End of Season Holiday with A Quick Release Holidays

2007 has been a wonderful year where all the hard work and long hours have finally started to pay off. No year in Kate Potter history has ever been easy. Like most people there have been moments of stress, fatigue, sadness and total frustration, especially when I discover Ian has stolen my last ginger and pineapple TORQ bar (grrrrrr!!!!!).

However this year has been a huge stepping stone and I’m proud to say that the Cotic Bontrager Race Team has made it to first base (huge sigh….), but there are still three bases left, and a second innings to follow. I have a lot of hard work and challenges that lie ahead….but for now I’m officially on go slow.

Ian and I decided to take a much needed holiday to Luchon with A Quick Release Holidays (AQR)….I’ve heard the mountain biking there is really good :) . In case you are new to my blog, Ian and I are actually the guides for AQR in Luchon. Luchon is also our home. I fell in love with Luchon the moment we visited the area back in 2002 to see Ian’s friend Russ (AQR chef and hotelier), and that was before we had even checked out the trails.

Since the company established itself four years ago, we only ever find time to explore Luchon when we give ourselves a holiday. I don’t know many people who take a holiday in their very own back yard, but I’m certainly not complaining. The days have been gorgeous, a little chilly for aussie blood, but every day has been sunny and sweet. The trees have turned the most amazing golden colour and the noise of rutting stags echo throughout the valley.

I know this won’t be a popular read for many, but waking up every morning at 9am is a luxury that Ian and I haven’t experienced for a long time. Taking the time to hold hands and walk along the river to buy bread from the bakery in town is a rare novelty for the Potter’s, golly gosh it actually sounds quite romantic. Ian even suggested we go sit by the lac and just watch the world go by, but on one condition….I wasn’t allowed to wear any article of clothing that resembled cycling kit, not even my AQR socks or Cotic beanie (doh!). I had to dress like a lady (huh?).

Pure laziness is not a feeling we Potters are used to, so as you can imagine boredom soon set in after a few minutes of watching the ducks on the lac. I wanted to suggest we go for a ride, in fact I had sneakily worn a pair of lycra shorts under my trousers. I was desperate to ride my bike, but I was trying to be on my best behaviour. Thank god Ian was bored too. I suggested we go for a walk, a long walk. Ian looked scared, from first hand experience he knows that my walks usually become full on mountaineering expeditions. Ian decided that we should go mountain biking instead. I tried to hide my joy by replying ‘alright, only if you insist’…that’s when the holiday was over.

Ian and I have two different ideas about mountain biking. I just want to ride my bike, all day, all night. I get a real buzz and sense of achievement from climbing high, really high. Ian on the other hand is a skills freak and takes great pleasure in trying to scare his wife (that be me) silly. I have always been afraid of heights, so if I see a huge drop, it takes every bit of mental strength to convince myself to stay on the bike. Usually I just close my eyes, then hope to god I will soon feel the ground beneath my tyres. That way I usually don’t panic. 9 times out of 10 it works and I land straight. Ian calls it ‘blonde’ logic.

Now it was past midday and Ian and I were still at loggerheads trying to decide who would be the AQR guide for the afternoon. Ian decided he was boss and that he was guiding moi, and he also said that it was time for my weekly skills lesson. Ian’s plan was to go for a short ride, before a skills session by the lac. I agreed so long as it could be at least three hours long and that tomorrow it would be my turn to guide Ian….I had a real beauty of an all day epic in store that would really show ‘boss’ who is ‘bossette’, as I like to call myself.

The easy ride started out on a trail I know well, before we turned off on to a narrow piece of off camber single track where there was quite an obvious drop to my right. A trail I didn’t know well. I froze. Decision time. I could cry or I could freeze, or I could possibly try and ride my bike like a tripod, or I could freeze and cry some more. Ian was calling out for me to hurry. I think I made some excuse that I was just pumping my tyres up. Then Ian suggested I might need the pump HE was carrying….mmm yes probably.

