Thursday 28 February 2013
Training Diary 28/02/2013
Charity Ride Stats:
Training Stats:
Training wise, the last two weeks have been good and bad.
Good because I got a solid block of training in and did some good totals of kms and hours on the bike. I am feeling the added fitness of the extra miles and finding I am less and less tired after big efforts.
The bad has been the weather that SE QLD has seen lately. Nothing but rain, rain, rain, rain, abit of sun, then more rain. Even the next 7 days are looking to be wet and wild. This can make training abit harder. I dont particularly like training indoors (wind trainer or rollers) as it takes the fun out of riding a bike but will do it as a last resort. Last week I put my race fenders on and rode thru the storms but the cleaning up of the bike takes alot of time. If you dont properly clean all the dirt and sand out of the drivetrain you can grind away your chain/cassette in no time. So its a catch 22 scenario. Fingers crossed for some sunshine soon!
In terms of training program, I think its working quite well. I have set distances for various routes which I peice together to meet my weekly total. For example:
Cycle of Giving 2013
So as part of my weekend hitout, I signed up for the Cycle of Giving ride held last Sunday. The other bonus was that a couple of people doing the Bridge 2 Bridge were also going to be there. Good chance to meet them and put some names to faces.
The Cycle of Giving aims to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation and is supported by The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation and Medtronic. It has several distances, with the longest starting at Landsborough (west of Caloundra) and ending at Chermside on the northside of Brisbane (100kms). I planned to ride home from the finishline so that would give me a total of about 130kms for the day.
Unusually, this ride does not start and finish in the same location - which can make transportation abit difficult. Either you ride to the start or organise another way there/back. Thankfully, QR has come onboard and provided a coutesy train up from Roma Street to Landsborough (stopping at a few stops along the way for shorter distance riders) in time for the start. It was great! The train was a bit squeezy with a few hundred cyclists and their bikes but better than missing out altogether. Great work QR and CoG!
We alighted at Landsborough and I signed in at the registration tent and found out that I had won a Cycle of Giving jersey - SWEET! I met Randall (B2B ride organiser) and a few of the LJ Hooker riders who have signed up as well. They turned out to be a great bunch of guys (and girl) so I am looking forward to the big ride in May.
The first 30km were quick with me flying along with a fast bunch. There was a quick stop when Randall broke a front spoke. We later reassessed it at the pitstop and figured out that it was rubbing on the fork crown - not good when its made of carbon! That pretty much ended Randalls ride and we bid him farewell. Hopefully our next meetup is more successful.
From the first pitstop I rode with the LJ Hooker crew at a slower pace. Some of them are newer to riding so we didnt break any speed records. I also helped out one of them who flatted on some broken glass. At the second pitstop (75km mark) the rainclouds had gathered. I didnt want to spend the next few hours in the wet so had a quick bottle refill and headed off on my own.
As I caught and passed riders, I came across a blonde lady in an Australian Nationals kit. I thought nothing of it, as anyone can buy any team kit they want online now. Anyways, so I sit behind her drafting for awhile and after about 15mins I swing up next to her and ask "Do you want a rest? I can sit on the front". For those not familiar, sitting on the front of a group of riders is harder and uses up more energy than sitting in behind. The lady said something back (which I missed) as I swung onto the front. Abit further down the road she came up next to me and we started talking. Turns out she was Kirsty Broun (previous 2 time Australian National Female Road Crit Champ!) - talk about embarassing!! Here I am, asking a national champ if they are tired and want a rest after 80 odd kms hahaha. Oh well.
Luckily for me, she is a really nice lady. We talked about womens cycling, some of the races she had done and her current occupation which is part-time lawyer/part-time cycle skills coach. She had some of her students at the ride sitting behind us and they looked like they were having a great time. For some it was their first 100km ride and it was great to see the smiles and enthusiasum. I have since traded emails with Kirsty and might join her on a few of the organised group rides she runs. It'll be fun riding with a pro cyclist!!
Anyway we arrived at the finish near midday and I grabbed a quick sausage on bread & a fanta and sat in the shade. After a rest I set off down Gympie Road heading to the city - HOLY MOLY that is a dangerous road. I DO NOT recommend riding on that road to anyone! Once I was in the Valley it was a steady ride home - by this time is was pretty hot and humid. Got home, jumped in a cold shower and stretched out the legs.
I felt pretty great on this ride - only a little tired afterwards but managed 130kms no worries. Looks like the training is paying off.
Strava Ride Link
Stretching/Recovery
The other thing I did this week was re-join the free gym at work. I was member aaaaages ago when I was bulking up and doing alot of weights. Now my priorities are alot different and the main purpose of my membership is to participate in the Yoga and Pilates classes. The aim being to work on my flexibility and core strength to help with my recovery and reduce the chance of any injuries in my big training weeks.
My results:
They had my details from the last time I was a member and some key differences include:
Bianca is buying a yoga mat for me (no smelly loan mat for me!) so I should start the Yoga classes from next week. In the meantime, I have some suggested stretches and foam roller excersises which I can do at home after every ride.
