild boar roasts on the spit with salad and fresh potatoes, it was amazing defiantly something you don’t get at any ordinary race!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We ended up in 2<sup>nd</sup> place overall and winning the mixed teams grade, receiving medals and a few spot prizes as well. Huge thanks to Shaun for organising us, GEON for the team sponsorship, and Andy who supplied the team with go fast <a href="http://www.gofastsports.co.nz/"><span style="color: windowtext;">http://www.gofastsports.co.nz/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>National Championships, Dunedin</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;">After having a good race in Nelson I was feeling ready for the National Championships in Dunedin. I "participated" in the hill climb race on Thursday, just because I could. It was the most </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">uncompetitive</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;"> I've ever been in my life, as I did not want to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">detriment</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;"> the big race on Saturday. So I took my time up the hill, spinning, saving the legs and practicing my wheelies where I could. I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">predictably</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;"> came 2nd out of 2 women, nice easy </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">unearned</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;"> medal :)</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;">The Cross Country race was my serious race and the one I was hoping to do well in. The course overall suited me very well, but heavy rain a week leading up to the race completely changed the track, making several sections dangerous to ride. The organisers excluded the middle section from the morning race, leaving only the elites to ride it, many of the whom opted to run it instead of ride. I was fortunate enough to do my pre-ride with Ash Hough, where I learnt the technique of “top tubing”, which lowers your centre of mass, and gives you a wider base of support therefore more </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">balance and control. This technique was one of the few good things that I got out of the race.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5Wqd0Y3nD_zPypMrdhMv9WIBLXi2R7Z4O0DuIJZGEV7eeEZlgETKBzeFeAl0RoDCi3kKn9tXk-OLmcizrlktU3s-zSXoeiaQXXXQ1cmN7XdpxzaWwx7j7fzykaRBgSgvdMQAveMxqgY/s1600/184700_10150118171747825_531807824_6460990_3043966_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5Wqd0Y3nD_zPypMrdhMv9WIBLXi2R7Z4O0DuIJZGEV7eeEZlgETKBzeFeAl0RoDCi3kKn9tXk-OLmcizrlktU3s-zSXoeiaQXXXQ1cmN7XdpxzaWwx7j7fzykaRBgSgvdMQAveMxqgY/s400/184700_10150118171747825_531807824_6460990_3043966_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On the day I felt awesome, I was so calm and ready, I knew the course, had my race plan, and I felt fast. The start of the race it was all going well, conserving my energy where I could. The steep, muddy section went smooth with the top-tubing skill, I got down to the bottom fast and safe. Though everything unfolded from there onwards. I had chosen a VERY high volume, aggressive tires, the problem with this is it did not clear mud. On later examination I had less than a 0.5cm gap between frame and tire. The thick and clayey mud bulk plugged the gap, stopping the wheel from turning and preventing me from going forwards. I struggled on the side of the track in a panic, grabbing handfuls of this nasty mud, desperately trying the clear it. Within two minutes three riders passed me, I gave up and just jumped on my bike. The wheels were barely turning and it felt like I was pedalling with the brakes on, the amount of resistance the mud gave was surprising.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I carried on, but it took a good 12 minutes for the mud to fully clear, as a consequence I was going very slow, losing places, and wasting too much energy. When it happened again on the second lap my pace further reduced, and to top it off, the gears refused to change down. I grovelled up the next hill with the wheels full of mud and a gear far too hard for me to push. I completely hit the wall. