tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39002008580315560782011-07-08T16:18:00.090+10:00Welcome to my blog! This used to be a place where you could read about the life of an AIS cyclist, now...it's an insight into the life of what I like to call a 'normal' person :)PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comBlogger1621100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-35964692611522444202010-02-07T19:58:00.004+11:002010-02-14T21:45:16.445+11:00

Today signifies the end of a very very long week. I tried to do a heavy week of riding through a heavy week at work and I’ve discovered that the two don’t work that well together. In simple terms, I went into Round 3 of the Victorian MTB Series today tired, and it hurt me. Bendigo hosted the race out at Heritage Road, Sedgwick, providing an always rocky, hilly, challenging course, that I saw for

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-82106164436286655332010-01-31T16:49:00.002+11:002010-02-14T17:13:22.449+11:00

MTB’ing brings with it so many different challenges. At Nationals I punctured, pinch flat style. In Shepparton I punctured twice and sprained my wrist after a heavy fall. On Wednesday night I rode rocky descents blind, because I forgot to charge my light. Yesterday I saw a snake and had to push my bike up the climbs after hunger flatting. But today...well today I thought I was on a real winner!

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-33660272444501966002009-09-21T16:50:00.014+10:002009-09-26T13:05:04.691+10:00

Many, some, or maybe only three people, will remember my first MTB race victory at the Bendigo 6hr Enduro back in late May. Not only did this race give me a little boost of confidence, a handy $100 and an excuse to eat double portion sizes for the following week, it also gave me a free race entry into the Australian Marathon MTB Championships, that were coincidentally raced in Bendigo on Sunday.

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-81515072600993322122009-06-20T18:18:00.012+10:002009-06-27T11:07:01.070+10:00

After spending 10 days in Bendigo, I decided it was time to make the 4 hour trek home on Monday, not without the added bonus of peak hour traffic through Melbourne...yay (sarcastic)! The following day I decided to go for a lazy hour, but instead came across local cyclists Sam, then Darren, then Shannon, and after three hours realised that it's just not possible to perform secret training anymore!

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-78154112059680606262009-06-15T16:32:00.011+10:002009-06-25T22:49:07.053+10:00

After the effects of the Tour had worn off, it was time to get back on the bike. I had decided to spend the week in Bendigo, and as a result, saw myself borrowing Pete Moroni's MTB on Wednesday morning to join Jarrod and the boys for a casual ride. As if I wasn't holding the boys up enough with my lack of bike skill and useless climbing abilities, I was having some serious problems with my road

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-27789034104085002192009-06-09T09:05:00.015+10:002009-06-25T20:29:31.563+10:00

Recovering from the Bendigo 6hr MTB Race took longer than expected. I spent five days back home in Traralgon and I’d only clocked 40kms on the roadie, which now felt a little odd with it’s rounded handlebars, STI levers and a smooth riding surface. So when I returned to Bendigo on the Friday to start yet another weekend, it wasn’t dirt and grease that needed cleaning off my celeste green Bianchi,

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-25494084754869302022009-05-24T19:42:00.006+10:002009-06-01T20:29:38.525+10:00

It was only seven weeks ago that I stepped onto my first real mountain bike (opposed to the $150 Kmart model I was given for my 11th birthday). Courtesy of Jarrod, I was perched on a Dual Suspension Ninety-Six Carbon Team-D Merida valued at over $10,000...just to complete a social ride! Since then, I have been on a MTB only once, and that was to race the BMC 100kms, or more accurately 'hunger

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-88097884135955526272009-04-19T22:55:00.000+10:002009-06-02T20:23:52.525+10:00

I have been anxiously awaiting today for two weeks, excited about the second edition of the BMC 100km Classic that would double as my very first MTB race :) I was excited about today...until today actually arrived. Jarrod and I drove to the race through thick fog, drizzling rain and cloudy skies. We were running on schedule until arriving in Cammeray Waters, Woodend (60km NW of Melbourne), at the

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-16579522777128680242009-01-10T20:28:00.001+11:002009-03-24T12:33:54.213+11:00

My three recovery days prior to the Australian Road Championships (video) went quickly. The first was spent unpacking, the second in Melbourne processing my VISA for the upcoming Beijing Track World Cup, and my third was spent in complete mayhem! I had planned to arrive in Buninyong on Friday afternoon in time for coffee with friend Bec Thyne BUT I had remembered that morning that I had flooded

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-47616446184564036182009-01-07T11:03:00.009+11:002009-03-04T12:19:12.534+11:00

My first week of racing in the New Year has so far been marred by bad misfortune and ill circumstance, and yesterday was no exception. It marked the fifth and final day of racing and with an evening start time of 6:30pm, Chloe and I had a whole day to waste. Our predicted long morning ride turned into one hour plus an iced chocolate and pastries, followed by what turned out to be an epic

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-49604813367197648182009-01-05T20:50:00.003+11:002009-03-04T12:25:57.712+11:00

The morning of stage 3 marked the annual ‘Amy’s Ride’ in support of the Amy Gillett Foundation, so our team headed out for a pedal with the hundreds of supporting riders. Despite a lengthy distance, I pulled up well and felt like I had the form of my life that afternoon around the Eastern Park long circuit. With newly surfaced roads it is now my favourite course, so I was determined to race hard

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-8675745024226694532009-01-03T11:59:00.002+11:002009-03-04T12:10:06.846+11:00

One day was hardly enough recovery time between New Year Celebrations and my first race of 2009, the Jayco Bay Series Classic. I had taken New Year’s day off the bike to rid myself of the foreign bodies still in my system. I couldn’t eat or drink, let alone exercise, so when ASADA pulled me aside after the first day of racing it was no surprise that my dehydrated body took three hours to produce