Donations:
Big thanks to the following people who have donated - It really means alot to me to have your support!
Gavin Blakey, Lara Dark, Franz Jacobsen, Lisa Pollard, Dan Young and James Hansen.
Thank you all so much.
- Weeks until Bridge 2 Bridge ride - <10 Weeks
- Donations collected - $1,100.00
Training Stats:
- Distance YTD - 1,668 km
- Elevation YTD - 14,554 m
- Ride Hours YTD - 69hr 46min
- Current Weight - 78.0kg
Training wise, the last two weeks have been good and bad.
Good because I got a solid block of training in and did some good totals of kms and hours on the bike. I am feeling the added fitness of the extra miles and finding I am less and less tired after big efforts.
The bad has been the weather that SE QLD has seen lately. Nothing but rain, rain, rain, rain, abit of sun, then more rain. Even the next 7 days are looking to be wet and wild. This can make training abit harder. I dont particularly like training indoors (wind trainer or rollers) as it takes the fun out of riding a bike but will do it as a last resort. Last week I put my race fenders on and rode thru the storms but the cleaning up of the bike takes alot of time. If you dont properly clean all the dirt and sand out of the drivetrain you can grind away your chain/cassette in no time. So its a catch 22 scenario. Fingers crossed for some sunshine soon!
Rain rain go away, come again....next year.
In terms of training program, I think its working quite well. I have set distances for various routes which I peice together to meet my weekly total. For example:
- Standard short commute = Approx 23kms
- Standard commute + Uni loop = Approx 26km
- Longer bikeway commute = Approx 35kms
- Riverloop commute = Approx 50kms
Cycle of Giving 2013
So as part of my weekend hitout, I signed up for the Cycle of Giving ride held last Sunday. The other bonus was that a couple of people doing the Bridge 2 Bridge were also going to be there. Good chance to meet them and put some names to faces.
The Cycle of Giving aims to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation and is supported by The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation and Medtronic. It has several distances, with the longest starting at Landsborough (west of Caloundra) and ending at Chermside on the northside of Brisbane (100kms). I planned to ride home from the finishline so that would give me a total of about 130kms for the day.
Unusually, this ride does not start and finish in the same location - which can make transportation abit difficult. Either you ride to the start or organise another way there/back. Thankfully, QR has come onboard and provided a coutesy train up from Roma Street to Landsborough (stopping at a few stops along the way for shorter distance riders) in time for the start. It was great! The train was a bit squeezy with a few hundred cyclists and their bikes but better than missing out altogether. Great work QR and CoG!
We alighted at Landsborough and I signed in at the registration tent and found out that I had won a Cycle of Giving jersey - SWEET! I met Randall (B2B ride organiser) and a few of the LJ Hooker riders who have signed up as well. They turned out to be a great bunch of guys (and girl) so I am looking forward to the big ride in May.
The first 30km were quick with me flying along with a fast bunch. There was a quick stop when Randall broke a front spoke. We later reassessed it at the pitstop and figured out that it was rubbing on the fork crown - not good when its made of carbon! That pretty much ended Randalls ride and we bid him farewell. Hopefully our next meetup is more successful.
From the first pitstop I rode with the LJ Hooker crew at a slower pace. Some of them are newer to riding so we didnt break any speed records. I also helped out one of them who flatted on some broken glass. At the second pitstop (75km mark) the rainclouds had gathered. I didnt want to spend the next few hours in the wet so had a quick bottle refill and headed off on my own.
As I caught and passed riders, I came across a blonde lady in an Australian Nationals kit. I thought nothing of it, as anyone can buy any team kit they want online now. Anyways, so I sit behind her drafting for awhile and after about 15mins I swing up next to her and ask "Do you want a rest? I can sit on the front". For those not familiar, sitting on the front of a group of riders is harder and uses up more energy than sitting in behind. The lady said something back (which I missed) as I swung onto the front. Abit further down the road she came up next to me and we started talking. Turns out she was Kirsty Broun (previous 2 time Australian National Female Road Crit Champ!) - talk about embarassing!! Here I am, asking a national champ if they are tired and want a rest after 80 odd kms hahaha. Oh well.
Luckily for me, she is a really nice lady. We talked about womens cycling, some of the races she had done and her current occupation which is part-time lawyer/part-time cycle skills coach. She had some of her students at the ride sitting behind us and they looked like they were having a great time. For some it was their first 100km ride and it was great to see the smiles and enthusiasum. I have since traded emails with Kirsty and might join her on a few of the organised group rides she runs. It'll be fun riding with a pro cyclist!!
Anyway we arrived at the finish near midday and I grabbed a quick sausage on bread & a fanta and sat in the shade. After a rest I set off down Gympie Road heading to the city - HOLY MOLY that is a dangerous road. I DO NOT recommend riding on that road to anyone! Once I was in the Valley it was a steady ride home - by this time is was pretty hot and humid. Got home, jumped in a cold shower and stretched out the legs.
