Sunny Phoenix Daze Part 2

Not being satisfied with just a 2 hour ride Alana and I grabbed $ and a lot of food and just headed out. We have done a fair amount of MTB riding in PHX but haven't been on the road in 4 years. We did a bit of research and knew some of the areas, so we just headed in that direction.



Alana heading up and over Usery Pass. (Got the Phoenix sign in the background for those non believers. Just like the moon walk!!)

This side of Usery Pass is a low grade subtle climb. the other side? not so much! It is 6km and gains 200m. More on this side in another post. We headed up the Bush Hwy, hehe, to the major State Route 87. There is only about 6km of tight road and the rest of the day was pretty nice roads with good asphalt.

North on Fort McDowell Road we saw this:



Pecan trees being shaken up and collected. We knew by the short sleeves and shorts we were not in Calgary but this confirmed it. We rode up a bit farther and sampled some fresh nuts off the tree. Wow what a difference.


We followed this Dirt road up and thought about our Bike friends back home on their cross bikes. We were qutie far into the ride and came upon Rio Verde. A multi course golf community that has no convenience store. We kept pushing on and had a low moment when we found out that we were as far as we were going to get form home but still 25 minutes from food or water. I had run out long ago and Alana had a bit to share.

We made it to Troon and headed home. The fear of dieing was past and we took numerous breaks on the way back.



Alana hitting the 160km mark, a US century ride. Amazing from a girl who only started walking 3 weeks ago after 4 weeks no load bearing on her foot. Bunion surgery be damned, can't slow down the Tenacious Terrier. Well done Alana.

170km in Dec and home just in time for the 55+, Happy Hour. Although a bit late we both felt good and still went riding the next 2 days. More to come.

Now we go to our Reporter in the feild

Thanks Jeff, this is Jeff reporting to you from the sunny and warm city of Apache Junction on the East end of Phoenix.

I have been following the biking exploits of Jeff and Alana while they are on xmas vacation with their bikes. The two took the late Reindeer flight into Phoenix on xmas eve but not to late ot clutter the skies for Santa. "Early to bed, early to put the bikes together. Their was no usual xmas day fanfare as we made a last minute decision to come" says a beaming Alana.

Although they were up just a little late, they were quick to assemble the bikes and go for a 2.5 hour ride before family commitments and dinner.



We followed them up the Apache Trail on their way to Canyon Lake around the corner of the Superstition Mountains. The road is twisty and has some good grades to it. We viewed the pair being slowed up descending by the cars that could not negotiate the curves as well as the 2 cyclist.



Beautiful Canyon Lake minutes from the tiny town of Tortilla Flats, where it rumored to have the best Prickly Pear cactus ice cream.

Its getting Better out there

Burstall Pass 2 weeks in a row?? Yep, but with 15cm of new snow and the white stuff still falling it turned into a good little day. The boys promise me that there is skiing to be had that is not a 2 hour hike in!!!!



Rob coming to a stop after some sweet turns. Did he or did he not fall over?????????




Andrew cruising the pow pow!!




TJ beating the up track into submission.

Balance in Fun and Exercise

I was going thru my phone pictures the other day and found this little gem taken the morning of Grey Cup Sunday. We both were getting our run in before the game and all the beverages and snacks. Who says you can't have both. (well I guess the Rider fan who will go nameless that started drinking at noon S.P.)

The most Beautiful contry in the world!!!

I know a lot of K-Country from biking or hiking but this Alpine Touring is stunning. the small amount of snow we have had has just sprinkled the mountains allowing the contours and contrasts to come out.

We were sporting a bigger group with 6 of us heading up to Burstall Pass. Lots of people on the trial but our group slowly made its way thru.

We saw Brett coming out. He was up early and was testing things out on day one and didn't wan to push it to much. TJ and Meg were up the trial.



Beautiful views and good company. We even got some turns in, although there was the occasional sounds of rocks pinging off skis.

On the way out we met this small man who was just shoveling S%@T.

X Training Season

Even though cycling classes have started and I am in the regime of working out I am looking forward to getting some true Cross Training in. I have spent several years slowly getting my Alpine Touring gear together and got my first day last Saturday. Marty, and Marc played tour guide for Rob B. and I on the Healy Pass trail. This was a fun, no drop, go eat lunch day that proved to be just that and awesome.


Starting out in the Sunshine Parking lot. Ready to go. i made a rookie mistake and had my boots done up tight to avoid heel rub only to find out that causes really sore calves. Within 20 minutes it felt like 2 warring tribes of wood nymphs were have a bonfire contest in my boots. I told Marc this to a "ohhhh, ya loosen those up". Still the damage was done and I would spend the day and even up to 4 days later with sore abused calves. They work fine as long as they are moving but when I get up after sitting I sometimes fall over.

We made it up to one of the small frozen lakes and had lunch. It was the first day out for all but Marc so we turned around while we were still having fun. We had a quest join us for lunch, can you spot him??





Can't wait to get out again this weekend!!

Cross Season Winds Down

With the first snowfall here and our Alberta season over time to get back on the trainer and prepare for next year but some pictures first.

Cross is Fun

i have been desperately trying to get in Cross shape. I have been running hill repeats, setting up practice sessions, but there is no substitute for racing. With all the traveling I went into my first Cross race, The BK Memorial, then our own Beans and Barley. This last weekend was the Cross Madness in Red Deer. First race bad, Second race better, last race 4th!!!!