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">By the end of that lap, I pulled out of the race. I had blown my energy pushing through the mechanical, and was extremely disappointed and stressed which lead to a little asthma attack. Bummer! <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So although it was the not ideal end to the season, I did learn “top-tubing” and I will now know that those tires clog my bike in muddy clay. The end of one season, and now the beginning of the build up to the next season. For the first time I will be able to train through winter, there is no glandular fever or wrist operations stopping me know. Weirdly enough I'm looking forward to the cold, stormy rides, something new to experience and push through.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbfoKDyoulQ4PPVTD440cKprStMlxZFgKKW4BSUtUChzn9JAvCFe3GZk5wWjo93e-1hMedeUY9ybuOAO0BWSb-437NOjoeU7XqI3BxIFEhD1qwYbSoWzru7gZ9iROakyo5eh7BTWZl4A/s1600/end+of+2011+summer+047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbfoKDyoulQ4PPVTD440cKprStMlxZFgKKW4BSUtUChzn9JAvCFe3GZk5wWjo93e-1hMedeUY9ybuOAO0BWSb-437NOjoeU7XqI3BxIFEhD1qwYbSoWzru7gZ9iROakyo5eh7BTWZl4A/s400/end+of+2011+summer+047.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-4126386471148158832011-02-14T16:32:00.000-08:002011-02-14T16:32:39.183-08:00Nelson, National Cup Series: Round 3For the first time since I've been racing, it was perfect weather in Nelson during a National race. The last two years has seen atrocious weather during the race weekend, which made for a very hard, extremely muddy day. This weekend was absolutely perfect, nice, sunny and hot with slight cooling breeze. Not to mention the guys in suits halfway up road climb who tipped generous amounts of water down the backs of the competing athletes.<br />
Nelson held the largest field of the series so far with more valuable UCI points and prize money up for grabs. There were competitors from all over the country and even with a rider from Switzerland and one from Canada.<br />
<br />
The course awesome, very fast with two big climbs and two challenging loose downhills. I had a little crash the day before the race on a part of the track which I would continue to have trouble with through out the weekend.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQlG7hVT1upDTpqatyctdo85gC6ooL5rmLjIZzhdbDEQYP1sI_-guq3iK4O268qxgFjdcI4UGahF80-tqi_znqznXuYWEJaPIRjW2q1RFupKVlLEKSH8-S0pd1tnuXCr9trWLrbQb_bA/s1600/181622_10150107283322825_531807824_6341816_5955733_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQlG7hVT1upDTpqatyctdo85gC6ooL5rmLjIZzhdbDEQYP1sI_-guq3iK4O268qxgFjdcI4UGahF80-tqi_znqznXuYWEJaPIRjW2q1RFupKVlLEKSH8-S0pd1tnuXCr9trWLrbQb_bA/s400/181622_10150107283322825_531807824_6341816_5955733_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-ride: Photo from Debby Retief</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Race day I felt OK, not good but not bad either. My knee wasn't sore ( injured from the crash the previous day ), and legs seemed to be firing during warm up but was feeling pretty tired.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>The Race started off with a hot pace up the hill, spreading the field out quickly. I headed into the single track in 6th place.<br />
<br />
There was a huge crowd around one technical downhill section with a difficult corner at the bottom. It was nothing particularly scary, just a loose steep shoot with a corner that had minimal traction and tended to throw people. Generally the places on the track where specators are drawn to are the hot spots for crashs. I didn't disappoint the crowd, losing my front wheel on two of the five laps. The first time wasn't that bad and was able to semi stay on the bike. The second time I fell off landing on my knee, and my bike went down the bank. I scrambled about to get my bike back on the track, jumped back on, and I was off again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQvj1SO-ff3b6Xer5BHQLS1ire6FpLPaePmYR6kolLHkHLC1yOepN7jWCnA7D-WELz_oYtup_Xte3hT7RcBOWoKaCzq97lONkO6VgoRQnsQncuSLpzR9h2iAMkHthGpJov2iZsdmRiew/s1600/DSCF5399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQvj1SO-ff3b6Xer5BHQLS1ire6FpLPaePmYR6kolLHkHLC1yOepN7jWCnA7D-WELz_oYtup_Xte3hT7RcBOWoKaCzq97lONkO6VgoRQnsQncuSLpzR9h2iAMkHthGpJov2iZsdmRiew/s320/DSCF5399.