Maxgear Team Launch

We arrived at the beautiful Matfen Hall in good time, I was feeling a little nervous but very excited about the launch. In no time at all we had all gathered and were soon chatting comfortably to each other whilst getting ready for the photo shoot.

With such an impressive building and grounds John Picton was able to capture some fantastic shots. Got to say we all looked fab in our new team kit, even though I stand out in my dress (such a girlie girl!!!) - many thanks to all the sponsors. The hospitality from the staff at Matfen was very welcoming and we were very well catered for - the cake was particularly delicious!!!

The ride out, my first with the team, was a snowy affair as predicted by the weather forecasters. We were all grateful for our numerous items of kit as we layered up for what was going to be a cold run, although it didn't dampen the spirits of the team. We all made the best of the conditions and thanks to everyone for their support whilst on the ride. There were a few hairy moments for
some of us but we all returned safe and sound.

It was a real shame that the weather got the better of us on Sunday and the ride had to be cancelled, but all in all it was a great weekend!

I'm really looking forward to racing this year and feeling quite optimistic about it. At the moment I'm doing Friday night Track League at Manchester Velodrome, then it's into crits season in March followed by my fist big race- the Cheshire Classic 22nd April.
 
Lauren x

Chased by wild horses on my bike!

After 3 week off at Christmas I have just finished my first week of 2012 training. Finishing the week with a 40 mile hilly ride to Caldbeck, which included me getting chased by about 30 wild fell ponies. Wow I got up the next hill fast!!

I enjoyed the ride to Caldbeck, really pushing myself on the hills, which is one of my goals for this season. Keeping the fast twitch going and taking a couple of the sign sprints on the way home. Hopefully next week’s training will be as good as this week, but without the hysteria of getting chased by fell ponies!!

Back to university of the 19th too so going to be very busy with training and school work. 

Lauren x

Grass track cycling, sprinting and intro to road racing!

I started cycling in spring 2009, after watching my Dad doing time trials; I decided that I wanted to give cycling a go on a grass track training session one Monday night, just to try it out. This was the first time that I had ridden a racing bike, never mind a fixed wheel. But I loved it....

I have thoroughly enjoyed riding with Border City Wheelers, but I am really looking forward to riding for Maxgear as part of a team this year and the challenges that await me.

As I have always been a short distance rider and mostly a sprinter, grass track is particularly good fun with the 'hoop game' amongst others! I am looking forward to getting involved in the women’s road races. This year I am looking forward to stepping up with longer races with a wider range of women cyclists.

Over this last year I have been working on my training, long club runs, rollers, and sprinting on the road. I have also recently joined my university gym, just need to find the time to fit it in now!

I am really looking forward to the launch on the 21st of January; I am excited about seeing everybody and the experience of the whole weekend. The hotel looks lush!
Lauren :)