Here's how you get fourth in open Men:
-Sneak into Open Men category by being Elite MTB.
-work really hard to try to peak in 3 weeks
-what until National CX weekend and race local
-go to start line with 4 other guys
-finish

This is my best cross finish ever!!!!! Too bad the season is over as I am feeling like i could start to be more competitive in 2 more weeks. Ah but it is time for classes and base training.

Huffing and Puffing up the Stairs




The Kid Airborne




Cesar making his Move

I am not a Traitor!!!!

For those who are getting suspicious of my time running don't worry I am still a biker at heart.

I have been enjoying the runs and I am conducting a bit of an experiment on myself as well. I am adding running Tuesday and Thursday morning to increase the volume a bit but work on my tempo and threshold as well. the workouts are about an hour long and filled with kilometer repeats. Mike got an eye opener today with the "tempo" experiment but i am sure he will be kicking ass next week. He responses well to training and is an excellent runner.

Alana, Mike, Roy (the dog) and I early morning at the track.

Fall What Evers

I finally have running legs!!!! i have been waiting for my legs to stop trying to turn circles as I bound down the road. More like a deer crossing open pasture then a Kenyian at Boston. I can now run 1 hour without dying and feeling like i am going to snap tendons and ligaments in my hamstrings and hips.

i ran with Gerry and Mike, form the old adventure race days. Fantastic, fun, funny. Rumor has it we're putting the team back together. It's a sign from Gad!

Bike polo on Sunday. 5 degrees and Jack was even wearing shorts. Crazy.



Indoor cycling classes start next week for the focus changes a bit but I am still looking forward to some variety of the weekends.

Razors Edge

Last weekend I finally dusted off the MTB and could not say "no" to Kate any more. She has been more persistent in trying to go riding. I had to clean the drive train, put on the rear shock, change front tires, and ignore the seized back hub. What?? Yep the last time I rode a mtb bike was the TransRockies Aug 14th. Almost 2 months off.

Don't worry I rode in France and have been on my cx bike but not a lot.

We got a late start, which you do on a long weekend. Hit the Bowness pastry shop, and then the road. Kate and Alana could not decide where to go but I have been very interested in the new trials developing around Exshaw.

Razors Edge branches off Jewel above the Quaite junction. We had planned on a long ride but after the slow start and coffees we decided on Quaite to jewel to Razor.

The trial is rough to start but soon turn into joyous mountain biking. Real mountain biking. Tough drops, tough ups, of camber. All good.

The wind was vicious at the top and so strong that it made it near impossible to ride down. it would just grab your front tire and you would ride off the trial. Like you were a remote control rider with a bad operator.








It's Steeper than it looks, Nice work Alana






The wind was so strong and gusty that we had to walk down the open rock face sections. A little disappointing but I will be back to do this again. probably in the morning.



Look out Toby here comes Kate

Fat and Sassy Season

Once a year I sit back, eat, drink and put training on the back burner. I call it Fat and Sassy season. I have taken a lot of ribbing when I say Fat, the sassy part people get and is usually porportional to the number of Guinness i have had. In the time between after the TR to 4 weeks later i had put on 12 pounds. Yep that is 3 pounds a week. You know you are indulging then.

Last weekend was I spent 4 days in Ontario with long time friends re-acquainting, laughing, eating, drinking. The only exercise coming from 2 dips in a very cold lake, one intentional, one not! and climbing up a forest fire watch tower to view the beautiful fall colors in the trees.

Up late, sleep in, bacon for breakfast, happy hour at 4pm. Wow not the same guy from mid summer.

Is it a bad thing? Do I regret it? NO!

It is my sanity check. for 10 months of the year I focus on getting in and maintaining my race form. It encompasses my whole life, from what i eat to what time I go to bed. It is a 10 month mental interval and as with any interval you need a rest period. Each fall is my rest period.

i have started to train again. I will keep the amount and type of food in check now. I will, however, still have a beer. Not 12 but a few social beers over the winter keep me sane and allow me to hang with my friends in a different way. So, let's have a beer. But the best beer is the one you deserve so let's ride first!!!

Cross Practice

5 degress, wet, overcast, Fall.......The perfect time for Cross riding.

5 of us got together last night to practice racing. A short 4 min loop with corners, hills, sand pit, and cardboard barriers. Off the start I had the lead but I only think so because I made the course and everyone one wanted to see where I went. By Lap 2 Steve, pulled around after the sand pit and up the hill, Alana crashed into the cardboard barriers while battling Carlos. Lap 3 saw Katy and I chase Steve and into the last lap Katy put 2 bike lengths into me in the sandpit and had it in the bag until she slipped on the uphill run. Alana made a come back but could not reel Carlos in.

We were going for a few easy ones until Steve yelled "hot lap" and it was on again for 1. I laid everything i had into the flat parts and barely made it across the line. Plasma lung from start to finish. Now that's racing!!

Mt Ventoux

Having not done anything since the Tri off we go to summit Mt Ventoux.

We stayed in the small town of Carpentras the and, mistakenly, were not in a hurry to get going. The nights are coooling off and we thought we would start a little later so it would be warm. hmmmm.

WE had done a tiny bit of recon and knew it would take us between 1.5 and 2 hours. I gave Alana a 10 minute head start and we were off.