I knew I had to get on with it, and that I did. I caught up with Ian who said he wanted to check something on my bike. As I disembarked, Ian looked lovingly into my eyes, and then pushed me off the side of the trail. I was too shocked to argue or fight back. A split second later I realised I had fallen into a deep pile of autumn leaves. The trail wasn’t actually as steep as I thought, once I had stopped rolling. I was mad, but relieved that I was still breathing. My fear turned to anger as I scrambled back up the trail. It was time to show Ian that we Aussies do know how to tackle, but for some reason I always ended up the one back swimming in the leaves (well at least we can beat the Brits in the pool). 30 minutes later Ian decided to stop acting so childish as we were wasting quality bike riding time.

Ian then admitted that he wanted Kate Potter to be really angry for the skills session coming up, he wanted Kate Potter to see the red mist, he wanted Kate Potter to act like an elite racer who knows how to ride her bike…but I’m scared was all I could mumble. At the same time I also thought about who was going to be scared tomorrow, as little did Ian know I was already planning tomorrows ride (evil laugh).

Why am I scared of heights? Good question, I don’t know why I’m scared of heights and I’m not about to jump from a plane in an attempt to cure my fear. I would like to know if there is anybody out there who doesn’t have a fear of some kind? I met a guy once who was scared of tadpoles. I personally couldn’t understand it, unless I was forced to eat one, now that would be scary for tadpole and moi. I tried to explain to Ian that as his Mrs I was entitled to a certain amount of understanding and that he should respect the fact that deep down I’m a right wimp.

“Just ride the switchback”

…but really as the woman who cooks your meals once a week and cleans your bikes and um does lots of things for you…

“Just ride the switchback”

…That really you should be concerned for my feelings.

“Just ride the switchback”.

So I had to face my fear. There’s no use arguing with the man. I was told we weren’t leaving the trail until I rode each switchback three times in a row, even if we had to stay there all night. I reminded Ian that I have ridden a few 24hr races in my time, in one of my best ‘so there’ type voices. He also reminded me that bears and bores come out to play at dusk. Ian wins. I had to go for it or face becoming a tasty meal.

There were six switchbacks and I was shaking in my shoes. Some of you may be familiar with the ‘Rabbit Run’, a trail in Luchon we only ever take a few people down. Well the trail I was staring at is tighter and steeper than the ‘Rabbit Run’. Perhaps a few of you will now understand what I was facing as I looked down at the first switchback.

I was in position and ready to roll. A few minutes later Ian reminded me to let go of the brakes. “Where you look is where you go” kept buzzing through my thoughts. The brakes released and I headed for the first bend. I missed the bend, flew straight on and in the air, straight lined the entire trail except the last switch back, which I then cruised round with style on my front wheel. What a manoeuvre! Sam Hill eat your heart out J

I would like to be able to finish on that high, but no, like a school pupil being walked to the head master’s office I was forced to explain to Mr Potter what I did wrong…um where you look is where you go? I was supposed to stay on the trail, look at the exit and at least attempt to ride the switchbacks.

I realised after my first attempt that I actually rode off the trail and survived. In theory even if I attempted the switchbacks and missed the trail altogether, I could still ride off piste. It was actually quite a thrill sliding down the mountainside with absolutely no control. Good god did I think that, did I actually do that. I suddenly saw the light and knew how to ride my bike. I had built up these six switchbacks as something much harder than they actually were in the end. Once I actually conquered the switch back I realised how easy a trail can be once you believe you can ride it. Overcoming the power of the mind is the first hurdle that many of us face when out on the trail and practising new skills. I faced my fear and I can now add those switchbacks to my list of can do’s.

