tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67318172665528670232024-03-14T07:15:45.012+00:00Kate PotterBlog of Pro Mountain Bike rider Kate Potter of the Cotic AQR Holidays Race TeamKelvinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860428221539622236noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-19886885782654740002011-06-10T11:10:00.001+00:002011-06-10T11:10:01.909+00:00LUCHON - Home is where the Heart is!<div class='posterous_autopost'><div>Well the Potters are finally back in Luchon. I must admit after 10 plus years of travelling all over the world I finally know that Luchon, here in the stunning French Pyrenees is truly my home. The saying 'home is where the heart is', has been missing from my vocabulary for a long time. When I was 22 years old I left my family home in Oz, ended up in the UK longer than I expected to and took myself off on a whirl wind tour of too many European countries to list right now, plus South Africa, America and Canada....where race courses and bike guiding destinations enabled me to see the world from a very different view. I have tasted several varieties of mud and experienced rocks in many different descriptions that perhaps I should become a geologist later in life...or a specialist in bruising as I know from experience which rocks hurt more than others <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="330" height="12" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/o4jymvSR9s5q4lk2mvrmHSVt4JNQhxXiDgoDYvj9gz9gugfRB7IffHvB5LhP/330.gif" width="12" /> </div> </div> <div> </div> <div>I never thought I would grow so attached to one place, a small place compared to the wider world, but a place that we Potters are still exploring both on the bike and on foot as we discover even more disused trails and mountain peaks that look down on us. Luchon offers every cyclist a unique experience no matter how many times one returns here...even our tarmac adventures take us to breathtaking mountain views without any noise except the sound of our lungs singing along (or should I say gasping) to beat the other Potter up the next col.</div> <div> </div> <div>I used to look forward to holidays and travelling, but now I must admit the same feelings no longer exists except when I'm away from Luchon and count the days until I return home. I'm very fortunate to live in Single Track Heaven, or as I call it my Pyrenean Potter Paradise.</div> <div> </div> <div>So looking back at the aftermath of the Exposure UK and European 24hr Solo Championships....</div> <div> </div> <div>After any race there can be alot of highs and lows, but racing for 24hrs by yourself can be very different. From my experience 24hr racing has a consequence....this could be in the form of illness, on going fatigue, frustration when your power and heart rate refuse to climb, or general apathy on and off the bike. It takes time to return to a balanced state and as everybody recovers differently you cannot say how long it will take until YOU are back to full racing form. You have to remember that every part of you from your cells and internal organs to your brain worked hard for 24hrs and it's not just your legs and backside that need time to recover. If your heart rate is not rising, perhpas your heart needs some chill time too? It can be easy to start training too soon and get carried away because you think training hard is the only way you will find your racing legs again.</div> <div> </div> <div>From past experiences I know I have been lucky in the health department and have never experienced any illness post 24hr solo race, but I knew racing this year I had to be careful because I know my body is still not back to where it was 2 years ago. I also knew that my recovery would be hampered due to travelling to Italy not long after the race and then back to Luchon, which in hind sight was not a wise decision as we both find travel stressful and I had to put up with Mr Potter croaking and coughing at anyone who dare drive in the middle lane when not overtaking.</div> <div> </div> <div>When we finally arrived back in Luchon and started breathing fresh mountain air and drinking Luchon's best water from the mountain lakes it's amazing how quickly we both started to regain strength. I hardly touched a bike for 3 weeks, and when I did it was when I was coaching in the UK and mostly riding at a steady pace. Now I'm back in the mountains and I have started hiking again and although the pace is gentle compared to where I was over a month a go I can feel the body craving more. This weekend Ian and I are guiding and I'm very excited about my first full day back on the trails..the energy and excitement to ride a bike has returned!!!</div> <div>.</div> <div>Now I have to decide whether I race at Mountain Mayhem or not???? This is a dififcult decision as I know I'm not quite back to where I want to be, but I love racing in the UK and I would like to see my Magura friends as I know Florian is going to be there, plus the Cotic-AQR Racing Team will be too. However the lure of the mountains is also taking hold of me and a little puppy called Marley who has not let me out of his sight since I returned home is also tipping the scales for a home stay in Luchon. I also know there is a race here in Luchon that weekend which is only half a day rather than 24hrs in the day...PLUS it is a triathalon...not your traditional swim, cycle, running event...but rather HIKE, MTB...and if you are brave a PARAPENTE down to the finish line...if you don't know what that is think of wearing a parachute and jumping off a mountainside :)</div> <div> </div> <div>Well only time will tell what decision I go with...but in the mean time I'm going to make the most of every day here in Luchon and take time to smell the forest and admire the views...LUCHON will never be taken for granted! Home sweet Home!!</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>AQR</strong> - <strong>A Quick Release Holidays</strong></div> <div><strong>AQR</strong> - <strong>A Quality Ride Coaching</strong></div> <div><br />Tel: 0845 1304824<p /><a href="http://www.aquickrelease.com/" target="_blank">http://www.aquickrelease.com</a></div> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/aquickrelease" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/aquickrelease</a></div> <div><a href="http://www.katepotter.net/" target="_blank">http://www.katepotter.net/</a></div> <div> </div><br /> <p></p><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/yCIu0czP6lzp7s98SaGIfVWNWPTvEKUHqjFTWY2OvQtsU21vsOdDsnHlFTfH/DSC_0011.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0011" height="336" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/1y6HwiXLaU64XQWALKyZw0jdNAl7cQytlMhYwjD7Dk3us7IZpynBWn3LNDKn/DSC_0011.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/3IJijzuKLliJSQbO3hDAAJ8NCCl1t9TUCaWbhcpcqCjkMZCSAUP5ZzFjhPVc/33607_160803643944086_16078554.jpg"><img alt="33607_160803643944086_16078554" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/rogCCLOkBgYQSM5y5AlXNPSkBFf4PyKiw7GoJgDXYUTj43NqBizAyAIVzIJj/33607_160803643944086_16078554.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://katepotter.posterous.com/luchon-home-is-where-the-heart-is">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p></div>Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-85353138481615953372011-05-11T10:25:00.001+00:002011-05-11T10:25:42.778+00:00THE EXPOSURE 12/24 HOUR NATIONAL AND EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS<div class='posterous_autopost'><p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b>THE PROLOGUE</b> – <i>tick, tick, tick, tick.....</i></p> <div style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">I have found the week leading up to a 24hr race is always a waiting game. It is a time to stop and rest both body and brain if you can...or at the very least to only do the bare minimum if this is possible as I realise that full time jobs and life commitments cannot always be put aside for the benefits of racing ultra endurance events. Don’t worry about reducing your exercise hours or eating extra ‘healthy’ calories or even gaining a few kilos, as 24hrs in the saddle is a race where every calorie will help along the way. So to all those I was coaching in preparation for the 24hr UK and European Championships my advice was to ‘RELAX!!! EAT!!! Be SLOTHFUL!!!’.....and make the most of it before training starts all over again <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span>J</span></span> </div> <div style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">I encouraged everybody to pack as much as they could 2 weeks before the race to avoid as few last minute stressful moments as possible and to sort out all bike related issues well in advance....so we Potters really should take some of own coaching advice....<i>yes yes yes, I know Mr Potter</i> <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span>J</span></span></div> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Four days before the race started and there I was STILL packing, packing not just for the race, but the Potters annual May trip back to the UK, plus a family holiday to Italy part way through our visit. Then there was Marley....yes for those of you who don’t know I’m now a very proud ‘puppy-mother’ <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span>J</span></span> So 5 hrs before our 20hr plus drive back to the UK we were introducing Ian’s mum and step dad to Marley as they were puppy sitting. So there I was anxiously running about making sure they had all the puppy necessities for my little pooch as I hated leaving him especially on his 4 month old birthday. Then just as I thought I had finished I realised something was missing....my puppy. Where’s Marley? So instead of conserving energy there I was running up and down the stairs, checking outside and on the verge of a teary breakdown....MARLEY??? Ian calmed me down and we checked my bags...and there he was packing himself into my race bag and hiding amongst the black helmet cases hoping he wouldn’t be found....next year Marley you will be at the races too as our little team mascot :)</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Before I knew it I was waking up at 1am Tuesday morning leaving Luchon’s Pyrenean mountains behind me and heading for the Nottinghamshire Alps.....as I like to call them <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span>J</span></span>. All went very smoothly until I decided to fall asleep in a twisted position and woke up with incredible back pain. It’s an old issue that was fixed and mended by AQR’s Physio Anne Dickins back in December. I spoke to Anne and it was too close to the race to manipulate my back as she did last winter. So I had a massage to try and reduce the knots and inflammation, a proper hard core massage for an hour that left me aching all over, hobbling around and looking in no state to ride a bike for 24hrs (<i>oops</i>), but at least I had more flexibility in my spine which was a plus. </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">On Friday morning we Potters, plus Cotic-AQR Team racers and support crew James Dymond and Rachel Sokal boarded Mini Blue (<i>AQR Holidays hard core mini bus</i>) bound for the Scottish boarders. The mini bus was pretty full, but we had all the necessities for every 24hr occasion...including the weather as the forecast was looking grim and there was the possibility of hail on Sunday morning. When we arrived at the venue we met up with the rest of the team who were taking part either as racer or support crew and everyone found their place or main job within the team straight away...although I had to keep an eye out on 24hr soloists Miss Dickins and Mr Jordan who were instructed to <b>SIT</b>.....I will add ‘PRE RACE SIT DOWN TIME’ to your next block of training <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span>J</span></span> </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Friday night and Ian and I retired to a lovely little B&B on the outskirts of Newcastleton. We always treat ourselves to a little pre-race relaxation, but that was not going to be. I found myself suffering endless back spasms and cramps throughout the night and had virtually no sleep from around 2am. At 8am I was already looking and feeling a state and the race hadn’t even started (<i>double gulp</i>). Ian wasn’t sure if I should race, but I couldn’t stand the thought of quitting a race after last year when I was forced to take some time off due to illness. Ian and I decided to think tactics....usually I just race and see what happens as it's such a long event, but I wasn’t sure how my back would cope with 24hrs on the bike so Mr Potter and I talked tactics to ensure I would finish the race as that is always number one goal.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b>ACT 1 – </b><i>RACE DAY...on your marks!!!</i><b></b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Saturday morning and the <b>COTIC/AQR HOLIDAYS RACE TEAM</b> were all in great spirits. Anne, Anth and I, along with guest racer from Cannondale Hannah Bowers were kitted up and ready to roll down to the start line. Our support crew Ian, Simon, James, Rachel, Carole and Chloe had decorated the pit area with Cotic, AQR, Magura, KCNC flags and TORQ energy products, plus British colours too as it was the European Champs after all. At 11:30am we signed on and were presented to the local crowds and supporters who were lining the streets to wave us all off on our 24hr solo mountain bike adventure. It was a fabulous atmosphere and my spirits lifted, especially when I noticed a little Aussie flag had been included in the line up of national flags representing athletes who were taking part in the event....I may not be European, but I was certainly made to feel very welcome which meant alot to me <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span>J</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span> </span>Then it was time to roll....and roll out very slowly we did. It was never going to be a fast start as we had 24hrs of riding ahead of us all, but we started behind a Scottish local playing the bag pipes and were almost track standing as we followed him 100m down the road. I always practice my balance and have encouraged those I have been coaching to do so too, and there we were all four of us track standing and looking very relaxed....BRING IT ON TEAM!!!</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b>ACT 2 – </b><i>MIDDAY-MIDNIGHT...and we’re off!!!</i><b></b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b>Lap 1,2,3,4,5,6,7</b>....and then I lost count, but I was feeling alot more comfortable than I expected to on what was quite a hilly course. There were long sections of twisty single track beneath the trees and switchbacks a-plenty. I started on my 2011 Cotic Soda, but after a few laps decided I needed to look after my back when the twinges reminded me there was no way I would last on a hard tail for 24hrs this weekend, as much as I love my Cotic Soda. Now I was on board the Cotic KP24 for it’s first 24hr outing, this is the second prototype that I’m testing this year so it’s all very exciting to be on a different bike, but due to a last minute build up I had not spent much time on it......</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">.....WOW, I was grinning from ear to ear. Not only did the extra suspension help my back when I needed it to most, but it still felt super fast and XC racey on the fast sections of the course as I don’t like slothful feeling full suspension bikes, especially up hills.....I’m such a hard tail girl <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span>J</span></span> Ian had changed the gearing on the KP24 to a <b>double 40-26 with a ten speed XTR 11-36</b> (<i>yes I know that sounds very technical bike jargon for me, especially for all those who know me</i>....<i>I had to ask Ian those numbers as I never remember digit combinations, but I thought it worth mentioning as it was a perfect range of gears for the course and my legs</i>), those climbs were so much easier even in big ring and I didn’t notice any weight difference between the Cotic KP24 and the Soda. Usually I like to stand up and change position on the bike, but I was so comfortable I had to remind myself to do just that. </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">All was feeling good in the body and brain department, I was eating at the appropriate times, drinking plenty, playing on my bike whilst not wasting too much energy, and of course taking in the gorgeous Newcastleton scenery....what a beautiful area for riding a bike! Then darkness descended and it was time for some night riding action. I was using an Exposure Max D bar mounted light and joystick head torch. There was no change really from light to night except suddenly I could see frogs everywhere on the fire road sections....so I wasn’t always riding in a straight line as I tried not to bump into the little fellas.....they were so cute!!!!</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b>ACT 3 – </b><i>MIDNIGHT TO MORNING BLUES...and now I’m feeling off!!!</i></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">In the past I never used to go into 24hr solo races with the same mental approach as how I would start an XC or marathon race. It was more about how many laps could I complete without stopping? The 24hr test has always been about ME vs ME as I try to beat my brain so that I would cross that finish line at the very end no matter what the outcome. As this race went on I faced several challenges that obviously I could have done without, but every challenge was good training and I learnt alot about myself along the way.....</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b>Firstly - </b><span> </span>The weather was closing in....no shock here as storms were forecast all weekend as was hail....but I noticed the temperature dropping which was not to be expected.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b>Secondly - </b>I decided to do a stupid unnecessary gear change when I knew to be cautious as mud was starting to play havoc to riders out on course. I was half way round when my chain got stuck, and it took all my KP might and brain power to sort it out. All good so I thought, before I heard ‘click’ ‘click’ ‘click’, and was unable to put any power down, something was wrong, but I decided to keep plodding on as I would much rather Mr Potter sort it out in the team pit area than me....<i>as much as I try I’m never going to be a world class mechanic </i><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span>J</span></span> </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b>Thirdly</b> <b>-</b> I was forced to do a mechanical repair and you know what that means <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span>J</span></span> I started that lovely last climb back to base when my chain snapped. Not a problem, I was cool, calm and collected as I tried to fix it, whilst dropping the link and searching for it in the muddy grass....<i>why am I so clumbsy????</i> I finally repaired my chain (<i>big pat on the back KP</i>), hopped on my bike and very gracefully fell off the other side as the cranks weren’t spinning....<i>OH DEAR!?!?</i> I discovered there was a huge twist in the chain that I failed to notice...but I was still cool, calm and collected even when I had to run up the last grassy hill because I knew it was just a long descent back to base camp as soon as I reached the top....well so I thought...all the rain had turned the grassy bumpy straight into a mud pit. I tried to ride down it in an aerotuck position, but only sunk further and was forced to run...<i>DOH!</i> </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b>Fourthly</b> <b>-</b> I decided that who needs a bright light when one has Jedi force....again a KP clumbsy moment left me with a broken light, but I spent so long wondering how on earth I broke it that I didn’t really notice how much darker the trails had become. I think after 14hrs on the same loop you get to know them well enough <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span>J</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b>Fifthly -</b> Although prepared for the worst weather, when it hit at full force I was in my little space cadet world when Ian usually takes over in the KP thinking department. I suddenly realised at one point how wet I was in just my jersey and shorts, but didn’t change into wet weather gear when I needed to thinking I would over heat on the climbs. Suddenly extreme cold hit home. I was half way around, and I couldn’t warm up....I had no water proof or thermal layers as they were waiting for me at the end of the lap. I was starting to lose feeling in my fingers and the shakes meant early signs of hyperthermia. Fortunately when I returned to base camp I had an amazing team who took over and layered me up appropriately. To give you some idea of how cold it was I was wearing my Keela Mountain water proof that is only used in severe cold and wet weather conditions at 1800m plus in the Pyrenees...PLUS thermal layers beneath and I never overheated once on the climbs like I usually do, in fact at one point I was still cold.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b>Lastly</b> - Possibly my most challenging moment out on course when I was truly tested by ME....at 3am motion sickness set in. I’m a terrible traveller, always have been, but never have I experienced such nausea on the bike like I did in the early hours of Sunday morning. I struggled to eat and drink the correct amounts of nutrition and had to stop more often than I like to for hurling purposes <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span>J</span></span> Oh I can laugh about it now, but from 3am until the finish I was in a right state. </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">There were only a few hours to go and I was battling my brain on every pedal stroke which was suggesting I stop every now and then. I worked out there were 3 laps to go until I could finish, but it felt like a life time away as I felt awful. Then Ian told me second place and 2010 UK champ Rickie Cotter was making time up on me. It was the first time I actually thought about racing other people out on course because as I said before I always treat these races as a battle between ‘ME, MYSELF & I’. Suddenly another little KP voice came into play....’RIGHT, let’s bring it on!!!’ I’m not sure what happened, but I attacked and the faster I went the better I felt. My legs were fine and the nausea calmed down until I reached the pit area where I saw Mr Potter and James running over to the tent....apparently I was 15min quicker than they expected and they had gone off to be social, but as soon as I slowed down the nausea came back again. </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">So now another ‘RIGHT, let’s bring it on moment!!! I had 2 laps within me and I wanted them over with. I completed another fast lap considering it was 20 plus hrs into the race. One more lap and I truly wanted to push the pace now....but Ian stopped me and gave me the biggest hug.....but there was no time for Mr Potter to get all soppy on me now, what was he thinking?????? I forget that Ian finds it hard watching me do this type of racing. Mr P then revealed that I had a big enough lead now to take first place....you would think I would be overjoyed hearing this news, but I still had to complete one final lap.....BLAH....best way to describe how I felt <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span>J</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b>ACT 3 – </b><i>ONE MORE LAP......</i></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">You would think I could sit up, relax, make the most of these awesome trails I had the pleasure to ride for 24hrs, but suddenly with another lap to go the whole experience caught up with me. My back went into spasm and for the first time I felt every bump and every bruise. The nausea was now at it’s worst, and I suddenly felt weak. It was the strangest feeling because I knew I still had to finish, but part of me already felt finished and this is where it became MRS POTTER vs MRS POTTER, the battle to keep pottering on. I finally made it to the top of the final descent and I would like to say in celebration I stuffed a Torq black cherry gel down me, but the shakes came on and I was going nowhere until I got some carbs down me.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">When I crossed the finish line my team including Mr P were all there waiting for me with open arms, and boy did I need them. I was overjoyed that we got through this together. It was a tough race for everybody out there and in the pits, and definitely no solo effort by me, but a proper team effort by all of us....YAY TEAM!!!</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b>EPILOGUE – </b><i>ALOT OF THANKYOUS....</i></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">I’m so grateful to be part of a wonderful team of racers and support crew. I would like to thank everyone involved in the COTIC-AQR HOLIDAYS RACING CAMP who came along to the 24 Exposure 24hr UK and EUROPEAN CHAMPS...So in alphabetical order...including their main role...as everyone supported each other in a variety of different ways, but we always ensured every racer had their special person to turn to...even if it just meant a big hug when the going got tough... <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span>J</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b>COTIC-AQR HOLIDAYS PIT CREW</b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b>CAROLE ARMSTONG</b> – COTIC-AQR CATERING MANAGER, as well as Anthony Jordan’s special person.<b></b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b>JAMES DYMOND</b> – COTIC-AQR TEAM MANAGER and overall support.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b>IAN POTTER</b> – COTIC- AQR BIKE MECHANIC and my special person (<i>obviously there are alot of job descriptions I could add here, but there are too many to list!</i>)</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b>RACHEL SOKAL</b> – COTIC-AQR TEAM SUPPORT and future endurance racer.... your turn next year Rach!</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b>SIMON USHER</b> – COTIC-AQR TEAM SUPPORT, again in soooooo many ways, but also Anne Dickins’ special person!</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b>CHLOE THOMAS</b> – COTIC-AQR ‘glam’ COFFEE MAKER.....full marks from Mr Potter and also Hannah’s special person.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b>24 EXPOSURE TEAM RACERS - WELL DONE!!!!</b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">ANNE DICKINS - 2nd place Vet Female</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">ANTHONY JORDAN - 15th place Open Male</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">KATE POTTER - 1st place Open Female</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">HANNAH BOWERS - 3rd place Open Female <i>(although officially racing for Cannondale, Hannah will always be welcome as a guest team racer for Cotic-AQR as she is an asset to any racing team!)</i></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><i> </i></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b>TITLE SPONSORS</b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b>THE COTIC/AQR HOLIDAYS RACE TEAM</b>....although a new team, consists of three teams joining forces under a new team name. A huge thankyou to all our sponsors....</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b>COTIC BIKES</b> – Always the Potters bike of choice, but now our team racers too.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b>AQR HOLIDAYS & COACHING</b> – Mountain bike Holidays, Coaching weeks, Skills coaching clinics, Bike related help, work and advice are only a small part of what we offer the team and YOU.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> </p> <div style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b>CO-SPONSORS - as always a HUGE THANKYOU!!!</b></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b></b> </div> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b><span style="TEXT-DECORATION: none;"></span></b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b>MAGURA BRAKES & FORKS</b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b>KCNC COMPONENTS</b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b>INDUSTRY 9 WHEELS</b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b>EXPOSURE LIGHTS</b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b>TORQ ENERGY PRODUCTS</b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b>CRANK BROTHERS PEDALS</b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b>SKINS CLOTHING</b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b>SUNWISE GLASSES</b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b>661 GLOVES</b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b>PURPLE EXTREME LUBRICATION</b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b>BIGFOOT BAGS</b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b>FENWICKS BIKE CLEANER</b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">*Also huge thankyou to Katie Collins and Kevin for supporting the team and helping out in the pit area, it was great to see your cheery faces! </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">*Plus as always thankyou to all the cheers and support from everyone out there who braved the elements whether by bike or by simply staying up and cheering us riders on.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">*Plus thankyou to Sara and Paul from SIP events for inviting me to be part of the USE UK and EUROPEAN 12/24hr Solo CHAMPS. It was a fabulous event which the Cotic/AQR Holidays team will be part of again in 2012.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b>AND FINALLY....</b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> </p> <div style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">2011 is a new mountain biking year for me, and here I am part of a new mountain biking team with a huge future of team adventures ahead of us all. It has been 3 or 4 years since my last 24hr solo race before I decided to focus on cross country. It also feels like years since I raced any type of bike race as I find it hard thinking about 2010 and the illness that stopped me from racing a full season. I wasn’t 100% sure if I was making the right decision returning to such a demanding type of racing that in the past has taken me anywhere from 4-6 weeks to recover from, but I owed it to Cy from Cotic bikes and all my sponsors who stuck by me when I felt I did very little for them in 2010. While Cotic will always be the number one bike brand I choose to ride...I separate Cy Turner from Cotic because he has also been a wonderful friend to the Potters over the years and supported my racing even when the direction didn’t always suit his bike brand. I have never known a bike company owner or main sponsor to find time in such a hectic job to call me the day before I race and wish me luck. I certainly don’t expect it, but it meant a great deal to me. Although Cotic Bontrager were a fantastic team, I always longed for more support in terms of feeling part of a bigger team of riders who were wanting biking related adventures like I do, rather than just Ian and I floating about from one race to the next. Although the experience was an invaluable part of my development as a racer and our coaching business, I did miss the British endurance scene and it is so good to be back to where I feel very much at home <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span>J</span></span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span></span></span><br /> </div> <div><strong>AQR</strong> - <strong>A Quick Release Holidays</strong></div> <div><strong>AQR</strong> - <strong>A Quality Ride Coaching</strong></div> <div><br />Tel: 0845 1304824<p /><a href="http://www.aquickrelease.com/" target="_blank">http://www.aquickrelease.com</a></div> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/aquickrelease" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/aquickrelease</a></div> <div><a href="http://www.katepotter.net/" target="_blank">http://www.katepotter.net/</a></div> <div> </div><br /> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/JVJpps0XI4I7Nrk39f8ZHrY7ja6oZpy4o6ymKY1zCrLW1zOPVflXbje8oF7U/220775_212409075450209_1607855.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg"><img alt="220775_212409075450209_1607855" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/WVIYwTxR0J68VHUfu0fcViTgSi1ype3Zcyp37D8YaSnHcjA42ZoC0CHONuJg/220775_212409075450209_1607855.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/073s72VP3ERobY3JW3mFUxCdznaFsTpuhTTJdfMuBWWs1qJOoY0XYHJQVphL/DSC_0280.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0280" height="336" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/JmaAj14aVzmcGdVfwOs2ivYRCKtuhurmdNDTR3XZpiDcoursObiUyA9HEA7i/DSC_0280.