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Showing posts with label Bontrager. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bontrager. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
World Championships : race photos of Kate
---------- Forwarded message ----------From: Paul and Claire
Date: 2009/9/6
Subject: Photos of Kate
To: Kate Potter <kate@aquickrelease.com>, cy@cotic.co.uk
Cc: Paul Dexter <paul@cotic.co.uk>
Hey There, here are some shots I got of Kate during the race. Cheers Paul
Monday, April 27, 2009
Soda World Cup
Begin forwarded message:
From: Kate Potter <kate@aquickrelease.com>Date: 24 April 2009 17:57:49 BDTTo: Cy Turner - Cotic <cy@cotic.co.uk>Cc: Kelvin Owers <kelvin@spittingcat.com>Subject: photos of sodaHi Guys,Photos of new bike.......Let's call it AWESOME!!!!!!!Neil has also changed my position big time, and there is more gap between seat height and bars, so I feel like I'm in more of a racier position.There have been plenty of 'oohs and ahhhhs' as it looks very nice.I have had loads of people already come up and take photos of it and look closely at it.It is much quicker through the single track, and around the bends, and I lost control a few times, as I'm not used to how agile it is. I was tired yesterday and kept going off line because it was taking me by surprise. I rode it again today and had to do two laps at race pace.....I love it!!!!Anyway will get more pics to you soon.CheeriosKPxo
On Mon, Apr 27, 2009 at 4:10 PM, Cy Turner <cy@cotic.co.uk> wrote:
* Custom Cotic Soda World Cup titanium hardtail
* Bontrager XXX-Lite carbon rimmed wheels and carbon cranks
* Bontrager XXX-Lite Seatpost, FIT saddle
* Race X-Lite stem, XXX-Lite flat handlebars
* Bontrager XXX-Lite Cranks
* Bontrager Tubeless Ready tyres appropriate for the conditions
with Superjuice tubeless system.
* Bontrager Race X-Lite Shoes
* Magura Durin 100SL fork
* Magura Marta SL Magnesium
* KMC Chains
* KCNC Bottom Bracket, Cassette and detail kit
* Crank Bros Eggbeater 4Ti pedals, Cobalt SL Directset and multi-tool
* Purple Extreme chain lube
Cy
www.cotic.co.uk
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Saturday, August 2, 2008
2008 Bontrager 24/12 :: Kate's Report
Ian and I have just returned from Bontrager 24/12 which was held at Newnham Park just outside Plymouth. I really have to control my finger tips as I type what should be a very serious ‘race report’, as Mr and Mrs Potter were teaming up to take on each other to work out who is the fastest Potter on the planet. However I think many of you know my writing style by now and realise that if I have had an awesome experience then expect to join me in that experience.....only a few days later when I finally finish writing about it. This event is going to be difficult to narrow down to the bare minimum of action packed mini adventures that took place within the overall weekend. Once again Martyn Salt and his merry men organised an event for the people, with a relaxed atmosphere that even the most serious of racers enjoyed, as well as Friday night rock band, midnight jazz singer, on course clubbing action, plus superb catering and showering facilities....and as we all noted glorious sun and moonshine with only a hint of mud that somehow ended up more on me than any other rider on course so I was told.
Now as I was saying I do have to control my typing for this ‘little’ report otherwise I will end up writing a novel with endless chapters on just how much fun I, and the rest of the Cotic Bontrager, AQR and the Yeti crew had across the Bontrager 24/12 weekend.
THE PROLOGUE.....KP wins Queen Faff title!
Thursday morning at 6am and I’m ready to roll....well almost. I decide I’m in need of a run before the 6hr drive down south. Ian reminds me that Cy will be arriving at 10am, plenty of time to faff. Before I know it the clock strikes 9:45am and I decide to finish packing. Luckily Cy is running late so I have more time to faff. Cy arrives an hour later and guess what I’m still packing. Naturally I’m the last to be ready, but the boys are talking bikes so I have time up my sleeve and quickly race back inside to ensure I haven’t forgotten anything. I just had this horrible feeling that I had forgotten something really important.....30 minutes later and I remember that I’m on a special course of these horrible looking iron tablets which must be taken for 30 days straight.....oops. However it takes me another 20 minutes to find the courage to ask Cy if we could possibly go back to Nottingham to collect them.....guess who is not in good books? Finally the Cotic Bontrager Racing Team that includes Cy, Paul and the Potters hit the road in the right direction. The time is 1:30pm and KP is not very popular....sorry.
Thursday evening after 6pm and the Cotic Bontrager Team pitch their tents, well Mr Potter rips our tent just in time for the rain. Cy has chosen a brilliant spot right in the centre of the camping area. At this point in time we feel like the entire grassy area belongs to the Cotic Bontrager Team as only a few other people have arrived early to set up camp. I’m desperate to move so head off for a walk leaving the boys to overdose on carbs and hydrate ready for the racing on Saturday....that be with a few bottles of beer and a healthy dose of pasta.
Friday morning, the sun is out in full force. I haven’t ridden my bike for two days and I’m desperate to check the course out. I round the boys up and we make our way around the 12km loop. The start involves a rough grassy straight that is a perfect section to warm up on, before heading to the first climb that leads to a flowing piece of single track beneath the trees....soooo nice. Then follows a short tarmac climb, before a bumpy wide trail that leads to another glorious piece of single track....may the fun begin! Already I’m battling my brain. Do I chase Ian down or do I conserve energy for the next day? There are some super fast corners and a couple of tighter bends around some trees, then a short section of wider trail before a super fast piece of single track, over a few roots, with a cool little switchback that drops on to another passing point....this is a yummy trail as I like to say! Then there is more fire road before my favourite section of woops....reminding me of a roller coaster ride.....yippees can be heard all round. Then a longer section of single track that drops on to a super fast fire road that leads to the river crossing; a successful attempt through the stream by all, but feet are feeling rather wet and the water is colder than I expected it to be. There is some more climbing to enjoy, where we check out some lines and make a few adjustments to the bikes to suit the course. A short fast rocky descent later concerns me as I hate sharp rocks and the last thing I want is to rip my tyres as I’m always the one who finds the sharpest rocks. However it’s soon forgotten when we hit the dual single track, racing each other to work out which trail is best. Then the course widens out and a fast grassy bumpy descent back down to the arena leaves the four of us smiling high. There is still about 500m before you head back through the timing point, and along the way there are a few bends where I attempt to block Ian by forcing him into the side, keeping elbows out in order to intimidate the ol’ guide...he is not intimidated in the slightest and pulls a wheelie just because he can...grrrr.
Friday afternoon and I settle back down at Cotic Bontrager camping headquarters (which has now expanded to include the AQR racing team and our friends from the Yeti crew) where I have the pleasure to chat to Keith Bontrager. The two of us talk racing, riding and living the life of mountain bikers who just love experiencing adventures by bike. Time flies when you’re having fun and soon it is time for more pasta, more water, a little head banging action as the rock band begin and then more sleep....I’m such a party animal. I leave the boys to party with the Trek crew as I can’t wait for the racing to begin tomorrow.