I felt pretty great on this ride - only a little tired afterwards but managed 130kms no worries. Looks like the training is paying off.
Strava Ride Link
Stretching/Recovery
The other thing I did this week was re-join the free gym at work. I was member aaaaages ago when I was bulking up and doing alot of weights. Now my priorities are alot different and the main purpose of my membership is to participate in the Yoga and Pilates classes. The aim being to work on my flexibility and core strength to help with my recovery and reduce the chance of any injuries in my big training weeks.
My results:
- Resting pulse = 77 bpm
- Blood pressure = 130/90
- BMI = 23 (ideal)
- Bodyfat % = 14.72 (below average)
- Lean body mass = 66.52kg, Fat mass = 11.48kg
- Hip & lower back flexibility = 1cm (minimal)
- Aerobic fitness (VO2Max) = 68.37 (very high)
They had my details from the last time I was a member and some key differences include:
- My blood pressure seems to be a tad high. Nothing too alarming but higher than normal.
- I weight less. No surprise but last time I was a member, I weighed 85kg. I am down to 78kg now.
- My fat % is much less. Again no surprise, all that riding has reduced my fat stores.
- My VO2Max is very high. This was determined by a bike + Heart Rate test so again no surprise. Good to see that the number match my exercise though.
- My flexibility is much, much less. This would make sense as I used to do weights and stretches a few times a week - but since moving to being a "cyclist", my leg muscles are alot tighter. Bigger and stronger, but tighter. So its a good thing I signed up!
Bianca is buying a yoga mat for me (no smelly loan mat for me!) so I should start the Yoga classes from next week. In the meantime, I have some suggested stretches and foam roller excersises which I can do at home after every ride.
Donations:
Big thanks to the following people who have donated - It really means alot to me to have your support!
Gavin Blakey, Lara Dark, Franz Jacobsen, Lisa Pollard, Dan Young and James Hansen.
Thank you all so much.
Fingers crossed from some rain-free mornings soon!
Tuesday 26 February 2013
Sacred to Cyclists
As a cyclist, I have learnt to laugh at myself.
After all - I shave my legs, wrap myself in lycra, sweat my way up and down hills (for no real reason) and finish off each ride with a leisurely "skinny-flat-white-with-one-please". So I can't take myself too seriously.
Did you make fun of my bicycle? I'll be baaaaack
But for future note to those who may interact with cyclists - there are a few things you should never poke fun at or query too much. They must never be questioned.
From my years of riding a bicycle, here is is my take on the Top 5 Things Sacred to Cyclists.
5. Lighter/Faster/Newer/Better Bike Parts
Any partner of a cyclist will know what I am talking about. Its the never-ending need to be upgrading bike parts and accessories. It even has a medical term - Upgraditus!Take this for example - Titanium Bolt Upgrade Kits - Now, there it no real reason that you would need to swap all your regular alloy bolts with brand new titanium bolts. But several persuading arguments have been made ranging from "they last longer and will never rust!" to "but its titanium...the mysterious and unobtainable element - and I can have it on my bike!".
There are several more example - mostly involving carbon. Carbon seats, carbon bottle cages, carbon spokes, carbon posts, carbon iPhone cases - bah humbug to the carbon footprint!
Almost always, these upgrades defy logic:
- $300 for carbon crankset which saves you 100 grams (never mind the actual cyclist could stand to lose a few kilos)? Yes Please!
- $200 for a carbon seat which is like sitting on polished concrete? Why not!
- $400 for a new kit with 'interwoven carbon fibres' which have no benefit whatsoever and probably cause chafing? Hell yeah!
Mmmmm painful AND only 95 grams! Yay!
4. Excuses
Anyone who rides with a cyclist will know this one. Even other cyclists will secretly admit to this. Its the good old "Excuse".It usually pops up after the cyclist's performance is proven to be subpar and not quite what was expected. This can be a competition involving climbing a hill, sprinting to the line or even a easy roll along the flats. The other cyclists may not even know it was a competition to begin with.
Common excuses:
- "Oh, I did intervals until exhaustion yesterday - so I'm not going for the sprint"
- "Today's my recovery day - I'm going easy"
- "I can't climb like I normally do - I think I'm coming down with the flu"
- "Hmmm, my brakes must be rubbing - I'm sure I was putting down 400 watts"
The best response to these is to feign interest and pretend like you weren't trying either. Secretly, inside you will know that it was your carbon bottle cage that got you up the climb faster.
3. Matching Kit
Matching cycling kits are the sign of 'serious' cyclist. No, this doesn't mean that they are any good at cycling - or that they are experts on all things bike related. It means they have shelled out a few hundred dollars to look 'Pro'. And looking Pro (especially Euro Pro) is what its all about.
This looks more Pro...
Than this!
But matching cycling kits don't always look good. And it can have nothing to do with the kit itself!
Never again, Poland
2-5. Sock Height
Leading on from #3 - sock height is a contentious issue. Ankle or mid-calf. It can divide nations and split lifelong friends. Don't even get me started on black or white socks. We don't want a war here.