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-1363115103179362772009-01-01T19:53:00.004+11:002009-01-22T23:36:39.458+11:00

Bendigo (video) signaled the fourth day of racing and the South Australians had chosen to boycott in dispute over the lack of an on-site Ambulance; racing was suspended on numerous occasions during the juniors program to call in three Ambulances for crash victims. We started the night with a 7 lap motor paced scratch race where I finished second to Sam Wood (WA), then handicap heats once again

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-47493522959710484742008-12-30T08:20:00.001+11:002009-01-22T22:03:50.180+11:00

Well, I'm alive. I made the drive to Bendigo on a single stop to empty my bladder, fill up the car and check that my un-insured vehicle was still in one piece :) The following afternoon I drove across to Maryborough for the second day of the Victorian Christmas Track Carnivals, setting up camp with the remnants of 'team love' (pictured r-l) in Livia, Apryl and a new addition, Chloe McConville.

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-47595963715224996982008-12-27T13:13:00.002+11:002009-01-21T12:00:04.251+11:00

After pre-Christmas celebrations in Bendigo on Sunday, I was on a 6am train back to Traralgon to receive my first Christmas present…from me :) I missed my train, settled for the second which was running late, and as a result missed my transfer in Melbourne. By the time I made it home I was over an hour late to my driving lesson, which would in turn proceed to my driving test in an attempt to get

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-81366454062300361512008-12-21T14:50:00.006+11:002009-01-21T11:33:15.176+11:00

After the cancellation of Scotty’s Track Race, I was grateful that the fourth edition of the Revolution Track Series was to be run indoors at Hisense Arena. Although not a full house, the ambience was, as always, electric inside the track with the big names of cycling fronting to race. I rode alongside HP-Teschner team-mates Rochelle and Tiff (pictured) in the impressive women‘s field, with the

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-81158713810340756102008-12-15T13:09:00.002+11:002009-01-17T15:41:41.723+11:00

After waking up feeling sore and sorry following my crash in the madison, and doubting the weather would hold up, I chose not to venture to Shepparton for Scotty’s Ride with the Stars. But even multiple downpours of rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of the many who did show to honour the memory of Big Sexy. I had expected to be in Shepparton that afternoon, but rain managed to flood the local

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-6213750414240834252008-12-12T16:37:00.001+11:002009-01-17T15:50:05.536+11:00

As summer approaches, the weather turns foul and the solitary training begins. Solitary training means time at home, and time at home means social outings. In the past week I’ve celebrated Cathy’s massage graduation, Sammy’s going away (for two weeks to QLD) and the Traralgon races. But celebrations are aside now and it’s time for me to don my helmet (to cover my ‘top deck’ look after putting

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-3670488062600538332008-11-25T20:56:00.009+11:002008-12-06T11:37:34.243+11:00

My first World Cup experience will definitely not be my last, because there is no way that I am leaving my track return on such a disappointing note. With a huge contingent of women competing in the Melbourne World Cup (video), I was forced to race out qualifying heats for both my scratch race and points score debuts, where entrants are split into two races, with 12 of 20 girls proceeding through

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-18589617797025527832008-11-19T11:02:00.006+11:002008-12-01T08:03:50.954+11:00

So the track season has begun for me and I must admit it was in a less than desirable way. Despite very much looking the part for the week of the 2009 Oceania Track Championships, the results didn’t come in quite the fashion I had hoped for the team. After being stung $100 excess (thanks to Virgin) at Melbourne airport, I landed in Adelaide to be greeted by team-mates Rochelle Gilmore, Tiffany

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-13819914559826397662008-11-04T11:21:00.000+11:002008-11-04T11:38:27.400+11:00

For those of you that don't read cyclingnews (team launch: scroll to last item), and for those I am yet to catch up with since my return to Australia...newsflash...I am back on the track! It has been a long time coming since the disappointment of claiming third at the Junior World Track Championships in 2006, and two years of hesitation finally sees me making that step forward. I will be riding

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-58052972604042952422008-10-20T13:33:00.014+11:002008-10-30T14:38:42.073+11:00

It took me a solid week to recover from University Games, proof that my introduction back into racing had hurt more than anticipated. I spent my recovery week wisely, working with Vic Roads on their helmet safety initiative program for October bike safety month. I visited 10 local schools and spoke to over 2000 kids, convincing them on the importance of wearing a helmet. If gory videos didn't get

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-21393335253809767592008-10-05T22:29:00.010+11:002008-10-23T23:35:41.140+11:00

I love family. I love friends. I love food. I’m aussie. So what better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than celebrating the 2008 AFL Grand Final?! (Pictured below with my younger sister Kerry). I wasn’t aware of what teams were playing until the opening bounce, and I’ll be honest…I didn’t actually see much of the game, but I had a great time and it was good to get my head away from cycling and

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-17654436724724636382008-09-23T21:37:00.007+10:002008-10-22T14:43:12.515+11:00

I weighed my 33.8kg bag in at Milan airport at 5:30am on September 12th. I boarded a bus, that took me to a plane, that flew me to Rome at 1:40pm. Upon landing, I skipped past the transfer’s desk to retrieve my bag, that never arrived, only to discover it had been checked through to Melbourne. This meant that I had to check in again! I originally lined up behind 50 Asians heading to China, then

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-65358205948476791142008-09-08T11:32:00.001+10:002008-09-18T23:22:20.199+10:00

When I wrote my last blog I was quite a happy girl, because I thought that in my final week I would be thinking of three things: shopping, home and a small one day race in Switzerland. When Carlee and I went shopping in Milan (pictured), we bought nothing. When I thought of home, it only made me miss it more. And when I found out that our 'small' one-dayer had turned into a category 1.1, racing