The route starts in a small town named Bedoin. We knew we were in the right place due to the fact that as we were changing in the parking lot over 50 cyclist passed us by. All different shapes and sizes. Bikes ranged from the 10,000 euro special to the 1988 pseudo mtb. A fair number of the mob were sporting the white hair.

The day was bright but the summit was covered in cloud. Jason had said to watch for this but we were going anyway. The climb can be divided into 3 parts the shallow approach to the forest which takes you thru Colombe which is unrelenting, the forest to Chalet Reynard which is forest covered and relentless, and the barrain upper slopes that are relentless.

Jason is correct in saying that this is an exercise in strength endurance. My cadence had to have been between 40-55rpm. There are only a few spots on the whole climb where it deviates from the average grade.

I met up with Alana in the forest and she seemed quite relaxed and as usual was chatting away and making friends.

Love the self protrait while barely going fast enuf to stay up right.

I must say that I did get a bit bored in the forest. I think I was going 11kph and I would stare at the next corner for a few minutes until I finally got there. Up, up and up. They have small markers on the way to let you know just how slow you are going but man do you climb. Hundreds of meters would fall away in such a short distance.

Passing by the Chalet Reynard you see cyclists who have summited and returned for a recharging cafe and snack or those still on their way up that need a little kick. We were doing this sans arret and roade right on by.

So about that cloud! You could feel some wind in the forest but it was refreshing. After the Chalet it was war. Mt Ventoux stands for Mt Windy and it is not just a play on a clever name. It got colder and windier the whole approach. The views where outstanding. This mountain rises from rolling vineyards. The "Giant of Provence" is seen from so many places and you can see so many places. Just before entering the cloud I took one last look and then it was dark.

The final push was exhilerating. The names of the TdF riders are on the road. This is where attacks happened, careers were made(lost), survival for some, victory for other. I turned the last corner in a bank of cloud and pow I was at the top. Masses of riders taking pictures, gear up for the descent.

22km, 1600m of climbing

Pastry Table of Champions

The ride down was not as fun as I would have liked. I was pretty chilled and developed the shivers. Not normally a concern but a bike that is too small, too loose, and too supple it is very un-nerving. I could only go for a bit then I would create my own speed wobble and have to slow right down. Jumping jacks and getting out of the wind helped and we flew down the final section.

I think I could get into this Col climbing thing. SO much to do so little time.

Monaco TriStar111-yep a Triathlon post

So what could be sillier than completing 2 stages races in 2 months......well 3 in 3.....but how about a 1/2 Ironman Distance Triathlon in Monaco?????

Yep, Alana's sister Barb is an avid tri sport athlete. She runs in the pool alot because there are not a lot of sidewalks on the narrow roads, and she rides some sensational routes around her house. Cote d'Azur on one side, mountains on the other.

It was a bit of a memorial event as Barb recently lost a friend in a car accident. Barb thought that doing something big, fun and with family would be good. We agreed.

Now to the business at hand how to finish the TransRockies 7 day mountain bike race and in 3 weeks swim 1km, ride 100km and run 10km?? My good friend Robb has this expression: "when is the best time to plant and oak tree? 20 years ago. When is the second best time? Right Now!"

We started to run a little the week after the race, we ran in Paris, we ran in Dijon (yes the Mustard Capital of the world), we ran in Grasse, we ran in Opio. 3 days before the race we had run 10.5km pain free, albeit slowly.

We started to swim after getting to Barb's house on week prior. We swam in her pool, we swam at the gorgeous outdoor municipal pool, we swam in Antibes, we swam in Cannes. 2 days before the race we swam 800m pain free.

We biked. We borrowed bikes off of Jen Potts, Barb's friend and past Calgarian. Alana's bike was a bit too big, my bike a bit too small. we adjusted as best we could and got in some spectacular rides last week. I was a little leery about going out on such narrow and twisty roads, however the French drivers are incredibly accomodating to cyclists. They will sit behind you for 4 minutes until there is a good place to pass, even in a 70kph zone going uphill. No honking, no fingers, no bad looks. It is so part of the culture that is evident by the 40 plus riders we saw on our route, Tuesday 10am. This is where people come to ride. The Tour de France came by here in 2009 and I road up the hill that they used in this years Paris Nice race. The names of the pros were still on the road.

Okay to the race. Mass start swim, water temp. 23.4 wetsuit cut off 24. Alana and I were amongst the select few without a wetsuit. Oh well. We let everyone into the water then joined the confusion and anarchy that is tri swimming. I don't really like swimming that close to people but who does. I had to keep calm and just swim. It worked. I was quite comfortable and started to pass people. I caught sight of Barb and moved over a bit.

All of a sudden they person in front of me stops dead and it is like hitting a buoy. Oh what, it was the buoy. I didn't look up, Barb just grazed it and I swam head first in to it. F&*#!ng Buoy.

Out of the swim and a sort of quick change on the bike. I saw Barb in T1 and we were off. Check out the bike profile. Yep 20km long gaining 700m altitude. It was like another day at the TR.

up and down all day long. I was riding my little bike that was very sketchy going down but managed to hold on only losing it in one switch back corner. I made good time on the uphills and just rode a steady tempo. As i passed the $6000 to $10,000 road machines on my old, small, creaky bike, looking like a chehuahua humping a football, all I could hear was The Kids voice : "Ya, ya did". Why is it fun to be the dirt bag??

