 |
Back to base- 03.07.08 The Grand Boucle took it's toll on me as I returned to England. I was wiped out, sleeping half the day and suffering with a stomach virus (caught from Hamish i think!!!). This wasn't great preparation for the Nationals and did result in a below par performance (13th). However, onwards and upwards, I am very optimisitic about my next challenge- Krasna Lipa in Czech Reb. Time at home was great- it was heavily occupied with work (exam marking) but certainly great to seeing my fast growing niece (now talking, well if you listen hard!), my grandma, brother, sister and parents. Of course it was great to be looked after and get some sewing done by my mum!! Thanks mum! We enjoyed a couple of beautiful rides by Holmefirth and in the Pennines close by where Hamish lives. We even managed a short walk up a hill in Stafford, a stunning area for riding also. I have about 7 more hours of marking remaining so hopefully I'll check in again beofre leaving for the tour. Greetz Feeling sleepy- 24.06.08 I feel SO tired, this is the last week catching up with me; travelling, racing and late nights. I loved the experience of the Grand Boucle and was pretty happy with the way things went (until the last day, you live and learn by your mistakes!). It was the biggest tour that I have ever done and presented plenty of challenges and great experiences. The tour began in Gent and finished in Sestiere (Italy), the weather was mostly kind though we did experience one day of unbelievable rain. It was a fight to see in front of you and many girls hit the deck (3 to hospital). As you can see by the pic I was VERY happy to finish in one piece! I'm back in Meensel for a short while and am working really hard to mark maths exams. It is tough when all i really want to do is go to bed. Just a quick thanks to the guys who cheered me on on the penutlimate day of racing. To approach the summit and hear 'hey, it's Emma, go Emma' was enormously encouraging! Thanks whoever you were! I have a busy few weeks ahead with marking, national champs, family visits and hopefully Krasna Lipa- I'm REALLY excited abou this one aswell, so much learning and new experiences. |
|
16.06.08- Apologies Sorry for the lack of news, and in advance, the brevity! I am currently busy with contract marking, I must have 1200 answers marked before leaving for Grand Boucle! It's all go! Hopefully upon my return I will be able to write in a little more detail. Perhaps while on the ferry to England! Till then 01.06.08- Blighty Yes, I'm here! For one week only. Just a break for the legs and the head. I head back on Thursday but am currently enjoying the company of friends and family here in Cheltenham. I left Belgium with another top ten under the belt fro a race in Nederzwalm, encouraging after a run of bad luck. I enjoyed a hard days training with 60k behind Jef's motor bike followed by 100k to Kruibeke to watch Hamish get another podium before leaving for Blighty. My enthuiasm is building nicely and I'm looking forward to returning to Meensel ready for a trip to Holland and then France. In the meantime I'll continue to enjoy the Cotswold and the Forest of Dean for some 'lumpy' rides. I will again plug Norstar and their magnets (link to vitalia below) since I was very happy to hear my dad telling me how he was able to go fishing without suffering from pain in his hands and wrists after wearing a wrist magnet since Christmas. This really is something- my dad is the most pesimistic person when it comes to alternative treatments, however, he's certainly sold on this one! 18.05.08- It's done! Enquiries via e-mail as usual: info@emmasilversides.com |
|
14.05.08- Monschau Monschau is a vague memory for me now even though it was only last week! Since then I have suffered a light cold, raced twice and experienced an unpleasant encounter with the concrete of Burcht. I always try to look on the bright side in such situations; nothing is broken. I'm still a little sore but I'm training as normal so all is good. However, I'd rather tell you all about Monschau than my races. It is just over the border in Germany sitting in the valley of the river Rur. It is very much a tourist trap but fortunately for us the luring sunshine bait had only just come out at the start of the week; I suspect that it was swarming by the weekend. Since I was sensing a light cold coming on my training was very basic- no efforts! However, what a place to do this. I set off from Monschau and did a small loop with Hamish taking in a couple of long steep climbs that will feature in Tryptique Ardenne (Hamish's race this weekend), Once back in Monschau I then headed to Heimbach via Gemund, Heimbach was extremely picturesque but nothing in comparison to what lay ahead! From there I rode to Schmidt and onto towards Simmerath, turning off left before reaching the town. This road took me down to Woffelbach via Steckenborn. The views were breathtaking, it's a must if you are in the area. I returned to Monschau via Rurberg and Denenborn. The town of Monschau is full of souvenir shops and riverside cafes; it's a haven for walkers and 'outdoor' folk. Naturally, to sit and have a coffee is an EXPENSIVE option, however, if you are an ice lover you will not be able to resist the goods on offer in one of these inviting little terrraces. 05.05.08- Alles Goed. I have enjoyed a few smaller races in Belgium with mixed fortune. The first, a crit in Bronem saw me puncture after 45 minutes of racing; frustrating since I felt GREAT. However, Grace was off the front and obviously feeling pretty good. She rode fantastically for the win. I was not allowed a lap out so chose to climb off (I was amazingly still awarded 21st place; crazy, I was happily riding to Mechelen when the race finished!). I have since raced in two other kermis', taking a 6th and a 24th. The later was a good race for me from which I took many positives despite the result not looking fantastic I found the actually event very encouraging. I also managed a good training session off the back of it to give me 140km of speedy riding! I chose to pass on watching hamish race on Sunday in Roeselare, he took a comfortable second place after deciding to use the race purely as training, instead I spring cleaned our house and got the pencils out to make further progress on the latest piece. Maybe one more week and it'll be done. Keep an eye out, it's looking a good one! |
|
30.04.08- Can you guess what it is yet? Borsele was not a great day for me and it's one I'll forget in a hurry as I look forward to a month of kermis racing and hard training. Oh, and painting. I had a fun day out on Sunday following the race in Roeselare with Ivan, Johan (www.qoleum.eu) a product that has served us VERY well in recent months!) and his wife. I was exposed to the blood pressure elevating, pant wetting and, frankly seriously dangerous driving of Ivan (honestly Ivan, I was very grateful for the 'experience' and did throughout feel, amazingly, safe). I was rather concerned for the other road users who, at one point, began to pull over into the verge as they spotted Ivan approaching in the rear view mirror. I guess it come from driving in the race convoy. If you are interested in the painting below (which is awaiting a mount) do contact me. It will be displayed with other later in the year when Guy and I arrange the proposed open evening.
|
|
PERSONAL SPONSORS www.puralife.co.uk I have been using Oxyshot since June 2007 now. If you've followed my progress you'll know that I achieve my first ever top ten in Belgium about this time and subsequently added another 11 to that before the end of the season. Oxyshot has helped to increase my aerobic power, extend the periods of peak performance both in training and competition, and assist a rapid recovery. www.multipoweruk.com I have used Multipower energy and recovery drinks throughout the winter of 2007/08 and their supplement alongside my training program. They are specific to muscle recovery and general 'body maintenance' for an athlete aiming to stay in top shape. www.innertalk.co.uk You simply have to check these people out! I swear by their magnets to aid recovery for my leg after training and racing. I tape the Neo's to my calves and quads and magic!! It's as if I'd done nothing the day before. I am also a massive fan of their vitamin and mineral supplements, they are all bio and so the body assimulates them more easily unlike modern additive filled effervesent pills bought from a healthfood supermarket. www.rickkiddle.com Rick has supported my for 7 years now. His knkowledge and experience is priceless. Thanks Rick. |
|
|
|