THE MAIN EVENT
I nominate Ian to start because he looks like he has too much energy for his own good and needs to take a chill pill. Mr Potter is looking fired up, and is making the most of his new status as a racing diva rather than KP’s pit man....sorry Paul (our team mechanic who Ian is driving crazy). Ian is no stranger to the racing scene, but stopped racing seriously 15 years ago due to a chronic fatigue type illness that kept him off the bike for over three years. During that time Ian was a top expert racer, always just missing out on a podium place in a field of over 100 racers, except one day when he finished second.....but the weather was so bad that they cancelled the podium ceremony (doh!). Ian often reminisces about those racing days, even pulling out his bright purple and yellow lycra from the 80’s that he promises me was really cool back in the day....maybe. Since then he has raced 7 times over the past 15 years for a bit of fun, or rather because I have bullied him into it. Due to the nature of mountain bike guiding Ian doesn’t train properly, but every now and then he decides to accompany me up a long col out here in France and takes great pleasure in waiting for me at the top :) . Anyway to cut a long melodramatic story short I really hoped when Ian turned 40 he would catch the racing bug back again. For selfish reasons really as it's much better to say I can’t keep up with my hubby who is a top level Vet racer, rather than an ‘ol’ fat guide who wears faded fluorescent racing lycra from back in the day’, these are Ian’s words not mine, as he takes great satisfaction in beating me. To my delight Ian agreed to race me at Bontrager 24/12, yes race me, as I challenged him to a racing dual, even though we were on the same team. Fastest Potter average lap time over the 12hrs doesn’t have to do any housework for a month.
Anyway back to the racing. Ian had a great start and must have been in the top ten at the end of the starting loop. He was looking a bit too quick for his own good, but as he passed me he stuck his tongue out which meant he was cruising comfortably. The Potters were up against strong competition including the elite pairing of TORQ’s Ryan Sherlock and Mel Spath, national champion Jenny Copnall and partner Richard who called themselves ‘JC and Me’, plus local favourites Phil Morris and Madie Horton. I have to admit I didn’t think we would be strong enough as a pair to be close to these three teams, or to make it on the podium, especially as we decided to race equal laps. However we looked forward to the challenge and I was determined to see Ian become house keeper for a month.
12-6pm
The Potters weren’t doing too badly, in fact we were in second and doing much better than expected. For the first 6hrs we were within a minute to the leading TORQ duo, and at one point had gained a 20 second lead over them. Ian and I were feeling good and our lap times were consistent. As I expected Ian was 1-2 minutes quicker than me, but there was still 6hrs to go and I was saving myself for the second half of the race....I was determined to get out of the house work. On one lap I managed to keep Ryan in sight and knew Ian would be out against Mel so thought he might make up some more time. However Mel wasn’t too far behind when Ian came through at the end of his lap. I found out later that Mr Potter had ripped his tyre, and left his forks locked on by accident. As expected Ryan stormed passed me on the next lap, but then I experienced wobble on down an early descent and I heard somebody call out that my tyre was going down.....nooooooo! The strange thing was I kept thinking it was my rear tyre that was going down, but perhaps after 6hrs of racing my brain was feeling a bit muddled because when I stopped the rear one was rock hard, but the front tyre had only about 10 psi in it. Back at the camp Cy made the call, took my favourite tyre off and discovered all the latex had dried up and wasn’t sealing properly. I’m quite sentimental when it comes to my tyres and I really wanted to use the tyre I had started with. I think Cy sensed I was feeling a bit sad, but fortunately he sorted it in the nick of time and I started my next lap feeling like I had air in both my tyres :)
6-12pm
The second half of the race the Potters started to lose touch with the Torq duo. Ryan was riding two laps to Mel’s one, and though he was riding alot more laps than anyone else in the mixed category he seemed to look much stronger all of a sudden.....all that Torq fuel methinks. Then again I was using it too, so I guess it just comes down to Ryan being a very fast and efficient rider. It was pretty impressive. Ian and I made a few mistakes as we started to tire. Ian decided to ride the course again without any suspension and then twisted his rear hanger so that his gears were jumping all over the place. There was still less than 10 minutes in it, but then I decided to stop eating because nausea had set in. I couldn’t keep any food down. The frustrating thing is that the legs felt strong, and I loved riding the course, but the last three hours I wasn’t sure if I could keep going. Ian was finishing each lap and then riding over to the first bridge to cheer me on, but I felt terrible because Ian was still riding fairly consistently, still looking perky, but his darn wife was looking green and letting him down....it looked like I would be house maid after all. I couldn’t face trying to ride a really fast lap as part of the ‘Queen of the Night’ competition, but then Ian encouraged me to push on so I tried to keep it smooth and went as hard as I could. On my 10th lap I was told we still held a comfortable lead over third place, but there was no way we were going to catch the Torq team who were too strong. I finished a cruisy 20th lap just after midnight in second place.....cheers all round!
EPILOGUE
Mr and Mrs Potter survived the 12hr mixed pair at the Bontrager 24/12. As a result the Cotic Bontrager Racing duo will not need marriage counselling after all, as it brought us closer together. Ian finally stood up on the podium after all those years of 80's race reminiscing, but this time it was alongside a wife, in much trendier AQR race strip than his battered purple and yellow lycra. I have accepted my role as house keeper for the next month, on the condition that Ian remembers that he is not a racing diva anymore and to revert back to his AQR guiding ways....until the next mixed event that comes our way of course.
Congratulations to all 24/12 competitors across the whole weekend, and a special mention to our friends A Quick Release.Com and Yeti for winning their categories. There must have been some magic surrounding our campsite, or just plenty of team spirit....even AQR rider Iain made it ‘til the end after illness and wife slamming his fingers in car door made the whole experience a memorable one for all of us.....perhaps you two should team up next year :)
Thankyou Martyn Salt, Keith Bontrager and the Inevent Team for another superb event, already looking forward to next year.
Plus special thankyou to Cy and Paul from Cotic who made up the racing team and who took great care of the Potters across the entire weekend.
Thanks to AQR's James Dymond for the mixed pairs podium shot....Ian is going to frame it.
As always Special thanks to –
Cotic – www.cotic.co.uk
Bontrager – www.bontrager.com
A Quick Release Holidays – www.aquickrelease.com
Torq & Torq Australia – www.torqfitness.co.uk
Magura Forks – www.magura.com
Hope – www.hope.com
Skins – www.skins.net
And co-sponsors Crank Brothers, SRAM, Catlike Helmets, Lumicycle, Bigfoot bags, 661 gloves, Sundog eyewear, Ergon bags and Purple Extreme Lubricants.
Now as I was saying I do have to control my typing for this ‘little’ report otherwise I will end up writing a novel with endless chapters on just how much fun I, and the rest of the Cotic Bontrager, AQR and the Yeti crew had across the Bontrager 24/12 weekend.
THE PROLOGUE.....KP wins Queen Faff title!
