Sheep Shenanigans & A Cheeky Win: The Leeston Loop Lark Christchurch, Canterbury 🌧

{"raceId":10765114627,"athleteId":2188545,"name":"Sheep Shenanigans \u0026 A Cheeky Win: The Leeston Loop Lark Christchurch, Canterbury 🌧","description":"What a day it turned out to be for the Leeston Cycling Club handicap! Blessed with a day that boasted of light winds and sunshine, we had ourselves a kickoff that was anything but ordinary. The ride out was smooth sailing, or should I say, smooth pedalling, but with the Port Hills fire throwing a spanner in the works, we found ourselves rerouted and landing in Lincoln with time to spare. This unexpected twist gave us a golden opportunity for a bit of a chinwag amongst ourselves - a prelude to the day’s adventures.\n\nAs if New Zealand wanted to remind us of its never-dull moment, our race was delayed by a classic Kiwi moment - sheep on the road! Only here, folks, only here. Despite the slight hold-up, the atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation.\n\nOnce we were off, it was like being part of a well-oiled machine. I found myself in the company of four incredibly strong riders on the first break. Together, we cut through the wind, though the elusive front break and scratch groups remained just out of reach. It was a nail-biter, with the scratch group only catching up in the final kilometre or two. Thanks to some nifty positioning, I managed to secure another win - slipping right past Steve. That brings the score to 11-6 in my favour, but something tells me Steve’s got a storm brewing just for me.\n\nPost-race, the ritual was simple yet perfect - a quick beer at the lab. Greg and I then made our way back into town, the night still young. The evening was dotted with errands - checking out a set of race wheels, adopting a new saddle, feeding my sister’s cats, and retrieving my jacket from Steve’s. The ride back home was in darkness, but the night was beautiful, serene, and filled with the satisfaction of a day well-spent on two wheels.\n\nStandout Moments:\n\n\t•\tUnexpected Route Change: The Port Hills fire leading to a reroute and early arrival in Lincoln.\n\t•\tPre-Race Natter: The delightful unexpected time to catch up with fellow riders.\n\t•\tSheep on the Road: A delay that could only happen in New Zealand, adding a unique twist to our race start.\n\t•\tStrong Team Effort: Riding with a formidable group in the first break, showcasing teamwork and strength.\n\t•\tNail-Biting Finish: A close call with the scratch group catching up in the last moments, leading to a strategic win.\n\t•\tEvening Rituals: A quick celebratory beer, errands around town, and a peaceful ride home under the stars.\n\nWeather Report: Light rain, 26°C, and the wind was blowing 24km/h from NW\n\n📈 aiendurance.com summary:\nExternal stress score: 179","primaryImageUrl":"https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/MPuwb9fpobEqOFP79eMYJx7rSIeEb62IqJLBenkosP0-768x756.jpg","distance":116600.0,"elapsedTime":19825,"totalElevationGain":36.0,"type":"Ride","sportType":"Ride","workoutType":11,"startDate":"Feb 15, 2024, 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