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/XzPIG7SvRInBj8yZbLN066i7KPXzglBbcNz3RAGvw1x8HqfeOh6ZxhhXkVaA/243977_212407958783654_1607855.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg"><img alt="243977_212407958783654_1607855" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/0prUYCYZkZc9FwgkTt6OnDGNyHHomJQW5Nq2TTjOEaG26rBpQ98lbp0NWw5W/243977_212407958783654_1607855.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/vYiYcHH2zZXmyTLxnWTdvDPuCtVW7u89M9oGSpF2GeHJqxpuvkp1EEHSbGct/219776_212408622116921_1607855.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg"><img alt="219776_212408622116921_1607855" height="750" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/DZKsF4SS7OzRNniXbZ3tEhVN2F8NUElO9gzrpQudfpakhO5sEI37O9QeUP6H/219776_212408622116921_1607855.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/j2C1ccgwPxxYznXXkYmoEYDirJTA04TOn090Aycls3aPaVNpBkR1uNCRGF2N/218218_212408005450316_1607855.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg"><img alt="218218_212408005450316_1607855" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/xS1xFjRCNcCj0mBImzLEVaHKODQ934kZI8KIbid63bNb0nTqPURzRCdCSVft/218218_212408005450316_1607855.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://katepotter.posterous.com/the-exposure-1224-hour-national-and-european">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p></div>Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-25403679543897012062011-04-01T14:32:00.001+00:002011-04-01T14:32:10.666+00:00AQR in the ALGARVE 2011.....<div class='posterous_autopost'><p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"> 4 weeks in glorious sunshine and superb trails unlike anywhere I have experienced in the world. Ian and I met in Portugal and Mr Potter knows it well...I on the other hand had been a guest here 10 years ago when Ian worked as a guide and now have myself a husband to ensure I stay on the right track in more ways than one....Yes there were a few entertaining moments for all (but I) when Ian just let me keep riding up certain lung busting climbs whilst he stopped the guests at the right trail junction and radioed me back just as I had recovered and was wondering where everybody was. He thought this was highly amusing as did others....grrrrr.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">So what moments stood out for me apart from Potter ‘Good guide/Bad guide’ moments.....in case you don’t know what I’m referring to, in the AQR Crew Guiding World we Potter’s are known as ‘Good Guide/Bad Guide’ and our true colours are really shown when we work together.....Don’t forget we are a married couple, Ian overdoses on coffee and I’m always right! Now I’m not talking about irresponsible actions that affect guests in anyway....it’s just we have been told by most guests that they prefer both Potters to be in guiding action when out on an AQR guided trip. I’m not too sure why, but I think Ian and I bring out the best and worst of each other at the right times and this balance creates....um....POTTER HARMONY? No......um.....I will think on that one...’ENTERTAINING’ is the only word I can think of that has been repeated by guests often....but I’m sure there is a better word.....DIFFERENT, SPECIAL, HYSTERICAL....although a very good friend called us ‘THE DREAM TEAM’, which I quite like, although Ian thinks he is the ‘dream’ and I’m the ‘nightmare’ and that is why it works so well because you need ‘YIN’ and ‘YANG’ in your life....according to Chinese philosophy YIN is the female and negative force and YANG is the male and the positive force......DID A MALE COME UP WITH THIS CRAP!!!! I then carried on reading this strange philosophy and it doesn’t mean one is better than the other, instead they are both necessary and a balance of both is highly desirable....which I guess I will agree with, because I know I’m not always the best behaved wife or guiding compatriot, but at least Ian doesn’t get bored....and I keep a smile on his face most of the time <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">So what moments really stood out for me in Portugal....was it the endless dry trails and blue skies, the blooming wild flowers and Eucalyptus trees that reminded me of my once upon a time Sydney home....or my favourite part of the guiding job and that is riding with groups of people from all cycles of life and seeing the endless smiles and personal satisfaction that comes with riding a bike in the fresh mountain air....Was it the single track or climbing to the top of the 4 peak Challenge, enjoying the undulating descents and unspoilt views....OR was it the food.....always a favourite subject with Mr Potter.....Ian and certain guests (John....most of you on coaching week, Simon & Anth) who overdosed on FIGOOS.....ingredients – figs, chocolate, brown sugar, almond and lemon juice or for me it was definitely THE GARLIC CARROTS.....ingredients – garlic & carrots....it might not sound as exciting as the figoos but they were delish, although I didn’t seem to have as many food groupies following me as Ian did <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">L</span></span> </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Then there were the FUNNY moments that always happen on any mountain biking adventure....</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Paul – Trying to bunny hop a ‘little’ river and making a big splash from head to toe as it was a little deeper than expected <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Anne – AQR’s physio who was given MY permission to ‘DO’ my husband <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Anth – Who does a great Marilyn Monroe impersonation on the bike <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Hannah – I will let Hannah explain how she remembers ‘car up and car down’ <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Iain – When we called the waitor Manuel (Faulty Towers), it really wasn’t his name <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Manuel – The sweetest waitor I know who was in training...but who I adored because he always brought me extra ‘Garlic carrots’...he was trained well by me <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Viv – Who decided riding every day was not enough, so found a bike machine to use with perfect views across the valley (see photo) <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span> </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Steve & Alison – Who know all about my ‘little screw’ issue that went a-missing....please tell me it was a wind up and didn’t involve ghosts (gulp) <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Helen – Who kissed the only muddy patch across the entire Algarve and got herself an instant tan, and a brown bike <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Alison & Al – also met in Portugal 10 years ago and also have their own ‘Yin & Yang’... Alison storms up the hills after a few Portugese alcoholic beverages....Al not so <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Mr Potter – who just should know better (I will let the photos do the explaining)</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">I must admit there were a few little tears as well as we departed Alte because for one month I really fell in love with this area and all the adventures that came about whilst guiding full time ...... :(</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span>.....but then I realised after endless motion sickness stops during our 20hr drive back to France that I was returning to Luchon, my little mountain home in the Pyrenees, and although I’m often sad when guests depart there are a whole lot more mountain bike adventures coming up to look forward to in 2011.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">So now all the organisation and preparation that went into ‘AQR in the Algarve’ is behind me for the next month or two, as already enquiries about the 2012 ‘AQR in the Algarve’ have started to roll through, with most guests already committing to next year as this area really offers the perfect winter escape for mountain bikers. So March 2012 look out for dates on both the guiding and coaching weeks out in Portugal as I will be confirming them in the near future....but until then bring on Luchon as the trails are ready to roll on and new rides have been added to the AQR agenda....PLUS another 'Coaching & Training' week by special request in August and the Tour de France week which I'm already counting the days 'til.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Cheerios for now</p> <div style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">KPxo</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">THANKYOU - James Dymond, Clive Ely & Viv Hazelton (Mountain Trax) and Mr Potter for photos.</div><br /> <div><strong>AQR</strong> - <strong>A Quick Release Holidays</strong></div> <div><strong>AQR</strong> - <strong>A Quality Ride Coaching</strong></div> <div><br />Tel: 0845 1304824<p /><a href="http://www.aquickrelease.com/" target="_blank">http://www.aquickrelease.com</a></div> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/aquickrelease" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/aquickrelease</a></div> <div><a href="http://www.katepotter.net/" target="_blank">http://www.katepotter.net/</a></div> <div> </div><br /> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/zGMnyfnxmuxYB7xpFinRaoodgfEbjZ8coQijiG76gR3udNleQ9KepLXdkvft/viv.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg"><img alt="Viv" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/N1sXAn1nuncvKdDaQPOMlZGDoS5SlwDFt0YwExx15PEDhHatqcNqwN6lgLZh/viv.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/6IP21Z63vhqmlJeoibN8C4ZTmRvEK6lvL80W2TxeS7hut1AnE8WDL0JlOA0r/191673_10150438024210245_63182.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg"><img alt="191673_10150438024210245_63182" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/cFt2uW3PT8arbpWjnxjhhx33qM62bacjNCEqrutV1xAiisWL1iDtIEtA3CLi/191673_10150438024210245_63182.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/7G45jucK15XPHXFFzFehIwiPYkY52fYaIE9reKebveIxewiR3lVxPhBFdclK/DAY_1_climb_challenge.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg"><img alt="Day_1_climb_challenge" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/HUR32581jRhfmHgjDGzS3biXaX5cpF93aWMNEqyg38Fq39WmIrkQddIdcv6g/DAY_1_climb_challenge.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/P7UYFry3BcusAUHi64rHX5WDmeDMgwGWQoQ1K31BZuHtQxNyySfj37sgLkKw/198530_10150177090157845_65603.jpg"><img alt="198530_10150177090157845_65603" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/CAj6k6pH2ug6PlQWhuvDdvoyZ89wcPwD7GT98zCmddtUoIq8xvKHBZDIY1M8/198530_10150177090157845_65603.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://katepotter.posterous.com/aqr-in-the-algarve-2011">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p></div>Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-76997262485050036522011-03-10T18:51:00.001+00:002011-03-10T18:51:47.686+00:00Living, Guiding, Training, Exploring, Overdosing on Oranges....AND BIRTHDAY PARTYING in the sunny Algarve!<div class='posterous_autopost'><div>Time flies when you're having fun and suddenly I'm 33 years old and back to where mountain biking and Potter name calling all began for one lost Aussie......almost 10 years ago (gulp).</div> <div> </div> <div>Ian and I arrived here in the Algarve over a week ago now, based in Alte an unspoilt village within the Algarve foot hills. The village is 30km from the concrete coastline surrounded by green flora and rich red dirt tracks that surround this area with stunning sun sets every evening as the hotel over looks the distant coast line where the sun falls into the sea. </div> <div> </div> <div>The first week we Potters were partly exploring as Ian knows this area very well but as with anywhere development was to be expected over time and there was a risk that trails Ian onced used would not be suitable. Thankfully 80% of trails still exist, and it forced we Potters to be out the hotel door early and ride until late evening as we changed routes and added new sections of single track....that I FOUND!!!!! There was the usual Potter squabbles as we argued over which trails we wanted to ride and after the tenth dead end I decided for once I really should listen to my husband.....he was the guide after all when we first met and back then I really did listen to him :)</div> <div> </div> <div>Now we're almost at the end of the first week of 'AQR in the Algarve' and although a few thunderous clouds woke us up one morning, every ride as been the perfect temperature....'not too hot...not too cold....but just right!' Ian as always won't be allowed back in the UK with his super duper tan line, and I sadly still look a darker shade of pale....but the endless sunny D days have brought so much energy to my legs that I just want to climb all day.....so Ian has had to control his Mrs at times so as not to scare our very lovely first week of guests.</div> <div> </div> <div>We have had the pleasure of Cotic's Paul Dexter and wife Jane as well as Steve, Alison and Jon who have become firm friends already and it's not just our legs feeling it, but our laughter bellies too as I haven't stopped lauging at all the different comedy moments that have happened this week. We have named a rather large puddle 'Paul's Puddle' as he did a stylish bunny hop into a much deeper puddle than he expected and some how ended up on the floor of the puddle. At the same time it has been wonderful to see how quickly Alison has progressed her riding after only 5 years on the bike. I met Alison on an AQR Ladies Day around 5 years ago and it just shows you how tenacity and alot of determination can help one conquer fears that we all have to different degrees on a bike. Alison never gives up and always tries a second time if she makes a mistake......I like that in mountain bikers because I like seeing how people become better riders through trial and error. It is the best way to move your riding forward.</div> <div> </div> <div>Right I must be off as have guests to attend to and an office to escape....although not a bad office as I sit outside a cafe in the middle of Alte eating a Portugese orange while guests and Ian overdose of Portugese cakes....including FIGALOOS!!!!! Jon has definitely been converted to this gorgeous fig treat Ian loves more than mince pies would you believe.</div> <div> </div> <div>Happy Biking Adventures and I will be back soon with further updates.....2 more weeks of AQR guiding action, but only a few places left on the third week if you fancy some sunny trails out here in the Algarve.</div> <div> </div> <div>Cheerios for now</div> <div>KPxo <br /></div> <div><strong>AQR</strong> - <strong>A Quick Release Holidays</strong></div> <div><strong>AQR</strong> - <strong>A Quality Ride Coaching</strong></div> <div><br />Tel: 0845 1304824<p /><a href="http://www.aquickrelease.com/" target="_blank">http://www.aquickrelease.com</a></div> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/aquickrelease" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/aquickrelease</a></div> <div><a href="http://www.katepotter.net/" target="_blank">http://www.katepotter.net/</a></div> <div> </div><br /> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/dQOXiY3uwlppXSVPOm0WFScir3wHfji9BB3enw2WxBrs16ob6L835LHcouvi/DAY_2_lunch_a.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg"><img alt="Day_2_lunch_a" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/c0GqWWswIuEHyJTCtJgZR22nNDb586RrlYGmXBnfcWwoNpRwSLwCYqTPtLGd/DAY_2_lunch_a.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/ketwKx6Nxbn8AJkkWFGcapU15tLqLhyeITTEGo6JUTcp5naIqoRlV0Ca44E4/AQR_COTIC_BIKE_FLEET_1.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg"><img alt="Aqr_cotic_bike_fleet_1" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/lMX2duPTt1PDUPMQhVS1BOPZrljYHY1MyxxYDgXfRsxI5vNXXA0Q4AFCgTTt/AQR_COTIC_BIKE_FLEET_1.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/qlu3z4Fcg4rBOFrbuZNcgER99GS0bB6qOpzbqYSwZDt5SMYD1oB8sOB2p3jD/CIMG1865.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg"><img alt="Cimg1865" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/1RhacW4l60QERJ3mEPb29egUCHL28K46BDJxARpX2xe2CZNMqL8icp2RWmF2/CIMG1865.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/SJljn707IxuUFmfE76HI6KtqZRWUxiKG7A3LLdNqD0WX7hRXgbPXTIrkxK9y/DSC_0001.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0001" height="336" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/TNdstRWkJDjsj3BfE8QTJo5EnJjXEHWHVNnNz4oNV73l9DCfLRxBMhIn646v/DSC_0001.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://katepotter.posterous.com/living-guiding-training-exploring-overdosing">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p></div>Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-76311855457401268922011-03-01T17:51:00.001+00:002011-03-01T17:51:08.777+00:00Training, Guiding and topping up my TAN!!!!<div class='posterous_autopost'><div>I have to make this quick, but will be posting a proper KP blog very shortly. All I can say is that I'm here in the Algarve and loving every moment of AQR Holidays work right now.....yes work as we Potters spend 5hrs on the bike checking out trails and exploring new trails to spice up the rides Ian discovered 10 years ago. At the same time Ian and I are on our own proper training camp to get one's legs up to fitness and skill up to speed for the up coming racing adventures that start in May. The warmth and sun filled days remind me of a Sydney spring and I'm back into my old routine of waking up at 5am for early morning jogs around the orange groves and then finding the courage to go for a chilly swim at 7am when most sensible people are still in bed.....however this also means falling into bed exhausted at 9pm as I'm just loving every moment of the day right now and want to make the most of every minute of sunshine....must dash.....but will return soon.....</div> <div> </div> <div>Cheerios for now</div> <div>KPxo</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>AQR</strong> - <strong>A Quick Release Holidays</strong></div> <div><strong>AQR</strong> - <strong>A Quality Ride Coaching</strong></div> <div><br />Tel: 0845 1304824<p /><a href="http://www.aquickrelease.com/" target="_blank">http://www.aquickrelease.com</a></div> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/aquickrelease" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/aquickrelease</a></div> <div><a href="http://www.katepotter.net/" target="_blank">http://www.katepotter.net/</a></div> <div> </div><br /> <p><a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/pzDxRgbB0UuaFdiydEWz9nDaoX7KcuC9gNmK8tEdXqn58e4gk8XIjWGLKutK/DAY_1_climb_challenge.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/gFOpPQvkYbA0GRzaTnOheRQN1jeRH0ghdfWrJr7ouILLnWW9jqJgqPE4lQuZ/DAY_1_climb_challenge.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="667"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/6puVSXXYLDQxHK4tBZtGXOLqSeRvozCNdqcPR43dtVwo089FTYAMth4nFfGn/DAY_1.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/jdKgUwQXk5fmIUFD9QnBeHMutjTTq6jDn9NE6WvgmWEMMiINnajdTlb0jgx6/DAY_1.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/31nWzUdnUv5Hs5pTnEUhumLizKCgrOUf5pbyMBdywppLenRhepATIA70doqY/CIMG1844.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/f7Sx4niEGQxYSyGf8Php7Aqke5sY6FOBryaogFdeVj9jeEpThQB67WVIBg8c/CIMG1844.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/4uM2JX9TZu8IDeVW3a1wArLh6pDqoqskcYsH4HEGGjlRGFAnGwTn6Z8X3X5F/CIMG1848.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/9gSytztL9izXQb6fItCcYKCKbx16WOkWFFr9lWjybgSu7ZjzExOFBnLBvJGE/CIMG1848.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="667"/></a> <div><a href='http://katepotter.posterous.com/training-guiding-and-topping-up-my-tan'>See and download the full gallery on posterous</a></div></p><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p></div>Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-81595519988870196152011-02-10T11:08:00.001+00:002011-02-10T11:08:13.023+00:00A NEW BIKING CHAPTER....<div class='posterous_autopost'><p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">What a wonderful weekend of winter biking action we Potters have just returned home from here in Luchon. I must admit I’m nicely knackered after 6hrs on the bike off road action, but loving the aches and pains all the same...although I could do without all the bruises covering most of my body, including my butt! I have definitely earned a day of rest tomorrow and funnily enough am looking forward to it for now. I actually don’t like recovery days, never have, never will...unless the weather is rotten, but even then I have trouble relaxing and love nothing more than braving the weather to mountain bike or hike on all of the wonderful and varied trails we have out here in Luchon. There is something truly magical about breathing in fresh mountain air and looking down over all the small villages that scatter across the Luchon valley. I have seen these views for over 6 years now and I’m always dazzled by the scenery. I have even started a ladies hiking group and 2-3 times each week Marnie, Nina, Helen and of course our four legged companion Miloo brave the cold wintry mornings to see the sun rise over our sleepy town and bring wintry warmth across the Luchon valley.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">I had hoped to write the second instalment of my 2011 blog a little sooner (sorry....I can’t believe it’s February!), but training and AQR work have beat me to it I’m afraid and have taken priority recently. There is alot going on with AQR Holidays and Coaching in 2011, but before I go on I shall explain what Ian and I are up to this year and where we are heading to in the future, but in order to understand our new, but not so new direction I need to put an end to 2010 once and for all.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">2010 was quite a frustrating year for Ian and I on many different levels, and I’m hugely relieved that we have entered 2011 on healthier, happier and more exciting times. I have always been very fortunate in the health department and rarely suffer colds or flu, if ever (touch wood), but since 2004 have suffered the most incredible pain at times that doctors back then were unwilling to investigate further. I remember the last 24hr solo I finished back in 2007, for most of the ride I felt like shooting stabbing pains were my constant companion, as well as the usual 24hr solo discomfort you learn to expect from such an event. I swore I would never give birth, nor compete in a 24hr solo event again. So I turned to XC only to give my body and brain a break from the frustration I was feeling at the time, although a different level of pain, full time XC would be a new challenge and perhaps I would finally rid myself of the stabbing feeling that seemed to be joining me on nearly every long race and training session back then. </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">I felt rather guilty that my team Cotic Bontrager who wanted to support me in my ultra endurance endeavours were now supporting me as an XC racer which wasn’t their intended goal at first, especially as Cy had developed the awesome KP24 full suss machine for endurance racing purposes and I hadn’t put her to a proper test yet. I couldn’t face the thought of another 24hr solo challenge back then though because I’m the type of person who has to give everything 150% in order to feel happy about my performance, and only riding at half of my ability due to the pain was not good enough for me and causing me alot of distress. I was also starting to think I was imagining the pain since doctors ignored my symptoms no matter how many repeat visits and ongoing tests didn’t lead to any concrete evidence that something was actually wrong. I decided a new racing direction would prove the best medicine for body and brain at the time, so XC it would be and why not try and race for my country.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">2008 and 09 were fantastic years and I loved all the XC challenges that came my way. It meant a step back from guiding full time leaving Mr Potter to take on the extra responsibility that my absence would bring to our Luchon AQR guiding team, and then there were times we would be forced to close AQR in Luchon altogether when Ian would be supporting other Aussie racers which meant no income, but again we would earn a variety of life experiences instead that we could add to our personal life CVs as I call them. I was fortunate enough to have the support from the Australian national mountain bike coach during this time and learnt alot about myself as an ‘almost’ full time mountain bike athlete, as I was still juggling racing all over the world with running a full time holiday and coaching business over the internet, as well as sponsor commitments. I have always believed in the old saying: ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’, because along the way I met wonderful people, visited new places, and rode different types of terrain and loved what I was learning from all these experiences because I knew it was making me a better person. I was relieved that I went on to win the 2009 British Cross Country Mountain Bike Series for the Cotic Bontrager Race Team, as well as the 2007 British Marathon title because I wanted to ensure my sponsors didn’t think I was wasting their time as I was so grateful for all their ongoing support. I rely on my sponsors to help me race, and feel the pressure more than most to ensure I do my job as best I can. </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Then 2010 came crashing down, and although I believe things happen for a reason well I’m still waiting to find reason in what happened. Through no fault of my own I lost the support of a great national coach and all that Australian mountain bikers had been working towards since 2008 for a crack at the 2012 London Olympics disappeared and those results and points were now worthless. As always I knew there were 2 more years to invest money and time into the sport and help an Australian make it to the Olympics, and I was overeager to give it my best shot. However as early 2010 races proved my energy levels were not where they should be and this pain returned with a vengeance, as well as repeated bouts of other symptoms I shan’t go into detail about, but which started to scare me. I was fortunate enough to have Ian and his family really help me more than they realise during this time because I don’t think I have ever been so unhappy.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Mr Potter dragged me back to doctors and demanded answers because we were both starting to worry more about the effects these symptoms were causing to my long term health and well being as they were becoming more frequent and now often at rest too. After several blood tests and some not so pleasant tests I finally knew what was going on internally, and although I needed time to sort myself out I could now do something about it. It turns out I had been suffering a form of kidney stones for many years which the doctors think was brought on by overconsumption of drinks with electrolytes in them and that I also had a sunny D deficiency which brought on parathyroidism. It meant some time away from racing and ongoing doctors visits and tests, but I was allowed to guide again and enjoyed being at home....At the same time I found out that I was selected for the 2010 Cross Country World Championships and again my spirits were lifted because I had a goal and I could feel my energy levels responding to the need to give this event my best shot. I love having goals you see...I love challenges....although uncertain how my body would respond I was excited about training myself up again to be in the best shape possible and hopefully pain free once and for all. </p> <div style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Out in Canada I felt rejuvenated by the extra strength that was slowly returning to my body. My first race back was the Quebec Cup and I could feel all these new sensations that brought a new wave of KP racing confidence and excitement. It was a strange race as I finished first had the race been 5 laps long, but along with other riders we were not pulled or shown to the finish area as you would normally expect at this level of racing, so thought we must have one lap to go when we were leading the field as the organisers didn’t make it clear at the start or during the race as to how many laps we were supposed to do. This decision cost us a result as we were disqualified because we did one lap too many. Although it was a training race, at the time I was happy because I raced pain free, but only later did I feel let down by the sport. Most mountain bike athletes travel a long way to invest their time and money into events knowing you never make any financial gains from it no matter how well you perform, but you take part because you love riding your bike hard and testing yourself for 2hrs and look forward to that post race high....but then I finished on a complete low when told of my disqualification. I could laugh it off at the time but deep down I felt like I had cheated even though I had not interfered in anybody’s race. It made me question what I was doing there as I could just ride hard for 2hrs in Luchon at no extra cost and feel alot more personal satisfaction and elation then I did following that race. I shrugged it off because we were heading to the final World Cup in America the following weekend before the 2010 World Champs at Mont St Anne. Unfortunately both races were plagued by mechanicals and I finished with no sense of personal achievement. So it wasn’t the happiest beginning, middle or end to racing in 2010. </div> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">What frustrated me was that I had used British sponsors money to get me to the World Championships to represent Australia because I really wanted to see how far I could go at international cross country level and as always help Australia gain Olympic points along the way. Yet here I was racing as best I could given the mechanical issues, but again only at 50% but this time pain free. I had nothing to give back to my Team Cotic Bontrager at the end of it all, and felt like I had learnt nothing along the way because I endured the same mechanical problems one week after the next at the most important event of the year.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">After returning home to Luchon and still gaining new found strength week on week, I realise now that I probably was still only at 50% level of health back then anyhow. Although feeling so much better than I did earlier in the year made me think that I was back to my normal base line level of health and fitness. I returned to full time AQR guiding duties alongside Mr Potter during October and was finding alot of pleasure in meeting new people from all rides of life and challenging a few too to some extra long mountain bike rides before and after the traditional 10am-4pm guiding day. I love seeing how happy guests are when riding our Pyrenean back yard that is filled with trails that we have access to virtually all year round. At the same time I was reflecting on my reasons for racing XC because I wasn’t sure if I was truly learning anything anymore or whether it was truly making me as happy as I am when living out here in the mountains and being part of AQR Holidays. Part of me had lost enthusiasm to race at that level when I was putting so many other important aspects of my life on hold and no longer feeling like I was learning anything about myself.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Then I heard the wonderful news of Anne Dickins finishing 4<sup>th</sup> at the 24hr solo world championships in Australia on my bike, the first Cotic KP24 prototype. Ian and I tried to support Anne as much as we could leading up to this event as she came out to Luchon for some coaching advice and support in August last year. Anne had only 6 weeks before her international 24hr solo debut and was lacking preparation due to a recent knee injury. From my experience at 24hr solo racing it’s not always about how many hours one can sit on a bike for before the event or even how fast you are at the time....it is the event where your time on the bike counts from the start to the finish and where you face the most uncomfortable 24hrs of your life. It is a race against one’s brain and pain threshold, and no matter where you finish it is a worthy performance that not many people in the cycling world can fully comprehend. I was so excited for Anne when she let me know her result and how pleased she was with her performance, plus the Cotic KP24 finally got the 24hr solo outing she deserved in Australia of all places.