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-17631793392218610892008-08-31T01:49:00.009+10:002008-09-02T02:51:29.819+10:00

Once again, it was a day I had looked forward to as it signalled the end of the tour. But a day that I was dredding, because it would be our final race as a team. From here, Leonie and Rochelle head to the Holland Ladies Tour, with Rochelle making a final visit to Varese to say her goodbyes before I fly home. It also marked John's last day in Europe, with his departure scheduled for late

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-84536807666499999782008-08-29T19:48:00.012+10:002008-09-19T14:18:26.836+10:00

Today was a pretty standard race day. Wake up; on top bunk. Take off compression tights; ‘2XU’. Shower; in push button 30sec showers. Eat breakfast; in a large, loud dining hall. Pack for race; remembering socks (pictured: as Leonie didn’t, having to borrow John’s ACTAS). Team meeting; to plan race tactics. Pre-race meal; generally pasta. Car transfer to stage start; 150kms away. Get lost;

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-3698032187397360852008-08-28T22:15:00.008+10:002008-09-19T11:54:44.888+10:00

A double stage means an early start for Vicki, Carlee and I to venture the 1km to the breakfast room, while the others sleep in and opt for a bowl of cereal in bed. It’s now day three, with stage 3 presenting improved presents on the sign-on podium. My tin full of shortbread biscuits was donated to the race car today, but seeing as Vicki is wheat intolerant, and I am her only room-mate, I know

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-23462864348190540722008-08-27T21:44:00.006+10:002008-09-19T12:10:49.503+10:00

It was a flat day, with two laps of a 56km circuit. There were two climbs categorised the first time around, and then uncategorized the second time…go figure! Despite Carlee’s lead-out efforts, Vicki was out of the points on both occasions, and we have now given up on the climber’s jersey for the remainder of the tour. It was time for more presents atop the podium; a rose, a silver pen and a card

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-39658539776818957782008-08-26T20:43:00.003+10:002008-09-02T00:23:22.894+10:00

So we have arrived in St Amand-Montrond at our school based accommodation (pictured with Tiff and Rochelle). Just as I suspected, we are on the top floor and as far toward the end of the corridor as humanly possible (pictured Leonie and Tiff struggling up the stairs). With two bunk beds, I opted to sleep up top, taking one for the team as I had spent the night in the double in Plouay…and a lot of

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-80907788207246715152008-08-24T21:42:00.005+10:002008-09-01T00:54:06.425+10:00

Road tripping ‘used’ to be a hobby of mine. When I was young, my family of seven would load into our Tarago van every weekend, with picnic basket and sandwiches in tow, to a getaway destination out bush. But, after another 15 hour drive on the way to France, I decided that I’m changing my hobby when I get home…to something called flying! It’s up to the staff to do the driving, and it wouldn’t be

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-26742743682790667962008-08-18T12:32:00.001+10:002008-08-31T09:34:30.924+10:00

It is now one week after Holland Hills, and one week before the Plouay World Cup, which means that the majority of my training block has passed, and the tapering is about to begin for my final road trip with the AIS this year. My training has been somewhat skewed by the track cycling at the Olympics however, and I find myself doing a few hours on the road in the morning, before completing efforts

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-17005459799262035652008-08-11T03:32:00.003+10:002008-08-31T09:31:53.213+10:00

Despite the positive vibes in the house due to the Olympics, I wasn’t all that excited on Saturday morning about an 18-hour return trip to racing in Holland. Another 5am departure meant that we would miss the viewing of the Men’s Olympic Road Race and would have to survive on ‘live’ updates from Josie via text message, who had already arrived at race accommodation after 5 days in Spain. That was

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-81131530549393438982008-08-09T14:33:00.002+10:002008-08-31T09:18:20.128+10:00

On Monday, at 1am, we arrived home from Germany and Carlee couldn’t unlock her door. She went to turn on the hallway light and accidentally rang the doorbell, waking Olympic mountain biker Dallas Star! So Carlee decided to sleep over in my room…and from then on we have been inseparable, she has become the little voice in my head. We eat every meal together, synchronising our cooking so as to dine

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-58657172348842195912008-08-04T11:34:00.008+10:002008-09-18T23:26:02.360+10:00

I know I’m in Germany when every second town ends in ‘..farht’ and the only word I recognise is ‘Danke sehr’ (thank you). Surprisingly, it was the only word of German required as the staff in our relatively fancy hotel all spoke quite fluent English. This time around, a 10 hour drive took us through to Bochum in Germany, where we endured a Saturday night criterium, a Sunday morning road race, and

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-66627057253962285472008-07-31T14:31:00.004+10:002008-08-31T08:58:12.501+10:00

Despite the slightly fairytale life I live here in Europe, life goes on back home in Australia. ‘Big Jim’ celebrates his 50th birthday, our Labrador puppy Sasha gains many kilograms, and my gorgeous niece Leila Lee has started on her first words. Not surprisingly, ‘Peta’ is not yet in her vocabulary, but my twin, Angie, insists that the little one is still my biggest fan! Mum has a new hairstyle

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-47799938566007044942008-07-28T23:18:00.000+10:002008-08-19T22:23:36.008+10:00

So it was time, again, for a 10 hour drive, this time from France back home to Italy. It was a sad occasion, saying goodbye to our elderly neighbours, who had so nicely let us use their washing machine when ours died, and greeted us with wine and pastry treats on occasion. In fact the old man grew teary as we drove off! Departure was later than originally planned, because Carlee and I decided on

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-27735181143035211262008-07-27T22:29:00.007+10:002008-12-09T17:24:34.510+11:00