There is no drafting in this race but as I climbed I would see groups working together or just sitting on a guys wheel. I passed a group of 9 guys and went by each on " drafting, tsk, tsk". A few got mad and blew past me on the flat sections but I reeled them back in and left them on the hill. I was not going to be beat by cheaters!!!!!

The bike was awesome the views outstanding. The last 15 km were downhill to the run in Monaco on the F1 race course. A quick stop in T2 and I was off. I felt okay and knew my legs would come around in time. That might have been the case if I didn't start feeling bonky! I thought there was an aid station just before the downhill but there was not. I did not really have any fuel in the 30 minutes leading to the run. I was okay until the hill we would encounter each lap. I made it to the top but felt like crap. I had a caffeine gel in my hand and did it in. I had to wait until the aid station to wash it down and had to go into survival mode. Once I got some water in me and on my head i cam around and started to pick up the pace. One lap to go and I knew I was going to do it.

Yep across the line in 4:42ish. I did not have to wait long for Alana at 5:20 and Barb at 6:00. A great day for us all. We had a slight route navigation problem the morning of the race but the day was enjoyable for us all.

Barb had the fastest downhill speed at 65.1kph Alana and Barb both got stung by jelly fish and I had to sacrifice a pair of underwear to make a number belt. The last time we did a tri was 8 years ago in Lethbridge with Barb, her husband Brent and Evan. I like these things. Maybe more in the future.

Yep, a full type A with their bike cover.

Alana at bike drop minutes before the start.

Celebrating with real Champagne from Champagne. Great job Team Heise-Neilson!

TransRockies 2010

So Mical and I headed back to TR after last years win. Lots would be different this year.



The competition was up all across the board. Wendy Simms and Norm Thibault were back after having baby Tycho. Wendy and Norm are seasoned stage race vets and have trophies and leaders jerseys from both the TR and BCBR. Gretchen Reeves and Cannon Shockley are from the USA and have done BIG adventure races and the Great Divide Race. Pros were there for the TR3 and Open Men. The starts would be fast and so would the rest of the day.



The course headed Fernie to Canmore, something it has not done in 5 years. Why? A brief history: Back in da day when TR started it was to be similar to TransAlps. But in Europe there is a road connecting everywhere to everywhere. Logistics are not that big a deal. In the remote Rocky Mountains linking two points can almost be impossible. Travel Alberta was one of the main sponsors and allowed passage thru some of these remote areas. Now from what I understand and is no way the truth, it became too big a pain in the arse to deal with all the permits and red tape. TR went to BC where they are happy that people use the outdoors.



Travel Alberta is back as a sponsor and asked TR to come back. Yes, they asked TR. So what does this mean? and why the tangent. Day 3! You can flash forward if you want but Day 1 and 2 are worth a quick read too.



Day 1-Rain!!!!!!!!!!!!! After last years flood and cold weather I was not impressed to start our week in the rain. It had been pouring in the afternoon for days and the course was WET!!! It was a Time Trial start. We started 30 seconds behind Wendy and Norm and 30 seconds in front of Gretchen and Cannon. Fun way to start a race but slow and wet. We caught Wendy and Norm before the first big climb, Wendy was having chain troubles. Gretchen and Cannon caught us 1/2 way up the first climb and passed us. We were able to keep them in sight for a while but the overall is not won 45 minutes into a 26 hour race. Mical and I went at a good but doable pace and finished 2nd on the day. 1:43 back but with a small buffer over Wendy and Norm. No jerseys or as Wendy says: "gotta do laundry".



Day 2-Way Too Fast!!!!!!!!!!!



So I have always been impressed with Mical's riding. She is very good technically but her starts are awesome and she has just gotten faster, as I painfully, very painfully found out this day. The day started out of Fernie and up the Coal Creek Road. It looks heinous on the profile but is not that bad a grade, UNLESS.........you are trying to keep pace with a train of pros and top riders going 24kph up hill. I was able to hold on for 20 minutes but then had to call Mical off as I popped. We tried our best to get back on with some of the guys but we all seemed to move at the same pace. Gretchen and Cannon passed about the hour mark and we had to let them go again. I was trying to recover and Mical had to draft for me for the rest of the day.



We went over the top of the climb into a trail called Porky Blue. A ballistically long descent that you could not take your hands off the brakes. All you could smell was burnt brake pads and metal. I alternated between front and back just to let them cool a little. The issue was that if you took your brakes off you would get going too fast to be able to brake for the next corner. There was some fun stuff and some switch backs that would be really good if you were not racing. I made it to the last one and decided to walk it. Good Call! I then tried to get back on my bike with 200 meter to go to the road. Bad Call!! I fell down hill and had to pick myself up and run to the road. From there on in I had to hang on Mical's wheel and was able to give her a break every now and then.

I was feeling pretty bad that I could not help out but as Mical said "that's what being a team is all about." Thanks Pardner!!



Shuttle buses to Elkford, where they are always excited to see you and put on a good host. Terry Ann from Embody was there and we poached a 30 minute massage. Wow did that set us right!



Day 3-Elkford to Etherington- Remote Wilderness.



So back to the prologue. We went up and over Fording Pass. It has never been done before for a race let alone a MTB race. Why? Part of the dealings with Travel Alberta. They asked TR what they needed and they said better access. They got it.