Thursday morning at 6am and I’m ready to roll....well almost. I decide I’m in need of a run before the 6hr drive down south. Ian reminds me that Cy will be arriving at 10am, plenty of time to faff. Before I know it the clock strikes 9:45am and I decide to finish packing. Luckily Cy is running late so I have more time to faff. Cy arrives an hour later and guess what I’m still packing. Naturally I’m the last to be ready, but the boys are talking bikes so I have time up my sleeve and quickly race back inside to ensure I haven’t forgotten anything. I just had this horrible feeling that I had forgotten something really important.....30 minutes later and I remember that I’m on a special course of these horrible looking iron tablets which must be taken for 30 days straight.....oops. However it takes me another 20 minutes to find the courage to ask Cy if we could possibly go back to Nottingham to collect them.....guess who is not in good books? Finally the Cotic Bontrager Racing Team that includes Cy, Paul and the Potters hit the road in the right direction. The time is 1:30pm and KP is not very popular....sorry.
Thursday evening after 6pm and the Cotic Bontrager Team pitch their tents, well Mr Potter rips our tent just in time for the rain. Cy has chosen a brilliant spot right in the centre of the camping area. At this point in time we feel like the entire grassy area belongs to the Cotic Bontrager Team as only a few other people have arrived early to set up camp. I’m desperate to move so head off for a walk leaving the boys to overdose on carbs and hydrate ready for the racing on Saturday....that be with a few bottles of beer and a healthy dose of pasta.
Friday morning, the sun is out in full force. I haven’t ridden my bike for two days and I’m desperate to check the course out. I round the boys up and we make our way around the 12km loop. The start involves a rough grassy straight that is a perfect section to warm up on, before heading to the first climb that leads to a flowing piece of single track beneath the trees....soooo nice. Then follows a short tarmac climb, before a bumpy wide trail that leads to another glorious piece of single track....may the fun begin! Already I’m battling my brain. Do I chase Ian down or do I conserve energy for the next day? There are some super fast corners and a couple of tighter bends around some trees, then a short section of wider trail before a super fast piece of single track, over a few roots, with a cool little switchback that drops on to another passing point....this is a yummy trail as I like to say! Then there is more fire road before my favourite section of woops....reminding me of a roller coaster ride.....yippees can be heard all round. Then a longer section of single track that drops on to a super fast fire road that leads to the river crossing; a successful attempt through the stream by all, but feet are feeling rather wet and the water is colder than I expected it to be. There is some more climbing to enjoy, where we check out some lines and make a few adjustments to the bikes to suit the course. A short fast rocky descent later concerns me as I hate sharp rocks and the last thing I want is to rip my tyres as I’m always the one who finds the sharpest rocks. However it’s soon forgotten when we hit the dual single track, racing each other to work out which trail is best. Then the course widens out and a fast grassy bumpy descent back down to the arena leaves the four of us smiling high. There is still about 500m before you head back through the timing point, and along the way there are a few bends where I attempt to block Ian by forcing him into the side, keeping elbows out in order to intimidate the ol’ guide...he is not intimidated in the slightest and pulls a wheelie just because he can...grrrr.
Friday afternoon and I settle back down at Cotic Bontrager camping headquarters (which has now expanded to include the AQR racing team and our friends from the Yeti crew) where I have the pleasure to chat to Keith Bontrager. The two of us talk racing, riding and living the life of mountain bikers who just love experiencing adventures by bike. Time flies when you’re having fun and soon it is time for more pasta, more water, a little head banging action as the rock band begin and then more sleep....I’m such a party animal. I leave the boys to party with the Trek crew as I can’t wait for the racing to begin tomorrow.
THE MAIN EVENT
I nominate Ian to start because he looks like he has too much energy for his own good and needs to take a chill pill. Mr Potter is looking fired up, and is making the most of his new status as a racing diva rather than KP’s pit man....sorry Paul (our team mechanic who Ian is driving crazy). Ian is no stranger to the racing scene, but stopped racing seriously 15 years ago due to a chronic fatigue type illness that kept him off the bike for over three years. During that time Ian was a top expert racer, always just missing out on a podium place in a field of over 100 racers, except one day when he finished second.....but the weather was so bad that they cancelled the podium ceremony (doh!). Ian often reminisces about those racing days, even pulling out his bright purple and yellow lycra from the 80’s that he promises me was really cool back in the day....maybe. Since then he has raced 7 times over the past 15 years for a bit of fun, or rather because I have bullied him into it. Due to the nature of mountain bike guiding Ian doesn’t train properly, but every now and then he decides to accompany me up a long col out here in France and takes great pleasure in waiting for me at the top :) . Anyway to cut a long melodramatic story short I really hoped when Ian turned 40 he would catch the racing bug back again. For selfish reasons really as it's much better to say I can’t keep up with my hubby who is a top level Vet racer, rather than an ‘ol’ fat guide who wears faded fluorescent racing lycra from back in the day’, these are Ian’s words not mine, as he takes great satisfaction in beating me. To my delight Ian agreed to race me at Bontrager 24/12, yes race me, as I challenged him to a racing dual, even though we were on the same team. Fastest Potter average lap time over the 12hrs doesn’t have to do any housework for a month.
Anyway back to the racing. Ian had a great start and must have been in the top ten at the end of the starting loop. He was looking a bit too quick for his own good, but as he passed me he stuck his tongue out which meant he was cruising comfortably. The Potters were up against strong competition including the elite pairing of TORQ’s Ryan Sherlock and Mel Spath, national champion Jenny Copnall and partner Richard who called themselves ‘JC and Me’, plus local favourites Phil Morris and Madie Horton. I have to admit I didn’t think we would be strong enough as a pair to be close to these three teams, or to make it on the podium, especially as we decided to race equal laps. However we looked forward to the challenge and I was determined to see Ian become house keeper for a month.
12-6pm
The Potters weren’t doing too badly, in fact we were in second and doing much better than expected. For the first 6hrs we were within a minute to the leading TORQ duo, and at one point had gained a 20 second lead over them. Ian and I were feeling good and our lap times were consistent. As I expected Ian was 1-2 minutes quicker than me, but there was still 6hrs to go and I was saving myself for the second half of the race....I was determined to get out of the house work. On one lap I managed to keep Ryan in sight and knew Ian would be out against Mel so thought he might make up some more time. However Mel wasn’t too far behind when Ian came through at the end of his lap. I found out later that Mr Potter had ripped his tyre, and left his forks locked on by accident. As expected Ryan stormed passed me on the next lap, but then I experienced wobble on down an early descent and I heard somebody call out that my tyre was going down.....nooooooo! The strange thing was I kept thinking it was my rear tyre that was going down, but perhaps after 6hrs of racing my brain was feeling a bit muddled because when I stopped the rear one was rock hard, but the front tyre had only about 10 psi in it. Back at the camp Cy made the call, took my favourite tyre off and discovered all the latex had dried up and wasn’t sealing properly. I’m quite sentimental when it comes to my tyres and I really wanted to use the tyre I had started with. I think Cy sensed I was feeling a bit sad, but fortunately he sorted it in the nick of time and I started my next lap feeling like I had air in both my tyres :)
6-12pm
The second half of the race the Potters started to lose touch with the Torq duo. Ryan was riding two laps to Mel’s one, and though he was riding alot more laps than anyone else in the mixed category he seemed to look much stronger all of a sudden.....all that Torq fuel methinks. Then again I was using it too, so I guess it just comes down to Ryan being a very fast and efficient rider. It was pretty impressive. Ian and I made a few mistakes as we started to tire. Ian decided to ride the course again without any suspension and then twisted his rear hanger so that his gears were jumping all over the place. There was still less than 10 minutes in it, but then I decided to stop eating because nausea had set in. I couldn’t keep any food down. The frustrating thing is that the legs felt strong, and I loved riding the course, but the last three hours I wasn’t sure if I could keep going. Ian was finishing each lap and then riding over to the first bridge to cheer me on, but I felt terrible because Ian was still riding fairly consistently, still looking perky, but his darn wife was looking green and letting him down....it looked like I would be house maid after all. I couldn’t face trying to ride a really fast lap as part of the ‘Queen of the Night’ competition, but then Ian encouraged me to push on so I tried to keep it smooth and went as hard as I could. On my 10th lap I was told we still held a comfortable lead over third place, but there was no way we were going to catch the Torq team who were too strong. I finished a cruisy 20th lap just after midnight in second place.....cheers all round!