Stay tuned as I promised Ian I would be the guide on tomorrow’s AQR adventure…(evil smile :)

British NPS round 2 :: Full Race Report

FREERANGE SPORTS OPTICS BRITISH XC & TREK MARATHON SERIES
SHERWOOD PINES
MAY 12-13, 2007

Round 2 of the British mountain bike series was held at Sherwood Pines in Nottinghamshire. I faced a tough weekend of racing by entering both the elite cross-country event on the Saturday, followed by the 100km marathon on the Sunday. Nevertheless, I was looking forward to the challenge as a strong elite field was expected and the opportunity to race against world class mountain bike racers from across Europe, Australasia and even America.

A Quick Release Holidays were responsible for designing both the cross-country and marathon courses, which has never been a favourite course for many people due to the lack of hills and unrelenting bumpy single track. From my three years of racing, I have always found Sherwood Pines to be very fast and requiring an almost road racing style with lots of packs of riders. However, series organiser Martyn Salt wanted a technical course and something a bit different from previous years. This was quite a daunting task as we (the AQR crew – Ian, Paul and myself) really wanted to create a course that made the most of the technical trails on offer, but due to freak storms over the winter period, many of our favourite trails had disappeared. However, AQR were up for the challenge and together we devised a loop that we hoped would be loved and hated to different degrees. Loved by many for the experience, hated by few for that pain it brought to one’s body... ..that be me then :^) The inside knowledge of the course did not do me any favours though, as I well and truly suffered.

The cross-country race was a Class 1 UCI event, which meant double UCI points, and the opportunity to race a larger international field. On the starting grid there were past and future Olympians, national champions, experienced world class racers, plus America’s Mary McConneloug who is currently UCI ranked 5th in the world. All those months back when Martyn Salt announced round 2 as a Class 1 UCI event I was very excited about racing, as I would be using this race as a taster for the two World Cups I would be entering later in the season. Unfortunately, I woke up on Wednesday morning with the first signs of cold, and as I don’t like being dysfunctional in any way, I soon became ‘Monster Potter’ to all those close to me (sorry Ian).

Thinking about Saturday morning is a bit of a blur. I knew it would be a painful race as my body awoke without any zip. For four laps my brain fought with my legs as one said ‘go’, while the other said ‘no’. I managed a good start after being mistakenly gridded 13th, when my world UCI ranking of 24th should have had me gridded third, and found myself riding with a bunch of girls who were all fighting it out for third position. Mary McConneloug remained in first from start to finish, while Rosara Joseph took control of second place from the word go. Both girls were in a league of their own and most of us knew we would be over cooking it if we tried to chase them down.

Half way round the second lap, I started to feel the affects of my cold. I was struggling to maintain the strong pace the group set. Then Great Britain’s Amy Hunt had a mechanical in front of me on the single track, and didn’t think to move to let me pass by, forcing me to jump from my bike and run up one of the steep banks. By this point I was by myself, and looking for a soft landing, as I thought about curling up for a little siesta. I only have myself to blame for even considering an easy way out. I chose the wrong landing, although not purposely, as I slid out on a piece of fire road, and my legs scraped across the ground. My ribs felt the handle bar and I lay winded. I only had three quarters of a lap to go, and I knew before too long the other girls would start to catch me up.

Soon enough Paula Mosely stormed by and looked very strong. I had dropped back to 7th and was still fading. I dug deep and managed to hold her wheel. I used Paula to give me something to focus on, to help me get me back to the finish line. As far as I was concerned Paula had earnt 6th position. But with 1km to go Paula backed off and appeared to let me go in front on the final stretch of fire road. I presumed she was saving herself for the sprint finish across the line. I didn’t look back, thinking Paula was on my back wheel, and just pedalled as hard as I could. By this stage, I just wanted my bed. I crossed the line in 6th position, and realised Paula hadn’t stayed with me. I was disappointed for Paula, as she looked much stronger than I felt and was deserving of my position.

Top 5 podium –
1. Mary McConneloug (Seven/Kenda)
2. Rosara Joseph (Giant)
3. Jenny Copnall (Gary Fisher)
4. Jenn O’Connor (Patterson Racing)
5. Janka Stevkova (CK MTB Dohnany)

I really struggled today, but was pleased as punch that I finished. Only one place off a podium position was a good result for me against a field with such strength in depth. Perhaps more importantly with the next few races approaching, including racing solo at Mountain Mayhem, today was great training for my mind. I came so close to quitting during the second half of the race, but I fought that little voice in my head and beat it.

