The first 25 miler.

I was about to mention in the header, that it was a glorious one. Then I thought, that it quite wasn't and it would be a lie to state that. To be perfectly honest (another bullshit cliche), it was my first long time trial and it was a steady one. It wasn't even near dreadful, actually I quite liked it. As last week my body showed signs of tiredness, decided to take the race as a practice run rather than another all out effort. Simply because the following weekends there would be more important races and we didn't want to compromise my recovery. Such a good explanation for not riding flat out!

The race was held early morning near Horsham. It was quite chilly morning, but I felt good. The start was some four and half miles away from headquarters so I used that as a warm-up. I went to the start with other racers for the purpose of not getting lost. The way to the start was a hilly one, and I mean that. My initial thought was something like second guessing my appearance in such time trial and thinking that what hell was it all about. However, the course was tough, but nothing like I scared. This time I didn't quite have a full race face on as the purpose was more on the training side. The race face, according to my mum, is all about being grumpy, bad mood and complaining. At the same time I put in a way of concentration and mental preparation. It is just a sake of different perceptions. ;)

Anyway, as a solid training effort it worked out nearly perfectly. I rode as planned and the plan was to ride a controlled steady submaximal ride. The course was tough, but yet enjoyable with some hills and nine roundabouts – some real riding I would say. Only once I went too fast in to a roundabout and had a bit of action there. I controlled the pacing very well and didn't die at any point, so we succeeded in terms of what we were after. As positive surprise to add up, I managed fourth place in my category and had a bottle of red wine as a prize.

Now I'm getting ready for the BUCS 10 mile champs next weekend in Cambridge. Everything looks well good, if I forget about the weather and I just somehow think it is better to do so... I'm ready.

Recent action in pictures

Here we go then...

Coalville Wheelers 10m TT, 31.3.

Finishing strongly?

Cooling down.

Good Friday Meeting, Herne Hill, 6.4.

You know, there you should have...

In action.

Sizeable field, eh?

Mixing it up.

Chilling with Lewis.

Oxford City 10m TT, 7.4.

All out.

Dual carriage-way.

Online leaderboard.

(C) Paavo & Erja Aro

Keepin' the wheels rolling.

It's been a while, but yeah a pretty productive while. Last weekend I was supposed to ride two 10 milers, but ended only doing one. That was because below zero or around zero temperatures in the morning and I didn't fancy doing that with my asthma. On I went to play some floorball with the guys. However, on Saturday I did alright. The time wasn't there, but the power was. That's because the route was quite unconventional for a time trial. Anyways, I had a decent ride. Nothing spectacular, but still quite okay.

This weekend is another story though. Yesterday, at Good Friday Meeting I rode pretty much everything. I had such a nice day at Herne Hill velodrome meeting some friends and riding hard. As an inexperienced bunch racer the field around 60 riders in points, eliminations and scratch weren't my deal really, haha. Still I had the legs to try something out and I did. I didn't end up as a winner at the end, but felt that outcome was rather encouraging. No prize money this time, but I managed a PB on tarmac track in flying 200m. I've heard that is what counts. ;)

Today, I took part in the first conventional forth and back 10 mile time trial in Oxford. It was a decent ride, and I managed to pace it fairly well. It resulted fourth place among 80+ riders, but too bad I missed the price money just. And for those interested, my time over the 10 miles was 20.26.

This was just a quick update and for a promise; there is a photo update coming soon!