The last day of racing saw us with one aim, to steal the young rider jersey. Technically, we would try to earn it, but after losing another 22 seconds to the jersey yesterday, maybe stealing would be the only real way to obtain it! I punctured just minutes before the start, but was with the team when escorted by police to the start line on the outskirts of town. The race started uphill, with

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-63573258868663947142008-07-26T17:13:00.005+10:002008-12-09T17:24:34.665+11:00

So Saturday came, and Saturday went, and boy am I glad it's gone! It was a tough day by any standards, with two Cat 1's, a Cat 2, and some 'should have been' categorised climbs also thrown in. Funnily enough, it was through an early sprint just prior to the first climb that the race broke up. Over 4kms, the peloton split into four groups, with the last of these calling an early 'piano' and

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-53023905227559368492008-07-25T18:52:00.000+10:002008-12-09T17:24:34.853+11:00

It had been somewhat of a sleepless night for some, with Marc falling through his fold out bed, Carlee kept awake due to my coughing fits, and the toilet still in high demand by Lou. I was excited for today, as it was considered the flattest of the three road stages consisting of three Cat 2’s and a Cat 1 climb. We were grateful that the half hour transfer took us away from St Sulpice Lauriere

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-41672457696449863562008-07-24T21:38:00.000+10:002008-12-09T17:24:35.015+11:00

A day trip to Cento on Saturday seemed quite epic, until realising we were faced with a 10 hour drive to France the following morning! I slept as much as possible, tried to eat as little as possible, and passed the time as girls usually do...gossiping. I have left the confines of the AIS for the week to compete with the development team for the 'Tour Feminin en Limousin', and after racing here

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-25003241083282205862008-07-20T23:39:00.001+10:002008-12-09T17:24:35.288+11:00

A week has passed since the Giro, and I thought that my body had pretty much recovered from nine days of racing...that was until we headed to Cento for the GP Carnevale d'Europa. The 6-hour return trip across Italy saw me racing my first International one-day race with the AIS, for which we had accumulated a squad of 9 (pictured bottom), undergoing a change in staff that saw John Forrest now

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-37548649467977071452008-07-18T10:27:00.007+10:002008-12-09T17:24:35.446+11:00

The last of nine days finally approached, and I was happy to welcome it. Our team had raced well through the tour, with no causalities, and had come out almost unscathed (well actually that’s a blatant lie!). It was just another 118kms with seven laps of a 13km circuit, a small climb, some gutter action and surprisingly alright legs. It's not that nine days of racing doesn't take it's toll on

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-65752025337516957282008-07-12T21:38:00.005+10:002008-12-09T17:24:38.504+11:00

Stage 6 of the Giro Donne has bought us back to the familiar surroundings of Varese. After being labelled the ‘hardest day on tour’, I was grateful that I had already been acquainted with the two categorised climbs on the day. I was even MORE grateful that I had descended them in the wet, as it was bucketing down when we arrived at race start in ‘Cardano Al Campo’! I stayed within close proximity

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-71593675738880980342008-07-10T21:11:00.008+10:002008-12-09T17:24:38.923+11:00

Just when I thought that our team would get through the tour unscathed…we go and have five crashes over two days, not the best of statistics considering two of them were in the time trial! Stage 4, day 5, and it was time to hit the hills, but before hitting the hills, Vicki and Sara were hitting the pavement in an early crash. Nicki got caught behind the pile-up, but all three regained contact

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-25378282150649860122008-07-08T20:32:00.006+10:002008-12-09T17:24:39.090+11:00

Stage 2 started at ‘Ca Tiepolo Porto Tolle’, finishing right outside our hotel after 122kms of racing. For the second day in a row, the team managed front line on the starting tape with our Teschners on show, but I didn’t spend long there before drifting to the back to discuss specifics of my end-of-season holiday with Carlee. The pace was higher, the sprint was quicker, but once again nothing

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-37581121053912380452008-07-06T22:02:00.005+10:002008-12-09T17:24:39.765+11:00

Welcome to the Giro! I say that on behalf of our ten member team. One director sportif; Warren McDonald. One mechanic; Wayne Nichols. Two soigneurs; Christine O’Connor And Beth Duryea. And six athletes; Carlee Taylor, Tiffany Cromwell, Sara Carrigan, Nikki Egyed, Vicki Whitelaw and myself. It was a three hour drive from the AIS base in Castronno Italy, south east to ‘Mantova’. Forty steps led us

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-47394063559653818702008-07-04T22:47:00.005+10:002008-12-09T17:24:40.214+11:00

As some of you are back home sleeping, I’m double checking the contents of my packed bag beside me, hoping that I have everything required for the Giro D’Italia over the coming nine days. We start racing tomorrow, and I’m not nervous, scared, or restless. I think I’ll merely be relieved when it’s over. Our opening stage is a 1.2km prologue, followed by close to 800kms of racing and with some

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-33607614875719792802008-06-29T17:53:00.005+10:002008-12-09T17:24:40.604+11:00

Forgive me for such a delayed blog. I have many excuses, of which none are truly legitimate, except the one that goes something like … “My apologies. I’ve been busy enjoying the sunshine, the lake and the lifestyle too much to really find the time to tell you all about it” … The reason you’re receiving an update at this time is due to the intense storm that has recently hit. In the last hour two

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-4689100111372803712008-06-15T13:54:00.003+10:002008-12-09T17:24:40.927+11:00

My time in Italy is going swell…for those of you that wanted to know! I have recovered from any trace of jet lag, and have full movement of my shoulder joint after my run in with an Italian driver. Despite the implications, I am not here for a holiday, I’m actually here to ride my bike, well more than that…race my bike. For the next two weeks I’ll be training the house down in preparation for my