A restless night, with body temperature high and achy joints wasn’t what I needed before the start of the 100km marathon. I had an hour to decide whether to race or not. In order to be eligible for a series podium I had to finish today’s race, as I’m unable to attend the fourth round of the series. My coach Matt Hart warned me of all the possible consequences of racing with a cold. Ian didn’t want me to start, and the weather forecast was looking grim. I went against their better judgement (sorry) and decided to start, with the aim to finish. I was under strict orders from Mr P, not to race hard and if he thought I was suffering too much he was going to pull me out of the race (well so he thought). All I can say about the 100km marathon is that it was a blur of a battle from start to finish. As promised, the rain started at midday and didn’t stop. Not only did the course test bodies, but bikes as well, as many people were forced to quit due to mechanical problems. By the last two laps I was numb from head to toe and struggled to even collect my water bottle from Ian. I was shivering and thinking about stopping to layer up as I couldn’t ride hard enough to warm up, I do have Aussie blood after all. I wondered whether I would be able to keep going if I did make a quick pit stop. I kept expecting chain suck and my brake pads to wear away, as the mud was like grinding paste. But the Soda made it to the finish line, all in one piece, I’m very happy to say.

As for me, well I made it to the finish line and that was the best result for me today. I did manage the win, but as far as I was concerned everyone who battled their way through the 100km deserved podium positions. Although I helped design the course, I promise you I didn’t order the weather.

Well done to all who made it through the day, including Maddie Horton (2nd) and Mel Alexander (3rd). Thank you to Martyn Salt and his team for another great weekend, plus all the volunteers who gave up their weekend to support the second round of the national series.

British NPS round 2 :: Course by AQR

An official Cotic Bontrager Team race report will be posted shortly, but in the mean time a few thoughts and experiences that made this weekend of racing a truly memorable one. Although the second round of the British Mountain Bike series officially started on the Friday afternoon for many, for the Potters (that be Mr P and moi), it started a few months ago when Martyn Salt (event organiser) asked if AQR would design the course for round 2 (class 1 UCI event), which would be held at AQR's Skills coaching grounds at Sherwood Pines. AQR were honoured to be asked, and Ian and Paul set about planning a course that would be testing and hopefully challenging enough that road racing tactics wouldn't play such a huge part in the final outcome. While at the same time we wanted to open people's eyes up to the maze of woodland single track that surrounds this area, as it's a great place to ride on a sunny day.

As race courses go Sherwood Pines is always a very tough course, as there are no long climbs or descents to relax on. The single track at speed is very demanding and relentless, plus there are short steep climbs that really keep you breathing hard and your legs screaming. We threw in a few log jumps to test riders technical skill and included plenty of twisting single track to keep mountain bikers smiling. The course appeared to go down well with most people, one comment was made that "the roadies will hate it, but the mountain bikers will love it!". One person didn't think it was very technical, while another comment was made that it wasn't flowy enough.

At the end of the day we knew it wouldn't please everybody, especially if one was having an agonising race (more about that later :) ). We all have favourite trails and the beauty of mountain biking and mountain bike races, is that to be consistently good, you have to be able to adapt and be good on all types of terrain. If courses were all the same, it would be boring. Where would the fun be in trying to better oneself.

It was an interesting experience working alongside Ian and AQR's Paul Dexter as they attempted to develop a race course together for the first time. While Ian used to race back in the day of Gould and Baker, when there were hundreds of people entering sport/expert class and suspension and disc brakes hadn't taken off. Paul tried racing but decided he would concentrate on his technical skills so much so that he spent more time perfecting his manuals and stoppies, rather than concentrate on his university studies. Now he concentrates on teaching advance skills on AQR's coaching sessions and is also alongside Ian, one of Cotic's prototype test developers. Together the two created a course that was testing both physically and technically. Together these two have taught me alot about riding a bike, racing and what it means to be a mountain biker. Thanks to these two I suffered dearly for just over 2 hours, but came away a stronger and more determined person as a result.