2. Quads and Calves
Cyclists will often check out other cyclists. Not in a weird creepy way - purely sizing up the competition. And the number one telltale sign of a strong cyclist? Quads and Calves. They can tell you everything you need to know.- Hairy quads and calves = Mountain biker or hippy commuter
- Big quads and calves = Sprinter. Won't work all race and move to the front in the last 1km.
- Skinny quads and calves = Climber. Built like a stick, he will ride away on grades >20%.
- Undefined quads and calves = Rookie. New to the game and will be dropped in the first 15mins.
Sprinter. And a good one at that.
1. Tan Lines
Tan lines. They are every cyclists trophy. It is proof of how many hours you spent training in the hot sun, how many kilometres you grinded over and how many turns of the pedal you put in.The leg tan is the staple of every cyclist. It is pretty much the reason you shave your legs - you have to show it off! The crisper the line, the better. And never, ever, ever, ever do you try to 'even out the tan'.
Yeah baby - nothing but leg tan
The more sacred tan lines include the arm tan (something foreign to triathletes in their sleeveless shirts), the sunglasses tan (totally euro cool) and of course the wristband tan (made famous by Lance and his yellow band before we found out it doesn't have super powers).
Friday 22 February 2013
Tuesday 19 February 2013
Friday 15 February 2013
Valentines Day!
Yesterday was Valentines Day.
I have to admit that I don't like the commercialism of the whole thing very much. It's all about buying the biggest bunch of flowers and showering your loved one with diamonds.
But I do feel that you should (at least) show that special someone that you care about them one day a year!
So what did I get Bianca? Well, I ordered the customary bunch of flowers to be delivered to work. They were a modest mix of Lillie's and pink roses. Not too showy, but nice.
The second present was much more special (in my opinion). I know Bianca loves the movies and she is forever trying to get me to go more often with her. I'm not a big movie person, especially considering they rip you off at every turn. Anyways, I saw that the cinemas near us were having a special package - one off screening of Breakfast At Tiffany's in Gold Class with an assortment of finger food and shared dessert served.
Bianca was really surprised and, from what I can tell, really enjoyed it. The movie itself was pretty good. I had never seen Audrey Hepburn act so that was interesting. Although, Bianca did fall asleep about 10mins from the end of the movie! Hahaha so I had to explain the 'taxi and kiss in the rain' scenes to her afterwards. Oh dear. Maybe next time she will stay awake until the end.
Bianca got me two great presents! I'm not just saying that either - pretty sure she doesn't even read this blog haha.
The first was an electronic photo frame. The idea being I can put all our holiday photos, family pics and even my riding photos on it. Rather than have them hidden away on my hard drive. I also want to mix in some motivational photos so occasionally I can be inspired at my desk. Awesome!
The second was pretty left field haha I would never have guessed it. She got a custom made rectangular cookie with "Be my bumface?" on it. (That's her nickname for me.) I love it because its quirky and I can imagine the raised eyebrow of the person who had to ice the cookie. Bet they never had to write "bumface" in vanilla frosting before!
Happy V-Day!
I have to admit that I don't like the commercialism of the whole thing very much. It's all about buying the biggest bunch of flowers and showering your loved one with diamonds.
But I do feel that you should (at least) show that special someone that you care about them one day a year!
So what did I get Bianca? Well, I ordered the customary bunch of flowers to be delivered to work. They were a modest mix of Lillie's and pink roses. Not too showy, but nice.
The second present was much more special (in my opinion). I know Bianca loves the movies and she is forever trying to get me to go more often with her. I'm not a big movie person, especially considering they rip you off at every turn. Anyways, I saw that the cinemas near us were having a special package - one off screening of Breakfast At Tiffany's in Gold Class with an assortment of finger food and shared dessert served.
Bianca was really surprised and, from what I can tell, really enjoyed it. The movie itself was pretty good. I had never seen Audrey Hepburn act so that was interesting. Although, Bianca did fall asleep about 10mins from the end of the movie! Hahaha so I had to explain the 'taxi and kiss in the rain' scenes to her afterwards. Oh dear. Maybe next time she will stay awake until the end.
Bianca got me two great presents! I'm not just saying that either - pretty sure she doesn't even read this blog haha.
The first was an electronic photo frame. The idea being I can put all our holiday photos, family pics and even my riding photos on it. Rather than have them hidden away on my hard drive. I also want to mix in some motivational photos so occasionally I can be inspired at my desk. Awesome!
The second was pretty left field haha I would never have guessed it. She got a custom made rectangular cookie with "Be my bumface?" on it. (That's her nickname for me.) I love it because its quirky and I can imagine the raised eyebrow of the person who had to ice the cookie. Bet they never had to write "bumface" in vanilla frosting before!
Happy V-Day!
Thursday 14 February 2013
Training Diary 14/02/2013
Charity Ride Stats:
Training Stats:
I will be trying to do a regular (fortnightly maybe?) summary of my training leading up to the Bridge 2 Bridge ride. It will feature some stats (I'm a sucker for stats and numbers) as well as some commentary about how my training is going so far.