EPILOGUE
Mr and Mrs Potter survived the 12hr mixed pair at the Bontrager 24/12. As a result the Cotic Bontrager Racing duo will not need marriage counselling after all, as it brought us closer together. Ian finally stood up on the podium after all those years of 80's race reminiscing, but this time it was alongside a wife, in much trendier AQR race strip than his battered purple and yellow lycra. I have accepted my role as house keeper for the next month, on the condition that Ian remembers that he is not a racing diva anymore and to revert back to his AQR guiding ways....until the next mixed event that comes our way of course.
Congratulations to all 24/12 competitors across the whole weekend, and a special mention to our friends A Quick Release.Com and Yeti for winning their categories. There must have been some magic surrounding our campsite, or just plenty of team spirit....even AQR rider Iain made it ‘til the end after illness and wife slamming his fingers in car door made the whole experience a memorable one for all of us.....perhaps you two should team up next year :)
Thankyou Martyn Salt, Keith Bontrager and the Inevent Team for another superb event, already looking forward to next year.
Plus special thankyou to Cy and Paul from Cotic who made up the racing team and who took great care of the Potters across the entire weekend.
Thanks to AQR's James Dymond for the mixed pairs podium shot....Ian is going to frame it.
As always Special thanks to –
Cotic – www.cotic.co.uk
Bontrager – www.bontrager.com
A Quick Release Holidays – www.aquickrelease.com
Torq & Torq Australia – www.torqfitness.co.uk
Magura Forks – www.magura.com
Hope – www.hope.com
Skins – www.skins.net
And co-sponsors Crank Brothers, SRAM, Catlike Helmets, Lumicycle, Bigfoot bags, 661 gloves, Sundog eyewear, Ergon bags and Purple Extreme Lubricants.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Midi Pyrenees, Haute Garonne Regional Championships
I accidently became the Haute Garonne Midi Pyrenees Champion on Sunday 12th August. I love routine, and hate being disorganised, but every now and then a little spontaneity and a good ol’ training session on the mountains here in Luchon reminds moi that I’m alive…just.
It all started Saturday evening when AQR’s bike flying chef Russ mentioned a mountain bike race was going to be held on the top of the Superbagneres (1800m) out here in Luchon, French Pyrenees. Russ giggled as he described part of the race course he checked out that afternoon, a course where his Orange Patriot felt every bump, and that even rocked his insides. Now, for those of you who know Russ and know the death defying trails he plays on, know that if he thinks a trail is technical then it really is technical. If Russ says a trail is bumpy on his six inch, too heavy for me to move, free ride bike, then for mere mortals it will be an absolute killer. Russ also has this little giggle, an evil giggle when you know he has discovered a ‘challenging trail’, a red bull death wish, or when he has just scared himself silly or even worse…when he has planted a little seed in your mind, when you know your husband expects you to be resting after a 6hr training session.
Ian and I finished working at Russel’s hotel at 11pm, and the thought of taking part in this cross country race the next day continued to stir my thoughts. It was too late to call my coach Matt Hart to ask his opinion on whether I should race or not, but I knew if I didn’t decided before going to bed, then I would just be tossing and turning all night thinking about it. However, it turned out it would be a sleepless night for the Potter’s anyhow, as our village summer festival had kicked off, and what’s usually a sleepy little village of only a few houses and holiday homes had turned into a mega street rave party until the wee hours of 3am.
After 4 hours of sleep, I was definitely not racing. Ian would be in Toulouse all day waiting at the airport for AQR guests to arrive, and I was going to enjoy my rest day, and chill out at the hotel with our guests, fellow xc-racers Paula and Luke Mosely.
After chatting for a while the Mosely’s suddenly looked at their watches and said I must hurry if I was going to race. Before I had a chance to protest, I had jumped on my reliable guiding work horse (Cotic Soul) and charged for dear life to the lift station. I narrowly missed two cars as I zoomed down the narrow lanes that make up the back streets of Luchon. I arrived out of breath and all a fluster, just in time to find the gate to the lift locked. Never mind, I was supposed to have a rest day anyhow. I decided to spend the afternoon by the pool. I have always believed things happen for a reason, and my tan could really do with looking like a tan since it’s now the middle of August….but thoughts of the pool soon disappeared from mind as one of the lift workers recognised me and let me on.
As I headed towards the top of the Superbagneres, I still hadn’t decided whether I should race or not. Then I realised that I had my down hill tyre on the front of the Cotic Soul. A great tyre for going down, but certainly not a tyre I would recommend for a cross country race, especially when climbing started at 1800m (gulp). I also had my guiding kit bag, which contained an assortment of spare bike bits, 6 tubes, and the bulkiest first aid kit known to woman. The bag was far too heavy to use for the race, plus my leg armour was strapped to the outside of it, so it made perfect sense to spend the afternoon down hilling instead of racing. Just as I made my way across the car park, I bumped into one of the race organisers who I knew from a previous event. He convinced me to race (double gulp), took my guiding pack, and before I knew it I was signed on and waiting to be called to the start line.
I tried to warm up, a very weird sensation at 1800m, as your legs try to find that second gear and your lungs burn from the lack of oxygen in the air. I found myself called to the very front of the start line, as the organisers were thrilled that an Australian/Angleterre/American (they couldn’t quite work out quite what I was) had turned up to race.
Les Femmes started at the same time as the men, but I couldn’t work out who my competitors were. I was surrounded by stern looking men in lycra who looked like they were about to go to war. I knew it would be a fast start and prepared for a big ring take off. I didn’t have time to check the course out, but as I know the Superbagneres mountainside so well I didn’t think it would be a problem.
The gun sounded and I took off…only to discover that I was in the lead by quite a distance. I thought that seemed quite strange, so I slowed down and as I looked behind found myself engulfed by the entire group who were riding at a very leisurely pace. Now I was completely confused, but enjoyed the fact that I could breathe easily. As we hit the first off road descent I let the brakes go and blasted down the grassy bank, thoroughly enjoying myself in the process…before riding into the back of a rider who had suddenly stopped still. I ended up on my side, still clipped in, and the rest of the group looked down on me as they had stopped too. I picked myself up with the assistance of three very nice competitors, and I looked around to see everyone helping me rather than getting on with their race.