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">At the same time I started meeting more and more people, ladies in particular who wanted to face new personal challenges on the bike such as 24hr solo events or stage racing and I could feel my excitement for the sport return. I have been involved in teaching and coaching from the age of 16 and I have always felt more comfortable teaching and supporting people than being competitive against other people, except myself...oh and Mr Potter <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span>. I don’t know why but in the past I used to feel intimidated and confused by the fact that people thought I was their competition, even though I know that was what you do when you race, but I could see how it changed certain people off the race track and not always for the better. For me I always go into races just wanting to give it my best shot and finish with sore legs and a smile on my face and what will be will be....I absolutely love feeling completely knackered after a day on the bike and hate it when I don’t feel like I have given a race my best shot at feeling tired by the finish line. When I stood on the number 1 spot on the podium knowing I had won the 2009 cross country series I thought I would be more excited by this plaque I was holding in my hands, but it was just this huge sense of relief that I had won a series for my sponsors because it gave me more credibility as an athlete begging for product and/or financial support so I could continue racing for the next season. Deep down I was more excited by the effort it took to keep up with Annie Last to the end of the final national round race that made me truly happy....as I was shattered and so earned my sleep! <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">This made me think about the past and why I started racing in the first place....and suddenly I caught myself thinking about personal challenges and before I knew it or had time to think about the implications of what I was announcing, I had signed up to do the 24hr Exposure National solo Championships in 2011. The thought of Ian and I joining forces again, KP as rider and Mr P doing all the pit crew work and overdosing on coffee which I personally think is much harder brought a smile to my face. All my 24hr solo memories really excited me again after I thought I had laid them to rest....but I shan’t repeat Ian’s thoughts <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span> Since then I have been loving training again for myself and testing myself against the bike in every possible way....and as yet I have remained pain free, well except for the sore butt when sitting on a saddle for too long, and the blisters from my endless mountain hike challenges, and the massive crash yesterday when we went all day trail exploring, oh and the 3am turbo brain training session as I like to call them. I’m feeling remarkably good, even though the body, brain and my pain tolerance are being trained on an almost daily basis. </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style=""> </span>So now I guess it’s time to explain what 2011 is all about for Mr Potter and I....as you can probably guess it’s all about the personal challenge of riding a bike in whichever way we fancy....whether guiding, coaching, trail exploring and of course racing.....from my experience there are multi layers of success one can achieve from riding a bike and yet it is the personal experiences without material gains that have brought the greatest satisfaction to me over the years, this also includes seeing others put the hard work in too and knowing they have improved and feel like they have achieved on the bike no matter where they cross the finish line. Right now I hear so many reports of athletes feeling forced to take banned substances by the pressure top level racing brings about where winning is the be all and end all. It saddened me to find out that a girl I raced in Italy felt the need to take a banned substance to improve her performance possibly because winning was her only means to experiencing material success and/or personal worth as I can’t understand why else one would risk tarnishing the sport or themselves in doing so...but worst of all how could you take joy in any personal success when you have chosen that path. Anyway that is another subject altogether that I will leave the media to report on.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">In any case it’s time to say goodbye to one half of a wonderful team who have supported me since 2007. Andy Gowan originally from Bontrager and Andy Griff from Bontrager really looked after me in more ways than one over the years and I’m so grateful for all the support they have given me. It was an honour to meet Keith Bontrager two years ago, and actually be interviewed by the man himself and I hope to still support Bontrager where I can in the future. <span style=""> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Now it’s time to announce the start of a new team that I’m really excited to be part of and where personal success within the team will come about through hard work and dedication to the sport, and alot of laughs along the way too. Cotic are again our number one bike choice and it makes sense that AQR Holidays play an integral role into the development of this team as it is a long term project, not a one year team plan that we hope to create and that I will be part of now and in the future. 12 riders have been selected who also have their own personal mountain bike challenges that we aim to support so they too can experience personal success and feel excited about the personal challenges they have set themselves for 2011 and beyond. </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The new team for 2011 is called <b style="">The Cotic AQR Holidays Race Team</b>, and we will be at UK events such as – </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">EXPOSURE 12/24HR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">BRISTOL BIKEFEST</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">MOUNTAIN MAYHEM</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">BONTRAGER 24/12</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">12:12 TORQ IN YOUR SLEEP</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">BRITISH MOUNTAIN BIKE SERIES</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">24HR ADRENALINE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">NATIONAL & EUROPEAN 4X</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">DUST TILL DAWN</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">TRANSPYRENEES</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><i style="">*plus select regional race series that are situated close to team riders, including those in Wales and Scotland.</i></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="">THE COTIC AQR HOLIDAYS RACE TEAM 2011</b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">IAIN COLLINS – XC & Team events.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">KATIE COLLINS – XC & Team events.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">ANNE DICKINS – 24hr solo and pairs.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">JAMES DYMOND – XC & Team events.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">ANTHONY JORDAN – 24hr solo and pairs.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">RUTH OWEN-EVANS – XC & Team events.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">IAN POTTER – XC & Team events.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">KATE POTTER – 12 & 24hr solo events.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">KIRSTY PRIOR – XC & Team events.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">MATT PRIOR – XC & Team events.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">ROBBIE RICKMAN – 4X & Endurance downhill events.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">RACHEL SOKAL – 12hr solo & Team events.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">TEAM SUPPORT –JAMES DYMOND, IAN POTTER, KATE POTTER, SIMON USHER</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">THE COTIC AQR HOLIDAYS RACE TEAM would also like to thank the following companies for their support in 2011 –</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="">TITLE SPONSORS</b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">COTIC</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">A QUICK RELEASE HOLIDAYS</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style="">CO-SPONSORS</b></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">MAGURA FORKS AND BRAKES</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">KCNC STEM, BARS, SEAT POSTS, SEAT BINDERS, </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">........CHAIN SETS, CHAINS AND JOCKEY WHEELS</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">INDUSTRY 9 WHEELSETS</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">SUNWISE EYEWEAR</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">A QUALITY RIDE COACHING</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">SKINS COMPRESSION CLOTHING</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">661 GLOVES</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">TORQ ENERGY PRODUCTS</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">ALIGATOR I-LINK CABLES</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">CRANK BROTHERS PEDALS & HEAD SETS</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">FENWICKS BIKE CLEANER</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">SWINNERTON CYCLES</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">EXPOSURE LIGHTS</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">BIGFOOT BIKE BAGS</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">PURPLE EXTREME LUBRICATION</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">JOOLZE DYMOND PHOTOGRAPHY</p> <div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">POWER BALANCE</div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> </div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Right that's me done for now....but in 2 weeks we Potters head off to Portugal for three AQR holiday weeks of fun on the bikes in the Algarve, so plenty of upcoming news to add very soon :)</div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> </div><br /> <div><strong>AQR</strong> - <strong>A Quick Release Holidays</strong></div> <div><strong>AQR</strong> - <strong>A Quality Ride Coaching</strong></div> <div><br />Tel: 0845 1304824<p /><a href="http://www.aquickrelease.com/" target="_blank">http://www.aquickrelease.com</a></div> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/aquickrelease" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/aquickrelease</a></div> <div><a href="http://www.katepotter.net/" target="_blank">http://www.katepotter.net/</a></div> <div> </div><br /> <p><a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/UVTEhVnlyr0lMLap1SEFQmIsNPeAJaOdZKao5bIo1HRh3ii6EN7vZhTsxIIf/CIMG1799.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/xQvghnWTPFr8gDewuGybr4gxF4xmqw9evC4agiwWukU5twfB8VoZRfkVDG5L/CIMG1799.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/y8nmMR7T3GaJK8WwbeQn3myVLO3kFUmzPCkRqCLQgPk9L4unDTANvjm1L7eO/CIMG1807.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/cQA5OnK0ZikswztcUbnMVHm8Xzvr0Xffzdele3jTwhR2P9GB2IETXR4phUaU/CIMG1807.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="667"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/9gFpGhmty1ehjjzfpgVyWckbIq8mT2hdsTaVpzWpoWzwFHp4RgybgwzodOCV/winter_road.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/RBZehbhqbfi2Qv8GkEsQzMUZi837fenXxQ1cEgcY7zBxqecL7CDfIrIQC739/winter_road.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a> <div><a href='http://katepotter.posterous.com/a-new-biking-chapter'>See and download the full gallery on posterous</a></div></p><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p></div>Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-60210935084328478452011-01-10T06:39:00.001+00:002011-01-10T06:39:16.758+00:00HAPPY NEW YEAR BLOG...and my Cotic demons (heehoohaahaaa....scary laugh)<div class='posterous_autopost'><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;">Well I am a little late in wishing you all a very HAPPY NEW YEAR, but I will have you know this blog started on the 1st January 2011 and now it is the 7th January, so I'm determined to finish it today. My 2011 New Year's Resolution is to take one photo every day, plus write a blog about riding, guiding and Potter racing adventures every 7 days too. I will not fail in this first month of 2011 and must learn to be concise (one of my many resolutions).....if only that were an easy task!</span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"> </span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;">My slackness has nothing to do with Writer's block either. My brain is constantly filled and over filling with exciting biking adventures from the last few days of biking here in Luchon <span style=""> </span>and also planned Potter AQR ventures for the future, but it’s these very adventures that are slowing me down and getting in the way of my writing time. At the moment I blame the weather.....'blame' not 'moan about' that is. The weather has been annoyingly GOOD here in the French Pyrenees!!! There are too many sunny winter days when I just wish it would be horribly wet, cold and miserable because I work so much better when I know I can't go out and play in my Luchon 360 degree panoramic view of a back yard. I often set my alarm for 4am and work until 11am, because I work solidly when I can't feel the warmth of the sun or see the mountains surrounding our little village home....but around 10am the fidgeting starts and there is an internal pressure, mental torture and compulsive need to escape the confines of the office room.....<b style=""><i style="">LET ME OUT!!!!! </i></b></span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"> </span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;">I must have a break from staring aimlessly at the computer screen with this internal screaming rattling inside my mind. I open the windows to warm the office up. It is January 3rd and here I am actually opening the office windows to warm up the permanently cold stone walls of the office....during winter the Potter home is also known as the ‘igloo’, a Luchon locals joke (Ha! Ha!) </span><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"><span style="">J</span></span><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;">. </span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"> </span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;">I shut the blinds and attempt another hour of work as I have so much to do....tick, tock, tick, tock....<b style=""><i style="">YOU KNOW YOU WANT’S IT.....</i></b>then that voice<b style=""><i style=""> </i></b>starts and grows in intensity....<b style=""><i style="">YOU KNOW YOU WANT’S IT</i></b>....A voice with demonic overtones that is starting to sound like that ‘Gollom’ character from ‘Lord of the Rings’. <b style=""><i style="">YOU KNOW YOU WANT’S IT.....</i></b>I MUST ride my bike.....<b style=""><i style="">YOU KNOW YOU WANT’S TO</i></b>....I’m starting to wonder if the Cotic demon on my bike’s head tube really does possess me....<b style=""><i style="">YOU KNOW YOU WANT’S TO</i></b>....focus on your job KP....<b style=""><i style="">YOU KNOW YOU WANT’S TO...</i></b>.it’s no use my thinking has been impaired, but one more job before I stop.....<b style=""><i style=""> YOU KNOW YOU WANT’S TO.....grrrrrrrr!</i></b></span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"><span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;">It is 11am and Ian dares to open the office door to see the woman he fell in love with bedraggled in 100 layers and a dressing gown to keep warm, with red worn out eyes, hair sticking out on end and slurred incomprehensible speech. Those Cotic demon like characteristics are starting to take hold of such an ‘innocent fragile angelic creature’ (<i style="">OK I threw that last description in for effect </i></span><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"><span style="">J</span></span><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"> ) Mr Potter does look scared though because he knows at this time of day the slightest action on his part could bring the ceiling down. He asks me if I would like a drink, but methinks it is to see if the internal Cotic demon has possessed me yet or not......<b style="">I SNAP!</b></span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"> </span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;">I shan’t print all the words that fight their way out of my mouth because the words are merely a build up of noise going on inside my brain. Thankfully my boss is also my husband and he is the one who drags me down stairs and demands that I ride my bike for the sake of his hair colour. Mr Potter understands that the Cotic demon is like a puppy dog that needs constant feeding and walks.....my Cotic demon must be given attention too so it's time to hit the trails and play in the sun, oh dear which Cotic bike to choose from? My Cotic Soda, Cotic X or Cotic KP24.....oh golly gosh I have to make a decision and now there are three Cotic demons trying to take over my brain.....<b style=""><i style="">YOU KNOW YOU WANT’S ME</i></b>.....Oh for flop’s sakes!</span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"> </span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;">Mr Potter quickly sends me on my way on the Cotic Soda before I start becoming an indecisive KP. All the tension, red eyes and head full of steam finally subsides (<i style="">the scary</i> <i style="">looking hair remains but is covered by my helmet</i>), as has the Cotic demonic voice who is speaking to me like an angel now because we all know we are where we want to be. The two of us together have been like screaming school children desperate to get our own way, but now we can relax because we have found our trail and it’s time to pedal!!!</span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"> </span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;">There is something quite surreal about riding trails by oneself in the middle of the week when one knows they really should be working. I feel like a guilty school student who has missed classes even though my boss has given me the go ahead, but it’s difficult to see Mr Potter as the boss when he know very well that ‘wife’ means Boss in Aussie-english </span><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"><span style="">J</span></span><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;">. </span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"> </span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;">I stop every now and then to look around at our beautiful mountain biking playground, before my little Cotic Soda (<i style="">which we shan’t say too</i> <i style="">loud as I don’t want the other demons to moan about my choice today</i>) and I recommence blasting up, along or down our favourite Luchon trails with Mr Potter joining us on occasion too when he thinks it’s safe to do so. I must admit that this is all part of AQR Holidays work as well (<i style="">can you sense my guilt</i>) as we always have new trails to check out and even clear, new ideas for different loops in the guiding season and general training to ensure we can do our job as guides and race from March until November if time allows for it.</span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"> </span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;">I return later in the day around 4 or 5pm when the sun has disappeared over the mountain peaks and darkness is closing in. I know my work brain will switch back on now and no more Cotic Demons will fight for trail riding attention until the same time tomorrow. Their distractions have been engulfed by darkness and the sun has disappeared for another day. So it's back to AQR work for 4hrs until Ian has to drag me down stairs for dinner by our little wood burner where I happily fall asleep to the sounds of Ian playing his 'darn' Xbox machine....yes the machine and I don't get on, but Ian has his demons too :)</span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"> </span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;">For me life can't get much better than this....MOUNTAINS + BIKE + ADVENTURES <span style=""> </span>= COTIC DEMONS....because knowing the mountains are on your doorstep might mean early starts and late nights, but the Cotic Demons also remind you what a biker’s life should all be about.</span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"> </span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;">So what are my 2011 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS and ADVENTURES.....well to ensure I don’t break my first resolution (<i style="">the one about being a little more concise and to the point</i>), I will briefly state what they are, and elaborate on them some more in 7 days time:</span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"> </span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;">COTIC </span></b><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt;">‘<i style="">to be announced’</i></span><b style=""><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"> RACE TEAM</span></b><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"> – a new team!!!</span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"> </span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;">AQR HOLIDAYS</span></b><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"> – a new trail adventure!!!</span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"> </span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;">AQR COACHING</span></b><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"> – a new </span><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 10pt;">‘A Quality Ride’</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"> chapter!!!</span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"> </span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><b style=""><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;">IAN & KATE POTTER</span></b><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"> – a new journey!!!</span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"> </span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;">Hope you all feed your Cotic Demons on a regular basis too for your own sake......I will be back! <span style=""> </span>(<i style="">heehoohaahaaa....there’s that wannabe scary laugh again</i>)</span></p> <p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt;"> </span></p> <div><strong></strong> </div> <div><strong></strong> </div> <div><strong>AQR</strong> - <strong>A Quick Release Holidays</strong></div> <div><strong>AQR</strong> - <strong>A Quality Ride Coaching</strong></div> <div><br />Tel: 0845 1304824<p /><a href="http://www.aquickrelease.com/" target="_blank">http://www.aquickrelease.com</a></div> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/aquickrelease" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/aquickrelease</a></div> <div><a href="http://www.katepotter.net/" target="_blank">http://www.katepotter.net/</a></div> <div> </div><br /> <p><a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/EFn7r1QaFSqJtfp8O2g5c1B2Dl5FO1gZTWKw6ZVHv58YflFAdWyClYx8yJWa/DSC_0309.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/Z2iNDYauWx7e2ocygjCTKNJcs7QjJCphxGUaf9hafygqZ3K3wxuIihlKW2V9/DSC_0309.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="336"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/HwGpFovhIRpIitwuxcsB11UtQ4UHKEDKvKlihnBs1dHDoyVMttuDCyYYvhav/CIMG1694.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/dBW2yJ4wF8coP5MHoKak88K1UdDbfmKHpCLN4DgvLXCc2DWBvUPHa2AMkcIF/CIMG1694.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/Sw62FQYNE8GcRrRhJ9Jagcq4W2hsDH6c8aR5cZxmE9XKpzO9a3KPkKtmVfPT/CIMG1712.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/SUSGYxLUt8wmLhKomYthe5MQBJSALkLlVtI6uWuhYbCsIoaxgDl96WyeKhgN/CIMG1712.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="667"/></a> <div><a href='http://katepotter.posterous.com/happy-new-year-blogand-my-cotic-demons-heehoo'>See and download the full gallery on posterous</a></div></p><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p></div>Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-64172899581154893242010-12-15T15:03:00.002+00:002010-12-15T15:22:56.148+00:00MERRY CHRISTMAS 2010<div class='posterous_autopost'><a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/XY7lAVuMjLUjfmupZL5PhZRYmGaVtWsBgiYXOMy6e6uD7JIWX54tacLWFvRD/aqr_xmas.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/dLPvpVG6Ckpmm1Il9xRXN25jSrlezvJ8AxGsw1kyeXxAa5INmEacGlD9SA76/aqr_xmas.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="667"/></a> <p></p><div>Well I had plans to head to sunny Oz for Xmas or stay in Luchon for a warm winter of biking action........but no we Potters chose freezing cold UK for our Christmas break. Ian and I left Luchon behind at 2am for our 20 hour plus driving adventure to the UK. It certainly was an adventure as I mustered the courage to drive Mini Blue across France...yes KP behind the wheel...WATCH OUT!!!</div> <div> </div> <div>The last vehicle I owned I crashed, or rather I was crashed into three times in the space of a month. As much as I love Mini Blue (AQR mini bus for those 'not' in the know) I do believe I'm jinxed in the machinery department, especially as the last time I drove Mini Blue across Spain she suffered a mechanical....but all I did was turn the key? So I said to Ian I don't mind driving, BUT if anything goes wrong en route I'm not to be blamed.</div> <div> </div> <div>6hrs later I discovered how much I really enjoy driving....so long as it is in a straight line and I don't have to slow down. I braved all the snow, sleet and ice of northern France, but had an almighty scare as my over imaginative brain started dreaming about bike bunny hopping. Ian has spent a long time teaching me to manual and bunny hop the American stylee way, and I was going through the motions in my head when suddenly Ian was screaming at me and taking control of the steering wheel....I was off the road, onto the hard shoulder and heading towards a massive ditch. Luckily Ian had woken up as I just may have tried to bunny hop the mini bus across the ditch (gulp)....so the moral of the story is don't try and bunny hop mini buses as husbands get angry AND dreaming about mountain biking whilst driving should be avoided at all costs....especially if it causes husbands extra hair loss and elevated blood pressure.</div> <div> </div> <div>Ian took over the driver's seat until I complained of boredome and begged to drive the last two hundred kilometres to Calais. All was going very well (I thought) until we reached our destination. Now it was time to slow down. However my leg had gone numb, or was it my brain, suddenly I had to think about gears to use and the brake...oops I'm accelerating...oops oops I'm best to give way to the lorries as thay are a tad bigger....oops oops oops a roundabout, another near miss, WHICH ONE IS THE BRAKE IAN!!!!!.....by this stage Ian had lost his summer tan and looked ghostly ill...........and relax. Wow that trip was far more exciting than usual. But now it's time to board the ferry and head across to the UK....Ian decided to take over just incase I crash into the ferry and it sinks...as if !?!?</div> <div> </div> <div>Ian and I had purposely chosen a ferry time so we would miss M25 at rush hour.....but as ever all good plans in the Potter department once again turn into another adventure.</div> <div> </div> <div>I love snow. I'm a Sydney sider born and bred by the beach who never saw snow until she moved to Europe. Now as we hit the UK roads I find myself truly excited about a proper UK winter. That excitement didn't last long mind you as within 30 minutes we stopped and remained on the M20 for over 6 hours. The only fun I had was seeing Ian leave Mini Blue for a pee stop in the trees before a tidal wave of snow and water washed over him as an emergency vehicle rushed by on the hard shoulder.....I truly expected facial fireworks from Mr P and alot of moaning. But instead Ian showed signs of SHOCK! I quickly assessed the situtation especially when he started laughing.....these were ususual signs, so as any experienced first aider would or perhaps might do, I quickly took control of the situtation and went through my DR - ABC. </div> <div> </div> <div>D is for DANGER..... I locked Ian out of the van as I had to think about 'danger' to myself and others, that be Miss Mini Blue. There was no way a cold and wet Ian Potter was jumping in my Mini Blue warm zone.</div> <div>R is for RESPONSE......Ian was responding in such a childish manner, jumping up and down, banging on Mini Blue....that he could yell/sulk as much as he wants to, but I need to see sweet smiles before he would be allowed in my warm zone.</div> <div>A is for AIRWAYS......well no problem there as he moaned and groaned and threatened revenge!</div> <div>B is for BREATHING.....I told Ian to take a deep breath to help him calm down!!</div> <div>C is for 'CRAP'.......Ian found spare keys to Mini Blue......Now I'm truly in danger!!! (GULP)</div> <div> </div> <div>Luckily just as Ian was about to chuck me out of the bus, we moved......well slid down the road. There was no more time for sillyness on my part as there were too many lorries playing dodgems with the cars who were driving too slowly for the lorries to accelerate over the small rises....HENCE why so many lorries remained stuck in the snow and then caused a massive backlog of traffic.</div> <div> </div> <div>24hrs later Ian and I reached Nottingham and since then it has been full steam ahead in every mountain biking way....</div> <div> </div> <div>AQR.....is in full swing for the 2011 season, whilst not forgetting the last few guiding and skills coaching sessions Ian and I are running before Christmas. It has been perfect biking conditions to help those of you wanting to flow with confidence on the trail. Whilst the snow is slippery and hard to read, it means the ony way to stay up right is to trust your bike and keep it rolling. There has certainly been some slips and slides, but every off has meant a soft landing and a huge smile, and of course a little bit of know how as to how much grip your tyres have.</div> <div> </div> <div>At the same time I'm busy preparing for the 'AQR in the ALGARVE' weeks in Portugal March 2011. I'm even more excited because the first week begins on my birthday (5th March). We already have a group booked on the week to help me celebrate another 21st birthday....as I don't believe in ageing.....age is just a number :) Ian and I have now added another week to Portugal, so 4 weeks in total where we will be overdosing in sunshine, as we Potters take other likeminded bikers on some great trails in and around the Algarve. </div> <div> </div> <div>In the racing department, Ian and I are very excited to annouce a new and impoved AQR Race Team. Three small teams, including the original AQR racing line up, are joining forces to become one big team that will see AQR as one of the title sponsors. That is all I can reveal right now, but Cotic bikes will be out in force in more ways than one next summer, so look out!!!!</div> <div> </div> <div>This weekend we Potters are off to Sherwood Pines and then down to Swinley for some pre-Xmas trail action with the AQR Crew. I will make sure I take some proper winter pics and post them instead of all the Autumn pics I have on me at the moment, which look just like Luchon in the summer really....actually October and November felt like Luchon in July, which is hardly motivating, as I'm sure I won't make friends when I tell people how warm it can be in Luchon during the winter months when UK is covered in snow.....anyway here is a little Xmas card of Potters in our Santa outfits for you all.