Crazy start on an logging/access road that was slliicck after all the rain the night before. Mical made a point to move to the front again and I was able to hold on a bit longer. I had to call her off the front peleton again but we were around other fast riders so it was not that bad. We hit the aid station fast and then had a long hike a bike. We may not be proud of it or like it but Mical and I can push our bikes fast. The steeper the better. We had a jump on the other teams and were going hard up the climb. We saw them at one point several minutes back but then did not see them again for the day. Fording pass is awesome!!! there are huge cliffs and valleys. Straight up walls of rock. The pass itself is desolate. You really do feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. This is what makes the TR special.



A crazy fast descent where we caught Marty and Steph from Rocky Mountain. They had to single speed there bike after tearing off the derailer. I was following Steph and he got a flat, seconds later I got one. I did not want to give up the lead and lose our advantage by stopping but I would have to ride to gingerly to the finish line. Mical and I had the tire fixed in less then 1 minute!!!!! It was unreal. We charged hard to finish and got our win and a good gap of time. We were 12 minutes in the lead and would not have to do laundry that night.



Day 4-Etherington to Achor D- Grass Pass!!!



Good thing we have Mical's parents as support. They are always there at the finish with some real food and water, a change of clothes and shower supplies. Dave washes bikes, Brenda takes care of the host tent. They know that you get grumpy, tired, and can't think at times but it just rolls off them. Dave also likes to ride when he can. He scouted the start of Day 4, good thing he did. He said the single track comes up fast. I checked it out in my warm up and knew Mical and I had to get tactical. We would go for the hole shot; we wanted to be the first ones in so as not to be having to fight around the other riders. With the TR3 crowd gone we didn't think anyone would want to charge hard off the start. After the first corner I went to the front and started to slowly wind it up. Barry Wicks said to Mical "I guess you are leading us out". Mical responded with a hehe as she knew exactly what was going to happen. I thought the Pro Men would come around but they didn't. Mical and I really did get the hole shot and lead the entire field for the first 25 minutes. It sounds great but I was full of anxiety that I was going too slow and holding people up. No one complained so we kept on going. We got to the road hooked a ride down the pavement, rode strong up Grass Pass, hike a bike over Sullivan and charged to the finish. We had a good day that showed we were back in action.

From the TR report that day:

"though the ride of the day must certainly be credited to the Open Mixed leaders Mical Dyck and Jeff Neilson. After leading the field in the first section of single track they stormed through the race to be the 4th team across the finish line overall and first in their division."

Day 5-Anchor D to Little Elbow Campground

Another Crazy start. Mical was sitting 5th wheel behind Kona and Rocky Mountain. I truly believe she was one of the fastest riders in the race. She seemed quite content to hang out with the big boys as the start went up several hundred feet in less than a km and left most people in difficulty. There was some good single track off the start and a crazy behind the seat descent. Mical wiped near the top and I followed suit at the bottom. We rode a conservative day, still first and looking forward to Day 6.......that is until we crossed the finish line.

We were the lucky ones we got in under 5 hours and that is when one of K countries infamous summer storms arrived. Tents were being blown around. Rain and hail was threatening to collapse the pop up tent and the temperature dipped and never did recover. Wet and cold, just like last year.

I got my belt buckle today recognising that I had entered 5 TransRockies. What a sucker I am!!!

Day 6-If you are going thru Hell, just keep going.

It is one thing to head out in to the unknown, face adversity, bare down, grit teeth, and triumph no matter the suffering. It is another to head out knowing the discomfort and suffering you are going to face. Day 6 was not unlike the Bow 80, 2009. Cold and raining at the start with only colder and rainier at the top. Mical did not do the Bow 80 last year but she can now relate to all that did. Soaked on the road and heading up Jumping Pound Wendy and Norm caught us and passed us. The climb was wet and slow and after 5 days of riding - I walked a lot.

We had heard that they may divert the course before Cox Hill at the Summit trial approach. They did but not for us. We were apparently "too fast". They ended up diverting most of the field at the first entrance and sending people down the road. Others, Alana and Trish, made it to the Summit trail and worried about safety, correctly diverted themselves down.

This is one of the only criticisms I have of the TR. The motos left early to see how the trail was and the weather up top. They obviously did not leave a person at the safe diversion point and that allowed about 27 teams to go "Over The Top". They were informed, even before the race, from people such as Cory Wallace, Pat Doyle, and Trish Grajczyk that going over Cox was a bad idea. We had all done it last year at the Bow 80 and they had shut the course down for the first time in history.

Never the less there was no course marshall at Summit trail. Since we had no idea where Wendy and Norm were, it was turn down and lose our overall or go "Over the Top" and vie for seocnd place on the day but retain our overall. I road past the turn off by 100m and waited for Mical. I looked at her, soaked to the bone and cold, and asked if she was okay. She said yes, I didn't waste and time chit chatting and we went for it. Not so bad when you are climbing but miserably cold descending. I slowed to talk with Mical only once and could not coherantly talk as my jaw muscles were locked up from shivering so much. It came out as " w ha to ke gon to ke war" (We have to keep going to keep warm). That is when Mical let me know she had worn thru her back brake and was doing the Cox Hill descent with just the front. We made it down and warmed up on the road a bit. We got to Aid 2 and there were tons of people there????????????????? They had all huddled in a warming tent that looked ever so enticing.

