Just for a change of emphasis and to maybe breathe some life back in to this blog, I thought I would post some insights in to the workings of Team Sales Engine time trial squad.
It's Boxing Day 2015. A note comes in on the team forum from Roy Robinson who rode the local Hitchin Nomads CC 'Boxing Day 10' time trial, and in doing so closes off the year's racing for our team.
The Boxing Day event is more of a social activity than anything too serious, but there is a number on your back and as such, it's a race. Given the team have been racing all over the country since March, when the season kicks off in earnest, this curtain call is quite a poignant moment. And not because of the performances, which incidentally have generally been fantastic during the course of the year, but because of what happened next.
Roy has been racing for donkey's years (and I hope he won't mind me stating that) and he has amassed so much experience and knowledge but following this final ride, he asked where his position on the bike could be improved for next year. Within minutes there were a range of really great suggestions, many of which were coming from relative newcomers to the sport, some of which came from old hands and experienced (and rapid) teammates. I've seen other clubs' forums and see people give no advice or worse, duff advice so that the rider in question can be kept 'in their place'. Not a bit of it in the Engine.
What struck me earlier in the year was Steve Franklin helping to put my own feet back on the ground with what appeared to be a throwaway comment regarding coaching. I was debating the merits of getting a coach, but being a coach couldn't see much benefit. Steve's comment, "I'm a guitar teacher, and I have three teachers." made the metaphorical light bulb go on for me. It was just the little nudge that helped restore good-Karma to the ycling universe at the time.
A few of the guys have been struggling a bit for form over Christmas, given the multitude of bugs and viruses that seem to whack British-Man during holiday season. Again, the support and advice dished out and received has been overwhelmingly supportive. Most of the squad have already put in 8-12 weeks of monster training already ahead of 2016's season, a few days here and there on the sofa isn't going to matter a jot once the sun eventually comes out again.
So, if there's a point to today's little missive it is probably two-fold: firstly, everyday is a school day on (and off) the bike and secondly, if you are receptive and a member of a squad as good as ours the improvements will be plentiful and significant. You mark my words.
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