</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>MERRY TRAILS AND GOOD TECHNIQUE TO YOU ALL :)</strong></div> <div> </div> <div>Cheerios for now</div> <div>KPxo and the IMPxo (Mr P's offical sign off name)</div> <div><br /> </div> <div><strong>AQR</strong> - <strong>A Quick Release Holidays</strong></div> <div><strong>AQR</strong> - <strong>A Quality Ride Coaching</strong></div> <div><br />Tel: 0845 1304824<p /><a href="http://www.aquickrelease.com/" target="_blank">http://www.aquickrelease.com</a></div> <div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/aquickrelease" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/aquickrelease</a></div> <div><a href="http://www.katepotter.net/" target="_blank">http://www.katepotter.net/</a></div> <div> </div><br /> <div> </div><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p></div>Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-35505740773121590192010-10-26T08:59:00.001+00:002010-10-26T08:59:24.758+00:00RETURNING TO WHERE I FOUND LOVE/S<div class='posterous_autopost'><p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Well it’s the November off season for the Potters, no guiding, no travelling, no racing, I should really say no training....but I won’t....Ian will as he’s knackered from the staircase build project I blogged about recently. It should really be a time to relax, unwind, re-charge the Potter batteries because it’s not long until it all starts again. But I’m discovering more and more of my youthful 21 year old self within me 30 plus year old bones. Each month I seem to be gaining even more strength than the month before. <span style=""> </span>I was told this might happen by the doctor, but it’s gone a little bit haywire and out of control....BUT, I AM LOVING IT!!!!!!....although Ian’s not quite filled with the same enthusiasm - </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="">A TYPICAL KP MONDAY</b> - 5am start, followed by a 3hr turbo training session to kick start the day, then off for a 2-3hr hike (as I’m helping a friend train for her walk to Everest Base Camp), then in the AQR office because I ought to be doing some work. In the afternoon I head off on my Cotic X to enjoy the lower Luchon trails that lead me to water aerobics, that I originally joined to meet more locals in Luchon (but actually it’s difficult to communicate even more so now as I haven’t mastered the co-ordination of speaking French whilst gasping for breath and swallowing water <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span>) And then a quick trail blast up and down our Pyrenean backyard on my lovely Soda, especially if I can drag Mr P away from his darn X-Box machine...he just wants to kill things in his spare time lately! But my new levels of crazy high energy are taking great joy in killing him up the hills....so it’s not so much fun when he refuses to ride with me <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Feeling as I did 10 years ago has made me think about the past recently and the life changing experiences that lead me to mountain biking in the first place. Back in my teen years and 20’s I was a royal pain in the toenail and never held down a proper relationship because my running shoes and gym membership were always given more attention than the males in my life. In fact, as far as I was concerned boyfriends just got in the way of the minutes, hours and all the spare moments possible when I could be running along beaches, hiking across trails and spinning it up in spin classes. Life was more than a box of chocolates as my nick name used to be ‘Forest Gump’....it was a cycle of one sporty adventure after another. The two Aussie lads that stayed around for the longest were Shane and Bruce (I shan’t use their real names just in case they actually read my blog....that would be a right ‘oops’ moment). </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Anyway both guys were keen to please me for some reason....silly boys! In the early weeks of their blossoming love they actually dared join me for one of my many trail runs, only ever one mind you. The problem was I’m not one to stick to a time frame, and could never confirm how long I would run for, because if I was off road and I spotted a new trail, well it would be rude not to check it out. The problem was they were much faster than me over a short distance, but had no stamina (TYPICAL MALE <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span>...now before you jump up and down Ian told me to write that!!!).</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">As soon as I caught them up they would sprint off into the distance to give themselves enough time to have a break before I caught them up again. So in actual fact we hardly saw each other on my long running adventures because when I caught them up they were too out of breath to speak and when they did speak they simply whinged about suffering aches and pains and then they ran off in front again.....AGHHHH.....which did my head in!!! I felt surrounded by negative energy, so I wasn’t very sympathetic to these boys (I have since learnt to be a tad kinder, so I apologise for my lack of sympathy if you two read this and know who you are....especially Bruce who really did suffer altitude sickness when I made you climb/run a big mountain in Morocco all those years ago....sorry <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span> ) </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">So when I decided to head to Portugal 8 years ago to see what cycling in the mountains was all about, who would have thought I would instantly hit it off with the guide, or rather he would hit it off with me (hee hee hee (evil laugh)....Mr P deserves a medal), but more importantly fall in love with a sport that has endless opportunities for adventure and new found experiences. I had actually booked myself on the wrong holiday because I didn’t know what mountain biking was at the time, nor did I realise you could actually ride off road, I just loved the idea of riding a bike and exploring a new country. It was love at first RPM when I pedalled my hire bike uphill for the first time, I can’t remember the name of it, but it was blue, my favourite colour. When I attempted my first descent my lovely blue bike was patient, caring and confidence inspiring, actually Mr P was pretty patient back then with me too believe it or not <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Together my bike and I discovered beautiful views, trails filled with giggle fit moments, especially when I kissed dirt every so often. Ian actually had to drag ME, a once upon a time BEACH GIRL, away from my bike and down to the stunning beaches on the Algarve coastline for a DAY OFF the trails.... grrrrrr.....it was the first time he saw me sulk!</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">I still hold treasured memories of that week of mountain biking in Portugal and often look at the photos of my FIRST mountain bike adventure. I met a wonderful bunch of biker Brits for the first time....I had been living in London and had yet to meet many British people...sad but true. <span style=""> </span>I discovered a part of the world that I would never had explored if I hadn’t been on a mountain bike, but best of all it lead me to my true love.....s......My shiny COTIC SODA....AND my future hubby....MR P! <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">My running shoes were laid to rest for a little while, they probably needed the rest, but I had come to the realisation that mountain biking made more sense because I could see more of the world in one day then I could with these ol’ Forest Gump running legs. </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Since then we Potters have lived, cycled and explored the UK, Australia, France, Greece, Germany, Spain, Slovenia, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, America, Canada......and although there are still so many trails in our Luchon back yard that need to be discovered and rediscovered, Ian, our Cotics and I have decided to return to Portugal for a month in March to celebrate my birthday (5<sup>th</sup> March, 5<sup>th</sup> march, 5<sup>th</sup> march....just in case you all forget <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span> ) and to return to the trails that set me up for life in more ways than one.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">My ever faithful Cotic Soda wasn’t born at this time, but it was this first mountain bike experience that paved the way to our destined union, in fact that trip paved the way to the birth of AQR Holidays and of course me becoming a Potter! YAY!!</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">So if you want to join us Potters in the sunny Algarve and test a Cotic bike then let me know, especially all you lady bikers out there who love adventure and find your lovely lads occasionally slow you down.....oooh I’m going to get a big blog bashing now <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span> </p> <div style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Don’t worry all’s fair in love and war....ooh a thought....with both Potters guiding we can give you lads options if you find we women have too much energy for you <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span> I really am going to cop it now....but that does not mean Mr P deserves any hero status for putting up with me!</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Cheerios for now</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">KPxo</div><br />A Quick Release Holidays<br />Tel: 0845 1304824<p /><a href="http://www.aquickrelease.com">http://www.aquickrelease.com</a><br /> <p><a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/knCKI243x6RCdO4fmrNiYmksthpZvtg7uPU9wPyqHUZLnee7xUGPdVAtkUB7/Top_of_the_biggest_ride_of_the.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/yWO7ktdX0GnUDcAcVUsLreJA9Ja8F0nFfXbkFNECJD1YEAInybq3useKdJaO/Top_of_the_biggest_ride_of_the.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/HLG7WJxRZNN1Hl52SFX7FLLAIZJAnCMafh9C5qrRY0Ror2iKDjgXwMJESG5A/Albufeire_beach.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/DLJg0qou1yHVGWbeqUZ3MiMrJdHrY9QjRJwMj62XwdtGuiDywuHyv6T29zGS/Albufeire_beach.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/krt8RNK5C0l4Gbb40vfVyVXzl1MVPlKf7t9fCmZ8xKcdjESxfvUCYKPQBHWH/Mr_Potter_guiding.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/Ga4fYDbwMV9SgFl2fTzLM9fWNK6KGdiBJw2tVZL0eAv1ua4UkylPESBPFZpF/Mr_Potter_guiding.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a> <div><a href='http://katepotter.posterous.com/returning-to-where-i-found-loves'>See and download the full gallery on posterous</a></div></p><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p></div>Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-83848366998457733292010-10-20T09:58:00.001+00:002010-10-20T09:58:54.128+00:00STEP BY STEP.....learning the art of patience.<div class='posterous_autopost'><div>Well the last AQR guiding week of the Summer season has finished, but there is no time for our own Potter holiday in Luchon, no sirree!!! Although the legs are having a little bit of time off the bike, well Ian's legs are....he has decided that the next two weeks it's time for him to learn the art of patience before the Autumn and Winter guiding weeks commence.</div> <div> </div> <div>Ian is building the Potters a staircase....not just a little staircase....we Potters don't do simple.....no we are, or rather Ian is (I have been banned from the house) building a double decker spiral staircase. It's a barrel of laughs at the moment in the Potter household as Ian overdoses on coffee and I try not to fall off the ladders that join each floor.....not great for someone who suffers mild vertigo :) </div> <div> </div> <div>Anyway the bikes have taken over the lounge and to wash the dishes I have to climb over a huge piece of wood, and the whole downstairs area is a little bit of an obstacle course at the moment with tools and machinery everywhere....BUT it's all part of the Potter adventures. If only the weather wasn't so brilliant right now as I have to sneak in little training rides so as not to upset Mr P who I know is missing the trails terribly :( </div> <div> </div> <div>BUT on the plus we are going to be guiding in November, so the count down is on to return to work and get Ian's guiding hat back on so he can smile again :)</div> <div> </div> <div><br />A Quick Release Holidays<br />Tel: 0845 1304824<p /><a href="http://www.aquickrelease.com">http://www.aquickrelease.com</a><br /></div> <p><a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/t2h9Ar1vuLHiG5knIofADro3mXApHczKyGdbyiw0Vjpql53DGqFuGHjCWjYr/aftermath.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/zHXowdO8fdjZ3KAqCNvzbNPLSy9K0WVBlQNQMgFp1qQof4pIO3HWu363bMwu/aftermath.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/q6ChgYxAOZGbz2O4UZDHd347RkXcjVJbo98gSGtRhD5Hd45l2dzr5NhS4gLN/autumn_home.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/0AJsLkskOrxhgPnqgOhJqJzkZI0dqHeipaaU2nLPLEsknupPgYmB7j18fqm7/autumn_home.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="336"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/B5qGKm9gSP9IpPS7zerbpAyACDsDuPEZX9P94alAdXM8wAPqob1bFGYcJtIl/the_living_room...for_the_bike.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/WnucPAjzmiguFPRHmgzRv0KC82ToG5lJqWlMztFMMk6F8lrBChGROmcw0YLJ/the_living_room...for_the_bike.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/rhK0jZRt5swZMUVBl4OThGYvCvWo6qAyq6xlO27YEjCN4FEaFF43HydYY9Om/ladders_a.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/mV2TdYpeicgOZal7JnWt2m9qcWE9wpLM9wJJgJWWoUCecMF4Z1GLRewzKacy/ladders_a.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/Nw6lO8Vd3OhpEanvc2Lr35TqieICIKxrwXrBXipS16iusiI63MdRyESC2xqg/stage_2.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/4sotc2TEq1nWmXCcAhAZar2hd4OXTXD3pDFNI6xMJy5coh1pW09iJqeVf1Ra/stage_2.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="336"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/Nf8AgrmmP9HFymQexLJ9lm6rvmlrln1k3QwpFDaJsptWAthKgcv5WtheWjxJ/smile.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/LGoq5gRQ4l9U7W1YdGhpNqPxsciwmZP637L0xnorNChd5c3QtpObnIBWYjVt/smile.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a> <div><a href='http://katepotter.posterous.com/step-by-steplearning-the-art-of-patience'>See and download the full gallery on posterous</a></div></p><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p></div>Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-50975828642436415182010-10-10T11:51:00.001+00:002010-10-10T11:51:57.338+00:00AUTUMN WARMTH!!!!<div class='posterous_autopost'><div>They say a picture says a 1000 words.....well if this weather keeps up I won't have time to type in usual KP endurance length style....I will just have to keep adding pics along the way. </div> <div> </div> <div>Ian and I have been AQR guiding nearly every week since we returned from the World Champs in Canada. I have always loved Autumn out here in Luchon, well to tell you the truth I say that about all the seasons...yes I'm a complusive liar when it comes to my thoughts on the weather because I love all conditions (even the mud believe it or not). Every weather condition and seasonal change offers different challenges to those mountain bikers who ride all year round, that be us Mr Potter on our faithful Cotic steeds, no time to stop there are too many exciting trails to ride or splatter yourself on.....yippeee!!!!!.....If you open your ears you might just hear Mr P crying out for help in the far off Pyrenean mountainside. </div> <div> </div> <div>Poor Ian was relieved when I started feeling better again, but unfortunately my energy levels have skyrocketed and keep on improving (much to my grin factor), but much to the change in Ian's forehead frown line which is deepening on a daily basis. </div> <div> </div> <div>When I grew up in Sydney I missed out on such defined seasonal changes like you have here in Europe. In Oz you have the choice of dry, warm, stinking hot, humid days, with the occasional wet breezy day thrown in every now and then. Now my life in the Pyrenean mountains consists of 4 seasonal variations depending on the time of year....</div> <div> </div> <div>I love Winter here in Luchon because the snow on the mountain peaks are simply magical. If I want to ride in the snow I can, but if not there are still plenty of trails that are dry and ready to roll on with white capped mountain top views all the way up, and little glimpses of the snowy mountains every now and then on the way down. </div> <div> </div> <div>Then Spring warmth hits the area in April and suddenly the mountains turn varying shades of green and all the magical crisp colours of Spring return, as well as the baby animals that you often see or hear within the trees. </div> <div> </div> <div>Summer is another favourite because it is finally hot enough to sit back in the river that winds through the valley as the glacial waters promote healing power to one's overused legs, but also the trails within the trees offer an escape from the sun's rays as the temperature drops the higher you climb and the mountain thermals create a cooling effect all over. </div> <div> </div> <div>Now for AUTUMN, I'm excited about Autumn because I'm in the midst of it right now and boy has it been a wonderful season in Luchon so far. The trees are turning a sparkling golden colour and the trails are soooooooooooooo empty, besides those red squirrels skipping about and Pyrenean birds hovering overhead.....oh and those AQR tyres flying by as we Potters have been hitting the trails with full force as we are still guiding and loving every moment of our long days in the saddle. </div> <div> </div> <div>I'm so happy to be back in the guiding seat. Every day is filled with biking high adventure and descents that go on and on and on..... Even though I know this area well, I still don't get bored or even disapointed when one season ends and the next begins. So as I tell Mr Potter we must make the most of the mountains every minute we can....no time to sleep as I say......</div> <div> </div> <div>.....So the other day on our only day off from guiding I dragged Ian out for a day long hike up to the Porte de Venasque from Hospice de France. It was spectacular! Although my husband could try and show a little happiness with some facial changes every now and then because he always looks in pain for some reason?!?</div> <div> </div> <div>Anyway I must dash as there are trails calling my name....enjoy Autumn wherever you are in Europe....I know I am :)</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div><br />A Quick Release Holidays<br />Tel: 0845 1304824<p /><a href="http://www.aquickrelease.com">http://www.aquickrelease.com</a><br /></div> <p><a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/BeBbKciP3H06i9fmylCvN8QDSnDMp1yPatCdh8vPUbjyPsNockyCVUqZQnIA/loovlely_Autumn.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/XCfroyPIpqPLJdAntYF8IwfNaPGmi0iR9Lhw419wJPJIsIdP5fNXliUjxoYs/loovlely_Autumn.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/l8IxhmDwSS5vZaKwJZTTP7xCYq186jUPXmIczQctguvlLlM3Uotf35DQKZB5/october_warmth.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/FB8DoXnxzfSPBDOjsfZtzRh9ABgT1BibC9MzT7y1oLCEGa2UDQYN3s8GovIB/october_warmth.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/rdM8EW1x17iR71pz9XXD53aqDPF4r2q8fE6xDxs0PZAfOPV9R6RGWId2W2Sh/Single_track_highs.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/LocZ65GTy2KoE0iawlANL3wKaeyciqEbEmbr7fSL3Vu9yc12s3PLfdfEeP6M/Single_track_highs.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/DjC6AohTlYgPP2dNX3lT14MxmdJYrqC7IGag7pdjiGlWXHCz0dXjDyRKK5XJ/summy_autumn.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/SZQ29UZ7fTgAEuRddrTLDGWnOJP4vzL2vHpw07mFUqmEGQTKK8PXUJVrDYk5/summy_autumn.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/FoxdSVhAG87VcRaSp7YWFkVWOlHiOqfZxx2sFfxoRH1XdYCxo8K7Ho4AhFb5/The_Potters.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/PjgoYWNIcEU6C5DBmuzGXdSXut6aXuPi36XMGV3ao9qjnOxASKUrnJQ5gL8K/The_Potters.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a> <div><a href='http://katepotter.posterous.com/autumn-warmth'>See and download the full gallery on posterous</a></div></p><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p></div>Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-27466381131744086912010-09-13T14:57:00.002+00:002010-09-13T16:11:25.470+00:002010 MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS<div class='posterous_autopost'>Mechanicals are part of the bike racing and riding game I’m afraid....but it doesn't mean I can't grumble :) That is what I keep telling myself every time my overactive Potter brain starts going into ‘what if’ overdrive. I have had a race season that I would rather forget, but on the plus have become a stronger and much happier person all round. A few months ago I thought I was losing the plot as I didn’t recognise the person I was, nor remembered how I used to be, and had become this slothful hermit that struggled to get out of bed in the morning. Instead of taking joy in thrashing my husband up the climbs out here in Luchon, I was left trying to pedal my bike uphill whilst Ian would track stand on every bend waiting for me. Whilst I was becoming the female version of Homer Simpson, I was also suffering kidney stones that have convinced me that I am too much of a wimp to even consider wanting babies in the future....full respect to mothers :) <p /> But with all health issues behind me now I had 6 weeks of quality training and new found working sensations in the legs that were motivating me to commence racing again. Once the medication kicked in I was able to perform double training sessions on a daily basis and even had the pleasure of making Ian hurt as my times improved on racing loops I use out here in Luchon as part of training. All was on track as I headed to the Australian Mountain Bike Team training camp in Mont Sainte Anne. Coach Neil Ross seemed pleased as to where I was at right now considering the lack of training and racing in my legs, plus I felt so much stronger in my upper body on the descents that my confidence was at an all time high. I was riding all the technical sections on the world champs course, including the rocky shoot that was by far the scariest section because it only took one bad line choice to send you over the bars and into the jagged rocks at full force. <p /> Unfortunately I experienced one such crash on my final timed effort in training, but fortunately as I flew over the edge of the trail, missing the bottom switchback and finding myself with a face full of hay I was fine...... before my bike clobbered me in the head (doh!). Without thinking about it I was back on the bike and completed the timed loop in a pretty good time for me considering my bad line choice, but from that moment onwards I had mechanical issues that may have been brought on by this crash. <p /> I’m not going to go into detail about all the mechanicals that followed me around like a bad smell at both the Wyndham World Cup and also the World Champs. Mechanicals happen to us all at any level of racing and/or trail riding, but in many ways you can be more prone to mechanicals at a world cup when you are riding on the edge and taking more risks to body, brain and bike than any other type of riding I have ever experienced, including 24hr solo racing. <p /> When I lined up for the Cross Country World Champs wearing the green and gold for only the second time in KP biking history my goal was to finish no matter what! I knew I was on the start line with the best preparation that I could have managed given the time I had to prepare. I also had the luxury of being supported by an amazing crew of people who made me feel like I was on holiday as I had a daily massage, mechanics who even washed my bike, staff to take all the daily stress out of our lives so that we could start and finish the race in the best form possible, and then hopefully earn points for Australia’s cross country Olympic bid. <p /> All week the course at Mont Sainte Anne was dry, in fact the area had not experienced rain for weeks. The dust and sand was actually making the course very difficult to ride in places and the heat was definitely going to have an impact on how we felt before and during the race. But you can never predict the weather and on race morning as we started our warm up the rain commenced. I knew my water proof layers would come in handy (see Mr Potter over packing does come in handy) as I found them at the bottom of the clothes pile. I was wearing waterproof jacket and trousers as well as my winter over shoes to stop myself from becoming cold and wet. It was a day for ducks and not lycra clad cyclists unfortunately, but we were all in the same boat...I just hoped we wouldn’t need ‘life jackets’ as the whole area was surrounded by rain clouds and didn’t look like easing off anytime soon. <p /> On the start line I was at the back of a very talented and strong bunch of elite female mountain bikers. As we took off I avoided a collision of bikes, but was sent off the tarmac slightly and had to work extra hard to catch up to where I should be. There was a huge climb to look forward to with ample overtaking space, so I attacked at that point and found myself mid field. Then the running started through the rocky single track, and I was pleased that my legs felt quite comfortable running on the slippery rocks. There was one more climb where I knew I could make some overtaking manoeuvres, but then as I started the descent I realised the bike was completely rigid again, as I had experienced the same problem at the Wyndham World Cup the weekend before. For some reason my forks were locked solid (gulp). I had trouble riding the lines I was used to and as I started to back off I could feel my whole body tensing and felt fear creep into my mind. I knew better than to tense up, but no matter how much I spoke to myself and even sang to myself, I couldn’t relax. The Mont Sainte Anne course is brutal at the driest of times, but in the wet it really is a course of survival because one bad line and you can do both yourself and your bike serious damage and the fact that I had no suspension made my ride all the more challenging and my arms suffering from pain overload. <p /> The next few laps consisted of a stuck chain behind the cassette, a puncture and a bent hanger which caused my gears to be dancing all over the place. I lost places, gained places, before losing those places again.....I ran, I fell, I swore politely :) but always picked myself back up again as I was determined to finish. I made decisions to run certain sections of trail that may have lost time had I tried to ride them, but at the end of the day I finished! It was not the perfect race for the Soda and I, but as I fought the conditions and tried to do what I could to help my little Soda battle on to the finish line I remembered where I was 6 months ago when I couldn’t find the strength to finish a race and today I finished in 52nd position in the world.....YAYYAYAYAY!!!!! <p /> The World Championships are a unique event and everybody who competes no matter if you are a podium favourite or just trying to finish on the lead lap aims to be at their very best on World Champs race day. This is only my second world championships and from what I have seen it can take years of racing at this level to know how to race the best racers in the world. <p /> The World Championships show off the best riders in the world in cross country, downhill and trials, but it also shows off a wide range of emotion from elation to pure devastation. I may not have had a good race, but I finished, which was my main goal on race day. I’m happy, so I guess you could say I found the middle ground somewhere between pure elation and devastation. But I’m striving for the elation I felt after finishing 24th at the World Championships in 2009. I’m well motivated for the 2011 season because I have alot to prove to myself and still ALOT to learn. <p /> At the same time I witnessed history and pure gold worthy elation as my good friend Tracey Mosely won her first World Championship GOLD!!!! I don’t know how long it has taken Tracey, but like Steve Peat in 2009 it has been one title missing from a cv filled with national and series title wins. Well Done Champ!!!!!I It was incredible to see the changes of emotion on Tracey’s face as she waited in the hot seat for the two last french riders to finish their run. When Tracey’s gold medal was secure it was the highlight of my world champs because I know how hard she had worked for this moment over the many years that she has been racing at this level. Gold medals don’t happen overnight, and today was finally Tracey’s day!!!! I forgot I was Aussie for a day and cheered my favourite downhill Brit to a well deserved victory. <p /> On the opposite end of the World Champs emotional spectrum I witnessed devastated racers who were unable to finish their race due to mechanicals and broken bikes that could not be repaired. The one rider who really stood out was an Italian XC racer who was a possible medal contender and he was overcome with emotion when he knew his broken bike could not be salvaged and sadly his race was over as he sat looking distraught in the pit area. It is the first time I have seen a grown man cry, and it just shows you how much emotion and mental energy goes into this one day of the year for most mountain bike racers. It is an event of many highs and lows, but to witness the wide range of emotion going on over the three days of competition only makes one feel alive and motivated for the 2011 World Champs in Champery, Switzerland. So I’m already preparing myself for next season so hopefully I can have another crack at experiencing World Champs elation as I did in 2009. <p /> I would like to say a huge THANKYOU for all the time, effort and support that the staff from Mountain Bike Australia put into the 2010 World Championships. <p /> Special mention must go to the following people – <p /> NEIL ROSS – thank you so much for taking the time to help me this year. Once again I have come away from the training camp with new ideas and motivation for the future. <p /> CHRIS CLARKE – I know how hard you worked to ensure all biking disciplines got the support we needed. Please find time to sleep now and see your family :) <p /> RONALD – You stepped up to the plate with your professional hat on and inspired all of us. Thank you for all your mechanical support and coaching. We all hope to see those green and gold undies flash by next year :) <p /> TIM – I learnt alot from you and was inspired by your energy and enthusiasm for the sport. Best training session I have ever had involved foam swords and flour.....thanks for keeping training really fun as it should be :) <p /> CHRISTINE – Thanks for all your constant support and ‘tipsy’ words of guidance. You and your hands are amazing and I can’t wait to catch up again in the future for another massage. <p /> Plus I wouldn't have had the opportunity to start the World Championships without the endless support from the COTIC BONTRAGER RACE TEAM, who have really stuck by me this year. <p /> Special mention to those of you who really helped me prepare for the biggest race of the year - <p /> CY TURNER (Cotic) - Thankyou for your constant support!!!! You have been amazing as always, and a wonderful friend. <p /> GRIFF & HELEN (Bontrager) - Thankyou for all your help, guidance and patience. <p /> TONY, FLORIAN, AARRON (Magura) - as always your support and mechanical teachings have really helped me sort out my lack of a mechanical sided brain. <p /> IAN POTTER – As always Mr Potter is my Number 1 Team mate, and together we have shown that couples can work together and support each other without any marital disputes....so long as I get my own way :) Thank you for all your help and support over the years, you have always stuck by me and continue to help me improve on the bike. Bring on 2011 for more Potter adventures I say! <p /> <p /> A Quick Release Holidays Tel: 0845 1304824 <p /> <a href="http://www.aquickrelease.com">http://www.aquickrelease.com</a><p><a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/aPIgJCf14yLPVL5ADpoFTRFjB9H9CaFY0RkqWFAnyUP0hceebd9UALDuuhMK/DSC_0242.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/NkgpIp5FREJdwHvQfKctXFnUYHDumGRxPhEamWkNxz2ZLSvbJWgUZBEoyhIO/DSC_0242.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="336"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/A9wyMyMxgXYH32SaPRE9Dk1GFWWAdAfDUywyl0FJzw11lOC6Fr2oOg9siR5i/DSC_0550.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/IlNxzvYduy3bxUkDMu4nQggLr6hS2Ht44USPsQEJ4Wt6Rq7AA6s1TmyMmXd6/DSC_0550.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="336"/></a> <div><a href='http://katepotter.posterous.com/2010-mountain-bike-world-championships'>See and download the full gallery on posterous</a></div></p><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p></div>Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-51912095515890931662010-08-27T20:45:00.001+00:002010-08-27T20:45:56.350+00:00A few words from my first race back....the happiest disqualification of my life!<div class='posterous_autopost'><a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/50SBpaFfkE8oPUWrPMWBlUJLn77PBK6vdUcGdrkNlKFWB6MZAAGXZuPTnJMq/CIMG1602.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/kUgqYYAfqjE9ERKZYRjXnMpe3mh2xLb6ioWFu5ayj9qNrT9DbTz4ngYT9qFq/CIMG1602.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a> <p></p><div> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;">Well as I keep saying I'm definitely getting back on track after an ill fated racing season that left me questioning whether I was physically able to continue racing this year. However whilst I waited for test results and a confirmed diagnosis I was encouraged by Mountain Bike Australia not to give up hope of World Championship selection. I didn't think I had a hope in heaven, but to my surprise I earnt a place on the 2010 Australian Team bound for Mont St Anne, Canada.