Mical and I had a hot chocolate, food and water. I could see Mical looking at the tent. Alana came out and explained that they had diverted people and the stage was a mess. Still with Wendy and Norm in front we had to keep going. I told Mical that we could not get involved with the warming tent and we had to just finish the day. Off into the cold and muddy wilderness. We at least were on home turf and knew where we were going. My eyes were full of mud as my glasses were covered and useless. I picked up a particularly big chunk about 3 km from the finish that did not flush out.

Wendy and Norm got the stage win. We got "Mommed".

We crossed the finish line and were instantly attacked by our support and other helpers. Mike Sarnecki had a wet towel and got rid of most of the debris around my eyes. Dave Dyck had to help me out of my clothes as none of my fingers or thumbs worked. I didn't even know they were there except that I could see them. Off to the showers to get warm and spend 20 minutes cleaning mud and horse shit out of my eyes.

I still could not see properly and the medics said I had scratched my cornea. My sight in my left eye was like looking thru a frosted glass window. They said it would get better, even by the next day.

Day 7-Back to Canmore

The last day is never gifted to you. Maybe because they design it that way or maybe because you are so tired and just want it to be over. Alas, Mical was set to once again work on her World Cup starts and hammered. I had to call her out of 5th wheel and she quite pleasantly towed my sorry ass down the Trans Canada to Quaite Valley trail head.

I was to find out that she enjoyed very much laying the boots to me all week. Something about the mix of how great she was feeling this year and a small measure of payback????????

We cruised at a good pace when Pat Doyle and Craig Bartlett caught up to us. They were in second place in the Mens 80+ and were looking for a stage win. We tried to stay out of their way and got to follow fro a while.

Results: First Day 7 and First overall!!!!! We had newspaper interviews and TR interviews. Another week of bike riding and some new shirts.

Thanks to everyone who helped out on the week. Tim and Tracy drove our car back for us and then drove it to Canmore. What service!!!!

We won entry to next years race and will have to see how things pan out for that.

Updates Let's Start with BCBR

Sorry for the long pause in blogging. Trying to fit in 2 stage races and a house reno has taken a lot of time. I would not consider myself a good writer in the first place and trying to fit it in took the DFL spot on my agenda.

BUT....

BCBR

Another great year at the BCBR. The race itself took care of some of it's short comings from last year and made signifcant gains as a race. They seem to be getting the swing of things. The food was good, the course was great, the vollies helpful, etc... The only thing is the logistics, impossible to do anything about if you want to ride all the great trials they have.

Day 1 and 2 saw us racing up with Catharine and Geoff while running real scared of Wendy and Norm. Catarine Pendrel and Geoff Kabush were, and are again our National Champs, Wendy Simms and Norm Thibault have won countless stage races and own a clothing botiques supply of leaders jerseys.

Day 0 was a sub 10 minutes Time Trial to sort the field. Made for an interesting day then off to Naniamo. Our Friends Paul and Fazian won the open mens and have the jerseys to prove it**.

The starts were fast again this year due, in part, to the solo riders. They pace would climb and climb until selections were made and groups formed.

AS I am writing this 6 weeks after the event I will give the glossed over write up. The positions didn't change much, Geoff and Catharine 1st, Mical and I 2nd, Wendy and Norm 3rd. Wendy and Norm did beat us on Day 5 and Day 6 and took 2nd on the podium for the days. Our overall did not change but the battle was always on.

Mical was riding very strong and matched the intensity of the starts. I knew things would be diferent this year as she has been living in Victoria and riding lots. My technical ability came around again, "skills Camp With Mical".

I am signed up again for next year and will see how it goes again.

Alana and her Partner Kate won the open womens category in a fierce battle with 2nd. I will try to convince her to do a guest blog as some to the stories are awesome.

Lisa won the Masters Womens clear across. Lots of laundry now but not during the race.

I made the Papers

Here is a link to the Globe and Mail!!!

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/more-sports/only-the-grittiest-survive-long-long-race/article1673891/

Posts soon to follow.

Following the TransRockies 2010

The TransRockies starts this Sunday in Beautiful Fernie BC. Day 1 is a 40km course around Fernie with some sweet single track.

if you would like to follow along you can sign up for their NewLetter and get daily updates. Sign up at the bottom of the webpage.

http://transrockies.com/trc/

Alana is racing with Trish from the DeadGoats. Lisa is racing solo in the TR3. Mical and I are defending our Open Mixed title against Wendy Simms and Norm Thebault, 2 time winners, and Gretchen Reeves and Cannon Stockley, Pro adventure racer and sponsored rider.

The action will be good in all categories with a great course.

I found my camera-random shots

The Kid Sporting the Super Fast Side Burns.

























Jay staying warm at the Giver'ator.


























Believe it or not, it's the end of May in Southern California.




















Checking the purity of the Wooden Medal, Salty Dog 2010.

























Early Season training, Alana and Ryan.





















Nicole focused on the start of Salty Dog 2010.




























Paul focused, but in his own way.

Long over due update-Part 1-Salty Dog

Well it seems that I have not posted for a month now. Bad Jeff Bad.

Let's start with the Salty Dog. the "little" grass roots race had 400 people!!!and a competitive field. More and more people are enjoying this early season event to help tune skills and get a taste of summer.