Then I realised the race had not officially started, and in fact we were riding for a position on the start line. I looked in front of me and noticed we were heading towards a long steep bank, a trail we would normally use as a descent (triple gulp)….I had three minutes of normal breathing left before take off…..T.B.C
Trois! Deux! Un! The race had started for a second time and I was off. Tired legs and altitude don’t mix, and I struggled up the first steep climb. I noticed one girl shoot off to a good position behind the leading group of men. I dug deep and managed to move past riders as the gradient flattened and I managed to catch the leading woman on the next descent….I was so grateful to have my Bontrager King Earl tyre on the front, as the descent was fast and very rocky. However the next climb was murder, and I was cursing myself for not swapping to my lighter XC tyres. Bodies were falling from bikes in an attempt to push their way to the top as quickly as possible. I could feel the resistance from the front tyre, but I had the grip and the determination I needed to ride past people walking out in front. Feeling quite chuffed with myself for clearing that particular section, I ended up mincing my gears and was forced to jump from my bike anyhow, in order to put the chain back on. As I looked ahead all the people I had passed were back on their bikes and charging ahead. I soon realised I was back chasing again (doh!).
The course was surreal. In all honesty, it was the most brutal course I have ever had the pleasure of racing. It really tested you physically, mentally and I learnt plenty of french along the way, not the french I would come across at my weekly french lessons mind you. As soon as I hit the next piece of single track I caught the leading girl again. The single track was narrow and off camber, with slippery rocks and roots to ride across, and a huge drop to your right if you decided to take some air. There was no where to pass, unless the person in front fell off the edge, which ended up being the case, as the girl in front slipped and fortunately found herself in the spiky arms of a pine tree. I didn’t increase my lead though as I was still caught behind a lot of racers who were struggling to ride this particular section. I hit the next steep fire road climb out in front, and once again my chain fell off. A few girls moved past me at full speed. I took off and looked ahead to see where the climb finished, but all I could see were the thick clouds as they settled over the top of the Superbagneres. I managed to reach the top in the lead, but was unable to see two metres in front as the trail became a steep fire road descent. I almost missed the next turn, but soon found my way back down the next piece of single track that I knew really well. Here I could let the brakes off without worrying about the technical sections as I felt completely at one with my Soul and knew exactly which lines were the quickest.
The next section of the course was very difficult to navigate, no clear trail to ride, just tape in the trees that you had to ride towards. I had no one in front to follow, and found myself way off course. Some how my competition ended up a long way below me, and I could see one of the girls take a short cut through the trees. I tried to follow her line but ended up tangled in some branches as I tried to fight my way through the forest, which felt more like a jungle. I had lost a lot of time trying to work out where to ride, but knew the big climb of the day was still to come and I looked forward to the challenge.
This climb is one of the most popular switch back descents on the Superbagneres. It is steep and technical as a descent, but as a climb, impossible to ride without pushing your bike at some point; even pushing your bike was difficult, and there was no resting as every muscle fibre in your body was forced into action. I finally reached the top, gasping and spluttering from the intense effort that was needed. To my horror the climb continued and we headed up a loose dirt track that is normally used as a competition ski piste in the winter. I love steep technical climbs, but this climb was taking the ‘wally’. I won’t go into anymore detail here, but I saw this climb reduce grown men and a little aussie to tears….it was horrible!
Soon the course turned to a traverse across the cow filled meadows. I took a longer route around the herd, as the bull didn’t look too pleased with all the mountain bikers riding past. The trail was tight, with some testing narrow sections that were not suitable for large feet. I found my wide or should I say quite ‘muscular’ feet kept bouncing from side to side, and a couple of times tripped me up to add more bruises to my already battered body.
Some how I managed to move into second place, and as we hit a gentler fire road climb, I started gaining time on the leading lady, passing her just as the course turned to a descent. The clouds had dropped again, and it had started to rain. I was riding within myself as the rocks were becoming very slippery. Call me a wimp, but I wasn’t risking a fall, as I heard the rumble of thunder in the distance.
When we hit the narrow single track for a second time, I was passed again, but my competition had too much speed and lost control. The girl missed the trail and headed off down the side of the bank. I tried to help her (honest…but I couldn’t stop myself from giggling), but when she started throwing her bike at me to stop me from taking the lead it was time to race. I had the ‘red mist’ in my eyes and it was time to race hard, to hurt…even more so this time. The adrenaline was pumping as I took off and started spinning on the spot at 180rpm or more….but the chain had fallen off….again . I was going no where, but over the edge, as I lost balance and fell into the arms of that same pine tree that had saved the french girl on the previous lap. By the time I had scrambled back on to the trail, I was all alone, it really was a comedy of errors. I figured all the other girls had passed by as there was no one in sight. I didn’t ease off though, as thoughts of second helpings at dinner crossed my mind and I knew I had to earn it, so I pushed on, and was determined to race hard all the way to the finish line.
I left behind the single track only to find the girl who I had been fighting it out with for all this time had fallen as well, but unfortunately this time her race was over. I stopped and helped her to a marshal, as it was obvious she had broken her collar bone. I was told to go on, so I continued to ride hard, although it was difficult to push on knowing that my main competition was badly hurt. I still had half of the second loop to ride, and that horrible climb to face, which I wasn’t looking forward to.
I had no idea where I was in the field, and frankly didn’t care. However my climbing legs were back in action and I must have passed half the field who decided to walk from the very bottom of the climb. The storm was really growing in intensity by now and I charged back to the finish line as fast as I could. The cloud had dropped even lower and I didn’t fancy being caught on top of the Superbagneres with lightning around.
After almost 2.5hrs on the bike I crossed the finish line and became the first Aussie Angleterre to become the Haute Garonne regional cross country champion.
My Cotic Soul, not built up as a race horse by any means, did the Cotic Bontrager Team proud….and I earned double helpings at dinner that night.
This race was not part of the 2007 plan, but it will certainly be on the racing agenda next year as it was the most punishing, gruelling, horrible, exhausting, painful race of my life…that I had the pleasure of finishing. Why return for more aches and pains? For the simple reason that it made me feel alive.
It all started Saturday evening when AQR’s bike flying chef Russ mentioned a mountain bike race was going to be held on the top of the Superbagneres (1800m) out here in Luchon, French Pyrenees. Russ giggled as he described part of the race course he checked out that afternoon, a course where his Orange Patriot felt every bump, and that even rocked his insides. Now, for those of you who know Russ and know the death defying trails he plays on, know that if he thinks a trail is technical then it really is technical. If Russ says a trail is bumpy on his six inch, too heavy for me to move, free ride bike, then for mere mortals it will be an absolute killer. Russ also has this little giggle, an evil giggle when you know he has discovered a ‘challenging trail’, a red bull death wish, or when he has just scared himself silly or even worse…when he has planted a little seed in your mind, when you know your husband expects you to be resting after a 6hr training session.