</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;">I can definitely feel the old me returning to life, but more importantly the chaotic situations that have always plagued my racing adventures are also back on track which I now consider a good thing, a blessing in disguise, without them what would I write about :)</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;">So let me begin the first weekly chapter of KP's Cotic Bontrager 2010 World Championship Adventure here in glorious sunny Mont St Anne. Last Wednesday morning at the glorious time of 3am the adventure started. Bike bag was finally zipped up after too many attempts at squashing in extra bits and bobs without breaking the zipper. Ian kindly drove me to the aiport for my 5am check in. There were no tearful goodbyes as Ian would be joining me 5 days later and the sooner he was rid of his wife the sooner he could be on the plane and bound for Canada as well. To my relief I had a very smooth trip to Paris....but in typical Potter fashion that's where the smoothness ended and the chaos began. My flight to Montreal was delayed and the hour I had to spare to catch my flight from Montreal to Quebec City was looking less likely. I remained cool, calm and collected on the flight as I listened to some really bad dance music on the plane and realised to my horror that the guy sitting next to me was laughing and nudging his partner to check out my seated dance moves as I was bopping up and down to some Lady Gaga tune and I admit there was a few Britney Spears songs on full blast as well. </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;">To my relief the plane touched down early. I dashed to collect my luggage and bike bag with an hour to spare, but first had to endure passport control.....40 minutes later and I was sprinting to baggage collection where I came to a rapid stop. An hour later and I not only missed my flight, but still no bike bag or luggage with my name on it. So I joined a que of very angry Canadians who also had missing bags, and waited.....and waited......and waited.....only to find out that nobody knew where my bags were...but sign here and they will be with you shortly was their response, well when they have been found that is. So I was put on stand by for the next flight to Quebec City and again I waited.....I finally arrived in Quebec City with no sleep in 26hrs (I blame Britney!)</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;">The next morning I caught up with some of the Aussie team and head coaches Neil, Chris and Tim who were in charge of the camp. I couldn't wait to get stuck into training and start riding the course, but then I remembered that my bike and clothing were still en route (grrrrrr). Luckily everyone was on a recovery day, and Neil only wanted me to do a 30min easy spin and stretching so I wouldn't miss out on too much. I was kindly offered a bike to ride, so with my sneakers and the clothes I had been wearing since I left Luchon I headed off for some much needed bike time. Since I had no pockets in my shorts or T-shirt, I decided not to take a spare tube or pump, as I was only riding on road for 15 minutes in one direction before returning to the base, I also decided it really would be a steady ride, as I had no other clothes and didn't fancy sitting around all day with my mtb odour lingering, I may be kicked off the team if that happens. I had reached my 15 minute mark and decided to ride a little further just to see what was at the top of the small hill I was climbing........pshshshshsh.....I tell you what was at the top of that hill one frustrated Aussie who now had a flat back tyre and no spares (Doh!). So I had no choice but to run back and risk sweat stained smelly clothing, as I had a team yoga session which I would miss out on if I walked back. To my horror the very professional looking German national team passed by....and I simply gazed down and avoided eye contact, as I hardly looked like a member of a national team squad, let alone a mountain bike race team of any kind. </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;">The next day I discovered my bags had arrived in Quebec City, but still no confirmed time as to when they would arrive in Mont St Anne which was about 30 minutes away. Now my humour was finally tested as everybody headed to the course for training and I was left in three day old clothing to play the waiting game. I also found out that for tomorrows training we would all be racing the Quebec Cup, which would be on the World Championship race course here in Mont St Anne. This was definitely a training session I didn't want to miss out on as I'm in desperate need of some race practice if I'm going to feel half the racer I was last year.</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;">At 2pm to my joy a bike and fresh clothing had finally arrived. Bike was built in lightning speed and I was told to register for the race and train steadily on course for 3 laps. As I practised the course I didn't hesitate on any section and felt in full flow on my Cotic Soda. The next two laps were even better and although I'm still getting used to the 2010 Cotic Soda Cy designed for me this year, I knew I was feeling right at home on the technical rocky and rooty sections. I would be ready to race tomorrow so long as the legs remembered how to get back up to race speed overnight. </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;">I have been waking up rather early as I'm still on French time, and was ready to race over 2 hrs before warm up had even started. I was experiencing strange sensations all over and realised I was very giggly, too talkative for my own good and acting a bit of a clumbsy prat. I had to take myself away from the group to control my giggles, and I wondered if there was something in the water here, as I must admit I felt rather tipsy....but I was simply high on life. I managed to control my excitement during warm up and again noticed strange sensations in my legs....THE BUZZ FACTOR HAD RETURNED!!!! Only trouble is I could feel myself losing control of it.</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;">On the start line I was buzzing and couldn't wait to race. I wasn't thinking about a race result or trying to beat anyone, I just wanted to ride my bike HARD and make the most of these new found physical sensations before they disappeared on me again. 3-4 months ago I had no leg strength so on the start line I was cautious and kept my chain in middle ring, whilst girls around me were in big ring. I was finally set free and attacked the small climb ahead of me....oops I had more leg strength then I realised, but in completely the wrong gear and was overspinning in the sand and making a right mess of the first few metres. I then some how managed to ride into a huge stump and was off the bike and running in last position (way to go Kate!). But as I giggled to myself, yes the giggles were still there, I was back on track and moved from last to the back of the lead group that included my friend Rowena Fry (national Aussie Champion) and you all should know up and coming British Under 23 star Lilly Mathews, as well as a hand full of Canadians and Americans. I wasn't nervous at all, but I was over excited and having too much fun for my own good. I was out of control on the single track and making mistake after mistake, but as I was so relaxed managed to hold it until I hit a steep sandy shoot with a right hand bend at the top of it....too much speed later and next minute I was performing a superman manouvre as chest hit saddle and I was flying towards a tree...this time I was swearing at myself 'YIKES!' (I won't type what real words flew out accidently :) ). I could hear Row behind me giggling to herself, which then brought on more internal gigles as I was still breathing hard trying to act like a racer. There were at least 5 more almost stackful moments, before the last one on lap 1 knocked me off the bike as I decided to see how hard I could hit every wheel trapper of a rock on the last descent of the lap... the last rock finally won and I was sent over the handle bars. As girls flew by I forced myself to calm down and refocus on the task at hand....to survive!</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;">The next three laps I did calm down, and I was passing riders on the climbs and holding my position on the descents. The single track descents were mostly impossible to pass on, so it was best to ride smoothly and save your energy for the long energy zapping technical climbing sections. I had no idea what my position was, but was gaining on Lily Mathews and caught her up on lap 4 at the top of the last main climb, when I heard her ask me if I wanted to pass, she must have thought I was an elite guy who were racing at the same time...without even thinking I said 'oh yes please', and then realised I should have spoken in a deep male voice as when Lily realised it was me there was no easy passing to be had (doh!). I followed Lily down to the arena and was ready to finish when I realised Lily kept going. I must have lost count as I thought we had finished. I really had to dig deep now as my body was feeling the race and mentally I wasn't prepared for another lap. But I focused on catching Lily and attacked before a tricky single track climbing section. I then had three quarters of the lap to go and really dug deep as I wanted this to be a hard training session.</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;">When I crossed the line I had no idea where I had finished, but was surprised at how many girls had finished in front, girls I recognised and knew I had passed on the first lap......mmmmm?!?!?!? Very confused, but didn't care as I had so much fun out on course today and am so happy to be back wearing racing lycra kit again.</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;">When I started my cool down I met up with Coach Neil Ross, who always keeps me thinking, but I didn't quite understand what he meant by saying if the race had been 5 laps and you passed first place on the final lap where do you think you finished?' It was a riddle that I didn't quite grasp at the time until I discovered that Lily and I did one lap too many. Lily crossed the line in first for the 4 lap race, but I crossed the line first for the 5 lap race.....BUT as we were the only elite women to race 5 laps we were both disqualified.....HUH?!?!? So although we were the strongest riders out on course today, we were both second last and last respectively, well at least they gave us a place as we were told we were given a disqualification to begin with.</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;">Anyway I'm just pleased as punch that I'm back racing again, and feel the strength returning at long last. Ian, the Aussies and I leave for America on Thursday for the last world cup of the year before the World Champs week commences next Monday back in Mont St Anne. I have no delusions as to where I'm likely to finish in a world cup right now, but if I can go out on course with a smile on my face and a little more buzz in the legs than I will be one happy Potter....I will be back again with another update and alot more pics soon.</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;">Cheerios for now</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 6pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman,serif;">KPxo</span></p> </div> <div> </div> <div>A Quick Release Holidays<br />Tel: 0845 1304824<p /><a href="http://www.aquickrelease.com/" target="_blank">http://www.aquickrelease.com</a><br /></div><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p></div>Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-20086929162214492802010-07-03T08:48:00.001+00:002010-07-03T08:48:42.608+00:00Guiding Highs....and sunny smiles<div class='posterous_autopost'><a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/YF7BhyKEhHHG46SMlVUQPX90vghaLjNE3HKuMHolxIpnVJbsJj990y8ss5R5/_9057779.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/6hmxHAgR9GSkiwwS70R7alM2JOPgrxZXmWJTTe97w18GW0JGNakeiPGKEK89/_9057779.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a> <p></p><div>I apologise for the lack of KP presence on my blog, but it has been a pretty roller coaster of a rough ride these past few months. I have been trying to stay upbeat and positive, which means I have avoided writing a report because I don't want to be dragged back down into my wheel stopper of a ditch with another race report where the outcome has been another DNF and more negative healthy feelings circulating body, brain and soul. However I'm fortunate enough and very thankful for certain people in my life who seem to know the right words to say and are not putting any pressure on me right now. I feel like I'm starting to wake up and every now and then I feel like some extra buzz is returning to these ol' legs and the muscle weakness is on its way out.</div> <div> </div> <div>So I guess I should explain what I have been up to, where I am at right now, and where I'm heading....me hopes.</div> <div> </div> <div>My last attempt at racing was at the third round of the British Mountain Bike Series, almost a month ago now. Ian and I decided to use it as a test because I have always enjoyed racing at Margham Park and didn't want to miss out on the race after a third and second place finish in the first two races of the series. However the main reason is that we wanted to see how my body responded to racing this time after a period of rest in Luchon. Training was backed off and AQR work load reduced considerably leading up to the event. I don't like doing nothing, but Ian was not taking any KP crap, and was enforcing a home holiday. If he caught me working or training hard he was going to send me home to my parents in Oz and tell my mother to really 'mother' me, because he knows I hate mothering and fuss of any kind.</div> <div> </div> <div>I started the race in the muddiest of muddy conditions. In some ways I was pleased because it would mean a slower race as I knew KP leg speed was not at its best, but I also knew my Soda and I would need to work together to survive this one, proper team effort as I really didn't want to let my sweet Soda down. There was no point taking risks on the descents and I tried not to use too many gears to avoid chain suck or a mechanical of any kind. I managed to lead the start down the tarmac straight and waited for the attacks from behind. Rosara Joseph and Lily Mathews attacked and I focused on staying on their back wheels, but the foggy feeling in my brain returned and then as I relaxed down the slippery descents my insides went into spasm. So here we go again because I'm either fighting a flat brain, energy-less legs or choking back tears as I feel like something is ripping inside me. I ended up pulling out before I had even reached the finish line for the second time this year, and only third time in my racing life time grrrrrrrr!!!!</div> <div> </div> <div>So thoughts of 'I'm too old for this', 'I'm lazy', 'I'm just not trying hard enough' were circulating around my brain and really not giving me a break....you would think I would be kinder to myself. Ian and I had a flight to catch so left the muddy slopes of Margham behind and headed home to sunny Luchon.</div> <div> </div> <div>More doctors and more tests later with an ultrasound revealing numerous 1-3mm kidney stones in my right kidney, that the doctor called kidney sands. The high parathormone in my blood is still too high but could be linked with the kidney pain, but then a trip to a specialist has revealed that it could be vitamin D deficiency, which I have since learnt can affect the parathyroid glands, as well as the kidneys, calcium and phosphorus levels, which can then lead on to more serious diseases if not taken seriously....good golly gosh the human body is so complex! </div> <div> </div> <div>So I have been ordered to sunbake....YOU WHAT? I'm Australian and sunbaking in my life time is a big NO! NO! What about skin cancer and the slogan I was brought up with 'BAN THE TAN!'. As most AQR guests know I religiously wear layers when out on the bike and overdose on suncream every day. In the past Ian has not allowed guests to take photos of me when out on their summer holiday because he thinks I make Luchon look cold. </div> <div> </div> <div>Can't I simply eat enough food with vitamin D? </div> <div> </div> <div>The doctor then asked me if I would be happy to eat a daily dose of liver....NOPE! No can do I'm afraid. So when the latest test results arrived it has confirmed vitamin D deficiency, and even after a week of exposure to the sun and a proper cyclists tan line which I'm quite proud of I must admit, I'm still way too low. So I have to take some vitamin D concoction every day and sunbake for at least 30 minutes front and back without suncream on. I actually have to wear a bikini, which I haven't done so for years (gulp).</div> <div> </div> <div>So where do I go from here? Well the doctor wants me to report back in a month, but he thinks it could be a few months before I'm truly back on track and I have to take alot more care over the winter months now that he thinks I'm predisposed to this condition, especially when we return to the UK. I have to admit I'm relieved that a proper diagnosis has been confirmed now and I can put this year behind me and move forward. Someone once told me that when you overcome hurdles it will only make you stronger in more ways than one. I feel like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I can start to get excited about my biking future again wher ever it may lead me.</div> <div> </div> <div>Now for some news that I wasn't prepared for, but must get my biking butt into gear if I'm going to do Cotic Bontrager and Australia proud in 2 months time. I have been selected to represent Australia at the Mountain Biking World Championships in Canada!!!!!! Right time for another 'OH MY GOLLY GOSH MOMENT!!!!' I have spoken to some of the selectors and coaches in Australia who know about my health issues this season, but thankfully there is no pressure for me to be at my very best in 8 weeks time, because no matter how hard I train I don't know how long it will take to be back to normal, but I will do my darnest to get back on track and get these legs up to KP race speed, hopefully sooner rather than later :)</div> <div> </div> <div>I'm very grateful that Cotic Bontrager are sticking by me, thankyou Cy, Griff and Helen, plus Australia's Chris and Neil who have kept in touch and helped me focus on the bigger picture. Plus a big thankyou to hubby Mr Potter for your continued support.....so yes you can start building my 2010 COTIC SODA race bike now....next KP blog I will reveal the latest SODA mix....it has a bit more of a twist this year....but as sweet as ever :)</div> <div> </div> <div>Cheerios for now</div> <div>KPxo</div> <div> </div> <div>A Quick Release Holidays<br />Tel: 0845 1304824<p /><a href="http://www.aquickrelease.com/" target="_blank">http://www.aquickrelease.com</a><br /></div><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p></div>Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-61326338211397637242010-05-24T12:21:00.002+00:002010-05-24T12:42:43.566+00:00CRAZY TIMES....but just keeps Ian on his pedals!<div class='posterous_autopost'><div>All those years ago when I met Ian in Portugal on a mountain biking holiday, he must have thought that week I was the best thing that ever happened to him....ok maybe I'm being biased....I'm sure he was thinking life can't get much better than this with his 'easy going' Aussie wife to be. Guiding everyday in the Algarve or Lefkada sunshine with his 'lovely' fiance by his side; Heading to Chamonix and teaching his 'wonderful' wife how to ride Alpine single track for the first time a week before the first guests arrived....ok perhaps I don't need to add sooooo many 'adjectives', but this is my story :)</div> <div> </div> <div>I learnt quickly how to ride a bike and had the time of my life working in the mountains. I discovered how much I loved to challenge myself both physically up the climbs and on technical trails too. Plus I loved guiding, and meeting people from all walks or rather rides of life. Nothing stopped me from the moment the sun rose until I collapsed in a heap at night already planning the next day's adventures in my mind....my nick name used to be 'the Energiser Bunny'.</div> <div> </div> <div>Ian and I decided that life was not busy enough for the two us to simply be mountain bike guides for another company for the rest of our mountain biking days....instead we dreamed of living in the mountains and running our own mountain bike holiday and skills coaching company....AND why not race full time too....heck the future is full of trails and tales that need exploring. Back then it was easy and we managed. The Potters moved to Luchon in the French Pyrenees to start the first chapter of 'A Quick Release Holidays', we built a home, worked from 9am until close to midnight 6 days a week, yet still found time to train every day and travel everywhere to race different events, from 24hr solo missions to XC all over the world. I loved the adventure of simply riding my bike and trying to be better at it every day, however that may be. The best part was being able to do this with my husband Ian Potter, who is also my best friend and who knows the real me and what I'm all about better than anyone ever will.</div> <div> </div> <div>I'm not sure exactly when it happened, but something changed inside me at some point. I can't pin point a date or time. Suddenly everything I was and have been doing every day over the past 7 years that has brought a smile to my face has started to become hard work. Suddenly I stopped having fun and have been struggling to make sense of this new person who seems to think she can get rid of the 'Energiser Bunny'.</div> <div> </div> <div>Since March and the start of the race season I have been having more battles inside my brain then you can imagine, leaving me completely worn out by the time I even roll up to start the next race. The first World Cup at Dalby was a disaster and so unlike me to pull out of a race.....I have ridden my bike with a dislocated knee for 14hrs and never quit, so why should I be quitting a two hour race now. </div> <div> </div> <div>I kept my chin up and headed to Houffalize for the second round of the World Cup Series, hoping that a restful few days would be just what I needed. </div> <div> </div> <div><strong>HOUFFALIZE, BELGIUM</strong></div> <div>Besides Mini Blue (AQR mini bus) breaking down en route, a missed ferry crossing and arriving at our base in Belgium at the early hour of 4:30am on Tuesday morning...it was quite a smooth journey for the Potters. I had 5 days to chill and prepare for the next World Cup race. The course was different from previous years and due to the amount of climbing I didn't spend too long on it because I still felt weak and wanted to save any ounce of energy I had left inside me for race day. </div> <div> </div> <div>On race day I just hoped some racing adrenaline would be the answer to help me wake up and face the best mountain bike racers here in Belgium. But as I took off again there was nothing happening in the leg department. My reactions were flat and once I hit the descent again the dizziness returned and I crashed...lots of ouches!!! I managed to keep going, but thoughts of quitting circulated my mind again. Something just didn't feel right....I'm sure I keep saying that. Ian and I had discussed the race plan that morning and it was simply to FINISH, if I felt any better then I would do my darnest not to get lapped. But I couldn't handle the pressure of anything more than that and just wanted to try and have fun like I used to. Every climb was more effort than it should be, but although I didn't feel quick I started to overtake alot of people on the last two laps. It was bizarre because I was still chugging away trying to stay on my bike, and even though I was passing people it didn't help me speed up in anyway. I expected to be pulled out one lap down, then realised I made it through, but I had no extra buzz like I normally would experience at the end of any race like I used to. I finished 65th, but even though I was higher up in the results ladder than I expected to be, there was nothing Ian or anyone could say to make me feel any better because I didn't feel noticeably ill on the outside, but unbalanced and very wrong on the inside....as my Dad used to say...'It's all in your head!'</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>OFFENBURG, GERMANY</strong></div> <div>The plan was to stay in Germany for 3 weeks and in that time recover, train on what would be the next world cup course, and also hit two races close by in an attempt to earn some much needed UCI points. Ian and I decided to think of it as a holiday in an attempt to help my brain and body feel better. I managed a 4hr ride with Ian as we checked out a marked marathon loop. Mentally I focused on positivity, Ian was not allowed to grumble about anything....even the weather! I didn't even wear a heart rate monitor so I wouldn't feel like I was training. I enjoyed myself, and ignored the flat feeling inside my legs. But then the next morning I felt 100 times worse. So more recovery later in an attempt to feel better for the planned Swiss Racer's Cup we were heading to on the weekend. Then the shakiness and what felt like a racing heart beat started happening more frequently. Every night I was laying awake trying to control my breathing and at times freaking out because I couldn't understand why I felt so stressed. Every morning my heart rate would be 20 beats higher than it should be, and I just didn't want to get out of bed.</div> <div> </div> <div>Ian decided on Friday morning that we should head back to the UK for the second round of the British Mountain Bike Series. He thought seeing friends and racing familiar faces would be less stressful then heading to the race in Switzerland. It was also a much cheaper trip as the airport was only 45 minutes from our base in Offenburg and just made more sense since I really enjoy racing in the UK....so the next morning we took off for London.</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>UK</strong></div> <div>It was quite surreal turning up to practice the course and seeing people who weren't expecting to see the Potters do a double take as we appeared. But for me it was a huge relief to be surrounded by friends I have only known through racing and riding a bike, it's always great for me to have a laugh with Joolze, and see James and the AQR Race Team in full blue and red glory, and catch up with Yeti's Stu, my racing mate Mel Spath and partner Ryan, British Cycling soigneur Sarah and even Griff was there from TREK & Bontrager who I didn't expect to see, and I had such a nice chat with Matt from Torq, Ben from KTM/Totally Dynamic and the list goes on really.....so many friendly faces on a typical drizzly UK racing weekend. Although the fatigue still lingered I was really excited to see my mate Tracey Mosely who I didn't expect to see at an XC race, and who suggested we go out and practice the course. It was nice to not even think about tomorrow's race, but just find out what Tracey had been up to and to enjoy the time I had trying to follow her lines....that girl finds speed out of nowhere and if anyone tells me that course didn't flow, just ride with Tracey and her extra wide cross country bars :)</div> <div> </div> <div>Race day was another 'de ja vu' experience, as once again legs had nothing in them. I had no adrenaline rushing through my veins and the mental fatigue hit me hard once more. I had no race plan I just tried to focus on racing as hard as I could and staying on my bike. Lilly Mathews took over the lead and looked strong. An unexpected crash left me filling dizzy on the first or second lap (I was seeing stars, so you can't expect me to know what lap it was) where I completely lost sight of Lilly and then another crash later on left me with the chain stuck behind my chain stay....I would like to say clumbsiness is part of my charm, but I'm not usually this clumbsy (grrrr). Maddie Horton was always right on my back wheel encouraging me to keep going as she passed me both times. Normally I would give myself a good telling off for being so clumbsy, but didn't even have the will to scream at my brain to wake up as I just wanted to finish the race unscathed. </div> <div> </div> <div>I managed to finish the race in second place behind Lilly Mathews who took a well deserved win, and Maddie Horton in third, but even though I should be happy with a podium I was more concerned that either I was overtrained, unfit or still not well...but not really knowing what my plan should be to get back up to race speed worried me. The Devil doing star jumps on my shoulder told me it was time to train harder, longer and to learn to suffer ALOT more, but the Angel practising yoga on the other shoulder knew better and said it was time to stop! The problem is I don't enjoy stopping :(</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>LUCHON, FRANCE...A home holiday.</strong></div> <div>Ian and I returned to Germany and decided it was time to sort myself out, well Ian decided. I didn't want to leave and still hoped that I would be fit and ready for the next world cup, but I wasn't improving and I was still struggling with the panic attacks and shortness of breath. I was also over reacting to the silliest of things that I can laugh about now, but at the time I was deadly serious about...like Ian should not be teling me that Vampire bats might fly into our room if I leave the window open at night, that just set me off big time and caused Ian's ever expanding bold patch to grow wider as he put up with another wifely rantings.</div> <div> </div> <div>Ian was contemplating taking me back to the UK for tests, but the thought of travelling again freaked me out. Ian got some advice from Cycling Australia's Coach Neil Ross (thankyou), and before I knew it I was banned from emailing or work of any kind...which caused a Potter feud, even though I knew it was for my own good (yes I admit that now). I was to rest completely and the next day we were off to see a sports doctor. Well we were trying to get there as I kept forgetting things I needed in order to visit the doctor, and what should have been a 10 minute walk, turned into a 40 minute telling off as Ian couldn't believe I remembered to bring the book I'm reading (third book in the Twilight Series....a must read :) ), but not my wallet with my E111 card and money. Finally I was sent to the lab in Luchon for blood tests...ouch! I hate needles. Would you believe I had the test in the morning and then I could collect the results that afternoon, talk about speedy. </div> <div> </div> <div>So we decided to do some gardening whilst we waited. Potter gardening in the forests surrounding Luchon. We rode to the top of our new favourite trail that we discovered in the winter called 'Destination Unknown' (based on a song Ian likes) and started clearing trees that had fallen over from the snow in February. At the end of the trail we had 5 minutes before the lab closed, so to my relief we decided to continue trail clearing and head to the lab tomorrow, as I was in no rush to find out that my head was playing tricks on me and there was nothing wrong with me at all. Ian looked uncertain, but he has been tip toeing around me lately, so I gues he decided that possibly he needed another Luchon cross country loop to put a smile on his face and to help his brain cope with the Mrs :)</div> <div> </div> <div>The next trail was in really good condition and Ian and I rode the descent steadily incase there were unexpected trees down on the switchbacks. Suddenly I was over the handle bars and trying to stop myself with my left leg, my damaged left knee that has been behaving itself recently popped out of place and left me in a world of pain. I would like to say I was calm and in control of the situation....BUT let's just say the frustration inside of me was too much for another added dysfunction and the flood gates burst open in full force. I just wanted Ian to give me a shovel and bury me there and then!!!!!</div> <div> </div> <div>So now my nick name from yester-year 'Hop Along' has returned to haunt me again. I cannot run or walk properly as I type this, but on the plus I can pedal my bike so I'm not down and out just yet :) It was time to walk or rather hop to the lab and doctor's for test results. I was having a bad French day. Some days I speak french really well and then other days I forget the simplest of words. So there was alot of sign language and drawings and french/english dictionaries...but when the doctor made a gesture like he was going to slice my neck open I could feel another panic attack coming on and needed Ian to decipher what the heck the doctor was going on about.