First of all, I had a pretty great start to the year training wise. I completed the Rapha Strava Challenge and rode over 500kms in between Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. After that I tapered back down to a more sustainable (for me) 200kms per week.
My overall cycling goal for the year is to ride 10,000kms and climb 100,000m by December 31st 2013. This double what I did last year so it will take some persistence and routine to reach.
The training leading up to the Bridge 2 Bridge will be fairly simple. The ride doesn't feature crazy amounts of climbing and is mostly long, undulating days of 120kms or so. So the training aim is to increase my mileage each week so that my body grows used to riding that kind of distance day after day (without falling apart). I will try and add some climbing in here and there to keep things interesting. By mid April I want to be riding around 500-600kms per week. The week before the ride will be reduced to maybe 200-300kms to 'save the legs' for the big ride.
Already I have been ramping up to 250-300kms in a week and I have started to notice that my leg muscles are getting abit fatigued and sore when riding repeat days. I am learning to warm down at the end of a ride (easy spinning for the last 4kms or so) and trying to stretch the muscles out each day. I am also looking at starting Yoga classes to help with the stretching and flexibility side of things.
In other bike related news - I bought a Garmin 800 GPS Bundle from a guy on the cycling forums. I haven't figured out how to use it yet but the hope is that it will help with training (especially with the Heart Rate Monitor). I am also looking forward to the GPS navigation aspect where I can map out a new ride on the computer and just have the Garmin navigate me around the course. This will be great to stop me from riding the same old courses over and over again. Bianca's going to get so sick of me babbling about this thing, I can see it now haha.
So anyway, in the next period I will be ramping up the kms and figuring out my routine for riding to/from work, stretching and warming down. Fingers crossed the body cooperates and I dont come down with any injuries or sickness.
Donations:
Big thanks to the following people who have donated - It really means alot to me to have your support.
Kuzaini Sani, Taryn Clarke, Olivia Sanderson, Shree Kalokhe, Anonymous donation of $300 by "Tony"!!, Marilyn Cameron, Mark Tinnion, Kieren Davis, Tammy Crockford, Cheyne Honeyman, Scott Glover, Blake Boulton, Rach & Keith Lindsay and Sarah Springer.
Each donation is special - but I would like to point out the anonymous donation of $300 by a "Tony". They did not include any contact details, and while I only know a handful of Tonys, I am pretty humbled that someone wants to part with that much money for this cause and not want any recognition. That is just amazing to me.
Thank you all so much.
- Weeks until Bridge 2 Bridge ride - <12 Weeks
- Donations collected - $850.00
Training Stats:
- Distance YTD - 1,153 km
- Elevation YTD - 11,087 m
- Ride Hours YTD - 50hr 19min
- Current Weight - 77.5kg
I will be trying to do a regular (fortnightly maybe?) summary of my training leading up to the Bridge 2 Bridge ride. It will feature some stats (I'm a sucker for stats and numbers) as well as some commentary about how my training is going so far.
First of all, I had a pretty great start to the year training wise. I completed the Rapha Strava Challenge and rode over 500kms in between Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. After that I tapered back down to a more sustainable (for me) 200kms per week.
My overall cycling goal for the year is to ride 10,000kms and climb 100,000m by December 31st 2013. This double what I did last year so it will take some persistence and routine to reach.
The training leading up to the Bridge 2 Bridge will be fairly simple. The ride doesn't feature crazy amounts of climbing and is mostly long, undulating days of 120kms or so. So the training aim is to increase my mileage each week so that my body grows used to riding that kind of distance day after day (without falling apart). I will try and add some climbing in here and there to keep things interesting. By mid April I want to be riding around 500-600kms per week. The week before the ride will be reduced to maybe 200-300kms to 'save the legs' for the big ride.
Already I have been ramping up to 250-300kms in a week and I have started to notice that my leg muscles are getting abit fatigued and sore when riding repeat days. I am learning to warm down at the end of a ride (easy spinning for the last 4kms or so) and trying to stretch the muscles out each day. I am also looking at starting Yoga classes to help with the stretching and flexibility side of things.
In other bike related news - I bought a Garmin 800 GPS Bundle from a guy on the cycling forums. I haven't figured out how to use it yet but the hope is that it will help with training (especially with the Heart Rate Monitor). I am also looking forward to the GPS navigation aspect where I can map out a new ride on the computer and just have the Garmin navigate me around the course. This will be great to stop me from riding the same old courses over and over again. Bianca's going to get so sick of me babbling about this thing, I can see it now haha.
So anyway, in the next period I will be ramping up the kms and figuring out my routine for riding to/from work, stretching and warming down. Fingers crossed the body cooperates and I dont come down with any injuries or sickness.
Donations:
Big thanks to the following people who have donated - It really means alot to me to have your support.
