My first race for the year was the Akitio Challenge (which I had forgotten I was doing!) This is a multi-sport event with a 55km cycle, 14km run and a 15km kayak out to the coast. I raced this in a team last year and our sponsor put us in again for 2008. 55kms is not a long ride but this is a VERY hilly ride. Just ask anybody who has done it! Also this year we had a strong head wind and as we rode in one direction the whole way, there was no relief from that wind.
I came in first woman on the ride last year so I had a bit of pressure on me from my teammates to do it again.
Home > SUB Hub > SUB Sponsored Riders > Suzanne Charles > Summer 2008
Summer '08
Akitio Challenge
I hadn’t done much riding over the Christmas break with kids at home etc so wasn’t quite sure how I would do. The bunch split up quickly on the first big hill but only about four guys got away and I managed to stay with the front bunch and came in 1st woman again. Our team ended up coming 2nd in our category by a few minutes and both our runner and myself were first females in our leg, which was awesome! Not to mention some prize money we won also!!
For those of you wanting to mix up cycling with a few other disciplines I thoroughly recommend entering a multisport event or similar teams event. It’s a great way to meet other athletes and compare training methods. For those interested in more information on the Akitio Challenge check out their website at www.dannevirkemultisports.org.nz
Molenberg Sub Stride and Ride
This years Palmy SUB ride was a classic. The day dawned bright, warm and beautiful. Luckily the strong wind had dropped from the day before as it just makes cycling so unpleasant.
We had so much fun because a whole bunch of VeloGirls rode in the event. Most of us ride the circuit regularly so we knew what to expect. The VeloGirls were really looking forward to racing together in a large group. There were tactical discussions happening and plenty of team bonding before the start.
The ride begins with about 15km of flats before we come to a series of hills. For me personally, I knew that if I was going to get away from the bunch, I had to see if I could make a break on the first hill and hopefully extend my lead on the few hills following. It is very hard to plan your race sometimes, as you don’t know whom you are going to be up against and how the race will unfold.
Well, my planning paid off. I got a jump on the bunch on the first hill and went hard over the next few. I was able to get a good distance ahead and kept that lead until the finish, riding solo for 45kms of the ride.
We had 8 VeloGirls finish in the top 10 and 13 in the top 23 riders. The girls were so pleased with the way they rode and for many of them this was their first experience of reaping the benefits of team racing. Way to go girls.
We also had walkers and runners tearing up the course. One of friend’s daughters Olivia Burne ran the 10kms in 38 minutes!!!!! (watch this name folks as Olivia is only 15 and is currently the NZ secondary school senior champion).
My two daughters, Madi (broken arm) and Sofia (netball outfit) and their friend Georgia decided to dress up as Kath, Kim and Sharon and power walk the 5km course. It was hilarious!
My POD won the prize for the most people there so we are off for dinner courtesy of the wonderful SUB team in the next week or so. Thank you so much!
All in all, it was a wonderful day for the VeloGirls and we are already looking forward to next year. Thanks to Molenberg and Sub for bringing the event to Palmy and their huge effort in getting woman together in such an awesome way.
For me, this year in cycling is going to bring some new challenges. I am going to enter a few races against some elite riders and see how I go. I rode in my first criterium the other day and loved it.
Suzanne's Tip
Set yourself some goals that you would like to achieve and go for it. Importantly though tell people about your goals to keep yourself motivated to achieve them. Plan a few events on your own or with your friends as a team and see how much easier it is to get and stay motivated.