I have more to say, but will be back, as I want to finish the race report I'm currently working on.

Just a little plug for A Quick Release Holidays. If you're interested in Technique & Skills training with Paul & Jon in the UK or a holiday with Ian and moi in the French Pyrenees, then check out www.aquickrelease.com for more info, or if you just fancy some advice on anything mentioned in my blog then don't hesitate to contact me.
More to be added shortly.

An AQR Mountain Biking high

An AQR Mountain Biking high
Originally uploaded by Kate Potter.

There is one thing I hate about mountain biking....and that's when you miss out on a truly awesome epic of an adventure. Then to top it all off your husband doesn't stop raving about the experience. Then you eat dinner with guests who also continue raving about the epic ride. It's such a horrible feeling, worse than 10 minute killer hill intervals that my coach Matt Hart added to my training this week.

I don't usually whinge, but this is an exception. I hate missing out on single track, especially when it started in the snow above 1900 metres. In my life time, being an aussie, snow is only seen on television. But no matter what I said Ian wouldn't let me guide today as I have an important race next weekend and he knew it was going to be a long day in the saddle. I begged, I pleaded, I threatened never to repair inner tubes again....but there was no changing Mr Potter's mind.

So I stormed off to tackle my training. My intervals were better than expected today, as I imagined every pedal stroke was Ian's head :) Matt not only helps me prepare physically, but believes in the power of the mind...and boy did my mind give me power today!

By the end of my training session all was forgiven though, as I discovered a piece of singletrack that has just appeared. It definitely wasn't there last season. There is nothing better than finding a new trail and being the first tyre mark etched into the ground.

But I still suffered at dinner time, as my little trail was nothing in comparison to Ian's ride today.

KATE

Bonjour from Luchon

The Potters have finally arrived back home to their favourite trails in Luchon. Our AQR guiding packs have been checked over, the bike store has been given a spring clean and the Cotic bike fleet is shining bright. I have combined a week of solid training in the mountains, while at the same time checking out the trails to ensure they're ready to roll on as A Quick Release Holidays is officially open for the guiding season this Sunday. I can't express in words how wonderful it is to be back on the bike in the mountains, especially in France where cyclists are adored. The only problem here in Luchon is what bike to ride. Both the mountain biking and road riding is truly amazing. Ian and I decided our first ride would be our local loop that drops down by the hotel. It starts on a short steep fire road trail, before a gentle piece of single track beneath the trees. Then there are three short technical corners that are great to practice your skills on, as there are different lines you can take to make it easier or harder to clear. As always Ian tries to challenge moi, and we have a short session to see who will be King or Queen of the trail today. I decided to let Ian win this one, as I hate to see a grown man cry :)

The trail then climbs gently before we turn off on to a trail we call 'New New'. I don't know why we call it 'New New', but the name has stuck. This trail is hardly ever used by other people, as it's well hidden. However it is simply divine, and zig zags along the mountain side over rocks and roots. Once you reach the end of this section then it's all down hill. and this is where a smile never leaves your face. Except of course if your husband punctures, and then you forget to tell your husband that you took his guiding pump without asking (gulp), and then realise at the worst possible moment that you forgot to put it back where you found it (double gulp). So our lovely little ride turned into a lovely long walk back down some our favourite single track. I felt bad so I walked beside Ian, thinking my company would cheer him up. I was wrong, especially when it started to rain...alot. In the end I just had to ride, as the roller coaster (another one of our trails) is just too good to be walked on. An hour later we returned to the hotel where it was sunny and bright.

Well I had fun, and I will include some photos shortly, as soon as I work out how to use Ian's camera. Perhaps I should ask him if I can use it first :)