Kuzaini Sani, Taryn Clarke, Olivia Sanderson, Shree Kalokhe, Anonymous donation of $300 by "Tony"!!, Marilyn Cameron, Mark Tinnion, Kieren Davis, Tammy Crockford, Cheyne Honeyman, Scott Glover, Blake Boulton, Rach & Keith Lindsay and Sarah Springer.
Each donation is special - but I would like to point out the anonymous donation of $300 by a "Tony". They did not include any contact details, and while I only know a handful of Tonys, I am pretty humbled that someone wants to part with that much money for this cause and not want any recognition. That is just amazing to me.
Thank you all so much.
Monday 11 February 2013
Saturday 9 February 2013
Reflections of Goodbye
Goodbye
Yesterday I attended the funeral for Eduardo Pose. I was honored to be chosen to say a few words to express the friendships Eddie had with his work colleagues.
This is what I shared:
We stand here today to remember Eddie as a colleague and a friend.
After a stint with the private company TTM, Eddie pursued a career at Brisbane City Council with the City Design branch in 2003 before joining Development Assessment team in 2004. He rejoined City Design in 2008 as a Design Project Manager with the bikeways team, where he could merge his passion for bikes and engineering work. Eddie was involved in the successful delivery of the $100M bikeway program between 2008-11. Eddie transferred to the Flood Management team in early 2011 to help with flood recovery work.
Eddies contribution at BCC was acknowledged by the CEO himself. Colin Jenson thanked Eddie for his contributions, in particular his work in the Norman Creek Bikeway Project which was hailed as a huge success as it was delivered within budget and ahead of schedule.
Eddie wasn't just a great work colleague; he was a great friend. He was always willing to lend a hand or share a conversation.
I became close friends with Eddie when he joined the Flood Management team. We quickly figured out that we had a mutual passion for all things cycling. We would discuss any and every thing cycling - brands of groupsets, favourite riders, favourite races, our next upgrades and planning out next ride. This would continue on & off the bike, at lunchtime, on email and over the phone. Safe to say, I haven't met anyone else who liked to talk bikes as much as Eddie.
Of course from his point of view, the Spanish cyclists were the cleanest riders on the planet. It was everyone else that was bringing cycling down with scandals. Whilst he was of Spanish heritage, his love for things Italian knew no bounds. I am sure that if he was given a bike with the best and most expensive Japanese components - he would promptly sell it for one with affordable mid-range gear.
My favourite memory of Eddie was the day we rode up Mt Mee with a few other cycling friends. New to cycling, I had never ridden up a climb that long or that high before - and was convinced I would be walking to the top. But Eddie waved off my uncertainty and assured me that could do it. The group cycled into Dayboro and as the road started to rise, the more experienced riders pulled ahead. Taking Eddies advice I kept my own pace, steadied my breathing and enjoyed the scenery. Sure enough as I reached the crest Eddie was there cheering and was the first to congratulate me on my first 'real mountain climb'. The photo of him giving me the thumbs up is from that morning and captures Eddie perfectly.
Other friends have mentioned times when they would go riding with Eddie, and although he would be barely warmed up, Eddie would gladly turn back if they were too tired to continue. He was quite content to leave it at that and keep you company instead of riding on without you.
Another memory of Eddie shared was when he was asked to give a brief talk on a topic of interest during a regular team meeting. Most people in this situation would create a PowerPoint or Q&A style presentation - but not Eddie. At this stage he had been teaching yoga for some time and so he decided to run a small yoga session with his team. It was highly entertaining for Eddie to watch all the yoga novices attempt the various positions he was demonstrating. It was a lot of fun and brought enjoyment to the team.
Most of us remember Eddie for his immense positivity, even over his biggest battles against cancer. There was hardly a time when Eddie would whinge or be critical or something....well maybe with the exception of Apple Products. And although he wasn't a fan of the iPhone or iPad he still had good things to say about them - that's just how he was.
In the relatively short time we knew Eddie, there was never a dull moment. He had an incredible zest for life, loved to travel, was always enthusiastic and as you now know was contagiously passionate about cycling. Eddie was well balanced and wished that everyone in the world would accept everyone for who they are and what they believed in, instead of being judgmental and critical about others choices.
In the last few weeks of his life, Eddie said that if he had the energy he would do his bit in making the world a better place. But we all know he didn't have to - because if you look around this room today, all of us have become better people just by knowing him. And to me, that means that Eduardo Pose has already made this world a better place.
The ceremony really was beautiful. It was made even more special because Eddie himself picked out the words and songs he wanted. He wrote a short reflection on life which was included in the handout - and a slideshow of photographs was set to 2 songs of his choosing; Foreigner - "I wanna know what love is" and Rebecca Ferguson - "Nothing's real but love".
It really was a great way to celebrate his life. While it was a sad occasion, it was so nice to be able to share funny stories and photos of him and share a laugh. He would've wanted it that way. Liz shared that his final wishes included that his ashes should be spread over Mt Mee, Mt Nebo and Mt Glorious. These were his favourite places to visit. Every now and then, I want to ride up these mountains and take in the scenery, breathe in the crisp air and think of him.