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-81290705212991473732008-06-13T23:44:00.000+10:002008-12-09T17:24:41.360+11:00

It may seem monotonous, but today I’ll be talking about food. It’s not that I’m fixated on it, actually I pretty much am, but the truth of the matter is that the lifestyle here in Italy accommodates for two things…coffee, and food. The former I’m not an enthusiast about, so I have a choice of brioche (croissant), cioccolata calda (hot choco.), panini (salad roll), pizza, gelati…and the list goes

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-54953516512788505212008-06-11T15:10:00.010+10:002008-12-09T17:24:41.832+11:00

Once again there has been a significant shuffle of residents in the house. After a late night on Sunday I was up at 5am with the U21 boys, as they were departing for racing in Germany and, in typical male fashion, had no supplies for breakfast. The place seemed deserted with them gone, but the MTB’ers made sure there was no shortage of severe road bike mono-ing (pictured below is Paul), a few ‘

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-49948514164071518772008-06-08T23:57:00.003+10:002008-12-09T17:24:42.071+11:00

Today would have been a lonely day with the females yet to arrive, and all 16 boys away for racing, if it hadn’t been for Mark Jamieson aka. Jammo. After a brutal track camp in Belgium, he has ventured to Italy for merely two days and I would like to think it was simply to keep me company. The combination probably wasn’t the best when it came to navigation, but somehow we made it to Cittiglio,

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-44220348517984620922008-06-04T17:39:00.005+10:002008-12-09T17:24:42.316+11:00

Castronno is a township in the province of Varese in Italy. It's about 40kms northwest of Milan, 10kms southwest of Varese and although only 4sq/kms it actually populates over 5000 people (with about 30 of them living in the AIS housing estate). The community consists of the almost compulsory pizzeria and gelataria, and is ridden with crazy Italian drivers and ‘to die for’ café’s. On arrival at

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-88412567891413811152008-06-03T18:54:00.002+10:002008-12-09T17:24:42.699+11:00

With six kilograms of toiletries and seven pairs of shoes, my bags were packed. My bike however took a little longer. It took half an hour and three people to remove my pedals (did I really do them up that tight?!) and then I managed to break a gear cable before packing it into the bike box! The dilemma’s were sorted on the morning of, before a 3 hour car trip that signalled the beginning of my

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-85061111612953999782008-06-01T13:12:00.002+10:002008-12-09T17:24:42.846+11:00

When one is planning for overseas departure, intending to ride her bike for 15 weeks in some of the biggest female cycle tours in the world…generally she doesn’t take ten days off the bike! Being sick was a novelty at first, but I didn’t appreciate being plagued past the 48hr mark, and after two weeks I had developed a true hatred toward this sickness. Being confined indoors isn’t such a bad

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-75267874889084827322008-05-18T20:17:00.009+10:002008-12-09T17:24:43.174+11:00

They say that bad things come in three, but sometimes they multiply and your week turns to ruin! Our family celebrated 3 birthday’s in one week. For my Mum‘s, I baked a triple chocolate cheesecake, only to discover that she hates them. For my sister’s, I ventured to Davo’s motor pacing and broke a gear cable. The following day I went to catch the train to Melbourne but missed it. The decision to

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-29090869568404666052008-05-05T12:42:00.007+10:002008-12-09T17:24:43.552+11:00

Two blondes and a red head are driving to Mount Gambier, what major highway do they take? … We started in Melbourne, after Chloe (left) had travelled from Bright, Nicole (middle) from Frankston, and I, from home in Traralgon that morning. Starting in Ormond, we were (supposed to be) faced with 456kms of driving. When we realised that we were lost in Seymour; 503kms to go! When we arrived in

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-19413710541719853302008-05-02T12:09:00.000+10:002008-12-09T17:24:43.713+11:00

Saturday morning it rained, Sunday morning I froze, and Monday's gym session at the VIS was spoilt by the presence of the Collingwood football club. That night, it was time to celebrate the champions of 2007 at the VIS awards dinner. Leigh Howard was driving, and I was running 30 minutes late. I had a dilemma with shoes, and was borrowing from a friend whose foot happens to be two sizes larger

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-33012246022215669322008-04-25T14:37:00.005+10:002008-12-09T17:24:43.806+11:00

…sleeping in, sunshine, friends, incredible scenery, arduous climbs, good food and no worries in the world… Smyth (Alex Smyth) was late to the airport, by the length of my sketchy flight home; 1hr20min. We were finally on our way to Bright, for what was a relatively ‘secret’ VIS training camp; seven boys and one girl. First up was falls creek. Just 200mtrs into the ride, my tyre blew. It was

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-6625233330851063732008-04-21T17:26:00.001+10:002008-12-09T17:24:43.964+11:00

My youngest sister Kerry, 17, has returned home with a dog. She came with no bed, no toy and no food, just a name…Sasha (pictured). She urinated in the kitchen, left her faeces at the base of the stairs, and tried to help me wash my bike, leaving her covered in grease stains. She is a 10-week old golden Labrador retriever, who is SUPPOSED to be gentle and intelligent, and respond well to praise

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-36008605544578624952008-04-20T23:53:00.006+10:002008-12-09T17:24:44.175+11:00

Checklist: Clean bike. Compact cranks. Eight bidons, including flat coke. Jelly beans. Honey crackles. Chocolate muffins. I was prepared, but that doesn’t mean that you’re in for a good day at Baw Baw! I arrived early, which proved smart, as the start time for the small women’s field of 7 had been moved forward 25mins. I’ll cut the 4hour story short for you…I won the prime, suffered up Vesper’s,

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-74285063783187539442008-04-13T14:43:00.000+10:002008-09-21T14:55:10.498+10:00

