boot inn league • ladies national league • training

boot inn league
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Race 1 report from Peta Stomps

Last Wednesday The Boot Inn league presented me with an opportunity to try
cycle racing for the first time.  I rode out from the GPO with a friendly bunch of
girls and some butterflies in my stomach. After a practice lap with some coaching
and instruction we were split into groups.
 
The first bunch started off at a relaxed pace, I was eager for the pace
to pick up and after five minutes or so a few girls pushed it up a notch. The group
was pulling apart a little as the speed increased, uncertain of whether to hang back
with the group or push forward I was encouraged by another first time racer
Jen O'Reilly. We pulled ahead and worked together swapping over between us.
I was anxious about the bunches behind us working together to close the gaps and
a little concerned I'd made a rooky error. But I was having fun.
 
Fiona Barrett and Heather Boyle caught us as we headed for home and on the last
corner Kate Rudd came flying through. The pace really kicked in for me and I tried
to push through, just holding onto the girls as we sprinted for the line. It was
exhilarating watching Kate, Fiona and Heather in that order cross the line and
amazing to be a part of the action up close.
 
The Boot Inn League was a fantastic first racing experience, it's motivated me to
learn more about racing and training and I look forward to getting out on the bike
for my second race.  

A big thank you to all the competitors, organisers, marshalls and coaches
for your time, energy and encouragement.

Boot Inn League Races 2008