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I could see I was gaining on Susie Wood every lap. I was losing time on the gravel road climb, but then making up for it on all the descents and single track sections. By the 5th and last lap, I knew I had to really dig deep to catch her. I pushed the hills, giving it everything. By the top of the hill I was around 20sec back. I knew if I caught her on the downhill I probably wouldn't be able to pass, which meant it would be down to a sprint finish. But what I also noticed was that she was looking behind often, which usually means a person is suffering and they are in trouble.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgAmm_-bMHtEsoP3Kjqq09W-ocWVcXLLhHdQglrvHVdnfB7_9wxL4YodIJB9wXhjehob9BjmJNkC6xBv2nPr5-FlG5k-UjoB1mtC4oRu8iPBo7mG0JT8jw9XjF9PBJcibIgkWH1fn1dg/s1600/180297_10150107296942825_531807824_6342204_7830384_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgAmm_-bMHtEsoP3Kjqq09W-ocWVcXLLhHdQglrvHVdnfB7_9wxL4YodIJB9wXhjehob9BjmJNkC6xBv2nPr5-FlG5k-UjoB1mtC4oRu8iPBo7mG0JT8jw9XjF9PBJcibIgkWH1fn1dg/s400/180297_10150107296942825_531807824_6342204_7830384_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Last lap: Photo from Debby Retief<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I sped down the hill, clearing the technical section with ease (only took me 5 laps to do !), and I caught her. I came flying around a steep rocky corner and had to jam on the brakes to avoid hitting her, she was just getting back on her bike after a fall. I squeezed past, then took off. <br />
I finished 4th in Elite Women in a time of 1.42.30 hours<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjIYfTAqamthPAbLwPasohCDy_8x32XkmFZ0-R5QtY8mcqHor2f2WdxxrKtuAm2cG5i2pcQ9Jq_6J3jttpiLDgFM5orvNEb_Az6_po_MOuuscTf6_ogUWiJ2ll4sxPSbmQ-NdfuogpR0/s1600/DSCF5392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjIYfTAqamthPAbLwPasohCDy_8x32XkmFZ0-R5QtY8mcqHor2f2WdxxrKtuAm2cG5i2pcQ9Jq_6J3jttpiLDgFM5orvNEb_Az6_po_MOuuscTf6_ogUWiJ2ll4sxPSbmQ-NdfuogpR0/s400/DSCF5392.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elite Women's podium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Results found <a href="http://www.mtbnz.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/xc3-nelson-results.pdf">here</a><br />
<br />
I wore my new Endura kit and I could not be more impressed. It was insanely comfortable and so breathable. Very effective at dispersing the heat from my body. I had also gone tubeless for the race which Gavin kindly organised for me before I went down to Nelson. It was definitely a good call, and something I will continue to do for the future races. Last of all poor Marco had a nasty fall during the race and has come away with concussion and broken clavical which requires surgery. Wish him a speedy recovery!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
I won't be doing the Christchurch round. Instead I will be heading to Auckland to find a flat, so I have somewhere to live once I return to university after nationals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Next race is the National Championships on the 26th of February in Dunedin.raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-74291092355004572402011-02-08T13:12:00.000-08:002011-02-08T13:12:28.425-08:00Endura Cycle Clothing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8k0VZxjrfkzDkfypoDtN0ylJMThfGF4c4mBPzSlBUv6eHXMYGnfCFRfUzl_6asg9wc0hiiHHbneI6TPbu76Hu5COp8ptS4kj5vQQBiy6sv3uQxt3GvY2FzigKFz0ElpPVLIJTJJD7c4/s1600/Enduranz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="60" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8k0VZxjrfkzDkfypoDtN0ylJMThfGF4c4mBPzSlBUv6eHXMYGnfCFRfUzl_6asg9wc0hiiHHbneI6TPbu76Hu5COp8ptS4kj5vQQBiy6sv3uQxt3GvY2FzigKFz0ElpPVLIJTJJD7c4/s400/Enduranz.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">I received a parcel in the mail and was absolutely over the moon to find it full of cycle clothing. I am very lucky to be sponsored by one of world's largest and highly popular brands of cycle clothing.