Tons of Terrascapers were there along with the Goats, and Schmoos. Always good company. Craig Bartlett and a large Canmore following were there too.

As usual the start was fast for a 6 hour enduro. I paced beside/behind Brian Cooke, last years winner, to get a good position into the single track. It seemed that the longer road and pace made for a selection up front that would continue throughout the race. I was riding with Ryan Draper, Ron Ellis, and Leighton Podievin. Brian kept the pace high and was out of sight after 2 laps. It is interesting to note how close you can be to people in skill, and fitness. I have talked to Ron and he was feeling good and passed me. Later, I was feeling good and passed him back. After 6 hours it comes down to minutes.

I was riding in the top 3 and found myself in second going into lap 8 of 9. Right at the tight uphill switch back i glanced over my shoulder to find Leighton coming on strong. I had not seen him in a while and thought that he had faded. We rode together up the double track climb and discussed some things. He informed me we were away by a bit and that Brian was 10 minutes in front. We knew we might have time for a 10th lap but it would be tight. We made a gentlemens' agreement that we would settle things on lap 9. So it looked like a battle for second. I thought I was strong on the road but Leighton started to turn up the screws. He gapped me on the down hill and went hard on the second road climb. i did not see him in the feed and thought I was relegated to third. i kept up the pace though and I saw him again in the same spot he caught me.

Thoughts on Thoughts: Always race to the finish line.

It was 5 hours into the race and I did not think I had enough in the tank to race Leighton for second. We rode together on the road climb and I took my turn for the pull just as the hill got steeper and turned left. I attacked. i don't know how but i did. I didn't shift down, I didn't look back, I went face forward at high threshold until the top. I had put about 45 seconds into him before the downhill.

I kept saying in my head "smooth is fast, get to the road". I did. I kept the pace up again and did not look back until the top. i could not see him. I was 4 minutes from the finish and 45 seconds would be near impossible for Leighton to make up. Just don't crash!! i was a little tentative and gave up some time but rolled through the finish line in second.

I had enough food and water to go for another lap and we would have to throw down a comparable 10th lap by 90 seconds. Doable?? Probably, but as Leighton came through the finish line. I yelled back to him "Done?" and "Done!" was his reply.

At the awards i had been duped. Leighton had turned 40 and won his category. We were only competing for the overall. After almost 6 hours of riding we got to battle recover, and battle again. That is why I like racing.

Thought- Enjoy the race within the race. I was able to race and battle for second place but I have also had some of the most intense battles for 7th. Race day is the one day that everyone, without saying it, says " I am here to give it my best". It is not the placing but the effort that defines the day.

My Babies all Growd up

Well last weekend was not about me. Jay and Alana had break throughs.

On Saturday, Alana went for a road ride with myself, Pat, and Edward Roddy. Alana stuck with the pushes on the uphills and grabbed wheels on the sustained attacks. She made it all the way to Big Hill springs road and Lochend!!!!Over 1 hour of riding. Things got a little crazy after that but she shouldered on into the wind by herself. We called her the 400 meter queen. By the time we turned around to go back for her she was only 400 meter behind. She even kept going once and beat us all to the Shell station.

Nice work Alana!

On Sunday we went for a MTB ride in Canmore. Jason not only did the Benchlands with Pat, Craig, Tima and I but continued on to Highline trail to get in a 3:30 ride. Jay was noticable stronger and faster after a winter of riding the rollers and watching the portion sizes. As The Kid has said " watch out this year, Jay will be dangerous".

Spot on Jay!

Back to Back

Two weekends ago I got to have a great ride with some great people. We met at Cadence and a gaggle of Deadgoats were there to enjoy the sunny weather. Tom, Tim, Pat, John along with Lisa, Alana and myself headed out to Bragg Creek.

The wind was strong out of the West, Wow was that rhetorical, but the temperature and skies were awesome. I spent a good amount of time riding with Tom. These group rides really allow you to get to know some other riders. We talked about family, riding weather, lots of stuff. The hills got attacked, the tempo pushed, but we still found time to chat it up. Good guys those goats.

We got to Bragg and had a quick coffee stop and socialized with the other roadies out for the day. Toma and Tim had to head back for other commitments but the rest of us decided to head to the end of Hwy 66 and back. With no cars past Elbow Falls it was like riding in the Tour. The scenery is awesome and stunning and we had more then enough time to look around as |Lisa had 3 flats due to some worn out tires. Note to all-training tires get pretty thin after a winter of indoor riding-change them up before you get stranded.

Sir Patrick Doyle was a gentlemen and offered tube after tube and just as it looked like Lisa may have to walk back Sir Patrick offered advice that only one of his extensive background could. Change the good front tire to the back as 60% of your weight is over the back wheel. This allowed Lisa to "ease" it back to Cinnamon Spoon for a treat. The boys carried on for a testosterone filled charge up and down the long hills.

Back to CS for a coffee and brownie before heading home.


The next day was the Prairie Roubaix hosted by Speed Theory. A 14km course with 3 km of gravel road thrown in to simulate the Spring Classics in Europe. All in all there were 9 Terrascapers there but only myself in the A race. The other riders had a great day as this was one of the first road races they had ever been in.