Reflections
Bianca and I drove up to Caloundra after the ceremony and we had time to reflect on it and life in general.
I really do regret that I didn't get to know Eddie better. We were primarily cycling buddies, but in the last year we really started to touch on more in-depth topics in life. Love, marriage, kids, houses, happiness, peace, war and wellness are some of the things we had chatted about. We shared our ideas, thoughts and opinions. We really started to have a great friendship.
At the ceremony it became apparent to me that there was so much more to Eddie than I knew - so many other interests and hobbies which we had not shared yet. And it makes me sad to know that I have missed the opportunity to have him teach me some yoga or ask him about android phones or his past trips overseas.
Bianca and I decided that we wanted to take some learnings from Eddies life. The main one being to live simpler with a focus on love & happiness. From small day-to-day things like sharing lunch together to bigger changes like altering diet and lifestyle choices. I am excited to see what path it takes us on. Even in the sadness and negativity of death, there can be a positive outcome.
Thank you, Eddie.
Enjoying a sunrise walk on the rocks at Caloundra
Thursday 7 February 2013
Saved By The Bike
Who doesn't love a good news story?
In a world where there only ever seems to be bad news, a feel good story can really lift your spirits.
These two are recent examples which have really put things into perspective for me.
From Genocide to the Games
Adrien Niyonshuti is young man from Rwanda. He survived the infamous 1994 genocide, when he was only seven years old. Tragically 6 of his brothers and 60 of his wider family were killed.
Later he took up cycling as a way of dealing with the horrors of his childhood. When he was older, he impressed selectors and was signed to the Team Rwanda based in Ruhengeri.
From there he only excelled - becoming the first black African to compete in the pro peleton when he raced the Tour of Ireland in 2009.
In 2012 Adrien was chosen to represent Rwanda at the London Olympic Games in the sport of mountain biking. He proudly carried the flag of Rwanda at the opening ceremony. A dream come true.
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/09/sport/olympics-rwanda-cyclist-niyonshuti
From Jail Bars to Handlebars
Reon Nolan had a troubled childhood. Born into a world of crime and violence, Reons dad was murdered when he was 11.
Spiraling out of control, he joined a gang and lead a life of crime, drugs and stealing. These activities led to him serving jailtime many times, sometimes only spending a few months 'on the outside' before being sent back behind bars.
After being letdown by his so-called 'gang friends', Reon was parolled and released into the care of the Sailsbury Street Foundation, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre. It was here that he was introduced to cycling.
Fast forward through thousands of kilometres of training and racing over the last two years, and this unlikely character is representing New Zealand at New Zealand’s only international race - the NZCT Cycle Classic.
Just goes to show, it's never too late to turn your life around.
http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/news/42134/Reon-Nolan:-Saved-by-cycling
In a world where there only ever seems to be bad news, a feel good story can really lift your spirits.
These two are recent examples which have really put things into perspective for me.
From Genocide to the Games
Adrien Niyonshuti is young man from Rwanda. He survived the infamous 1994 genocide, when he was only seven years old. Tragically 6 of his brothers and 60 of his wider family were killed.
Later he took up cycling as a way of dealing with the horrors of his childhood. When he was older, he impressed selectors and was signed to the Team Rwanda based in Ruhengeri.
From there he only excelled - becoming the first black African to compete in the pro peleton when he raced the Tour of Ireland in 2009.
In 2012 Adrien was chosen to represent Rwanda at the London Olympic Games in the sport of mountain biking. He proudly carried the flag of Rwanda at the opening ceremony. A dream come true.
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/09/sport/olympics-rwanda-cyclist-niyonshuti
From Jail Bars to Handlebars
Reon Nolan had a troubled childhood. Born into a world of crime and violence, Reons dad was murdered when he was 11.
Spiraling out of control, he joined a gang and lead a life of crime, drugs and stealing. These activities led to him serving jailtime many times, sometimes only spending a few months 'on the outside' before being sent back behind bars.
After being letdown by his so-called 'gang friends', Reon was parolled and released into the care of the Sailsbury Street Foundation, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre. It was here that he was introduced to cycling.
Fast forward through thousands of kilometres of training and racing over the last two years, and this unlikely character is representing New Zealand at New Zealand’s only international race - the NZCT Cycle Classic.
Just goes to show, it's never too late to turn your life around.
http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/news/42134/Reon-Nolan:-Saved-by-cycling
Wednesday 6 February 2013
Tuesday 5 February 2013
My Friend Eddie
Sadly, this Friday I will have to farewell a friend from this world.
Eduardo "Eddie" Pose passed away on the 1st February 2013, the day after my 28th birthday.
Eddie had been fighting cancer in various forms over 4 long years. I first met him after he was in remission from a tumour on his heart. About a year later doctors tests revealed he had a secondary cancer in his lymph nodes. The treatment was a long process and he was in and out of hospital for over a year. At the end of 2012 it looked as if he was getting on top of the disease and looked stronger each day. We even enjoyed 50km rides together just before Christmas. But then suddenly he was administered back into hospital with a virus attacking his gut. It was particularly painful for him and he couldn't eat/drink for weeks.The doctors ordered 3 tests of his bone marrow to rule out any progress of the cancer. The first two results came back clear and I was quietly hopeful that this was the end of the cancer. I had always just assumed he would back healthy and riding with me sooner or later.