Ian and I finished working at Russel’s hotel at 11pm, and the thought of taking part in this cross country race the next day continued to stir my thoughts. It was too late to call my coach Matt Hart to ask his opinion on whether I should race or not, but I knew if I didn’t decided before going to bed, then I would just be tossing and turning all night thinking about it. However, it turned out it would be a sleepless night for the Potter’s anyhow, as our village summer festival had kicked off, and what’s usually a sleepy little village of only a few houses and holiday homes had turned into a mega street rave party until the wee hours of 3am.
After 4 hours of sleep, I was definitely not racing. Ian would be in Toulouse all day waiting at the airport for AQR guests to arrive, and I was going to enjoy my rest day, and chill out at the hotel with our guests, fellow xc-racers Paula and Luke Mosely.
After chatting for a while the Mosely’s suddenly looked at their watches and said I must hurry if I was going to race. Before I had a chance to protest, I had jumped on my reliable guiding work horse (Cotic Soul) and charged for dear life to the lift station. I narrowly missed two cars as I zoomed down the narrow lanes that make up the back streets of Luchon. I arrived out of breath and all a fluster, just in time to find the gate to the lift locked. Never mind, I was supposed to have a rest day anyhow. I decided to spend the afternoon by the pool. I have always believed things happen for a reason, and my tan could really do with looking like a tan since it’s now the middle of August….but thoughts of the pool soon disappeared from mind as one of the lift workers recognised me and let me on.
As I headed towards the top of the Superbagneres, I still hadn’t decided whether I should race or not. Then I realised that I had my down hill tyre on the front of the Cotic Soul. A great tyre for going down, but certainly not a tyre I would recommend for a cross country race, especially when climbing started at 1800m (gulp). I also had my guiding kit bag, which contained an assortment of spare bike bits, 6 tubes, and the bulkiest first aid kit known to woman. The bag was far too heavy to use for the race, plus my leg armour was strapped to the outside of it, so it made perfect sense to spend the afternoon down hilling instead of racing. Just as I made my way across the car park, I bumped into one of the race organisers who I knew from a previous event. He convinced me to race (double gulp), took my guiding pack, and before I knew it I was signed on and waiting to be called to the start line.
I tried to warm up, a very weird sensation at 1800m, as your legs try to find that second gear and your lungs burn from the lack of oxygen in the air. I found myself called to the very front of the start line, as the organisers were thrilled that an Australian/Angleterre/American (they couldn’t quite work out quite what I was) had turned up to race.
Les Femmes started at the same time as the men, but I couldn’t work out who my competitors were. I was surrounded by stern looking men in lycra who looked like they were about to go to war. I knew it would be a fast start and prepared for a big ring take off. I didn’t have time to check the course out, but as I know the Superbagneres mountainside so well I didn’t think it would be a problem.
The gun sounded and I took off…only to discover that I was in the lead by quite a distance. I thought that seemed quite strange, so I slowed down and as I looked behind found myself engulfed by the entire group who were riding at a very leisurely pace. Now I was completely confused, but enjoyed the fact that I could breathe easily. As we hit the first off road descent I let the brakes go and blasted down the grassy bank, thoroughly enjoying myself in the process…before riding into the back of a rider who had suddenly stopped still. I ended up on my side, still clipped in, and the rest of the group looked down on me as they had stopped too. I picked myself up with the assistance of three very nice competitors, and I looked around to see everyone helping me rather than getting on with their race.
Then I realised the race had not officially started, and in fact we were riding for a position on the start line. I looked in front of me and noticed we were heading towards a long steep bank, a trail we would normally use as a descent (triple gulp)….I had three minutes of normal breathing left before take off…..T.B.C
Trois! Deux! Un! The race had started for a second time and I was off. Tired legs and altitude don’t mix, and I struggled up the first steep climb. I noticed one girl shoot off to a good position behind the leading group of men. I dug deep and managed to move past riders as the gradient flattened and I managed to catch the leading woman on the next descent….I was so grateful to have my Bontrager King Earl tyre on the front, as the descent was fast and very rocky. However the next climb was murder, and I was cursing myself for not swapping to my lighter XC tyres. Bodies were falling from bikes in an attempt to push their way to the top as quickly as possible. I could feel the resistance from the front tyre, but I had the grip and the determination I needed to ride past people walking out in front. Feeling quite chuffed with myself for clearing that particular section, I ended up mincing my gears and was forced to jump from my bike anyhow, in order to put the chain back on. As I looked ahead all the people I had passed were back on their bikes and charging ahead. I soon realised I was back chasing again (doh!).
The course was surreal. In all honesty, it was the most brutal course I have ever had the pleasure of racing. It really tested you physically, mentally and I learnt plenty of french along the way, not the french I would come across at my weekly french lessons mind you. As soon as I hit the next piece of single track I caught the leading girl again. The single track was narrow and off camber, with slippery rocks and roots to ride across, and a huge drop to your right if you decided to take some air. There was no where to pass, unless the person in front fell off the edge, which ended up being the case, as the girl in front slipped and fortunately found herself in the spiky arms of a pine tree. I didn’t increase my lead though as I was still caught behind a lot of racers who were struggling to ride this particular section. I hit the next steep fire road climb out in front, and once again my chain fell off. A few girls moved past me at full speed. I took off and looked ahead to see where the climb finished, but all I could see were the thick clouds as they settled over the top of the Superbagneres. I managed to reach the top in the lead, but was unable to see two metres in front as the trail became a steep fire road descent. I almost missed the next turn, but soon found my way back down the next piece of single track that I knew really well. Here I could let the brakes off without worrying about the technical sections as I felt completely at one with my Soul and knew exactly which lines were the quickest.
The next section of the course was very difficult to navigate, no clear trail to ride, just tape in the trees that you had to ride towards. I had no one in front to follow, and found myself way off course. Some how my competition ended up a long way below me, and I could see one of the girls take a short cut through the trees. I tried to follow her line but ended up tangled in some branches as I tried to fight my way through the forest, which felt more like a jungle. I had lost a lot of time trying to work out where to ride, but knew the big climb of the day was still to come and I looked forward to the challenge.
This climb is one of the most popular switch back descents on the Superbagneres. It is steep and technical as a descent, but as a climb, impossible to ride without pushing your bike at some point; even pushing your bike was difficult, and there was no resting as every muscle fibre in your body was forced into action. I finally reached the top, gasping and spluttering from the intense effort that was needed. To my horror the climb continued and we headed up a loose dirt track that is normally used as a competition ski piste in the winter. I love steep technical climbs, but this climb was taking the ‘wally’. I won’t go into anymore detail here, but I saw this climb reduce grown men and a little aussie to tears….it was horrible!
Soon the course turned to a traverse across the cow filled meadows. I took a longer route around the herd, as the bull didn’t look too pleased with all the mountain bikers riding past. The trail was tight, with some testing narrow sections that were not suitable for large feet. I found my wide or should I say quite ‘muscular’ feet kept bouncing from side to side, and a couple of times tripped me up to add more bruises to my already battered body.