</div> <div> </div> <div>As it turns out I'm not going crazy after all (if anyone refutes that I will show you crazy). The results of the blood tests indicate a parathormone imbalance and I have to have xrays tomorrow and then see a specialist who will determine the course of treatment. So it's a big 'PHEW' in the Potter health department, because I just want to get back up to speed again. But I'm also relieved that Ian has stuck around as I offer yet another challenge to our Potter adventures. So soon the 'Energiser Bunny' will be back with recharged batteries...but can't say for sure yet when that will be...but I must be on the mend as I look back and read another blogful of an essay (I was trying to keep this one short and to the point) where a week ago I couldn't finish a sentence.....YAY I'm back!!!!!</div> <div> </div> <div>As always thankyou to COTIC BONTRAGER for your endless support, and those who have taken the time to help me through this thorny patch....hopefully the future trails will be less prickly. </div> <div> </div> <div>And of course thankyou to Mr P....wouldn't life be dull without a crazy KP? :)</div> <div> </div> <div>Cheerios for now</div> <div>KPxo</div> <div><br />A Quick Release Holidays<br />Tel: 0845 1304824<p /><a href="http://www.aquickrelease.com/" target="_blank">http://www.aquickrelease.com</a><br /></div> <p><a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/pYSqSFLOwHGIjt7A6vBPa2Is6U3RKoLuHT7TuUmOXcRFMekpPmZWtWwMc1qC/Kate_P_XCO_Dalby.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/tuBFmBfXqsjNzRSLWDtX5ov1cGE6vs5BenPyRhmWEcgvBZPnb9m3sqEslfvK/Kate_P_XCO_Dalby.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="340"/></a> <img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/HRTWQWMbXkv2EcNkug8k10vmxmIMF9tTBP5uBT2IaODgcrBphH6P2qku2gB3/kateian2.png" width="400" height="575"/> <div><a href='http://katepotter.posterous.com/crazy-timesbut-just-keeps-ian-on-his-pedals'>See and download the full gallery on posterous</a></div></p><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p></div>Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-50729601517912915252010-05-13T10:03:00.001+00:002010-05-13T10:03:14.606+00:00RACE REPORT - 2010 WORLD CUP SERIES ROUND 1 DALBY FOREST, GREAT BRITAIN<div class='posterous_autopost'><p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">Well I had my feet up all week, I overdosed on paracetamol, garlic, ribose, L-Glutamine and Ian was starting to think I had obsessive compulsive disorder as I wash my hands with soap every chance I get. I</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">’</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">m eating as much vitamin C enriched fruit and veg as I can stomach and avoiding human contact just in case more nasty bugs jump my way. The doctor confirmed I have a chest cold</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">…</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">well I knew that, I have all that greeny gunky evidence on tissue paper, every sentence I mutter has coughing and spluttering attached to the syllables and every morning I wake up feeling like I have been run over by a truck</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">…</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">as a result I have been a wicked wife of the west in recent days</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">…</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">sorry Mr P </span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;"></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">I guess I hoped that there may be some magical 24hr cold cure that they would want guinea pig athletic nutters like myself to undergo medicine trials for, but no, to my dismay the common cold still remains a medical mystery. Even though doctors spend so much time studying medicine, as we all know there still isn</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">’</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">t a lot one can do to get rid of a cold except rest, drink plenty of fluids and not overdo it</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">…</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">.But where there is a will there is a way, so I say. I</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">’</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">m no doctor, but do believe in the power of the mind and told myself that I would be A OK for the first round of the World Cup Series</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">…</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">.mmmm.</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">It was a funny old week leading up to the main event. </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">Earth was having its own little coughing and spluttering issues as the volcano in Iceland sent ash up into the atmosphere and as we all know grounded flights all over the world. The Aussie mountain bike crew that consisted of TORQ Australia and some independent Australian racers were due to be collected from Manchester on the Monday before the race by Ian and I, but we stayed put in Nottingham until we knew whether they would arrive in time or not. On Wednesday it looked unlikely as all their flights had been cancelled and so Ian and I headed to Dalby Forest with an empty mini bus, but an overloaded trailer</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">…</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">.I decided to stock up on my favourite foods now that we had more room. Ian went mad as he looked in disbelief at the dozen of 2kg sacks of oats, cereal, dried fruit and tinned soup that I can</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">’</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">t always buy in France or if I can it is quadruple the price. Ian always takes it upon himself to comment on all my bags and then questions every single item I pack, instead of just focusing on what he is taking. I just like to be over prepared and as a result never forget anything. Where Ian takes great pride in being a minimalist and packing light</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">………</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">.ONLY PROBLEM WITH THAT IS HE ALWAYS FORGETS THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS THAT HE CLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY FOR</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">…maps, </span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">passport, wallet, phone, tent?!?!? But this time he forgot his tooth brush, so not a major problem as he has been refusing to kiss my garlic scented lips lately anyhow.</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">Anyway I</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">’</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">m getting side tracked, as I could go on and on about the Potter marital problems of packing for the race season, it really is a blog all in itself. </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">On Thursday Ian and I decided to hit the course and spend time familiarizing ourselves with the track as I missed the British national round in 2009 so had no idea what the course was like. We had spent one day in November with Joolze Dymond checking out some sections of it, where we Potters posed for the camera as we dropped down off the edge of </span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">‘</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">Worry Gill</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">’</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;"> with Joolze flashing our every move. But that was all we had time for, and nothing at that point resembled a race course.</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">I</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">’</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">m always excited to ride a new course, but know that my first lap is usually a shocker as Ian and I often stop and start to analyse different sections and look for alternate lines on the course. I think it is important to look at a course closely if you have time, but I always feel like I don</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">’</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">t flow as well on a course until the second lap when I have more understanding as to how the course works for me. On this occasion I kept forgetting to stop and found myself really enjoying the fast and flowy single track, jumps, drops, and for the first time in KP racing history I rode everything with a confident head on and the biggest smile. After several attempts I finally nailed the rocky climb near ‘Worry Gill‘, and then when I cleared it a second time, well I announced to Ian that my race here is done, as I don</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">’</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">t think it can get technically any better than that for me this weekend. On my fourth lap I decided to time myself and attack the climbs with more effort, energy and Potter oomph! Unfortunately there was no oomph and even when I dug deep, something didn</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">’</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">t feel quite right. Although I was riding technically well, physically I felt pretty rough. I thought the worst of my cold had gone, but I feel like it has left me with bruised lungs, tight chest and quite a fatigued body.</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">Perhaps I over did it on Thursday, but the next two days I felt worse. I started making silly mistakes on the technical sections in practice. This did my confident head no favours and that little doubting devil that sits on your shoulder from time to time made several appearances on Saturday</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">…</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">.grrrr!!! </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;"><span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">On the plus the Aussie team minus one all found their way to the UK. We didn</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">’</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">t have mobile reception or internet access where we were staying, but luckily we checked emails in Pickering Thursday evening and found out they were all arriving at different times Thursday night and early Friday morning. Ian had to leave almost straight away to collect Jo from York and then Matt from Torq collected Katherine and Ray from Manchester, with Dan and Bec hiring a car from Gatwick Airport. So on Friday morning the Aussies had arrived in full force. </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">If only our dramas ended there, as the next day Mini Blue our beloved AQR mini bus decided she would now start coughing and spluttering too....they do say these things happen in threes (KP, icdeland volcano, AQR's Mini Blue) Poor Ian not only had a poorly, and overly whingey wife, but now Mini Blue demanded his attention too….women! Fortunately for the Aussie Crew she was bump started no worries and our 40 minute journey to Dalby Forest was not affected until Ian made a sniggering comment that he wished he could kick me up the backside to get me firing on form…guess who got a kicking instead! </span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;"></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">However there were concerns that our planned 4 week trip across Europe would be an interesting one if we didn</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">’</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">t get Mini Blue well again.</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">Race day came around quickly, but I knew it was going to be a rough day in the saddle. Word Cup racing is hard enough as it is when you are racing the best mountain bikers in the world. I guess I kept hoping that I would find some Potter perkiness once the race started, but there was nothing. I couldn</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">’</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">t even push myself to get the legs to hurt and my breathing felt constricted on every climb….when I started to feel all wobbly on the descents I knew I was doing myself no favours staying on course.<span style=""> </span>I crashed on an easy section of fire road which was the only pain I felt in my legs that day, which in some ways was a good thing because I was starting to think my legs weren’t attached as they felt lifeless.</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">It was a horrible feeling trying to fight my brain and body which for the first time sided with one another against my mountain biking spirit. I really didn</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">’</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;">t want to stop, especially in front of an adopted UK home crowd. But I did and although only the second time I have ever quit a race in KP biking history, I can’t help but feel down about it. At the end of the day it is only a race, but racing is such an important part of my life right now and with all the support I receive from Cotic Bontrager, family and friends I don’t want to waste opportunities that one day won’t be around. So it’s time to rebuild and remind oneself that there is still a long racing life ahead of me for now and a lot more adventures to look forward to….but for now it’s time to rebuild and get back up to speed sooner rather than later me hopes </span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;"></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt;"> </span></p><br />A Quick Release Holidays<br />Tel: 0845 1304824<p /> <a href="http://www.aquickrelease.com">http://www.aquickrelease.com</a><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p></div>Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-12486418530820028402010-05-04T16:41:00.001+00:002010-05-04T16:41:55.769+00:00On the mend...<div class='posterous_autopost'>Howdy All, <p />Just a quick update before my internet time runs out here in Offenburg, Germany. <p />I have had a pretty rough few weeks, but am finally starting to find some life in my body and my glands have started to deflate at long last. Dalby World Cup should have finished for me on the Thursday before the race even started when I had 4 amazing laps and told everyone that no matter what happens to me on Sunday what will be will be, but Im loving the single track and cant wait to start the race. I was filling at one on the course and very excited that I would be part of a world cup in England for the first time. I loved all the technical apsects that joined the rolling single track and tough climbs that you expect from any world cup course experience. <p /> Then the following two days of pre race training I felt low, really tired and my chest cold symptoms raised their ugly evil heads again. I dont like to admit when Im not 100 %, but every night I wasnt sleeping properly and I started getting this strange shaky feeling in my chest which I have never experienced before. I hoped it was all in my brain and tried to remind myself that often when the racing adrenaline hits full throttle that I would be fine and ready to roll on race day.<p /> Unfortunately I struggled from the word go and my breathing, or lack of breath made me feel wobbly and shaky on the bike. I dont quit races if Im having a bad day, as I just treat it as training and remind myself that part of training is teaching ones brain to get used to the discomfort that is all part of racing. But then it got silly when I crashed on an easy fire road bend simply because I did not have the strength to ride my bike properly. I knew I was doing myself no favours trying to finish a race that would more than likely finish me off if I kept going.<p /> At the beginning of my fourth lap I pulled in to the pits where Ian was waiting for me and I made the decison to quit. I hate that word, and it is only the second time in KP racing history that I have quit a race. I felt bad in so many ways, and am still cursing myself for catching a cold so close to this race.<p /> Anyway I will add my next two race reports up this week...but just to add a little happiness and spark to this oh so dull blog I managed to finish the second world cup in Belgium on the weekend which was my main goal or rather Potter Priority. I also achieved my second goal which was not to get lapped out and was surprised to see that my lap times got alot quicker with a good final lap where I overtook alot of riders to get a 65th position, which under the circumstances Im happy with for now. Im definitely on the mend and starting to get some strength and confidence back...so now Im taking one day at a time and hope to be back up to full speed sooner rather than later. <p /> Thanks for everyones support at the Dalby world cup and all the cheers at Houffalize last weekend (thanks so much Rudy, Belgium national coach, you helped me dig deep). All the support definitely helped me get up those tough muddy climbs. Also thanks to those really lovely British guys at Houffalize who came and spoke to me after the race and the nice messages I have received from people since Dalby. It makes me realise why I love racing as I meet so many awesome people and make new found friends along the way who make all the bad races still worthwhile.<p /> Will be back soon with a bit more spark.<p />Cheerios for now<br />KPxö<p /> <p /><p />A Quick Release Holidays<br />Tel: 0845 1304824<p /><a href="http://www.aquickrelease.com" target="_blank">http://www.aquickrelease.com</a><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p></div>Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-79040037729810517272010-04-12T07:37:00.001+00:002010-04-12T07:37:08.623+00:00UK RACE SCENE - THE NUTCRACKER SERIES R1<div class='posterous_autopost'><div>This month the plan has been for Ian and I to spend our mountain biking days exploring Ian's long forgotten local trails in and around Nottinghamshire and also to take part in local regional races in the UK, not only to get my ol' legs up to race speed, but also because I love testing myself against the UK mountain biking elements....and my golly gosh did last weekend test brain, legs, skill and my lovely Cotic Soda in the muddiest of ways. BUT all good plans never go according to plan, which makes Potter life never boring, but at times mightily frustrating, especially when it means I can't ride my bike....I'm moping right now, but more of that later.....</div> <div> </div> <div>Following Round 1 of the British Mountain Bike Series I was still not quite back to 100% following a bout of kidney stones as explained in my last blog, but knowing finally what the pain has been all these years I can finally do something about it. Although I still get a tad paranoid about the pain returning, at least I know what I should and should not do to some extent, YES IAN I KNOW I NEED TO DRINK MORE....he is now moaning at me every day to DRINK, DRINK, DRINK....it's his way of getting back at me for all my past moaning days when I was suffering with the pain.</div> <div> </div> <div>So after a much happier race at Sherwood Pines than I expected, I was full of enthusiasm to get back into the local woods and play, but also to start hitting those really fun intervals that make you feel a combination of intense pain and then pure buzziness once you have conquered them.</div> <div> </div> <div>I'm really fortunate to have some great training partners here in Nottingham, and not just Mr Potter all the time, because with two such competitive Potters training together 365 days of the year, it's not always good for the marriage, especially when one of us is having an off day. So last week I rounded up the boys for a tough training session at Bestwood Park. AQR Holidays Team manager James Dymond is now being coached by Ian and I, and I thought it would be really fun if we invited top Aussie elite racer Andy Blaire who is racing for TORQ this year and Ben Murray from Totally Dynamic KTM to really make James, Ian and I suffer....hee, hee, hee (bad attempt at evil laugh) :)</div> <div> </div> <div>After alot of rain I knew it would be perfect conditions to test tyres and pump them up extra hard....a little training exercise that Ian thought would be a bit of a laugh....and there was alot of laughing on Ian's part as I kissed mud on many an occasion, but then I was grateful for that old saying 'what comes around, goes around' as Ian did the most fantastic sidewards drift that really should have left him down and out, but somehow he held it....lucky sod :). After a while I got to grips with the lack of grip on the really slick sections of off camber trails around Bestwood Park, but I was loving the fast flowing and fairly technical single track, that included some ace steep shoots and drops offs to test ourselves on. After some little hilly interval challenges that I thought everyone really enjoyed (you can probably hear the boys in the far distance yelling NOT!), I was left to my own devices on the final hour where I continued to practice riding the slippery mud at race speed and making the most of the wet roots and muddy corners that made up my figure 8 practice race loop. I was wet and muddy, but loving the conditions. This was such an ace work out as I haven't ridden UK mud for a long time....I'm sure I used to get sick of it when I lived here permanently, but after time away from it, even with all the bruising that goes along with muddy tumbles, well I actually had ALOT of FUN!!!!! So bring on UK race number 2....</div> <div> </div> <div>...Sometimes I really should learn to keep my muddy mouth shut, especially when the weather Gods can hear every word I say. </div> <div> </div> <div>Ian and I headed to the first round of the Nutcracker Series at Camp Hill. I like to use racing as part of my training, so what better way to get a good work out and practice my skills at race speed by entering a race. I also wanted to race some local events to support the UK racing community who put alot of hard work and effort into organising race events for those of us who are addicted to riding single track as fast as we can without worrying about anything else except enjoying the ride.</div> <div> </div> <div>There had been alot of rain the night before, but Easter Sunday at the glorious hour of 6am, when most sane people were snoozing or eating Easter eggs, started out bright, and it looked like it was going to be a sunny day, not warm mind you, but at least there was a hint of spring in the air. When we finally found Camp Hill, after too many wrong turns and the wrong directions (I blame Mr P of course), we found the race venue.</div> <div> </div> <div>When we arrived everyone was super friendly and even at this early hour there was a really welcoming atmosphere. Sometimes I really hate the pre race moments when everyone is bottling nerves and trying to stay focused, I'm just as bad, but I always look forward to just cracking on with the race as that is my favourite part, and then just chilling out and discovering that I do have a social life after all. This pre-race warm up was different though as I caught up with friends and elite racers Paul Oldham and Dave Collins from Hope Factory Racing, and forgot all about warming up as we chatted away about racing and cyclo cross and bikes......</div> <div> </div> <div>.....But soon enough it was time to line up for the start of what was going to be a 5 lap race for the elite women. I focused on the elite men's back wheels, as the first section was on a long fire road before the single track commenced. I hoped to sit in and see how long I could keep them in sight. We all took off, well I meant to take off, but couldn't clip in and was having one of those really clumbsy moments with my left foot, but got myself together in time and managed to catch up to the back of the elite men. </div> <div> </div> <div>Then the real training session began as we hit the single track and I knew it was going to be one punishing race for all bikes and bodies out on course. This course had amazing single track............BUT the huge downfalls of rain we experienced last night turned this fast course into a mudfest. I have never raced in such sticky muddy conditions, but I wanted to be challenged, so I was not going to complain, Every pedal stroke felt like I was doing 100 leg presses. It was hard to judge what sections were slippery and what sections were quicker to run. I also had to think about making sure my Cotic Soda survived this race, and tried not to change gear too often. In fact as I'm keen to improve at cyclo cross, I was in my training element as I jumped on and off bike and tried to improve my running style...yes it needs work :)</div> <div> </div> <div>I managed to get round the first lap without any tumbles, but in great KP style, grace and elegance I might add, I started the second lap with almost a 360 degree tumble just as I left the start/finish area. It's probably best to use Ian's thoughts here, as he said to me later that I looked really fast riding into that slippery corner, faster than anyone else he had seen I might add :) and these were the sound effects had you been standing nearby....'ooh, ooh, ahh, oops, hee hee hee hee hee hee....I have never heard Ian laugh so much in my life.' Such a supportive hubby at times :) BUT KP was down and out, but as I was also very embarassed it helped get me back up to speed rather quickly.</div> <div> </div> <div>The race was super tough. I forgot all about racing my opponents, because I had to ensure I finished the race, so in many ways I was competing and testing bike and I against the course. I kept expecting the elite men to zoom by at any time, especially as Paul Oldham and Dave Collins are cyclo cross racers, but found out later that these two stopped at some point to use the lake to clean their bikes....why I didn't I think of that? They still went on to finish first and secong respectively. I had one more lap to go as I headed towards the start/finish area and I have never been so thankful that the commissiare stopped the race one lap early. I managed to take the win, but to tell you the truth I think everyone was a winner that day just for surviving the elements. I still enjoyed myself, but the aftermath of a muddy race is always just as hard as there was going to be alot of cleaning to do this afternoon...hey love? Don't worry I'm not that much of a Diva and did share the work load, but KP never forgets when people laugh at her, so Ian ended up rather wet during bike cleaning duties :)</div> <div> </div> <div>After this race I had some more hospital/doctors appointments to sort out my kidney stones, but I was also going into my hardest week of training. Perhaps I should have upped my daily dose of garlic or worn a mask when I was surrounded by so much coughing and spluttering, but since the swine flu does not make headlines anymore I didn't think anything of it. BUT I noticed all the signs of illness the last few days, from very high resting heart rate to a strange fatigue in training that was different from the fatigue you naturally build up when training hard. On Friday I tested myself on the hills, and power was down significantly and chest was very tight, with more effort to breathe even when chilling out. I tried to convince myself it was only hay fever as I wanted to race this Sunday at the first round of the Southern Cross series. The weather as most UKers know has been amazing, and I was looking forward to catching up with friends......but I have been beaten by what I hope is just a cold. I still thought I might wake up on Sunday morning and feel miraculously better, but now I'm back to moaning with bottom lip out and shoulders slumped. Ian has locked the bikes up so there is no temptation for me to train. With only 2 weeks to go before the Dalby World Cup and the start of our European race travels, it's rather inconvenient that I catch a cold now, but fingers crossed my 10 garlic cloves a day will do the trick and after a restful few days I can get back into training and preparing properly for the hardest racing block this year.</div> <div> </div> <div>I always believe 'things happen for a reason...so reason better show it's face soon!'. I hate feeling less than 100% so I apologise now if this blog has come across as a moaning rant. As soon as I'm back on the bike again I will write a really happy blog, full of cheer....but for now I'm not cheery and am being a royal pain in the toe nail, well so Mr Potter thinks :)</div> <div> </div> <div>Just a quick apology to the organisers of the Southern Cross Series for not making it to the race on Sunday, and hope everyone had a fun weekend of racing or riding their bikes....and made the most of the brilliant weather...fingers crossed it will stay this way for the Dalby World Cup.</div> <div> </div> <div>Cheerios for now</div> <div>KPxo</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div><br />A Quick Release Holidays<br />Tel: 0845 1304824<p /><a href="http://www.aquickrelease.com/" target="_blank">http://www.aquickrelease.com</a><br /></div> <p><a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/LyYNkibwbKfNLVVw21hhMtymCzjBu6cAAmR7LBdv0xd25MVqhA7IcyXTtd8V/DSC_0450.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/NXnE6rfUdhlTYMKyhWBDedsHZASU1D1AEGiAOH1Fsot2CazKouACoSgLzGyz/DSC_0450.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="745"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/kJVWSD6JSspSqv6zDtr6Z7Tsla2blztL2emKCkejgumjY7M08tWQAISl8JMt/DSC_0444.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/eKXt4tEUWcXUVkflcPtSjBMACqG95aUiRjLurWKFhUuufq12RJpY3BPGR7Pp/DSC_0444.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="745"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/AWR2KBAXbxUGkUwbu5ILUtrwvLvjAqnTnBlNGA2nvby5wZz5qobxVnzneAe4/DSC_0446.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/S0oDjRGjrn0x6pOCzYJP98RzxuRkUorMScmvUJYYkxikdB1o9vpfOMayZABH/DSC_0446.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="336"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/GKoRIyp5c5EGSBy0tDg5MNJpQiqgoPafLgriCSii1q3PZ4aKNYEo5sNsIlPJ/DSC_0448.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/vUxpowVAzaXQnqkqae5PUw6ZLfvKI9BXocYEU2sUWAwKcDiYCOvR58aLlviD/DSC_0448.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="336"/></a> <div><a href='http://katepotter.posterous.com/uk-race-scene-the-nutcracker-series-r1'>See and download the full gallery on posterous</a></div></p><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p></div>Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-49799275910535639762010-03-30T11:25:00.001+00:002010-03-30T11:25:52.268+00:00BRITISH MOUNTAIN BIKE SERIES Round 1, Sherwood Pines, UK 2010.<div class='posterous_autopost'><div>My second cross country race of the season has been one of mixed feelings and a whole load of relief, in more ways than one. Two weeks ago I raced in Italy and after a brief stop at home in Luchon we had planned to head to Spain for a race as part of my training to get these ol' legs up to race speed again in time for the first bock of world cups and European racing in May. However as always the Potters plans didn't go according to plan....at the end of the day when do Potter plans go to plan, but this little problem I could seriously do without and can't even make a joke about it right now as I feel like I have wasted alot of time, money and have been seriously peeved off with myself these past two weeks.<p /> For the past 5 years I have had a niggling issue which I have struggled to find a cure for and over the years it has become more frequent and a whole lot more painful. During training, racing and even just sitting around my stomach would suddenly go into crippling pain that could last anything from an hour to half a day. After visiting doctors in both the UK and Oz I was left feeling like it was all in my head or stress related because as soon as I told them that I was a mountain bike racer and guide in the Pyrenees and that I love being active then of course all that physical strain is most likely the cause, no hint of bitterness there eh? </div> <div> </div> <div>I remember countless races including my first cyclo cross world cup in Belgium last October when I spent the whole time trying to pedal, although I thought I was going to pass out from the shooting pain or my last 24hr race when the pain was there and I swore that would be my last 24hr solo race as I was certain racing ultra endurance events was contributing to the stomach cramps. But the race that really springs to mind was at a world cup race in Andorra two years ago when I had fantastic form and in a great position for my first year of world cup racing and then suddenly the knife splitting pain came along and all I could do was lie down on the side of the track and make a fool of myself as I lay their feeling like my insides were ripping apart. I was humiliated because it was the first time I had been reduced to tears on a race course and that little competitive voice inside my head started ranting and raving about how weak minded I am....because it is all in your head of course.