Well, ladies and gentleman, we are now in our last days of living in NZ, but before leaving then land of Kiwi birds, Kiwi fruit, and Kiwi people, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to race one more CYCO criterium. The CYCO crits happen every Thursday night at the “tank farm” in downtown Auckland and they are perfect races for speed work. The men take these races seriously – do men ever not?? – so they are bloody fast. However, last night there was a separate women’s race as the winners of the women’s and men’s races were crowned Auckland Champs. I figured since I hadn’t participated in a crit yet this series, it was time to give it one last go before moving. Since I will be moving into winter, it seemed only right that I allow myself one race in the summer weather (which it is finally starting to feel like summer around here). It was a good race and I put in a lot of hard digs off the front. With one lap to go I gave it a solid effort to surprise the group hoping to slip away and avoid a field sprint. But, Marina caught me and easily passed me to go on for a solo win, while I cruised across the line somewhere off the back. My efforts were worth something though as I did win a hair cut and blow dry, which I desperately need! So, my first race of the NZ summer and my last race in NZ was good fun and I will be sad to be leaving such a good event.

Another “last” happened this morning. As happens every Friday morning, we shared our last brekkie ride with our mates. Around 6:30am anywhere from 5 to 15 people start to congregate along the waterfront and from there we ride on to a café for breakfast. Each Friday we pick a different café so we have indulged in good coffees and food all around Auckland. These brekkie rides have been a tradition that our friends started years ago and I think it is a tradition we should continue in Ft Collins – if it doesn’t exist already. What could be a better way to wrap up a long week and kick off the weekend?

Today is also my last day of working at Hot Cycles, a place for serious bikes and serious fun. I am a bit afraid of what the guys might have in store for me today, but then again I think they are really just all talk.

5 more sleeps to go…

Meredith