The 2015 TTR winter
camp was based in Matarangi on the Coromandel Peninsula, a summer hotspot
abandoned by Auckland holiday makers throughout July. The Mullaly family kindly
hosted the entire squad, providing all the comforts of home in their seaside bach.
It was a real pleasure to have at our disposal. Warmest of thanks from the team.
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| This place would be easier to qualify as a luxury home than holiday retreat |
Context
Before touching the bike I was found wanting for confidence having sustained a nasty muscle tear on the 20th of June. I was told to have at least a further week of easy kilometers before ‘loading’ the muscle again but couldn’t resist the chance to dive into the camp. Despite the excitement, I still had my apprehensions, concerned about the possibility of another set-back.
How it happened is an entertaining but short tale of personal embarrassment and carelessness at the end of a long (short) day. I needn’t delve into the details, but I’ll put it out there that riding into a wall is far from recommended. Having not turned a pedal in anger since my last addition to the blog, I was somewhat underdone for the task ahead and just a wee bit sore.
Friday
With a full complement of riders and management arriving on Friday
it was all go by early afternoon. For the journey, Skoda New Zealand generously
provided the team with two Octavia’s. These Tour de France machines greatly
expanded the scope and safety of our ambitions helping the ‘out of town’ riders
get to the camp (I’ve dedicated a few words to both vehicles further down). After
brief introductions we hit the road for a quick spin along the coast to
Whitianga.
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| The Octavia Wagon and Avanti Bikes Corsa DR |
Those of you who frequent Matarangi during the busy summer
months will be well aware of the surrounding terrain. For this reason
alone, leaving later than the rest of the team was probably a bad way to start
proceedings. It was only by a couple of minutes, but minutes nonetheless that
had to be regained in order to reach the bunch. Turning onto the access road, myself, Sam and Scott lapped it out making contact by the time we hit the highway. That
old adage ‘if you’re late, you chase’ is a firm part of TRR rhetoric and I
vouch that it’s something better said than done!
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| Friday was mostly social and a great chance to ponder what lay ahead |
The first of what seemed like an interminable flow of climbs
commenced just a few kilometers in. Given this is a ‘G’ rated blog I’ll refrain
from expressing my true feelings about it on paper, just to say that it was
pretty bloody steep and a real shock to the system. Heart in mouth stuff! Over
the other side there wasn’t much to complain about. Blue skies, a touch of
warmth and sea views made for a top notch trip. Even the traffic passing by gave
the impression they were happy to accommodate us with a few gentle waves
warming the collective heart of the team.
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| Get that summer feeling... only a few arm warmers give it away! |
Saturday
It wouldn’t be too far from the truth to suggest that most undertrained cyclists are fairly aware of their limitations upon a return to training. What was achievable just a few months prior may not be the case anymore, so it’s important to plan accordingly… Saturday’s agenda was an unforgiving venture into the testing climbs north of Matarangi in less than desirable weather. As part of a small contingent of ‘not so conditioned’ riders, we hatched a cunning stratagem worthy of the ancient Greeks in case of premature detonation. Jared and Scott tactically positioned a vehicle in Thames, wisely predicting the struggle in the second half of the ride. The original plan was to complete a full loop of the ‘K2’ course weather permitting. This was shortened slightly with most of the riders completing 160kms odd to Kopu return.
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| TDF data anyone? Nah, just a mudguard to look after the kit. It was vests off after the first climb - not for long |
Saturday morning started with dragging my sad façade down the stairs just after 6am all geared up to confront the joys of kiwi riding. I was pretty motivated when you consider just how much I love riding in the rain on roads covered with the aftermath of our staple industry! First up, it was coffee with the lads, followed by a smattering of simple carbs and straight into kit for a classic winter ride.
Out on the road it was nice to finally put some faces to the names in our 2015/2016 roster having stuck to myself on the first day. Amongst the talent, the team is sporting some of New Zealand’s most promising riders from Palmerston North who have taken the Secondary School scene by storm. Joel and Mitchell who raced with TRR at the Tour of Taranaki were present, alongside Robert Stannard and Chris Denholm.
