AROUND THE MOUNTAIN-Taranaki Funride

Eric Shaw shares his inisght into this funride around Mt Taranaki.  It comes at the very beginning of the year and always attarct a great turnout.

​The distance was 148 km 
Elevation  1216 mtrs
 
 The weather on the day was great.  There was very little wind but a cool start.  As the group went out and we got into our work we soon warmed up.
 
On the day myself, Tama, Nic and Reon started in Group 3 along.  Simon started in group 2 .
 
We got ourselves into a good group and between myself Tama  Reon and a few of the Sarbez riders we all worked well together.  The bunch split a bit after turning left at Opunake  but still had a good team to work with to the end. I managed a 4.30.13 which was awesome better than I  expected .
 
Not as hilly as Taupo but depending on the wind on the day could be a challenge in places around the course
 
Some of the challenges on the day mostly was the inexperienced riders in the group who had not done much bunch riding experience  1 of which caused a crash luckly only a minor crash
 
I thought it was a great day and will go back again next year and hope a few more USO riders are able to come along .
 
Accommodation we had was great just 5k out of New Plymouth and if booked early enough can probably hold around 15  

IRONMAN 10th March
 
Tessa Haig was one of many amongst the throng of first timers at this years Kellogs Ironman in Taupo earlier this year.
 
It was arguably NZ’s toughest Ironman yet with the strong westerly winds causing havoc for many swimmers. Up to 20 swimmer were pulled from the water.  The wind followed them onto the bike course. As we cyclists know, riding into strong head winds is like riding hills non stop. Many commented  how the affects from the swim lingered and stayed with them for a good portion of the day.
 
Congratulations to everyone who got out there to take on the challenge.  This is Tessa's raw and inspirational story
 
Ironman March 4th 2017
3.8 k swim
180k cycle
42.2k run
 
MAKE A DECISION

I'd been supporting friends/whanau who were doing Ironman for the last 6 yrs and remember thinking EWWWW I'd never do an Ironman...haha that was up until last year when I thought, hey im gonna do it
 
PRE EVENT SNAPSHOT
 
Cost just under $1000 for entry fee
$800+ for accomodation for IM week
Ironmaori Toa camp $180
Plus all your nutrional, petrol and other event costings (HEAPS)

YOU DEFINITELY NEED TO TRAIN

Training for the 1/4 Ironmaori and 1/2 Ironmaori first, and my 1/2 Ironmaori time for me determined whether or not I was going to Ironman 2017.

My time for the 1/2 was  6hrs 50mins.  I was happy with this.

Training for Ironman then goes up 20 notches.  It is a very selfish sport to train for, lots of hrs put in and lots of other things you miss out on because of cost and you don't want injuries etc.Training with peeps is always better than training by yourself.

TRAINING WEEK EXAMPLE (Before Taper)

​Swim 3.5km as per program and one outdoor swim of 3.5km
200m warm up
All with pull buoy no paddles
20 x 100m (25m 75%, 25m 100%, 25m 50 %, 25m 100%)
10 x 100m (breathing like this, 3, 5, 7, 9 you may not get to 9 but relax and you will eventually get it)
200m 100%, and 100 warm down.
 
BUT always remember if you are sick just rest up and if you have an injuring let it rest. 

3 of us had ankle/foot injuries after the 1/2
2 of us (women) just saying lol rested our injuries and used our ears. One guy kept running on his injury (no matter what we said) and in the end he could'nt do Ironman cos his foot was wasted. So in other words listen to your tinana and don't worry because you've done the training

FINAL WEEK BEFORE THE BIG DAY

I was feelIng sIck In the car drIvIng to Taupo on Wednesday haha was just nerves!
Have your maIn support person wIth you for that week cos your mInd Is thInkIng 1000 thIngs.
Go shoppIng In the IM tent, It makes you feel better lol

Deff recommend goIng to the 1st tImers semInar on FrIday mornIng wIth Verna Cook-Jackson, puts your mInd at ease a lIttle, go wIth your mates and take your support person too.
Make sure you get to bed early especially Wed, Thurs nIght.  Get some decent sleep as you mIght not get much FrI nIght.

I dIdnt have a tIme In mInd as I just wanted to fInIsh, It was lIke goIng Into the unknown so to speak.