By the time Sunday morning had come, after consuming the famous Chicken Parmigiana that has led me through every stage in Coleraine, and a restless night’s sleep, I was prepared to take the yellow jersey and back to back titles. I felt strong, was climbing well, but had 20 other girls to worry about. Once again I went head to head with Kathy for QOM bonuses, where she ran me off the road…twice…

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-1235068189856073692008-04-12T21:29:00.000+10:002008-09-21T14:55:32.127+10:00

Once upon a time, I was cleaning my bike, shoes and helmet for a race. I accidentally used vegetable oil on my helmet, and I won. Maybe I could have done with some oil on Saturday in preparation for the time trial at the 2008 Tour of Coleraine. It had been a long week, a long day, and a very long car trip. On arrival, I knew we were 100% country when we stopped off at a public toilet to be

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-80777707620506681442008-04-06T21:20:00.001+10:002008-12-09T17:24:44.913+11:00

Last Sunday was a bad day in a lot of little ways. I was riding from Anna’s place in Heidelberg, carrying a 10kg back pack, with a text-book sticking into my lower back. I was joined a few kms in by...some guy...with whom I never exchanged names, as I was simply praying he would go on his merry way so that I could concentrate on not getting lost on my way to Glenvale racing. So, when I found

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-5297059251997026102008-03-29T20:43:00.001+11:002008-12-09T17:24:45.472+11:00

Firstly, happy Easter! Although not my first Easter away from home, it almost felt like it. Usually I'm surrounded by a group of testosterone driven males, who, have no appreciation for family ties over Easter, and are simply satisfied with substantial amounts of chocolate. This year, I spent my 'chocolate day' as I like to call it, with the AIS girls, who, would have traded all the eggs in the

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-65216210974752251782008-03-22T23:31:00.000+11:002008-12-09T17:24:45.726+11:00

Back to where I last left you all. Our media launch… in preparation for the predicted photos at our shoot, I decided to moisturise my unshaven legs. In the process I managed to rip the wrinkled skin from the surface of my burn, leaving it sensitive, splotchy, and very noticeable! How would this show up on camera?! I went to the nurse to have it treated and covered, and now I have a bandage from

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-6860527057931860742008-03-17T12:17:00.002+11:002008-12-09T17:24:46.010+11:00

When asked to participate in a calendar to raise funds for the Amy Gillett Foundation, I was more than flattered. So on Wednesday, I travelled to Melbourne to parade in the not-always-flattering lycra. It was embarrassing to say the least, so while posing on a lazy chair; I kept telling myself it was for a good cause! It was a gorgeous day, so I spent some quality time on the beach, rode 15kms in

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-37925851014787283782008-03-11T17:53:00.005+11:002008-12-09T17:24:46.415+11:00

It’s hard for some men. My Dad doesn’t stop to fill the car with petrol, so it’s no surprise that he doesn’t like to eat out, or even enter any sort of shopping centre. So when I forced him to do the latter two as part of my birthday present, he was close to death, in a non-literal way. With this sacrifice agreed to, there was no way he would be encouraged to attend my hair appointment on

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-7657131248603974032008-03-03T14:49:00.004+11:002008-12-09T17:24:46.691+11:00

Gravel rash, tan lines, filthy hair and eating just for the sake of eating...I’m glad the tour is over. Within 48hours I will have changed my hairstyle, waxed my eyebrows, shaved my legs, painted my nails, spray tanned over these lines, and most importantly…picked out an outfit to celebrate my 20th birthday this weekend! I am writing this while seated in Qantas club on my way home to Melbourne.

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-23199127330394421632008-03-01T14:59:00.003+11:002008-12-09T17:24:46.980+11:00

I’ve scored the double bed on the first floor at the Angus Inn, while Carla enjoys her single, and Josie sinks on her fold out bed...which we actually disposed of on our first night. The process of eating, manoeuvring 6 bikes into the back of our 12-seater, eating, racing, eating, cleaning our crash wounds, eating, massaging our sore muscles and buckled backs, eating and sleeping...has become

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-87764968319931795442008-02-28T16:48:00.005+11:002008-12-09T17:24:47.204+11:00

It’s a “jolly good evening” in New Zealand, as the Kiwi reporter on the local news would say. It was a long journey here on Tuesday, and as a result we missed a day of training. There wasn’t much conversation on the way to the airport, until a driver tried to merge into us. Nicko held his ground and as the driver came past…swearing and despondent…he TRIED to propel spit at us over his passenger

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-67872127882589475262008-02-24T22:02:00.002+11:002008-12-09T17:24:47.419+11:00

I slept for over 9hours last night, and although it was restless, I told myself it was a good sign that I wasn’t nervous. That was a lie! There was expectation and pressure placed on me…by me…and I didn’t want to let the team down. Starting today was our full team with me, Bird, Josie, Spratt, Tiff (pictured from L-R) and Carla. We rolled down to sign-on with oiled legs and race radios at the

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-16872144843555197882008-02-23T22:53:00.004+11:002008-12-09T17:24:47.704+11:00

It just so happens that the first race of my International season was a time trial...not my favourite event as most would know. The course ran along the esplanade for 8kms, into a block head wind before a fast return. I travelled in the race car behind Spratty, and then filmed Bird off the start line on her way to what would have been a podium had it not been for a rear wheel puncture! I had no

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-17557199943163107942008-02-19T20:35:00.004+11:002008-12-09T17:24:47.949+11:00

Our fingers are numb and scarred from lactates and bloods, the milk in our fridge is coated in thickets of cream, and for lasting impressions, after a few dining hall visits, we were finally endowed with pancakes for breakfast! We had a busy final day, so it was a shame that the intensity came late in the afternoon. Our final test was another time trial effort and I really couldn’t wait for it to

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-26899743504029469442008-02-17T22:15:00.007+11:002008-12-09T17:24:48.204+11:00

The developments in the land of altitude are coming along well. As we close in on our final days in the house, there is nothing but content for our departure. But prior to this, I celebrate my birthday...3 weeks early! To add to my collection of new materials on camp, I can now include my Shimano women’s mouldable shoes, Bell Sweep helmet, and a ridiculous amount of AIS and National team kit.