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| Robert and Chris with Joel just out of shot. Talent to burn |
Together with the new faces, a few old ones made an
appearance as well. Jared Holmes and Scott Mullaly, both former members of the
team contributed to the fun. This season, Jared will be stepping into a
management role assisting Scott (Fairbairn) and Brad with the finer details. Considering
both were co-conspirators in the Thames escape, I was
glad to have them by my side.
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| Scott Won the Tour of Northland in 2014 racing for TRR |
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| Callum and Jared exchange a few words - the latter a stalwart of TRR over the years |
A longer day in the saddle also gave the riders a chance to try some of the new product that’ll be powering the team over the course of the season. Pro4mance sports drinks and gels were invaluable, keeping us on the happy side of the carbohydrate balance. The Magellan Cyclo 505 was another popular item for those looking to give Strava a nudge. The big touch screen helped detract from the general morbidity of wearing more layers than your average Antarctic explorer.
Sunday
The final day took us beyond Coromandel Town to the gravel road that leads to the edge of the peninsula. It was a flying start with touch of aggression up Whangapoua, bettered only by a riveting descent down the other side. Sam captured the moment on our new GoPro session (this will be up in the next few weeks).
Some of the smaller climbs along the way suited me well as
my legs finally regained a sense of normalcy. As with the previous year, we
stopped for lunch along the way this time indulging in country cuisine at Hereford ‘n’ a Pickle café (Colville). Run
by a tight crew of locals, there was no shortage of quality food and coffee on
hand. Turf in a spoonful of frontier atmosphere to top the whole experience off
and it was a fitting interlude before the 50kms back to the bach.
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| Hereford 'n' a Pickle served up a winner in our books |
Up front, Robert and Callum locked horns challenging each
other as morning became afternoon. Back at sea level, I spent a fair part of
Sunday riding with Sam who is returning from a well-deserved break. This was
good for me but probably not a great sign of form for him; Sam currently holds
the KOM up the hotly contested Whangapoua climb, not the side panels of the
Octavia! Returning to fitness is an unforgiving task but makes one appreciate
the demands of the sport. It took a while but we both made it back after a mostly
honest climb of the Northern side of Whangapoua.
Skoda New Zealand
As I mentioned earlier, Mitchell and I had the privilege of
the latest Octavia RS to and from Auckland. Personally I was taken
aback by how classy this car was to drive and really wanted to share my
thoughts. I wouldn’t mind a job with TopGear,
so consider below a formal job interview. Add in Clarkson’s voice if you wish.
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| Skoda Octavia RS - the best of both worlds with no time for compromise Simply Clever |
It all started in the collection area of Auckland
International Airport as I rescued Mitchell from the boredom of the arrivals lounge.
With two bikes between us and enough kit to last a season I was surprised at
how easily our glossy red Octavia ate each and every piece of equipment without
protest.
The interior was championed by an intelligent centre display
that offered in house GPS capability, four different driving modes, plus
Bluetooth paring and a wide array of relevant telemetry. All of the above was brilliant
in its ease of use and wouldn’t strike a challenge to even the most brain dead
of individuals.
What the RS graced in practicality however is not engineered
at the cost of flawless handling and raw performance. The 2.0 litre TSI engine
is capable of achieving 0-100kmh in a fleeting 6.8 seconds (manual) along with
a blistering top speed of 248kmh. Yes, that’s right, not even Greipel can match
those numbers! When asked, the Octavia responded without question, easily
navigating the sinuous roads that bank the Firth of Thames. It would be a gross
overstatement to say I came close to unlocking the full potential of the RS; at
most I got a taste for what it’s capable of. There is no doubt the Octavia has
the propensity to attack the crudest of roads with all the venom of a battle
hardened supercar. With the push of a button, vRS function tweaks the engine
and optimises steering, transforming the everyday into the exceptional.
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| Wouldn't have been possible without this trusty steed playing gatekeeper |
Complementing the endearing attributes of the RS, the
Octavia diesel wagon was our mother-ship all weekend long. Housing a range of
wheels, fresh kit and extra nutrition, the ever patient Alex (Chris’s father)
made sure we were adequately supported from behind. Although I only
had a few kilometers in the wagon, I can confidently say it’s the perfect match
for the team.
Thanks Greg and the team at Skoda New Zealand for making it
happen. It’s going to be a great year.
Cheers for sticking it out to the bottom folks. See you out
on the road.
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| It's our own Koru Club back here |
MM
