While I would like to say I am fresh from the Kelly Cycle Coaching December Camp held in Bright, the term December may be a bit deceiving; we arrived home about two weeks ago.  And my legs definitely aren’t too fresh after riding around Sydney town this morning on what my friend termed ‘undulations’. Is there a adjective we can put in front of that, such as extreme/long/nemesis producing/glad I am sitting down right now undulations (suggestions welcome).

 

Anyway, back to the KCC camp in Bright. Another awesome, adventure filled, caffeine-high week. The theme of the camp was “Possible” backed up by the song “Ain’t no mountain high enough”. Already we were onto some winning combinations. The first official evening of the camp saw Captain Bob ask the group “What do you consider impossible in cycling?”. While the group was quite canny, with the first answer being “nothing is impossible”, when we got down to the nitty gritty of it all, responses such as “climbing”, “training AND having a social life”, “getting frost bite under a carbon leg”, or “self-doubt/negative self talk” were all discussed. Funny that only one individual in the room had the carbon leg issues and put their hand up when asked if they found this a big challenge. 

 

Then came out the big marker, and below is a take of what we had on the board

 

 

It was very interesting how the prominent difficulties we all faced were the mental or psychological ones. The self-doubt, self worth, or overcoming disappointment/setbacks were all ranked as our Darth Vadars. A prominent theme of this blog is all about our self talk, how we can be happier, and remove some of the limiting beliefs we place on ourselves. The first step to combat some of these limiting beliefs is awareness – when do we start putting ourselves down, doubting our ability to climb the next mountain, question our value as an individual? When we can recognise our patterns and triggers, we can start to put strategies in place to combat our negative thought processes. Affirmations are extremely powerful, as is focusing on what is happening right now and what is in our control. Warm date scones from the Beechworth Bakery also help to soothe 14% gradient hills, a few hours of riding in the saddle, and provide motivation for the ride back to Bright.

 

And so the phrase “it is possible” worked it’s way into the camp. I loved the fact that when riding up Towanga Gap, I was pulled up after my comment “my power to weight ratio up this hill is bloody ridiculous” by Mikey H with “Han, it’s possible that we can make it awesome*”. A rendition of “Listen baby, ain’t no mountain high…” proceeded soon afterwards and the climb seemed to fly by.

 

During the camp, I found it to be an absolute privilege to be surrounded by such a wonderful group of young individuals. I am sure we have all felt that certain values, etiquette and genuine concern for others has been slowly eroding in our society. It makes me sad to see pregnant women forced to stand on trains, the elderly shipped off to homes never to be thought of again, and the fact that it makes a difference how you acquired your disability as to what type of support you get from the government (yep – that one could be another article but I will keep it positive in this post!).

 

Seeing the KCC group work together as a team up hills, have guys carry a few legs if I had my hands full (I get a mental picture/song of the seven dwarves and ‘Hi Ho’ – just replace a pick with a leg), or watching Carols support team of Coops and Cam during river walking wobble probably more than she did. The display of genuinely caring about other people, willing to lend a hand, and having a ‘it’s possible’ attitude, really made the KCC December camp a complete success. 

 

The girls with a man on either side; something I could get used too!

 

Naturally it took a lot of people to put the whole show together, so if you could indulge me a little, I would like to give a shout of thanks to –

 

Michael and all his family at Bright Chalet for hosting us again – I think it never ceases to amaze them how much food the boys can consume…

 

Dee Jennings for all your core and recovery sessions, knowledge and support

 

Café Velo for the greatly needed post-ride coffee

 

Bright Berry Farm for all the delicious antioxidants

 

Essendon Skoda for the support vehicles

 

Carley for stitching me up, your amazing driving, and your joint efforts with Ed for putting together the KCC December Camp ‘Ain’t no mountain high enough’ rendition plus slide show (great work guys)

 

CC (otherwise known as Carol Cooke) for being my riding buddy and sharing the secret of the Beechworth Gorge

 

And lastly, to the amazing duo of Bob and Helen. You guys run an awesome program and I know that sometimes you feel like pulling your hair out (I think Bob is evidence of this!), but your patience, support, and guidance is greatly appreciated.

 

And to all the KCC team and all other loyal blog post readers still with me – I would like to wish you all a magical Christmas filled with an abundance of happiness, laughter and glorious food. May 2013 bring lots of new adventures and be full of exciting possibilities.

 

 

Until next time,

Ride safe, ride with a smile, and ride in the moment

Han 

 

 

CC at the 100km mark on the longest ride she has now done – 119km!

 

 

The secret Beechworth Gorge – feel the serenity

 

 

A special concert at the Bright Chalet

 

 

Delicious recovery food at Cafe Velo

 

 

Doing what we do best

 

Core work with Dee

 

 

* This may not be the exact quote, but something along these lines…