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-80379636084531328132008-02-15T14:25:00.003+11:002008-12-09T17:24:48.540+11:00

It is inspirational to reflect upon the lives of those who sacrificed it all for our country, to scan the names of over 102,000 Australian servicemen and women who have died in war. The hero’s that have courageously passed are commemorated at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, and today, we were presented with the opportunity to honour every single one of them. The heart of the memorial

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-79264096403372245312008-02-14T18:45:00.005+11:002008-12-09T17:24:48.765+11:00

Light motor pace around the lake in the morning was a half-hearted attempt at saving our legs for the evening session. Our only wish was that the rain would hold off for the Canberra Cycling Club Criterium Championships! I righted some muscular problems through the day in Physio and finally determined what was wrong with my SRM before racing. We participated in Women‘s A grade but let the moves

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-41739278470130728132008-02-10T13:41:00.003+11:002008-12-09T17:24:48.908+11:00

It seems ridiculous to look outside to sunshine, and know that I’m sitting on the top bunk at 3051mtrs altitude. As I’m writing this we are currently the winning room…you can tell we are athletes when we get competitive over metres in altitude! Not only is the house becoming a head crack, but so is the sight of Canberra. So it was decided upon, for our 3hrs recovery on Sunday, that we would head

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-86924916990381578772008-02-09T20:19:00.000+11:002008-12-09T17:24:49.198+11:00

It was finally time for a recovery day. Some of the girls chose to leave early on Thursday and spend more time at the coffee shop then on their bike, while Bird and I opted for a sleep in and some time alone with the Ipod. As it turned out, Canberra isn’t all that big and I ran into Tiff and Nicki on the lake before heading for a brew. The $53 prize money we had won the night before allowed for

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-81746857701818929422008-02-06T22:13:00.000+11:002008-12-09T17:24:49.379+11:00

The first morning that we wake to sunshine proves to be our first scheduled indoor session. To add to the sunshine was my new ‘Teschner Diva’ frame decked out with a ‘Shimano Dura-ace’ group-set and SRM, ready to be ridden! I was quite excited as you can imagine but couldn’t quite part with the Bianchi, trading saddles so that I still feel at home. It was time to do some power profile testing in

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-65477269660862216182008-02-05T21:08:00.000+11:002008-12-09T17:24:49.691+11:00

When I envisioned our AIS Altitude camp, I must admit I thought we would be sleeping in tents on the floor. Instead, I find myself living in a house with 5 bedrooms, 6 televisions and a kitchen and bathroom to share between twelve. This is called the altitude house where altitude is simulated by pumping nitrogen gas into all rooms via fans. I won’t go into the specifics as there would be a lot to

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-77852691727233937072008-02-03T16:30:00.000+11:002008-12-09T17:24:49.846+11:00

The plan heading into AIS camp was to prepare with a few recovery days. I’m pretty sure that didn’t mean four punctures, retrieval of a spare wheel and a taxi ride home all within an hour of riding!...None of which were me! I caught up on some sleep, 11 hours on the one night, and devoured the hedgehog that Mum had baked knowing that she wouldn’t allow me to take it on my journey. My final

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-42170038702184175882008-01-30T08:03:00.000+11:002008-12-09T17:24:50.119+11:00

Sometimes you have good days and sometimes you have bad days. Good day; a sleep in followed by hills and lunch with my boss. By the time you return home he tells you not to worry about work =) Bad day; venturing to the local water hole to find that it’s been closed for over a year due to fires and floods but you haven’t had a social outing since then! With Australia Day to celebrate and not much

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-55870157995543460452008-01-21T09:45:00.000+11:002008-12-09T17:24:50.333+11:00

In less than two weeks I will find myself venturing to Canberra to spend 17 days undergoing an AIS ‘survival’ camp. I call it ‘survival’ as it is based in Canberra, and anybody who returns from the state without a hammer and hook in hand to hang up the bike, has truly mastered some serious mental strength. I am wanting to go into the camp with some form, so although I came off Nationals to a

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-71649333862391270462008-01-12T20:22:00.000+11:002008-12-09T17:24:50.836+11:00

Everybody claims that Ballarat is the coldest town in Victoria. So why is it that every time I venture there its 40 degrees? And why is it that the famous Lake Wendouree is the furtherest thing from a lake I’ve ever seen?? I wasn’t worried as I had my air conditioned room to return to, that was until my power cut out due to the bushfires. My biggest worry was not being able to blow-dry my hair!