Devastatingly, the third test was positive for cancer in the marrow and doctors outlined that there was nothing that could be done. With good luck, he could have months left to enjoy life - with bad luck he may only have days.
I remember the phonecall we had after he had that conversation with the doctors. Eddie sounded so calm and collected for someone in that position. I just couldn't understand - I would have been a mess of denial and sadness. But not Eddie. He was reflective on life and thankful for time he had on earth. As he said to me "That's just the way life is - sometimes it doesn't work out the way you want". He was strong in the face of defeat and ready for his final journey.
I will always remember Eddie in his prime. We did many rides together and the more I think about it, the more he is a big part of why I ride. As a somewhat introvert, I tend to mostly ride solo. I love to hear the wind whistle past, feel the breeze on my skin, the buzz of the freewheel and steady rhythm of my breathing. The great thing about my rides with Eddie was that he loved those same things. There would be rides where we would be mostly silent and just enjoying the magic which is cycling. Other times we would discuss any and all areas of cycling: running gear brands, clothing, who's a doper, who's not, grand tours, one day classics etc. We just loved to talk cycling. And that was our thing.
As he opened up about his condition, we started to talk more about the 'big things' in life - why are we here, what does it mean to be a good person, why are there wars and what happens when you die. Like me, he was a lover not a fighter. The recipe for peace seemed so simple to us - just accept others for who they are. To us there was just no sense in hating someone for their color, sexual orientation, what country they're from or what car they drive etc. Life is bigger than that.
On the few rides I have done since Eddie passed, I have again visited these topics in my head. But this time, it's only the wind, the freewheel and my breathing to keep me company.
I will miss my 'cycling buddy' Eddie Pose, and our friendship was unique. I am thankful for the thoughts he provoked and the observations he passed onto me. And even in death, he has still reminded to enjoy my life, love my friends & family and don't take any for granted. Life is short.
Rest in Peace, Eddie. I hope there's a tailwind whereever you ride now.
Eduardo "Eddie" Pose passed away on the 1st February 2013, the day after my 28th birthday.
Eddie had been fighting cancer in various forms over 4 long years. I first met him after he was in remission from a tumour on his heart. About a year later doctors tests revealed he had a secondary cancer in his lymph nodes. The treatment was a long process and he was in and out of hospital for over a year. At the end of 2012 it looked as if he was getting on top of the disease and looked stronger each day. We even enjoyed 50km rides together just before Christmas. But then suddenly he was administered back into hospital with a virus attacking his gut. It was particularly painful for him and he couldn't eat/drink for weeks.The doctors ordered 3 tests of his bone marrow to rule out any progress of the cancer. The first two results came back clear and I was quietly hopeful that this was the end of the cancer. I had always just assumed he would back healthy and riding with me sooner or later.
Devastatingly, the third test was positive for cancer in the marrow and doctors outlined that there was nothing that could be done. With good luck, he could have months left to enjoy life - with bad luck he may only have days.
I remember the phonecall we had after he had that conversation with the doctors. Eddie sounded so calm and collected for someone in that position. I just couldn't understand - I would have been a mess of denial and sadness. But not Eddie. He was reflective on life and thankful for time he had on earth. As he said to me "That's just the way life is - sometimes it doesn't work out the way you want". He was strong in the face of defeat and ready for his final journey.
I will always remember Eddie in his prime. We did many rides together and the more I think about it, the more he is a big part of why I ride. As a somewhat introvert, I tend to mostly ride solo. I love to hear the wind whistle past, feel the breeze on my skin, the buzz of the freewheel and steady rhythm of my breathing. The great thing about my rides with Eddie was that he loved those same things. There would be rides where we would be mostly silent and just enjoying the magic which is cycling. Other times we would discuss any and all areas of cycling: running gear brands, clothing, who's a doper, who's not, grand tours, one day classics etc. We just loved to talk cycling. And that was our thing.
As he opened up about his condition, we started to talk more about the 'big things' in life - why are we here, what does it mean to be a good person, why are there wars and what happens when you die. Like me, he was a lover not a fighter. The recipe for peace seemed so simple to us - just accept others for who they are. To us there was just no sense in hating someone for their color, sexual orientation, what country they're from or what car they drive etc. Life is bigger than that.
On the few rides I have done since Eddie passed, I have again visited these topics in my head. But this time, it's only the wind, the freewheel and my breathing to keep me company.
I will miss my 'cycling buddy' Eddie Pose, and our friendship was unique. I am thankful for the thoughts he provoked and the observations he passed onto me. And even in death, he has still reminded to enjoy my life, love my friends & family and don't take any for granted. Life is short.
Rest in Peace, Eddie. I hope there's a tailwind whereever you ride now.
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