Some how I managed to move into second place, and as we hit a gentler fire road climb, I started gaining time on the leading lady, passing her just as the course turned to a descent. The clouds had dropped again, and it had started to rain. I was riding within myself as the rocks were becoming very slippery. Call me a wimp, but I wasn’t risking a fall, as I heard the rumble of thunder in the distance.
When we hit the narrow single track for a second time, I was passed again, but my competition had too much speed and lost control. The girl missed the trail and headed off down the side of the bank. I tried to help her (honest…but I couldn’t stop myself from giggling), but when she started throwing her bike at me to stop me from taking the lead it was time to race. I had the ‘red mist’ in my eyes and it was time to race hard, to hurt…even more so this time. The adrenaline was pumping as I took off and started spinning on the spot at 180rpm or more….but the chain had fallen off….again . I was going no where, but over the edge, as I lost balance and fell into the arms of that same pine tree that had saved the french girl on the previous lap. By the time I had scrambled back on to the trail, I was all alone, it really was a comedy of errors. I figured all the other girls had passed by as there was no one in sight. I didn’t ease off though, as thoughts of second helpings at dinner crossed my mind and I knew I had to earn it, so I pushed on, and was determined to race hard all the way to the finish line.
I left behind the single track only to find the girl who I had been fighting it out with for all this time had fallen as well, but unfortunately this time her race was over. I stopped and helped her to a marshal, as it was obvious she had broken her collar bone. I was told to go on, so I continued to ride hard, although it was difficult to push on knowing that my main competition was badly hurt. I still had half of the second loop to ride, and that horrible climb to face, which I wasn’t looking forward to.
I had no idea where I was in the field, and frankly didn’t care. However my climbing legs were back in action and I must have passed half the field who decided to walk from the very bottom of the climb. The storm was really growing in intensity by now and I charged back to the finish line as fast as I could. The cloud had dropped even lower and I didn’t fancy being caught on top of the Superbagneres with lightning around.
After almost 2.5hrs on the bike I crossed the finish line and became the first Aussie Angleterre to become the Haute Garonne regional cross country champion.
My Cotic Soul, not built up as a race horse by any means, did the Cotic Bontrager Team proud….and I earned double helpings at dinner that night.
This race was not part of the 2007 plan, but it will certainly be on the racing agenda next year as it was the most punishing, gruelling, horrible, exhausting, painful race of my life…that I had the pleasure of finishing. Why return for more aches and pains? For the simple reason that it made me feel alive.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Bontrager 24/12 :: A Cotic Mixed Team
Less than three weeks ago I completed 24hrs solo at Mountain Mayhem, and knew from past experiences that my legs would be feeling blobby and not worthy of racing my trusty Soda. I didn't want to miss being involved at Bontrager 24/12, and had origianlly been asked to ride a couple of laps as part of a fun team alongside Keith Bontrager and friends. However an annoying tiny thought started creeping into my Potter brain that kept teasing me to race 24hrs. I couldn't shake this thought, and mentioned my idea casually to my coach Matt, husband Ian, Cy, Andy, and all the lads who joined us out here in Luchon. All of them said NO, that it was time to recover. Ian kept reminding me that I haven't had a break for three seasons and it was time to chill before the heavy training load begins all over again.
Then Cy had this wonderful idea! Why don't we enter the mixed team category and race for 12hrs. Numerous phone calls later and our team still consisted of just Cy and moi. Apparently all our Cotic and AQR crew were really busy that weekend, especially after checking out the weather forecast. So I had no choice but to book a ticket back to the UK for Mr Potter only four days before the event. It would be a surprise, an early birthday present.
Ian looked at me in disbelief when I announced his birthday present, 'a ticket back to the UK, woopy....doo'. There is no pleasing that man sometimes. I thought he would be chuffed to bits to spend time racing alongside his beloved (that would be me, Cy), and enjoying the Cotswolds single track. I gathered he was going to miss me for those five days if I left him here in Luchon all on his lonesome, with nothing better to do than ride down hill runs off the Luchon lift each day with Russ.
The Cotic mixed team was truly mixed, but truly Cotic. Firstly there was Mr Cy Turner, Cotic guru, and the least likely of all three team members to be wearing lycra. Cy's bike of choice for this weekend would be the Cotic Hemlock. Next up was the grumpy guru himself, my darling Mr Potter, who wouldn't stop moaning about the weather or the fact that he hadn't raced for over 15 years. Ian had no choice but to use the Cotic Soul with brakes the wrong way round to what he normally uses. Then finally there was moi. I had nominated myself as team mechanic for the weekend, as well as racer. After all the events I go to where Ian and Cy work tirelessly to support me, I thought it were only fair to give something back to the boys by helping them with their own bikes. Cy even presented me with my very own Cotic mechanic apron, and bright yellow rain coat that Matt said made me look like Captain Pugwall (whoever that might be) [Pugwash Katie dear. No culture, these Aussies - Cy], so as you can imagine I felt very important. My bike of choice for the weekend would be my loovely Cotic Soda.
Well the start of the weekend was a chilly one, and I worked very hard pumping tyres and pumping more tyres and then changing tyres as the rain continued, and then changing tyres again when Ian decided he wanted a faster tyre on the back....between you and me I think Ian was starting to become a little bit of a race diva or he was just keeping me busy pumping tyres as he prefers to be seen as the mechanic in our relationship. I even caught him trying to hide my mechanic's apron would you believe.
The race started on Saturday at 12pm and I nominated myself to start the first lap. I hadn't ridden a bike for over 24hrs and I was itching to start. Meanwhile Ian wasn't even in his racing lycra and Cy who was suffering from a cold on Friday, was now suffering from the brandy flavoured medicine the TREK boys had encouraged him to consume the night before....although it truly did wonders for clearing his sinuses.
I decided to use the first lap as a little warm up, and just enjoy myself on the single track. There were some muddy sections that made the course exciting in places, and I really enjoyed the final section of woops, until I found myself, along with two other riders, totally lost some how. It was probably my fault as I was really enjoying that section and didn't want it to end. I finished my first lap buzzing and couldn't wait to have another 'ride' around the course. However something very strange happened to my husband. When Ian came through and handed the batton over his first words were '10 minutes quicker!', mind you he looked like he was going to pass out. But it was like he was saying to me, the current elite racer in OUR relationship, 'beat that!'. Where was the love I ask you? I thought we were just having a bit of fun, but oh no Ian had to try and take me on, even though we were meant to be on the same team!
From that moment onwards the Potters were at war. Poor Cy had to put up with Ian and I trying to out do each other for the next few hours. Every lap we were checking each others times, winding each other up, and doing our best to beat the other Potter. I cheekily mentioned at one point that my last lap was 41 minutes so 'beat that', only 8 minutes off the truth, but he needn't know that. I was determined to rip his legs off, as he was mine.