SATURDAY MORNING

Alarm went off at 3.30am
Breakfast at 4am Ish, I wasnt hungry but forced myself to eat porrIdge and toast.
Down to transItIon at 5am to pump up tyres, check bIke, settle the nerves  and everyone wants to hug you and wIsh you well that mornIng, I would suggest you do all that before you go down to the lake as It can get quIte emotIonal (Is that just women)? lol thats what I dId anyway, cos I dIdnt wana cry and get foggy goggles lol

Have karakIa wIth the IronmaorI Toa whanau cos Its beautIful and It just feels rIght!

The swIm was the hardest for me, ( and I LOVE swImmIng In choppy water) BUT that was out the gate!!  It was as rough as guts. I know I wasnt  the only one who felt sIck, It was lIke there was no end In sIght.  I just kept thInkIng I was gonna eat that bIg elephant up 1 bIte at a tIme!!  I stopped about 6 tImes just to try get my bearIngs lol 3.8 k was the dIdtance but I thInk we all swam atleast 4.3k haha
 
Scoffed a banana down In transItIon even though I felt Ill as from the swIm,

RIde was tuff BUT I was every so grateful for all the rIdes Pete and Owen took us on (NIhera and I)
The second lap....hmmm tough but not once dId I thInk I was gonna gIve up.  About 3-4 tImes I just thought to myself #fIghtlIkethehammerhead  and I eventually got to the end, and yes It was a joy to get off that bIke onto the run.
 
Felt good on the run and I knew that was because my nutrItIon was on poInt on the bIke...eat every 1/2hr drInk every 15mIns no matter how your feelIng.

My knee started playIng up on the fIrst lap to the poInt of, If I keep runnIng, Im probably gonna wreck It...soooo got my power walk on, and I knew I had enough tIme up my sleeve. Support on the run course was amazIng!! whanau and frIends everywhere, was just massIve. The volunteers In transItIon, bIke and the run course are just bloody AWESOME, treat them wIth respect and I was always thankIng them for the wonderful (FREE) job they were doIng.

3rd lap on the run Pete came wIth me whIch Im glad he dId or It would of been lonely, dark and hard as I started to feel It on the way back In. Got the wobbles a couple tImes on the way back.  GettIng closer to town round by the pubs etc the crowd was pumpIng...what a buzz!, then I could hear MIke RIley In the dIstance...I could smell that medal lol.

RED CARPET MOMENT....Whatttt a buzz!!! Can't even explaIn the feelIng EVERY ache goes out the door (my feet were blIstered up bad).  

To hear MIke say Tessa HaIg YOU ARE AN IRONMAN, was truly awesome..and the crowd Is just roarIng, everyone was goIng off! My maIn traInIng buddy NIhera put my medal on me (that was very specIal).

​Make sure you take your tIme In the tent, (kaI,relax,massages) your whanau wIll waIt for you, they've waIted all day whats another 40mIns hahaha.

DId I enjoy It? YES
Was It hard? YES... the body achIeves what the mInd belIeves!
Would I do It agaIn? hmmm for me It was always a tIck off the bucket lIst....but never say never

Wishing all the Kiwi riders - Pactrick Bevin, Dion Smith, Jack Bauer, and George Bennett every success at this years Tour de France.  To Karl Woolcott and the Ride Holidays team-we are jealous with envy.  Enjoy the Ride of your Life everyone-special memories to always cherish coming your way.

Looking forward to making a return in the near future. We'll be watching from here. Here's highlights from our trip to France and Amsterdam last year.  Enjoy

An insight into climbing Mt Ventoux one of the monuments of the Tour de France

As this years TDF draws near, we rewind to 2016 and tell the tale of how x2 USO riders and friends from Ride Holidays cycled Mt Ventoux aka The Giant of Provence. Chris Te'o and I climbed Ventoux x2.  The first time we climbed was before stage 12 of the TDF before the peloton came through.  On this day Chris Froome crashed near the finish and ran towards the finish line.  The stage had been shortened several kilometres before the summit. We could only go up so far before Gendarmes stopped us. 

I will share what it was like riding up on both occaision's.  Firstly getting to the point where we had to stop on the day of the tour.  Then I will continue from the point where we stopped- we came back x2 days later to complete the whole climb.

Situated in the Provence region of France Mt Ventoux stands 1910 meters and is 21.5kms from the village of Bedooin. The average gradient is 7.5% with steep parts at 9%. and 12% There are in total 3 routes one can use to cycle up Ventoux. The most common route used by cycists is from the small village of Bedoin.  It’s the route we would use for our x2 ascents.....