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Endura has grown to become one of the largest brands of cycle clothing in the UK. It has caught on around the globe with distributors in Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, South Africa, Australia, USA, Canada, the Far East, and now New Zealand. Endura's focus is to produce functional cycle clothing that lasts, without cutting corners on material and construction. When buying Endura clothing you are guaranteeing yourself a high quality, comfy, breathable, cool looking brand. Ranges cover MTB, road and commuter clothing.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Photos to come :)</span></span>raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9149888006927128990.post-51533921562187460292011-02-01T16:53:00.000-08:002011-02-08T14:53:37.955-08:002011 PNP Club ChampsOn the 29st of January the PNP club held it's annual Club Champs at the Wainuiomata Trail Park. This year there were 3 races, Cross Country, Super D Downhill, and Short Track. Points were collected from all 3 races so that the most well-rounded rider would be the overall winner.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJV1oqf4qj2Zu2qeKSQ9osQOiieMMlpc_mRWAF4D1sNUH5a7CL_u_eTLsXX1nYE1_s_6xt8ibDLLSBtdmsv4RI0V4_t0IBDaRdCfhIW3_DwDoipm1w5irV6cK_5WygWU7OsP12W3htNY/s1600/5423910413_685a14e81f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJV1oqf4qj2Zu2qeKSQ9osQOiieMMlpc_mRWAF4D1sNUH5a7CL_u_eTLsXX1nYE1_s_6xt8ibDLLSBtdmsv4RI0V4_t0IBDaRdCfhIW3_DwDoipm1w5irV6cK_5WygWU7OsP12W3htNY/s400/5423910413_685a14e81f_b.jpg" width="300" /></a><b><u>Cross Country</u></b><br />
I started in the last wave with the other women and juniors. From the go I just smashed it. Spent the rest of the race chasing down the men that had started ahead of me. I felt so good, was standing up on most of the climbs and found a good rhythm early on. I really enjoy the Wainui trail network, and was feeling awesome on the bike.<br />
Unfortunately the Women's field had a very disappointing turn out, with only 2 of us in the senior women grade. I won with a time of 59minutes, almost 13 minutes in front of second. But I did place very well overall. The Senior women, Master Women, Master 3 Men, U19 and U17 Men all raced the same course, and my time was third fastest.<br />
<a href="http://www.pnp.org.nz/MTBChampsResults-XC">http://www.pnp.org.nz/MTBChampsResults-XC</a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Super D Downhill</u></b><br />
A Super D Downhill is defined as a downhill style race that is suitable for cross country mountain bikes. The race went down Beeline and Beeline Extension. Having only walked up the track before, my goals for the race were to stay on the bike and to do the jump at the bottom of Beeline. I rode my hard-tail race bike, going as fast as I comfortably could without risking a crash. I was in the top third of all competitors and 30seconds behind winner Eric Phillips. No crashes and I did the jump.<br />
<a href="http://www.pnp.org.nz/SuperD-Results">http://www.pnp.org.nz/SuperD-Results</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Short Track</u></b><br />
Due to the lack of women competition, Al Crossling from the Mighty Bushlove race team, offered me a chance to race with the men's field. I jumped at the chance and joined in with the big boys. It was a very fun, fast paced race. I think I finished mid pack which I am very happy with. I had a few impressed people come up to me afterwards to congratulate on a good race.<br />
<br />
The Men's field was highly competitive and close. The Top 6 men after the 3 races:<br />
Tom Bradshaw<br />
Ben Murphy<br />
Gavin McCarthy<br />
Stuart Houltham<br />
Miles Davies<br />
Stephen Butler<br />
<br />
<b>So 3/3 wins and the PNP Club Women's champ- Choice :)</b><br />
<br />
It was such an awesome race, and so glad that my form is coming on. Will just need to repeat this success to the National Series races.<br />
I owe a massive thanks to Gav for fixing my bike the night before which made it possible for me to race. Also thank you so much Gav for lending me a wheel after I had 2 spoke nipples snap in the XC and DH.<br />
It was so much fun and great to catch up with Wellington friends. I really enjoyed the new style of having 3 races in a day. Marco, Al, and all the other organizers and volunteers did such a fantaistc job of running the event.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>raewynmorrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12121555672263819092noreply@blogger.com0