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-16112063199597464582008-01-10T10:34:00.000+11:002008-12-09T17:24:50.917+11:00

I love 34 degree, disastrously windy, 28 kilometre Individual Time Trials (can you hear the sarcasm?), especially when the best in Australia show up and cane me =( Decked out on a Bianchi Time Trial bike, with Mavic rear disc, front Bora (thanks Spits), radio, and the likes of Liz Taylor and Anna Wilson following me in the car, not only did I have no excuses, but I started to wonder what I had

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-10925026055910294302008-01-06T10:11:00.000+11:002008-12-09T17:24:51.041+11:00

Solid...my new word for the week, and can be obscurely used to describe everything over the past few days. Solid racing, solid competition, solid weather, and even solid lactate in the legs after 5 days at the Jayco Bay Series. Many of you may have read about Megan Dunn, the 16-yr old who took out the overall series. But what you may not have heard, is that it wasn’t easy! She was present in

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-64998524931988341462008-01-05T10:03:00.000+11:002008-12-09T17:24:51.224+11:00

People tell me girls are soft, and that our racing is like watching grass grow. Warranted, sometimes that is true, but the Jayco Bay Series this year seem to be putting a change to that, particularly when at Ritchie Blvd on Friday night. I sat motionless for a solid 5 minutes after the race. I had goose bumps, despite it being 40 degrees and barely had the energy to lift a can of drink to my lips

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-46330251431630177082008-01-03T09:54:00.000+11:002008-12-09T17:24:51.426+11:00

I hate being late. Two years ago I travelled to the Jayco Bay Series with the boys and they told me I had to get out and ride due to traffic jams! That wasn’t possible as my derailleur was bent! A last minute mechanic job and no warm up was how I had started my 2006 experience, never again. So, 3 hours before my due start, my Mum and I arrived in Williamstown. The crowd was impressive, as was my

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-35191989945315388292008-01-01T13:26:00.000+11:002008-12-09T17:24:51.849+11:00

I must firstly start on a sad note by mentioning the passing of Ivan ‘Ike' Collings. May our thoughts be with his loving wife Lorraine over the New Year.I’m not much of a Santa fan, and can only handle Christmas carols on the eve of the day. In the meantime my Mum likes to sport the flashing earrings while my Dad sets up the nativity under our tree or alternatively dresses up as the big man

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-46632688721851009422007-12-20T15:24:00.000+11:002008-12-09T17:24:52.061+11:00

And so the Christmas season has begun… With presents wrapped and thoughtfully arranged, under a small and almost poorly decorated tree, the festive spirit is in the air. It seems that everything comes just in time for Christmas. My brother Matt, and his girlfriend Laura, have just moved into their new home. At the age of 18 I am unbelievably proud of him =) He has come a long way since 1992 when

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-56275142339782574122007-12-09T14:06:00.000+11:002008-12-09T17:24:52.351+11:00

It wasn’t my most successful camp ever, in fact I didn’t even make it up the hills I used to ride at 17 years old, so to finish the week with a bit of a snuffle made some sense. I fear that I am getting sick! The week consisted of long kilometres, plentiful DVD’s and the daily brew stop. In variation to previous camps we had weigh in prior to and post each training session, urine testing every

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-46264990740080266742007-12-02T14:43:00.000+11:002008-12-09T17:24:52.462+11:00

After dinner and a 2am finish I woke early to ride through to Glenvale. A little tired, sore and suffering ‘pursuiter’s cough’ I managed to dodge the two crashes in the final lap before packing up my bike to head to the airport. After a flight cancellation, security scare and 8hours of waiting I finally made it to Adelaide for my AIS induction =) I have secured a visiting scholarship that sees me

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-7703512669746165182007-11-24T23:49:00.000+11:002008-12-09T17:24:52.574+11:00

December this year is significant for many reasons. It celebrates four years of riding, the anniversary of my brutal crash, ‘Big Sexy’s’ passing and now the Revolution series! Many think the thought of racing on a 250m track for hours on end is very unappealing, and they would be right. But watching others ride in a circle for an extended period of time... very exciting! Unfortunately I wasn’t in

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-44346626200101715892007-11-18T17:35:00.000+11:002008-12-09T17:24:52.725+11:00

Two weeks since my last entry and in that time two Glenvale’s have been cancelled, two revolution promotions completed, three birthday’s celebrated and three massages’ received. Within 4 days my nieces Leila and Angel turned 1 and 4, and my youngest sibling Kerry aged to 17. Unfortunately I didn’t get to enjoy the important aspects of birthday festivities such as...party food =( With just one

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-60559600293101470952007-11-03T15:20:00.000+11:002008-12-09T17:24:52.825+11:00

'Track is back' ... I found myself standing roadside in Mordialloc for 2.5hours this morning repeating this line, and despite the chilly temperatures, many congregated in interest of the Revolution Series promotional banner, or could it have been the free snakes?? Livia Gluchowska, Clint McDonell and Susan Stewart joined me in our quest to advertise the series that begins at Vodaphone Arena on

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-314661684744747602007-10-22T09:58:00.000+10:002008-12-09T17:24:52.990+11:00

My travelling was once again done on the Friday after TAFE. I was to spend the weekend with my parents in East Melbourne on a fold out couch and was pleased to have the Saturday morning free to do some early kilometres. It started poorly when I arrived at Black Rock at 6am to discover the bunch doesn’t leave until 7am! That afternoon, the second of two Portfolio Partner Women’s criterium’s was to

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-53433010436570522582007-10-17T12:17:00.000+10:002008-12-09T17:24:53.135+11:00

A very misleading title as I didn’t even ride to work today! I woke early to meet my colleagues at the bike shop at 6am for a free egg and bacon breakfast at Vic Roads to fill the stomach for the day ahead. John Kitwood, manager of my bike shop Mallard Cycles, was riding for the first time. In fairly game style he decided to utilize the ease of cleats and as predicted decked it on the roundabout

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900200858031556078.post-21937922416062099902007-10-07T18:34:00.000+10:002008-12-09T17:24:53.237+11:00

It almost seems stupid to say that as every day seems a holiday to me at the moment. Tomorrow however, that shall all change as I believe I am finally over two weeks of sickness where a cold and stomach bug saw me confined to my bed. A busy week of school expo’s, meetings with my coach Liz Taylor (with her new baby girl Ruby!) and local soccer and football grand finals seemed to run me down.

PETA MULLENShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09353626489915111618noreply@blogger.com