With 7hrs to go Cy was forced to quit as his cold had taken it's toll. The Cotic mixed team was down to the two Potters and I could feel my post 24hr solo legs wanting to go no faster. So I had to think tactically, what would really wind my husband up. As he came through to pass over the baton I smiled at him sweetly and informed him that we would now be riding alternate laps. I figured this would really tire the man out and he may slow down to ensure he would make it to the end, but then I realised that I actually prefer riding double laps. After some lengthy debate, where I basically did all the talking and Ian just tried to catch his breath and shoo me off, I decided a double lap it would be.
By this point the course was super, especially as light faded and off camber roots became slippery. There were some difficult sections that really tested your skill, but made the course more exciting. When I had finished my double lap I returned to Cy and suddenly felt this huge wave of hunger. I realised that I had forgotten to eat enough carbs on the double lap and I quickly overdosed on some TORQ bars. As I set off for my final lap I was shaking from cold. I had many layers on, but I knew I was feeling weak and that my final lap would be a tough one. Half way round I was feeling dizzy and knew I had made a huge mistake on the last lap by not consuming enough carbs. It seemed like forever and a day before I returned to Ian who had a storming final lap. In the end the Cotic Mixed Team finished 5th place, and after only 6 laps I was shattered....you can't tell me racing as a team is any easier than solo.
Once our racing lycra had been packed away, and the poor 24hr riders were past the half way point, it was time for the Potters to chill. Deep down I was surprised, but very proud of Ian who really ripped my legs off this time round. While I had to drag Ian away from his beloved Pyrenees to take part in the Cotic Mixed Team at Bontrager 24/12, it won't be the last time. Ian actually admitted later on that he would love to ride 'against' me again, together as a mixed pair....what have I created?
It really was a top weekend and many thanks to Martyn Salt, Keith Bontrager, Rob Lee and all the team for organising such a great event....Look forward to the next one.
Then Cy had this wonderful idea! Why don't we enter the mixed team category and race for 12hrs. Numerous phone calls later and our team still consisted of just Cy and moi. Apparently all our Cotic and AQR crew were really busy that weekend, especially after checking out the weather forecast. So I had no choice but to book a ticket back to the UK for Mr Potter only four days before the event. It would be a surprise, an early birthday present.
Ian looked at me in disbelief when I announced his birthday present, 'a ticket back to the UK, woopy....doo'. There is no pleasing that man sometimes. I thought he would be chuffed to bits to spend time racing alongside his beloved (that would be me, Cy), and enjoying the Cotswolds single track. I gathered he was going to miss me for those five days if I left him here in Luchon all on his lonesome, with nothing better to do than ride down hill runs off the Luchon lift each day with Russ.
The Cotic mixed team was truly mixed, but truly Cotic. Firstly there was Mr Cy Turner, Cotic guru, and the least likely of all three team members to be wearing lycra. Cy's bike of choice for this weekend would be the Cotic Hemlock. Next up was the grumpy guru himself, my darling Mr Potter, who wouldn't stop moaning about the weather or the fact that he hadn't raced for over 15 years. Ian had no choice but to use the Cotic Soul with brakes the wrong way round to what he normally uses. Then finally there was moi. I had nominated myself as team mechanic for the weekend, as well as racer. After all the events I go to where Ian and Cy work tirelessly to support me, I thought it were only fair to give something back to the boys by helping them with their own bikes. Cy even presented me with my very own Cotic mechanic apron, and bright yellow rain coat that Matt said made me look like Captain Pugwall (whoever that might be) [Pugwash Katie dear. No culture, these Aussies - Cy], so as you can imagine I felt very important. My bike of choice for the weekend would be my loovely Cotic Soda.
Well the start of the weekend was a chilly one, and I worked very hard pumping tyres and pumping more tyres and then changing tyres as the rain continued, and then changing tyres again when Ian decided he wanted a faster tyre on the back....between you and me I think Ian was starting to become a little bit of a race diva or he was just keeping me busy pumping tyres as he prefers to be seen as the mechanic in our relationship. I even caught him trying to hide my mechanic's apron would you believe.
The race started on Saturday at 12pm and I nominated myself to start the first lap. I hadn't ridden a bike for over 24hrs and I was itching to start. Meanwhile Ian wasn't even in his racing lycra and Cy who was suffering from a cold on Friday, was now suffering from the brandy flavoured medicine the TREK boys had encouraged him to consume the night before....although it truly did wonders for clearing his sinuses.
I decided to use the first lap as a little warm up, and just enjoy myself on the single track. There were some muddy sections that made the course exciting in places, and I really enjoyed the final section of woops, until I found myself, along with two other riders, totally lost some how. It was probably my fault as I was really enjoying that section and didn't want it to end. I finished my first lap buzzing and couldn't wait to have another 'ride' around the course. However something very strange happened to my husband. When Ian came through and handed the batton over his first words were '10 minutes quicker!', mind you he looked like he was going to pass out. But it was like he was saying to me, the current elite racer in OUR relationship, 'beat that!'. Where was the love I ask you? I thought we were just having a bit of fun, but oh no Ian had to try and take me on, even though we were meant to be on the same team!
From that moment onwards the Potters were at war. Poor Cy had to put up with Ian and I trying to out do each other for the next few hours. Every lap we were checking each others times, winding each other up, and doing our best to beat the other Potter. I cheekily mentioned at one point that my last lap was 41 minutes so 'beat that', only 8 minutes off the truth, but he needn't know that. I was determined to rip his legs off, as he was mine.
With 7hrs to go Cy was forced to quit as his cold had taken it's toll. The Cotic mixed team was down to the two Potters and I could feel my post 24hr solo legs wanting to go no faster. So I had to think tactically, what would really wind my husband up. As he came through to pass over the baton I smiled at him sweetly and informed him that we would now be riding alternate laps. I figured this would really tire the man out and he may slow down to ensure he would make it to the end, but then I realised that I actually prefer riding double laps. After some lengthy debate, where I basically did all the talking and Ian just tried to catch his breath and shoo me off, I decided a double lap it would be.
By this point the course was super, especially as light faded and off camber roots became slippery. There were some difficult sections that really tested your skill, but made the course more exciting. When I had finished my double lap I returned to Cy and suddenly felt this huge wave of hunger. I realised that I had forgotten to eat enough carbs on the double lap and I quickly overdosed on some TORQ bars. As I set off for my final lap I was shaking from cold. I had many layers on, but I knew I was feeling weak and that my final lap would be a tough one. Half way round I was feeling dizzy and knew I had made a huge mistake on the last lap by not consuming enough carbs. It seemed like forever and a day before I returned to Ian who had a storming final lap. In the end the Cotic Mixed Team finished 5th place, and after only 6 laps I was shattered....you can't tell me racing as a team is any easier than solo.
Once our racing lycra had been packed away, and the poor 24hr riders were past the half way point, it was time for the Potters to chill. Deep down I was surprised, but very proud of Ian who really ripped my legs off this time round. While I had to drag Ian away from his beloved Pyrenees to take part in the Cotic Mixed Team at Bontrager 24/12, it won't be the last time. Ian actually admitted later on that he would love to ride 'against' me again, together as a mixed pair....what have I created?
It really was a top weekend and many thanks to Martyn Salt, Keith Bontrager, Rob Lee and all the team for organising such a great event....Look forward to the next one.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
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.
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.
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