</div> <div> </div> <div>Since then most races I have had what I thought was stomach cramp, and at times I have been forced to back off the pace to ensure I at least finish the race. I love racing and the adrenaline rush I get when testing myself against other competitors, but there have been alot of races when I have felt so disheartened because instead of racing at 100%, I'm forced to survive at 60%. I have spent time working on breathing exercises and pilates in case it was a nerve problem. I have tried to find out information on the internet, but the symptoms were characteristic of so many health issues that I would give up in the end and just remind myself that it's all in your head and to stop fretting.<p /> Anyway after our little racing adventure in Italy once again the pain came back with a vengeance and a few other symptoms which meant that Ian was not going to be talked out of taking or rather dragging me to another doctor for a second or rather third opinion, so we returned to the UK earlier than planned. I have to admit I felt like a goose sitting in the surgery room with other patients who were coughing, spluttering and obviously ill, when I actually felt fine now that the pain had ceased. In fact I almost walked out because I thought the doctor would think I'm going crazy and just tell me it was all in my head again....if I hear that one more time!</div> <div> </div> <div>However after tests it appears I have kidney stones...I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. In some ways it is a huge relief, because now I can do something about it, but I wish I had found out sooner, say 3-4 years sooner would have been nice.</div> <div> </div> <div>The doctor insisted I start drinking water all the time and no strenuous exercise for the time being that could cause dehydration....but I want to race? No answer! <p />So I guess I wasn't best prepared mentally for the first round of the British Mountain Bike Series, although legs were raring to go. Two nights before the race I spent most of the night with the symptoms and felt completely washed out on Saturday during practice. I decided to do some short efforts and if the pain came on during practice then I wouldn't make the start line. All was good, so I wasn't going to miss out on all the racing fun. But I could have done without the clocks going forward as I had another restless night sleep not from pre-race nerves, but pre-race stressing that the pain would raise it's ugly head and whether I was being stupid for not listending to the doctor's advice. When the alarm went off at 6:30am, I insisted on another 30 minutes shut eye. 7am and I still needed another 30 minutes pleeeeeeease. I was shattered and already feeling battered and I hadn't even left the house.<p /> Fortunately I have my Mr Potter who knows me better than anyone ever will, and knows how much he will suffer ear ache if I miss this race. At 7:30am for the first time in KP history I was force fed coffee and treated to breaky in bed. I have never tried coffee and can't understand why so many people like that horrible tasting drink that I'm sure I won't get addicted to anytime soon, although Ian said he has never seen me so wired....but methinks I could get used to breakfast in bed, so might have to make that part of the pre-race routine in future, hey love? Again no answer from the hubby. <p /> So by the time we reached Sherwood Pines I was well behind schedule, but feeling alot better about racing. I love the challenge of racing cross country. You are tested in so many ways, physically, mentally, technically, tactically. Sherwood Pines has always been loved and hated for the same reasons. It can be hated by those who regard themselves as mountain bikers and in it just for the technical riding, while it can be loved by cyclo cross racers and roadies for the fast pace, action packed bunch riding that the course often suits. I don't think there is a course that every racer at one event will love as we tend to love courses that suit our strengths, and the great thing about mountain biking compared to most sports is that every course is completely different, and there will always be some element of the sport that challenges us. It certainly keeps me motivated as every race shows up weaknesses, but also areas that I know have improved since the last race. In saying all that I think course designer and organiser of the Midlands Series James Hampshire did an incredible job creating a fun filled bumpy ride that showed off some of Sherwood Pines best single track, as well as some interesting extras that kept you thinking all the time, but still included sections of fast paced riding that was good fun if you had a wheel to follow...and if not well a darn good training session if you gritted your teeth and kept going for gold.</div> <div> </div> <div>I guess I should start writing about the elite women's race from my perspective, although I'm sure there are alot of stories to be told after this race, but here is my version. Firstly in true KP fashion I almost missed the gridding as I took myself off on an Aussie walkabout or rideabout as the case may be....sorry. Mr P, who I was told almost had heart palpitations when I wasn't at the start area, tried to look as chilled out as possible when I raced over, but me knows he was not quite so chilled as that :) . </div> <div> </div> <div>It was strange suddenly feeling part of an old generation of regulars lining up for the first round of the British Mountain Bike Series, with both Jenny Copnall and Jenn O'Connor missing from the line up, but at the same time great to see more elite women lining up than ever before, as that can only be a good thing for cross country racing in the UK. On the start line there was Commonwealth silver medalist Rosara Joseph, and of course UK favourites Annie Last and Lily Mathews and my good friend Mel Spath who I knew would be tough competiton on this course. I had my race plan and knew today would be a training race for me, as I didn't want to get disapointed if the pain set in. There are alot of important races ahead and I had to remind myself that my goals are different this year, but you can't help wanting to win every time you line up for a race....that's what drives us all to do our very best, and there is nothing wrong with that.</div> <div> </div> <div>So we took off and I managed to lead the girls into the first section of single track...I couldn't help singing to myself 'here come the girls', a song I heard on a mtb dvd. At this stage I was comfortable, had time to breathe, and just waited for the attacks to come fying by as that is the nature of this course. Soon enough Annie made her move and our group lead by Annie, included Rosara Joseph, Lily Mathews and myself split from the rest of the pack and for the first couple of laps we all stayed together, with Annie and I swapping the lead every so often. I kept to the front to avoid any mistakes in the single track that could cause a break away, as I still have fond memories of that happening to me twice at this race last year. The course had log jumps, dual descents, off camber banks, a roller coaster single track ride that was ace, and this brutal steep climb that turned into a steepish descent....it was a hard course physically and technically, but I loved it!</div> <div> </div> <div>Four riders changed to three at some point leaving Annie, Rosara and I at the front of a chasing field, but on the third lap I had brain fade. Legs felt fine, but I suddenly got this wave of tiredness that I couldn't shake off just when Annie made her move and attacked over the log jump. For about half a lap I really struggled to focus and I started making little errors in the single track. Rosara managed to bridge the gap Annie had made from her attack, but it was like the caffeine hit from this morning suddenly wore off and I was ready for bed, even though legs felt fine. So I battled on without a wheel to follow and when I could I grabbed a Torq forest fruits gel from Ian that I hope would at least help me get through the final lap as there was still time to catch up if I could get my head into action. I could see the two girls out in front and was told by alot of people that it was only a 10 to 15 second gap. But I wasn't gaining on them until the end of the fourth lap, suddenly brain had come back to life and I could see them much closer now and I was making some lost time up on them both. As I headed into the arena with one lap to go I tried to go harder, and was more focused now, but still lacking the extra zip I needed to really get much closer than I had. I didn't stop trying, but halfway around the last lap I could only see Rosara now and I told myself to just see how close you can get with 1km to go. I managed to get down to a 4 second gap between Rosara in second and myself in third, but Annie had a storming final lap and took a well deserved win, with Lily Mathews in fourth and Lee Cragie in fifth position.</div> <div> </div> <div>Well you have no idea how thrilled I was today, and although exhausted am pleased with how the legs are feeling right now. I'm still shocked I even made it to the start line, so although I have areas to work on, that will be addressed over time. Right now I just want to get myself back to full health and get my racing head back on so I can start training harder and hopefully pain free now.</div> <div> </div> <div>As always thankyou to everyone who were cheering me on and who came over to say hello, it was really lovely to catch up with everyone again. </div> <div> </div> <div>Plus as always a very special thankyou to my team Cotic Bontrager, and all the team sponsors who continue to look after Ian and I and give me the opportunity to race at this level. Also a very special thankyou to Tony Barton from Magura who gave up his time last Thursday to do some suspension testing and teaching with me. Last but not least thankyou to Mr Potter for coaching me, supporting me and dragging me to the doctor....yes you were right....this time :)</div> <div> </div> <div>Photos will be up shortly...promise or just check out <a href="http://www.joolzedymond.com/">www.joolzedymond.com</a> for all the weekend racing action.</div> <div> </div> <div><p /> </div><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p></div>Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-68473908216365694932010-03-18T18:33:00.001+00:002010-03-18T18:33:03.065+00:00COTIC BONTRAGER RACING, RIDING & GUIDING ADVENTURES
<div class='posterous_autopost'> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style=""><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;">THE RACE – INTERNATIONALIA D’ITALIA R2 MONTICHIARI, ITALY</span></b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">This month is all about reminding one’s legs how to suffer and go hard. I have had a great season of winter base training and strength work, and fortunately no major colds or health issues that have kept me off the bike...only a minor collision with a car that left me shaking in my shoes, but luckily no major damage to body or bike.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style=""> </span>When it did snow then it was great fun to get out in the mountains surrounding our little Luchon home. Ian and I enjoyed many a snowy mountain bike ride this winter, but also made the most of the days we could go snow shoeing which is not only a fabulous work out, but believe it or not you can get quite an adrenaline rush on the way down, especially when you head away from the main tracks and find yourself on your butt sliding from one switchback to the next. But now I’m itching to become faster on the bike, the fitness is there and I’m stronger than last year, but there is no point being fit if you can’t go fast. So now it’s time to hit the races for my favourite type of training....RACING!</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Racing makes you fast, and very quickly points out your weaknesses. It’s not always about fitness and there is so much you can learn by just getting out of your comfort zone and racing the best mountain bikers in the world and of course the best mountain bike courses in the world. I love competing against other racers, BUT I actually get more of a buzz testing myself and my lovely Cotic Soda on different courses. <span style=""> </span>So this month I planned a Potter training and racing camp in Italy, which would also coincide with my birthday.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">I do realise I babble on at times, so have tried to condense my writing by turning this blog into a diary, before the race report begins....I just hope that one day when I’m old and knackered I can look back on these adventures and be transported back to this time in my life when I’m fortunate enough to be riding a bike for a living....a living that is not about material wealth, as mountain biking will never pay the bills, but a lifestyle that enables me to BE ALIVE, and not stuck in a concrete jungle suffering from the stresses of the world and CSN....more about that soon!</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">So here is a little diary of my first week of the 2010 race season....</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="">THURSDAY MARCH 4</b> – mini bus starter motor stops working AGAIN.....arrive at Ian’s dad’s place at the wonderful time of 10pm after 14hrs of driving. I have finally learnt the art of bump starting a vehicle after countless attempts between southern Spain and northern Italy. My alter ego ‘Veronica Stress Head’ also comes out to play and decides not to speak to Ian for 14hrs because I think he has forgotten my birthday....</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="">FRIDAY MARCH 5</b> – ...MY BIRTHDAY!!! Ian hasn’t forgotten...oops! I am presented with some wonderful presents and am reminded that I’m the one who likes surprises, so there was no need to ignore Mr Potter for 14hrs was there? Well he shouldn’t pretend so well that he has forgotten my birthday. I had a wonderful day walking dogs, dining on the edge of Lake Bolsema with family, and discovering some urban biking action around the streets of Montefiascone.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="">SATURDAY MARCH 6</b> – Discover some great off road on my training ride and the most amazing single track whilst being chased by dogs...legs were truly put to the test today.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="">SUNDAY MARCH 7</b> – Another day out on the bikes, but this time Ian and I ride around Lake Bolsema with a goal to beat 3hrs....2.5hrs later with two wrong turns!!! Really pleased, but then my brain tells me that it really wants to do 3hrs, so make Ian keep riding around in circles even though he has blown <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="">MONDAY MARCH 8</b> – A huge lunch before we embark on our travels again. This includes the biggest cake I have ever seen. Ian decides it’s time to throw his diet to get down to ‘XC race weight’ out the window and focus on becoming faster downhill with his little saying “FAT IS FAST!” The Cotic Bontrager Race Team now head further north to Lake Garda for the first race of the 2010 mountain bike season. ...YAY!</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="">TUESDAY MARCH 9</b> – We are staying in a lovely little apartment on the edge of Lake Garda that was very cheap for some reason.....wind, rain, sleet and snow follow the Potters around on their 3hr mountain bike training session. My hope to swim in the pool and bask in the sunshine is not to be as the pool has frozen...DOH!</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="">WEDNESDAY MARCH 10</b> – The Potters are snowed in and the only English channel on TV is CSN. I’m truly frustrated and depressed by the ongoing news and state of this world we are living in. I’m actually pleading with CSN reporters to report on something happy for a change, surely there is something to smile about, something to keep our minds of the horrors and disasters that confront mankind every day..... ‘Veronica Stress Head’ raises her ugly head once again, but this time I take it out on the turbo. After the most intense interval session that I hope will cheer me up, I’m left hobbling as legs have been truly hammered.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="">THURSDAY MARCH 11</b> – Recovery day and I’m banned from watching anymore CSN!!! Snow has finally melted and the sun is shining. It is time to explore the area. Only an easy spin today, but we see so many cyclists riding around the lake that I’m truly tempted to scrap the recovery day. Ian locks the bikes away just in case. By chance we come across a gorgeous old fort on the peninsula where we act all touristy and buy postcards.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="">FRIDAY MARCH 12</b> – PRE-RACE TRAINING!!! Time to check the course out....Where is the course Kate? What time do we register? So many questions, but not knowing any Italian I say we just rock up and hope for the best. Although Montichiari is not on our map, I see a sign after 20 minutes of driving around in circles and then we spot mountain bikers. Who needs a map eh? When heading to a mountain bike race in Europe, just look for bikers, caravans and concrete steps and you can’t go far wrong. The course has kind of been marked out and we simply follow other mountain bikers and enjoy the single track which I might add is super steep, super muddy and oh so much fun, although grip is an issue on the climbs. I’m also suffering from severe leg pain after training on Wednesday, the DOMS effect (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) has well and truly raised its ugly head. Perhaps choosing to use a double chain ring on a steep course such as this is not the wisest decision, but I remind myself that ‘PAIN IS AN EMOTION AND EMOTION IS TO BE ENJOYED!!!” (gulp) . Plus with the amount of mud on this course I decide to risk more leg pain rather than chain suck. Then we see other riders appearing from nowhere, and we’re not too sure where they have come from. I spot riders heading into what looks like a castle...we follow them inside the castle and next minute we are descending down a long set of steep steps that are inside the building. We are actually racing inside part of this amazing looking, centuries year old castle....I can’t stop giggling as I doubt health and safety in Oz or the UK would approve, but I love it!</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="">SATURDAY MARCH 13</b> – RACE DAY!!!!</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="">OFFICIAL KP RACE REPORT</b></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Legs are still hurting from that ‘wonderful’ training session three days ago, but I’m really excited about racing on this course. The drive to the course takes about 20 minutes and in that time we notice there is still patchy snow around, and although very sunny, the temperature remains chilly. </p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">There is no opportunity to check the course out today to see if the steep sections, both up and down have dried out, so I choose to have lower tyre pressures and mud tyres. I know I’m going to regret this decision if it dries out, but that is the risk I take as I was out descending and climbing Ian yesterday simply because his tyres were too hard.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">I still don’t know where the start loops is, and take myself off for a little exploring on the road sections and through the castle, and of course up and down all the steps that make up part of the race loop. I avoid any mud as the bike and I were a state after yesterday’s practice ride and there is no bike wash close by. Finally gridding starts and there are girls everywhere. It is just like a world cup with some of the world’s top racers here. I find myself on the second row and when I look behind me I can’t see the back of the grid, which is awesome. It is so cool to see how many female mountain bikers have entered not just the elite category, but other categories as well. More than 50 in every category....COOLIO!!!!</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">So the countdown to the race start begins. I know my legs are not race ready, but I also know this is the start of a long race season which won’t end until October. There are 30 seconds to go as a guy calls out ‘trenta’, and as I pull myself into my start position........suddenly half the field have taken off, including the very front row of past world cup winners and world champs....as if they need any more of a head start. We are called back, so I stay calm and wait with one foot clipped in, but then so many girls have continued forward that the organisers shrug their shoulders and that is my signal to get a move on if I want to race.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">So I attack this very long steep tarmac climb with every ounce of energy and mentally scream at my legs to stop complaining. From the back of 50 girls I managed to pass riders and end up around 15<sup>th</sup> by the time we hit the off road single track which is fast and flowy, and oh so much grippier than yesterday. I realise pretty quickly that I should have more air in my tyres, but remind myself that ‘PAIN IS AN EMOTION AND EMOTION IS TO BE ENJOYED!!!’, This is a training race after all and it is good mental and physical preparation for what is in store this year.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">There are virtually no rest spots on this course, as the descents are not very long and always lead into another steep climb. There are so many steps to ride, including a dozen drops offs all in a row and a long climb up a set of steps would you believe that are just spread out enough so you can ride up them.<span style=""> </span>I’m with a group of 5 racers and we are all working at 120% to try and drop one other. By lap 3 I’m fighting it out with one girl now, who just keeps attacking and attacking, but never quite getting rid of me. We soon find ourselves passing other riders who have blown, and I have moved forward to 11<sup>th</sup> position according to Ian when I start my own series of attacks. I move into 10<sup>th</sup> position by the final lap and Ian warns me that 9<sup>th</sup> was struggling and not too far out in front. I am chasing hard and finally catch 9<sup>th</sup> going into the final piece of single track that begins steeply, before some very tight switchbacks, and then continues on like a roller coaster....one minute you are going down, the next using all your might to climb the short sections without running and then going down again. We end up stuck behind a rider from a different category and both of us are forced to slow the pace. I try to speak French for some reason, hoping she might pull over and let us pass, but perhaps my strange aussie/french accent in Italy came across all wrong as I’m completely ignored would you believe <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">At the end of the single track we drop onto a long piece of tarmac, and I remain on her back wheel thinking about where to make my attacking move, but the cobbled streets are narrow and I’m pushed into the barriers by some very aggressive elbow action from Daniela Veronesi who takes 9th by 1 second. I’m shattered, but buzzing from head to toe because that race course has to be one of my all time favourites.....so many steps, a castle and the steepest single track that will keep me smiling until the next mountain bike race challenge comes my way.</p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="">SUNDAY MARCH 14</b> – An early 5am wake up call, although I have been awake all night as I’m still buzzing from the race adrenaline that is a natural part of racing. I close my eyes and I can still feel myself descending down all those steps. Ian and I pack Mini Blue and head home to Luchon.....just 13hrs to go.....now I’m really tired. Poor Ian is going to have to chat to himself again <span style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span></p> <br />A Quick Release Holidays<br />Tel: 0845 1304824<p /><a href="http://www.aquickrelease.com">http://www.aquickrelease.com</a><br /> <p><a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/GWAMRVYDoEG20sHCtPdXtiMIEeYLiyy1Ht99KwoXpAfHPsDv2p6bLKiEEkwv/DSC_0401.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/MIS2RRkjXOwddtfKTHrW1lpzrbOXqzcIe9jG24YGTJU0tvrCmvAFN8th8avm/DSC_0401.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="336"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/WjrSluP9TI4pLiKzT4Lum00ZLsv605yxBSadGp9yFr9isLXD3ydSgkYQNC4n/DSC_0413.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/3BAuFVdVyusbUI0OA7N8BIilQRZ8L6IMuGixyHVZT6f92dQ4GG1biyXDN2Zy/DSC_0413.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="745"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/w3wty0GdmjjgCNPeqBVho2dgiPcAo8UX9fczhJivgjEdSy8bBqRBfUkmDpxi/DSC_0381.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/uFm5cNFoFqHhAt64QmfIZht0td7j94y9BOSk9IszsCSSDiJXclSR43qsCNHi/DSC_0381.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="745"/></a> <div><a href='http://katepotter.posterous.com/cotic-bontrager-racing-riding-and-guiding-adv'>See and download the full gallery on posterous</a></div></p><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p></div> Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-34277033156691361842010-02-03T11:38:00.001+00:002010-02-03T11:38:06.811+00:00BLOODY KNEES!!!!!
<div class='posterous_autopost'><a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/w2WQGQH3I04JR87gClsihD15TBU5bEbjxzQiK7fdDxuYiloN2HOSnZ8cF7IU/katedown.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/x20NWDzmANnBAUfAZrGRm6rQZwDkJbcvkFDPaWh15YKuspHbG6rUvPAzSLBD/katedown.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="667"/></a> <p></p><div>I have just completed my second big build of training for the 2010 race season. All is going to plan and I'm rather pleased with the way I feel right now...............except that I have a huge hole in my knee.....OUCH!!! I have knocked it again! Why do I do that?!?!</div> <div> </div> <div>Now as mountain bikers we can't escape the odd scratch, the dirty tumbles and the occasional injuries. It's all part of mountain biking.....every so often we misjudge a trail and the trail wins. But ever since my mother said "I'm so pleased you started riding a bike because running will destroy your knees......". </div> <div> </div> <div>....NOW time after time whenever I take a tumble you can be certain my knees will take the full force of the battering. When mother dear said those fateful words I bet she didn't touch wood, I certainly didn't and should know better. Ok I admit I believe in touching wood, because it works for me, and for that reason I advise you all to touch wood or be cursed, because my knees have been cursed I tell you!!!</div> <div> </div> <div>6 years ago I put that phone receiver down. I didn't see any wood to touch, and thought nothing of my mum's comment. It was time to start work. Time for another glorious day of mountain bike guiding on Lefkada Island....10am turned into 3pm and there was one more descent to go down. Soon we would all be back at the resort for an afternoon swim. It was my turn to descend first so I could mark the bottom of the trail for the safety of our guests (a trail I ran up every morning as my pre-ride warm up, so I knew it well), Ian sorted out the jeep and Mark remained at the back of the group. Next minute I see a cute donkey in the corner of my eye (first time I have ever seen a donkey here)....I feel a rope around my waist (oh! OHHH!)...and I'm flung in the air (I'm seriously high). There is no time to search for a soft tuft of grass, this is Greece after all, where the terrain is like a cheese grater. The full force of my body comes crashing down and my right knee takes the battering. OUCH!!!!! And it hurt......ALOT! (gulp)</div> <div> </div> <div>So I was bandaged up and rushed to hospital....a greek hospital. Now we knew some greek, but at the time the doctor was more interested in leaning towards his nurse rather than listening to my pleading cries, "Do Not Cut THERE!" </div> <div> </div> <div>He continued to look lovingly into the nurse's eyes, and it was only when I hit him that he realised his scissors were cutting into my wound. I won't go into detail, but the look on his face when he took the bandage off my knee said it all.....In fact when he made those Universal sounds of UGHGHGH!!! I didn't need to know any Greek to understand what he was saying. Yes It was ugly. </div> <div> </div> <div>However me being me, I was determined not to let my bloody knee stop me from moving, but then the swelling and infection were pretty serious, and the leg was not very flexible, ok I admit it didn't really bend at all.....And I know I did myself no favours trying to walk/run/hop (kind of) around the resort a bit lopsided (when Ian wasn't looking of course) as I was bored out of my brains and no amount of pain was going to stop me from doing just a little bit of exercise....ok I admit I would not reccomend this to anyone, but you have know idea how bored I was, and me being me...yes I'm my worst enemy, enough said!</div> <div> </div> <div>Two days later Ian and I headed to Chamonix, French Alps to continue our season as guides for a few months. I was back on the bike, but I still had an infected knee that I had to try not to hit or knock in anyway, but me being me, I always seemed to knock it.....the pain was like a knife going through my leg. Everytime I went mountain biking I was reminded about my Mum's fateful words "I'm so pleased you started riding a bike because running will destroy your knees", and the fact that I did not touch wood...oh and the fact that I'm unbelievably clumbsy at times didn't help. Why do I keep banging my knee on the handle bars?!?!</div> <div> </div> <div>I put up with that pain for weeks on end. But one day I woke up, banged my knee as I did at the breakfast table each morning, and for the first time in weeks there was no shooting pain up my leg. Today was going to be a good day. I was cured! From this day forth, no more knee pain.....and guess who forgot to touch wood?</div> <div> </div> <div>Later that day my bike decided to miss some bends out on a trail, it (not me) it missed the bends! I just had to make that clear.</div> <div> </div> <div>IT, the bike, wanted more excitement, and took off down the fall line of the mountainside. Now this is Chamonix, not a gentle slope in the Nottinghamsire Alps (that's for Steve if you're reading). I suddenly realised my brakes didn't work and very soon the fall line of the mountainside would be sheer. So I jumped and landed very heavily on my left leg.</div> <div>Another OUCH moment and this time a dislocated knee. The doctor said 8 weeks off the bike...I said DEUX! And incase he didn't understand my aussie accent I stuck up two fingers, but not in a rude way mind you....that was to Ian who said I couldn't do anything for 8 weeks.</div> <div> </div> <div>So I hobbled down to the Chamonix pool every morning to get the leg moving. It was a 10km off road hobble (each way) with crutches that Ian went mad at me for when he found out. But I did what I could to be back on the bike two weeks later....and to the doctor's amazement it was looking good and he actually gave me the OK thumbs up sign to ride my bike on gentle trails....in Chamonix? I couldn't run or walk very well mind you, but I could ride my bike and that was all that mattered to me at the time. Ian called me 'Hop along' when we walked, but I called him 'sloth along' when he didn't keep up with me on the hills....I just had to throw that one in :) </div> <div> </div> <div>Now let me fast forward to 2010 and to a little biking training session I did with Mr Potter a few days ago. We were doing a specific drill where I had to follow his wheel and sprint past him as fast as I could, knowing that he was then going to counter attack me straight away. We were focusing on my peak power and I was also trying to beat Ian, because I like beating Ian, and it's quite funny seeing how competitive he becomes when his wife is having a good day :) </div> <div> </div> <div>On this particular day I kept seeing the number 13...then when I looked at my watch it was 13:13 when we started the training session. Maybe I should be a little more superstitious, but at the time I thought nothing of it, and touched wood as I usually do. We were half way through the training session....going for gold I was....and hopefully a higher peak power wattage than the previous sprint....when a car suddenly reversed towards us and appeared to have forgotten to look in both directions (GULP). When this happened I was beside Ian and accelerating swiftly. On my Cotic X the brakes weren't going to stop me quickly enough to miss the car. For some reason the car stopped still and didn't accelerate forward, but I was still accelerating, although brain was in defence mode by this time. Brakes were on, wheels locked up, and it was either hit the car or fall into the loving arms of my beloved husband (well I hoped). I was forced to hit Ian's back wheel. Next minute I'm in the air, sliding along gravel and hugging a wall. I'm in some shock thinking the worst has happened to Mr Potter, and not quite knowing why I'm hugging a wall. Somehow Ian has managed to stay on his bike, but is qickly beside me. He informs me straight away that his beloved titanium Lightspeed road bike is fine and that he prevented her from crashing (mmmmmm, methinks I should be a little jealous) but he is back in good books as he performs first aid treatment on his battered and wall hugging wife, yes for some reason I kept hugging this wall....maybe Ian should be jealous.</div> <div> </div> <div>Once the shock had died down and I looked myself over properly I realised how lucky I was. I slid quite a way and came off better than I could have done..............EXCEPT MY DARN KNEE!!!!! </div> <div> </div> <div>NOT AGAIN....</div> <div> </div> <div>I suddenly feel the shooting pain from my right knee as Ian treats the bloody hole and grazing. Very strange as I didn't recall even sliding on my knee at the time. Yet another scar to add to the other biking memories written across both knees. It makes me realise that perhaps I should be thankful for both lovely knees rather than thinking that they have been cursed because although they cop a beating from my biking antics they have saved me from worse ordeals on many an occasion. </div> <div> </div> <div>The only problem now is that Ian only married me from my ankles upwards because he thinks I have hideous feet or rather that I have hobbit feet. Mr P doesn't realise that every little mark on my toes or on the soles of my feet tell a different life story or event from my running adventures. </div> <div> </div> <div>Now he thinks he can just divorce my knees because they look cursed and definitely won't make the front page of any beauty magazine...but as far as I'm concerned, and after some deep thought I have come to the conclusion that they are not cursed at all, but an important part of KP biking history. I will show off my tale telling feet and knees when I'm 80 to my grandchildren and tell then about all the biking and running antics I enjoyed in my younger years.....Ian just thinks I'm cruel, not cursed. </div> <div> </div> <div>So respect your knees and they will respect you. OUCH!!! I have knocked it again! Why do I do that?!?! Or just keep touching wood and hope for the best :)</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div><br />A Quick Release Holidays<br />Tel: 0845 1304824<p /><a href="http://www.aquickrelease.com/" target="_blank">http://www.aquickrelease.com</a><br /></div><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p></div> Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-17249565725836285592010-01-04T12:15:00.001+00:002010-01-04T12:15:26.639+00:00XMAS...POTTER STYLEE...and yes we were humbugs!