You start climbing as soon as you leave the town of Bedoin.  Long elevated exposed false flats greet you (similar to the Haywards climb from Porirua side to the Hut). You’re climbing a number of kms before you reach the forrest that shrouds you for a lengthy part of the climb up the base of Ventoux.  This is was the perfect protection we would need on both climbs as any exposure to the sun just made it harder.  While you are sheltered by the forrest the sheer elevation of this long section is tough.  The average elevation here is 9% with 11% and 12 % pitches to get you out of your saddle.

On the day the TDF came through there were thousands of people also making their way up-some walking with backpacks full of food and wine, many others cycling on their road bikes, mountainbikes and even E Bikes.  They make their way way up, find a spot and then make themselves comfortable for the next 3 hours waiting for the peloton.  Many make their way to the finish line.  Once its all over they then walk back down!

As we climbed Mt Ventoux the support from the multitude of fans was amazing.  Most of the time you’re in your own world just trying to hold a tempo and all the while resisting the temptation to stop-especially on the steepest 11% 12% sections.  The last thing you want to do is stop in front of all the faces staring at you.  The fans stare, clap and encourage you in a multitude of languages that reflect the diverse audience that follows the tdf each year.  There is a real buzz and sense of anticipation in the air.  The colours, the flags, the sense of national pride are clearly evident on this day.  The wine is also freely flowing lol

We cycled with riders from our Ride Holidays tour group.  Some of the group would stop at earlier vantage points to wait for the peleton while x4 of us kept going to the furthest point we were allowed to. As were making our way up you can’t help but feel every eye is on you.  True enough the others riding with us mentioned how many people would stare at the two USO riders almost in disbelief that x2 riders Samoan riders were climbing Mt Ventoux on the same day.  How often does that happen?? lol- Of course it helps with a cycling kit that stands out. Mind you our franch was a bit rusty lol Bonjour-Allez Allez!

Virtually every practical vantage point on the road was covered with people.  The closer we got to the finish line, the louder the cheers and applause for those cycling up the mountain.  The loudest cheers were reserved for the children that cycled!

Waiting for the peleton 1km from the finish line, the atmosphere was like a giant street party only thousands of meters above sea level.  Masses of people chanting and cheering.  I stood and waited for the peleton on the side of the road.  Chris, Aaron and Gareth perched up on the bank with a birds eye view.  Yes I was one of those fans on the road that the cyclists have to nearly push out of the way as they climb.  As the riders drew closer I became quite nervous as I didn’t want to be that guy who knocked off a rider lol.

Making our way down Ventoux after the stage with the walkers, cyclists, vans, cars and buses was an interesting sharing the road experience too- and no road rage lol 

The second time up Mt Ventoux came a few days later.  We waited for the wind and weather to clear. Again we left from Bedoin this time I punctured just on the outskirts of Bedoin. All good. After a quick tyre change I jumped on my bike and started spinning.  As with all the other climbs we wanted to manage our efforts so we could appreciate everything that came along our route up to the top of Ventoux. We knew that trying to push the tempo through the steep forrest section would be really impact us further up the climb so finding a tempo we could maintain was the key.  We reached the point of our previous effort up Ventoux and pushed on.  It was still a distance to get to the end of the forrest. As the trees and vegetation disappears there is a vast exposed barren –bald space of land as far as the eye can see right to the top of Ventoux.  The trees that once lined this road had been felled long ago to supply wood serving the demands of shipbuilders based then in Toulon.. You’re also exposed to the elements namely the sun and the wind.  Today the weather is good at the top.  Nice warmth in the sun and a gentle breeze-a perfect day to take on Ventoux.

As you come out of the forrest covered landscape you are exposed to the Chalet Reynard, a former refuge now restaurant.  It’s perfectly situated for a stop to enjoy a coffee/coke and sample some of the tasty pastries and purchase some momentoes to mark the occasion.

Meriama was here waiting for us. Our tour bus had made its way up here to support us and drop off riders who were cycling from this point to the top as it is still a 6km climb. We quickly refueled and then started the last 6km climb to reach the peak.  It felt like it took us age’s-you are literally in a dessert atop this mountain exposed to all the elements biding your way up-but you look up and around you and the view is pure gold.  360 degree views of magic.  A sight to behold.

Further along the road there is the Tom Simpson memorial made of granite.  Simpson was a pro UK cyclist who while ascending the Ventoux climb on the 13th stage of the 1967 tdf collapsed and died.  The memorial is a place of pilgrimage for cyclists every year and today would be no different. I stopped, jumped off the bike and took a few selfies and some pics.  As you can see in the pics, many others had been today as well with the number of bottles and caps left here.  Then I was on the bike to finish it off.