<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;">I have always believed that where there is a ying there is a yang. To appreciate the highs in life you must face the lows. I used to hate winters....cold, dark, SAD sucking misery months even in Oz....well sometimes....</span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span>J</span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;">. But actually Ian and I have just returned from the most exhilarating winter mountain bike ride that has left chilly tingles down my spine. I admit it was cold, and a tad damp in places...well to be honest I’m soaked to the bone. However I haven’t wiped the muddy smile from my face since returning home, and once I finish writing this blog I will be rugged up next to our little wood burning fire feeling all tingly and buzzy, knowing I have earnt my extra portions of homemade soup and crusty french bread. </span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;">I have been hoping to write a festive blog to coincide with the festive period, but suddenly it is the something of January....I don’t even know what day it is. So I hope it’s not bad luck that I’m still going on about Xmas. I was told by my Mum once that on January 1<sup>st</sup> all decorations and Xmas trees should be packed away...mmmm...all I can say is ‘oops’ because our little tree remains in place and here I am still going on about Xmas.</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;">I love Xmas!!! When I was growing up Xmas meant running along the beach, surfing (well trying to), tennis, touch football, more swimming, but this time in the platypus filled creek at my nan’s place....and in between playing sports and swimming, eating cold salads, tropical fruits, cold meats and on occasion my family would overdose on prawns and seafood (Urck, I kept to the salads). There was also the occasional festive BBQ...have you ever tried a barbied banana....now that is a Xmas treat, especially with some raisins on top.</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;">Mr Potter on the other hand sees Xmas as one day of well deserved slothfulness that includes a DVD 12-24hr marathon session, depending on how many mid morning and afternoon siestas he treats himself to. Exercise, even mountain biking I’m afraid to say is banned in the Potter household at Xmas, well so Mr P reckons! Now they always say that opposites attract, but when it comes to Xmas day opposites argue, whine and at times suffer wifely pouting sessions or in worst case scenario the dreaded silent treatment....until one Potter gives in (and we know who that should be </span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span>J</span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;"> ). Well that is what’s supposed to happen in KP world, but on Xmas day Ian is always at his most stubbornness....’bah humbug!’</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;">Now because I couldn’t persuade Ian to join me in my own idyllic version of a KP Xmas in 2009, I decided we would go hiking on Xmas Eve and that the 24<sup>th</sup> December would be my Xmas day (In fact going by Aussie time it kind of was Xmas for me on this day anyhow). The Potters were to share 48hrs of Xmas festivities together....YAYAY!</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;">KP’s XMAS 24<sup>th</sup> DECEMBER</span></b><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;"> - Ian hates hiking, but I decided that was how I wanted to spend my Xmas day. Why does Ian hate hiking? Well we have a bit of a habit of finding amazing single track whenever I drag Ian off into the mountains, single track with a zillion switchbacks to play on....and in true Potter hiking fashion on KP’s Xmas day we came across a trail so good that Ian and I started acting like 8 year olds as we pretended to ride our bikes down this piece of heavenly made trail (we were even making sound effects). I was having so much fun!</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;">But soon the bike pretending stops because Ian starts grovelling that he hates walking good single track and then without meaning to I suddenly have BLISTERS and can’t walk as fast as Ian would like me to...8hrs later and we are almost back from our little Xmas hike...well almost. By now the silent treatment has started (well and truly) as we Potters watch the sun disappear over the mountains that overlook Luchon....you would think for many couples this sounds like quite a romantic little Xmas evening...BUT...</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;">Ian makes it quite clear that he is now HUNGRY (Ian does not do ‘hungry’) and does not want anymore of my rubbish ‘bird seed’ that I took for us as a snack to eat <span> </span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span>J</span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;">. But I remind Ian that it is my Xmas at the moment and I want to watch the Xmas lights twinkling over Luchon and listen to the church bells before going home. I also say in a firmer voice (like my mother’s) ‘no shivering or hunger pain sounds allowed Mr P! I don’t care if it’s now minus 10 degrees!’ So the two Potters glove to glove, shiver to shiver, watch the glowing Luchon Xmas lights....then to cheer up Mr P some more I start singing jingle bells as the church bells echo across the valley floor and Ian's lips turn a shade of blue....and no I don’t care if I sound like Kermit the frog this is my Xmas night and I want to make the most of it.</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;">IP’s XMAS 25<sup>th</sup> DECEMBER</span></b><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;"> – Ian wakes me up with this truly evil laugh. He announces that it is 'his' Xmas day now....DOH! I have this horrible vision of watching 12hrs of Star Trek on what is a glorious sunny day in Luchon. “Why can’t we go mountain biking?” Ian almost looks torn between mountain biking with his wife or making his wife suffer after KP's Xmas he endured the day before. Mr P decides to stick to his Xmas marathon DVD plan, but firstly he thinks some fresh air would do us some good. I’m gobsmacked and so pleased , but before I have a chance to change into my running wear and trainers, Ian announces that ‘I’ will be getting dressed up for ‘his’ Xmas day walk....groan....I’m forced to wear boots with heels, stockings, a skirt and even lip stick. This is my worst nightmare. Then I realise that every step I take causes me more pain than you can imagine. My blisters have quadrupled in size and even I’m starting to wish the marathon DVD session had started now as Star Trek sounds far more appealing as I hobble down the main street....grrrrr.</span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;">Finally we return home and Star Trek commences, I refuse to join Ian in countless servings of chocolate pudding he bought himself the day before as a Xmas treat. I’m not even allowed to cook as Ian wants to see me completely relaxed and doing nothing for ‘his’ Xmas day. What he doesn’t realise is that doing nothing is complete and utter torture for his Mrs, but then I’m reminded that it was my Xmas day yesterday and that he was forced to go hiking.....but that wasn’t torture? </span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings;"><span>J</span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;"></span></p> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;">Now it’s time for another Sci Fi/fantasy movie, but this time ‘Terminator 4’. I can’t do this anymore and I threaten to walk out, well hobble out, unless I can at least ride my turbo trainer during the next film. Ian decides I have been tortured enough and so I’m actually allowed to ride my bike (well kind of) for the next three hours. It might not be a trail, but at least I can imagine myself on one.....with sound effects and all. </span></p> <div style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;">THE POTTER’S BOXING DAY 26<sup>th</sup> DECEMBER</span></b><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;"> – Finally, we Potters are back to ‘OUR’ normal ways, as we head off into the mountains on our trusty Cotic steeds to play on some awesome single track. Now that ‘OUR’ 48hrs of Xmas together can be laid to rest and the torture forgotten about for another year, it is time to rip each other’s legs off up those climbs and giggle down those descents, whilst fully appreciating the time we share together every day as man and wife, except Xmas time the only time of year we would rather not 'appreciate' the time we endure together :)</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;">All the best biking adventures for 2010!!!</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;"></span> </div> <p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%;"> </span></p><br />A Quick Release Holidays<br />Tel: 0845 1304824<p /><a href="http://www.aquickrelease.com/" target="_blank">http://www.aquickrelease.com</a><br /> <p><a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/uXMzUONQvtDtYhcCPkdyt0UuHcHhFu4TjkLQUCIuyBUkOy9MfZnRltmWJ1fH/CIMG1297.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/8ubIWaCuzjhCVPOgQJkYp2ZpL6s6AE39qq6uiSvVQr9KXHmYlWipgE3W6atP/CIMG1297.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/rg180Niibw9GmBJMDNrvbO88e6f6X9zZDX42TnNwJD1lcQP6ViKfMB2ylfYw/luchon_3.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/0xaBFzUAA1oO5YszRI1HUdaRQIXczEMbVFr4WcC8RvN7Ms3Mm9hIQVxibOFW/luchon_3.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/b2iz4qn1JJtMm1ISHEaRbvwUWhL98A8YbsGS3KWBI9YXPNfsjDp9flw17aRn/CIMG0899.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/YBMVDjEG9NxKlS8HhNZreFYGQU1mokR1L4Sf7XNwPPZqhd1kme6AcEXdAG33/CIMG0899.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a> <a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/deDkWQs2l1822zAUWF6XVWiVRsqtSZh1VjyIuZrwtp15je8y6VtiI3F0nSBZ/DSC_0218.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/RfSLiJ9wkbOFbrfqjjllbwY7aoP0s2nbBUMNvAy1blTf4Du7vd3HFJ75hVSD/DSC_0218.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="747"/></a> <div><a href='http://katepotter.posterous.com/xmaspotter-styleeand-yes-we-were-humbugs'>See and download the full gallery on posterous</a></div></p><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p> Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-51953884355937772482009-12-17T14:01:00.001+00:002009-12-17T14:01:34.921+00:00Mountain Bikers Helping One of Their Own
<a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/1moWfCMWbRIcP1yJqzod1vdt8kphgzqHbghAza876wKquaXQ2j4fhB60sreV/DSCN2916.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/katepotter/8ncl5slbqSIeayJssm0nvDm0p9I8zdPVIrj1cvXFNj12lIppzsiSPZlN9BCS/DSCN2916.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="667"/></a> <p></p><div class="gmail_quote"> <div class="gmail_quote"> <div class="gmail_quote"> <div> <div><div style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;"> <div>Well I was on one big racing high after competing at my first cyclo cross world cup and have been trying to find a spare moment to write about my brief little cyclo cross adventure in Belgium, but bigger issues, personal and family life have taken priority right now....it has been far more important for me to stop and smell the roses before I get caught up and carried away with all the mountain biking and racing adventures that are already in store for me in 2010.</div> <div> </div> <div>I have had a string of bad news lately, but it can only get better, and to tell you the truth when you think you have problems then there is always someone else out there with bigger issues. </div> <div> </div> <div>When I represented Australia at the World Championships I met a young, up and coming junior ountain bike racer who had been diagnosed with cancer. I didn't know who he was at first because all the Australian juniors were always smiling and giving training their best shot, no one stood out as suffering anymore than the others. When I realised who Brendan was I was inspired by his dedication to mountain bike racing and his smile that remained the right way up the whole time, although in alot of pain. </div> <div> </div> <div>Mountain bike racing is a hard sport physically and can be quite dangerous. Brendan refused to give up his place on the Australian National Team, although he would be needing every ounce of energy he had inside him for a life saving operation not long after the Mountain Bike World Championships. While we mountain bikers nursed injuries and complained of sore legs post race, Brendan was preparing himself for another battle, one that would require even more strength and determination than any mountain bike race could offer.</div> <div> </div> <div>Sometimes I think it's all too easy to forget what sport and the Olympics should be based on, and who we consider role models in this day and age. Sport brings people together and that was what the first Modern Olympics was supposed to be be all about. With the amount of commercialisation that surrounds professional sport and the Olympics, it can be easy to forget for example why we actually started riding a bike in the first place....sport at any level can produce gold medal winning performances from a sporting community, especially when LIFE is concerned. </div> <div> </div> <div>Australian mountain bikers have joined forces to help Brendan Johnston..... </div></div> <p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;">'Own a piece of Australian mountain biking history and support Trekky’s cancer treatment. Up for auction on ebay (<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150397647262" title="http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150397647262" target="_blank">item 150397647262</a>) is an official Australian national team jersey signed by members of the Australian mountain bike team that raced the world championships at Mt Stromlo in September 2009. </span></p> <div class="im"> <p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;"></span></p> <p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;">The shirt is a brand new medium sized Santini jersey with MTBA logo as worn by our national team. Most of the team has signed the jersey including Beijing Olympian Dan McConnell, national champions Rowena Fry and Lachlan Norris and many more including Katherine O’Shea and Paul Van Der Ploeg. </span></p> <p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;"></span></p> <p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;">All proceeds from this auction will go to assist Brendan “Trekky” Johnston in his fight against cancer. Brendan was diagnosed with cancer just before the World Championships this year; he had urgent surgery to remove the cancer and amazingly was able to get back on the bike to race the championships and finish 50th. He is now at the start of a long road of chemotherapy. You can read more on Trekky’s website at <a href="http://www.keepingtrekkyontrack.com/" title="http://www.keepingtrekkyontrack.com/" target="_blank">http://www.keepingtrekkyontrack.com/</a>. </span></p> <p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;"></span></p> <p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;">So help us help Trekky, and score yourself some unique Aussie sporting memorabilia. Bid now at <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150397647262" title="http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150397647262" target="_blank">http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150397647262</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial;"> </span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p> Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-89086773808593110082009-12-01T15:53:00.001+00:002009-12-01T15:53:28.613+00:00A POTTER SEASIDE CX HOLIDAY....
<div><strong>CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION TO CX</strong></div> <div>Well my 2009 CX days have finished for now. This year I wanted to taste a little bit of cyclo cross to see if I enjoyed it. Nothing too serious, just a few races to entertain me in the early days of the mountain bike off season as I unwind from all the racing and travelling I have faced in 2009. I have spent the last 8 weeks riidng the Cotic >X< at every available opportunity as the bridleways and farmers fields surrounding Ian's family home aren't very exciting on a mountain bike....BUT on a cyclo cross bike it is a different story altogether. I have loved the experience and have looked forward to racing not once, but twice most weekends. It has been great only travelling down the road to race a Notts & Derby Race or spending no more than an hour driving to a race elsewhere in the UK, such as a West Midlands race or to a race in Lincolnshire. I have met some great people along the way who have all taken the time to advise me on areas of CX racing that I never knew, and really needed to know more about....like that you really do need two bikes for CX racing, even though I told Ian I could get by with one cross bike this season...I didn't want to go to too much hassle you see..and there is only so much space at the inlaws for our road bikes, commuting bikes, mountain bikes, race bikes, and now cross bikes when we stay with them in the UK. But luckily Ian insisted we do things properly....</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>CHAPTER 2</strong></div> <div>Well when it was time to face my first National Trophy in the UK after only 4 weeks of CXing under my lycra belt. I was looking forward to a hard race. I wasn't bothered about the result, but I like being competitive with myself and feeling as though my legs have had a good work out....it helps me to relax....as I can be way too hyper for my own good sometimes. The mud on course was thick and not very friendly, but there were plenty of bends and little fast drops, as well as an energy zapping climb that looked like it would be best to run...well for me plod up as I could do with some extra length in my thighs. There were close to thirty girls on the start line and I took my position at the back as expected. When it was time to be let loose I surged forward and by the first corner was sitting comfortably in fourth ready to face the muddy fields at the furthest point of the race. Then I sank...literally....My tyre had gone down completely....DOH! I had only been racing for less than a couple of minutes. I tried to ride on the rim, but knowing we had no spare wheels and a bank account that couldn't afford to damge these wheels we were using made me think that was race over. I tried to ride smoothly....which ended up being very slowly, so then I ran in places....but that wasn't too fast either. By the time I reached Ian I was out of the race in last position, but luckily Ian had managed to build the second bike minutes before the start of this race, so I wasn't out of the race altogether...just a very long way behind. Oops I needed a proper kick up the back side now as I tried to chase down girls out in front. I was having a great time though and was really getting into it when I heard the bell go for the final lap.....I couldn't believe I only had one lap to go after only 28 minutes of racing. I was hoping for at least another two laps. I finished 7th in the end, 1.29min behind the winner Hannah Barnes, which I wasn't disapointed with, but it just finished way too quickly. I felt like a 5 year old who has been told the party is over and it's time to go home....yep bottom lip out and plenty of foot stamping! :)</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>CHAPTER 3 - A WEEK TO REMEMBER or NOT TO REMEMBER....that is the question.</strong></div> <div>Now I know it took me a few years before I headed to my first cross country world cup. But the rate that I improved by throwing myself in the deep end was the best investment I have undertaken in all my riding and racing years. My Coach Neil Ross, the head Australian national coach and previous Canadian Cyclo Cross national Coach encouraged me to take part in a UCI training camp for newbies such as me to learn about cyclo cross, and as part of the camp we would be facing the best cyclo cross racers in the world at a world cup being held at the end of the week in Koksijde, Belgium.....golly gulp....but I was excited about the experience.</div> <div> </div> <div>The Potters headed to Dover to escape the wet UK weather and stay in an area that we were told is supposed to be the sunniest spot in Belgium.</div> <div>This trip would also be a nice little break for Ian and I as husband and wife, rather than business partners as we have been working full time on the paperwork and accounts lately which is not our favourite AQR job, but one that always seems to mount up at this time of year. So we were using this trip as a little holiday as well. At the same time we had to move house again for the 4th time as we had all the AQR stock for the season, furniture, loads of suitcases full of Ian's clothes...he really needs to learn how to pack light and of course 12 x 2kg bag of oats to keep us fed for a month or two :)</div> <div> </div> <div>We were ready to roll at the glorious hour of 5am and gave ourselves plenty of time to head to Dover for our ferry crossing....but the traffic Gods had other ideas. 20 minutes into our journey and we were at a standstill for well over an hour. Luckily we arrived in Dover with a few minutes up our sleeve, only to be told there was over an hour delay anyway. The woman sorting our tickets out gave me this weird expression that I interpreted as meaning...YOU ARE IN FOR A ROCKY RIDE. The winds were howling and deep down I actually hoped the ferry crossing would be cancelled as the waves looked treacherous and my stomach has never been a good ferry traveller. I found a lounge area for us to lie down in and I got myself in my anti nausea position and thought happy thoughts. I hugged Ian tightly as Ian is a much better traveller than I am and by burying myself in his warm protective arms...I knew he would be my saviour. The boat seriously rocked from side to side and the waves came crashing down on the windows making me jump every time. Ian couldn't have been more loving..."WILL YOU STOP JUMPING and YOU ARE SQUASHING MY LUNGS!" I was ready to argue the point that as my husband one should be more loving when wife is feeling distressed. Next minute Ian is throwing up in a cup....oops Ian had turned a shade of green. I had a quick look around the lounge area and there were bodies on the floor and alot of sick people running to the toilets or just putting head between their legs..need I say more. It was rather chaotic and all I could do to prevent myself from the same green faced fate was to bury my head into the side of a chair and sing a Kylie song to block the noise out.....I should be so Lucky...lucky, lucky, lucky...mmm"</div> <div> </div> <div>This little ferry crossing was the start of an adventurous week, when you just think WHY ME? When we finally arrived at our destination at 6:05pm, 5 minutes after we were supposed to have checked in, we were told we were staying elsewhere as we must have arrived too late. An hour later and we finally found the hotel after driving up and down the same street trying to work out the one way road system. Luckily the owner found us a lovely hotel we could stay in that was actually closed up for the winter, but we were welcome to make ourselves at home. Then it was time to park the mini bus and trailer. Now this was a comedy act in itself and rather than go into great detail let me just say that a broken trailer and a flat tyre later we had finally parked up.</div> <div> </div> <div>The next day gale forced winds made the training ride....interesting. I enjoying some flying moments on and off the bike as did some of the other riders. One memorable moment was when I tried to glue myself to a back wheel to be protected from the high winds, suddenly I found myself on the ground with my front wheel trapped in another wheel as a few of us fell down like dominoes. Then it rained and rained and rained and rained....need I say more.</div> <div> </div> <div>Then it was time to sort out that flat tyre....the tyre was only a couple of weeks old so we were hoping it wouldn't take long to fix......mmmmmmm!?!?!?!?!</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>PROBLEM 1</strong></div> <div>The bolts are stuck!</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>PROBLEM 2</strong></div> <div>It is my job to get hold of the spare wheel....those bolts are stuck too!</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>PROBLEM 3</strong></div> <div>Ian has packed the wrong nut thingy that goes on the other thingy tool to take bolts off...I accept my weakness when it comes to knowing tool names and mechanical thingies....so I was not responsible for this little problem we were now in as we could not remove the nuts from the wheel.</div> <div><strong></strong> </div> <div><strong>PROBLEM 4</strong></div> <div>5 shops later that were in walking distance and we still don't have a nut thingy for the other tool thingy to get the nuts off....BUT there is a shop a little less than 10km away.</div> <div><strong></strong> </div> <div><strong>PROBLEM 5</strong></div> <div>IT IS VERY WET & WINDY & COLD....but we pedal onwards and try not to get blown away by gale force winds and the horizontal rain. We cannot hear each other, so let's just say it wasn't a very social ride, but at least we survived.</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>A RESULT</strong> - 2 days later the wheel has been sorted and our marriage is still intact. So our little holiday has consisted of training camp and fixing a tyre before WORLD CUP RACE DAY arrives.....now this is another story in itself, so I shall leave it there for now because I have some video of the course that I want to show you and I'm still trying to down load it etc etc. </div> <div> </div> <div><strong>A LITTLE RACECREPORT SNIPPET</strong> - Just so you know the course was really tough, but FUN!!!! Just ANTI FUN when stomach and back go into spasm on first lap when you are trying to race hard!!!!! But I promise to be really upbeat about the race because I made a little bit of Aussie cycling history last weekend, so I have been told. Apparently I am the first Aussie lady to represent Oz at a cyclo cross world cup...and it won't be the last time either as I'm hooked!</div> <div> </div> <div>Cheerios for now</div> <div>KPxo</div> <div> </div> <div><br />A Quick Release Holidays<br />Tel: 0845 1304824<p /><a href="http://www.aquickrelease.com">http://www.aquickrelease.com</a><br /></div><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p> Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731817266552867023.post-5760766668395615632009-11-24T18:23:00.002+00:002009-11-24T20:51:54.518+00:00KP's first movie making experience....titled 'KP VRS THE BOYS'<div class="gmail_quote">This is all a bit of an experiment as I have never made a movie before. In fact I have no idea if this will even work...but at least it gives you a little bit of an insight as to how much I'm loving and hurting from cyclo cross...if it works, hopefully it will otherwise this blog has been a bit wasted really.</div> <div class="gmail_quote"> </div> <div class="gmail_quote">Cyclo cross really is super fab, and such a great winter work out....and quite a bit of a laugh really when there is so much mud to muck about in....certainly improves the KP complexion and hopefully kills any winter bugs that may be lurking as well, as I have tasted dirt alot lately.</div> <div class="gmail_quote"> </div> <div class="gmail_quote">I am now in Belgium preparing for my first cyclo cross world cup this Saturday....I thought it best to throw myself in the deep end after only 6 weeks of racing and riding CX. It's just the boys I have been racing at the Notts & Derby local league have been far too nice...fancy apologising to me for thinking they have got in my way....look boys I'm used to elbows, terrible language and even some punches in the back side....but if you do that Ian might not be happy :)</div> <div class="gmail_quote"> </div> <div class="gmail_quote">Anyway I will write a report very soon...it's just I keep entering races, and I now have a backlog of 7 reports to write, plus this world cup this weekend, plus this awesome training camp I'm on right now....so here's the deal I shall write a report with chapters in case I go on, so that you fully understand just how cool this cyclo crossing lark is and hopefully it may entice you to taste some winter mud too.</div> <div class="gmail_quote"> </div> <div class="gmail_quote">Right must dash...it's food time.</div> <div class="gmail_quote"> </div> <div class="gmail_quote">Cheerios for now</div> <div class="gmail_quote">KPxo<p /></div> <div class="gmail_quote" marginwidth="15" marginheight="15"> <p>Message from <b>kate potter:</b></p> <p><b>Click on a video below to watch it:</b></p> <table border="0" width="725"> <tr> <td><img height="14" width="14" /></td> <td><img height="14" width="700" /></td> <td><img height="14" width="14" /></td></tr> <tr> <td><img height="90" width="14" /></td> <td valign="center" align="middle"> <table border="0" width="690"> <tr> <td><a href="http://sharing.theflip.com/session/9d67abdb1519072ee3dfad896860532f/video/7460660" target="_blank"><img height="53" align="left" width="71" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 7px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px;" /></a><b>Notts & Derby R8 KP vrs the boys :)</b><br /> Video Length <b>2:49 </b><br /><a href="http://sharing.theflip.com/session/9d67abdb1519072ee3dfad896860532f/video/7460660" target="_blank"><b>Click here to watch</b></a></td></tr></table></td> <td><img height="90" width="14" /></td></tr> <tr> <td><img height="14" width="14" /></td> <td><img height="14" width="700" /></td> <td><img height="14" width="14" /></td></tr></table> </div><p style="font-size: 10px;"> Posted via email </p>Kate Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113446027228203738noreply@blogger.com10