The final part to the peak was a blur- we reached the top and there were hundreds of people at the top.  Sadly not to greet us, but like us many were maiden Mt Ventoux riders.  They were all assembling around known landmarks for the pic to capture the moment.  All were pleased, relieved, happy to have knocked it off.

Looking out across Mt Vetoux and it is sheer beauty in the palm of your hand.  After taking more pics and embracing the moment with others who had also climbed the Giant of Provence we made our way down towards the village of Malaucene.  This descent was pure speed-no brakes long steep drops –brake for the corners/switchbacks and then down another long drop- team of 5 of us nailing it.  Less than 15 minutes later we are at the village ready for lunch and more talk about our climb.

When I look back we were so lucky to get a clear day, not much wind when we consider the gales that were howling only x2 days before.  The roads are excellent especially the smooth seal from Chalet Reynard to the top. 

I am looking forward to returning to France in 2019 with a team of USO riders to again climb the Giant of Provence-Mt Ventoux. #uso4life

NOTE:  Mt Ventoux is a serious cycle challenge but something you can achieve.  You will need to have the right gearing on your bike, completed some training in your build up, and go at your pace. If you're like us a "Brofessional cyclist", as they say in Samoa "Alu Lemu"-take it easy/go slow.  It was also pleasing to see there were riders of all shapes and sizes from all over the world-and yes some on E bikes too.

Hope you enjoyed the read.  

​T Taufale

A memorable trip to take part in the 2016 Tour of Samoa.  While in Samoa we donated resources to the Samoa Cancer Society and visited family and friends.  As for the Tour, every day it was tough.  You started early to try and beat to beat the heat then spent the rest of the day trying to cool down! A great opportunity to see Samoa by x2 wheels.  Check out this video footage from the Tour.  Many thanks to Oscar Thomas for the USOme footage.  Go to Tour of Samoa to find out about this years event.

June- Wow what a Month- Samoan Language Week, Samoan Independence Day, Junk Free June and Mens Health Month all in June- cheehooo
 
Why not celebrate with a health check, a bike ride or two, or three or more, our language and of course with language comes our culture.  To put it all together we go to church as well to worship, sing and give thanks.  

We are indeed truly blessed to share this day,  every day- This month and every month with you.

Samoan Independence Day
Go here for Mens Health
Go here for Junk Free June
Go here for G3000 The Gathering

#KeepTheWheelsSpinning

It was great to see USO Bike Ride mentioned and featuring on the cover of Matson Foundations 2016 Annual Report.  Here it is for you to read.  In 2014 Matson Foundation helped us to ship 37 restored bikes to donate to Samoa Triathlon for use in the communities there.  In 2016 they again came to support us for our length of the country ride from Bluff to Cape Reinga.  An awesome company with sound values and principles, we look forward to visiting their home office when next in Hawaii!   

​Enjoy!

Leading into winter and it's always a tough time to get motivated to ride, play sport and get out and about with family......

Lying in bed and listening to the rain fall at night can be really off putting when you've got a ride scheduled the next morning.  You wake up early, open the curtains it's still dark but the rain has stopped.  It will be a good day once the sun is up to dry the roads but the chill in the air means you still need to wrap up warm to ride.

You look out to the sky and can see where the drizzle of rain is coming from and of course thats not the direction you ride.  Best to cycle where there is little to no rain.  You get changed, have a quick breakfast, coffee-do a last minute gear check, turn your lights on and your off taking that plunge into the chilly winter morning air.  

Navigating the rain has an aura similar to our ancestors navigating the Pacific many moons ago in their waka using the telling signs of nature as their GPS. This time we are navigating the roads by bike. Your constantly scanning the skies for rain and feeling for the direction the wind is blowing. Your scanning the roads for traffic, hazards-glass!

You manage whatever mother nature has in stall for you- you choose the best and safest routes. Ultimately you will find your way home-sometimes damp from the rain, and sometime's basking in the warmth of the sun.  The experience will add to your cycling wisdom about riding in a range of conditions and different approaches to take.

Some people will ask Why cycle in the rain??  Others will say-Why not??  Ultimately it's up to you, but whatever you choose to do-embrace it and enjoy.

The image above from our East Cape ride earlier this year at Tokomaru Bay is motivation to keep the wheels spinning during winter- can;t wait for Spring and Summer again! #uso4life 

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