The A race started fast up the climb and I was positioned well all the way around until the gravel section. Then it just blew up. Riders got strung out and the pace was manic. I was alone starting lap 2 going up the hill when an old race acquaintance came up on me. i grabbed his wheel and by the top of the climb I had settled in and was able to take a turn pulling. We caught a few more stragglers and were soon an pack of 5.

This was one of the first races were i was riding with other people over 6 feet tall. i must say that it was nice to actually catch a draft behind the big men. I had to fight like mad on the down hills and pace properly on the ups. I was the only one on a cross bike with full cross tires. The good old 35cc, not quite so snappy. I hung tough and on the last gravel section before the finish an attack happened that I was able to cover and A BICI rider took me down to the paved part were he accelerated and I was 800m from the finish. I thought that would be it but I looked over my shoulder to see a Speed Theory rider coming on strong so had to bear down and go! I stood foe all of 30 meters and had to drop back into the seat. i got the cadence up and never looked back until after the finish. Man that hurts but good training.

I got the race fever and can't wait until the next one!!

The Water Valley 200!!!

I have heard the CFC talk about this one since last year. The goal is to start at Cadence Cafe, ride to Water valley for a hearty lunch, then head into the wilderness for 60km of dirt road riding to pop out on the Waiporous access road then cruise home. Over 200 km on cross bikes.

Met at Cadence 8:30AM with Craig, Dallas, Ken, Thomas, Jon, Devin, and Myself. The wind was high and the temperature cool, we headed up the normal way to the NW. Nothing major to report except the dam wind.







There was nowhere to hide nothing like starting the day into a leg burning NW wind, heading north west?? Everyone took there turn up front and as we crossed Big Hill Springs road we got the wave from Lachlin driving his car. He had missed the start but was determined to catch up and have a ride. Lachlin caught on and helped pull the train forward into the unrelenting wind. The wind stole Dallas' bottle cap and jammed it into his wheel creating some brief but hilarious sounds. It also picked up Jon, at a slight 110lb??? and took him to the ditch for a great display of "WTF" and "how did he do that".

At the left hand turn to Water Valley Dallas finally admitted he was have some troubles.....with his wheel that is. The beast had been riding with a seized front bearing that barely made one rev!! We hid in the ditch while he tried to fix it to no avail and had to carry on with no front brake.

West into the wind again with the promise of a warm, calm place to eat a good lunch. 10 minutes in and Dallas had to pull the pin. The bearings where gone and his wheel was wobbling dangerously. We would have to shoulder on without him. ****update-Turns out Dallas turned around and his bearing completely fell apart, leaving him to start to walk home until a friend could come out and pick him up.

The pace ground out and the only safe place was Lachlin's left hip and it was occupied by Craig. had to be a bit of a road hog and grab Craig's left hip as the road climbed to the Saloon. Ken and Thomas worked together in a two man battle to the Saloon. As we arrived we could not see Jon? Where had he gone?? Was he just down in the dip. Craig and Lachlin turned back to see if the could help him with the final stretch.After watching them ride 4 of the 8 km back to the turn Ken, Thomas and I knew he had called it a day. Craig was worried that Jon had a flat and no tubes and kept on. ***update-Jon wass out of food and did not know how close he was to salvation. He turned around and made his way home.

The three of us entered the Water Valley Saloon, which was empty but had all the makings for a fantastic Saturday night of Jack and line dancing. We ordered up some lunch and enjoyed the ambiance and great service from the Bartender. Craig and Lachlin showed up, sans Jon. We hope he is good and not blown to a place where there is flying monkeys and a man behind the curtain.

Burger and fries and a hot chocolate to place in the groin for heat and all was good. The saloon was the turn around point and Ken and Thomas devised a plan to go south and hit up Horse Creek road for a great day out.***-update the boys hooked together a 100 miler, nice. Lachlin carried on with Craig and i for a short while on the gravel until turning around and picking up his car somewhere on the back track.




Now here in lies the adventure part of the ride. 76 km in, still heading away, no facilities, gravel roads. We left and decided to take a half notch off the pace that was happening with the group. Craig said he was not feeling all that great, something about his birthday, good wine bad cheese. As would prove the case he stowed it away and was kind enough to carry on with my initiation.

The roads were passable with some sections of soft wet gravel. Lots of deer and few cars as we took in the splendor that is Harold Creek road. All that way but worth it. The remoteness and views as we headed to the ever increasing elevation of the foothills have to be seen. Erik has talked about starting from the Saloon and I would be all over that. I had a flat that we fixed in good time but under no stress, ate a touch and carried on.

We didn't talk much at times, and others we were chatting like mad. 4pm and knowing that we would be return after dark still could not take away from the fact of what we were doing. We hit the forestry trunk road and caught some breaks on some packed gravel.

As we hit the pavement you would think I would get recharged but that sure didn't happen. The 100km between stops depleted my water supply and I could not digest any food. Big mistake taking in half a protein bar to find out my H2O stores were low. Craig reached deep and took his fair share of the pulling. I could pull through but not for long. I had no idea that Cochrane was that far!!!!

I had to pee but did not want to break Craig's tempo. Hold it and go. 3 weeks ago I had not felt that bad in the legs, now I had not felt this bad systemically in a long time. In fact since the XC8 where Craig and I did battle for 8 hours. Funny that!!

Oh did I mention the wind had changed direction. Of course it did.

We cruised to Starbonks, which I am told is the place to recharge in times like this. Here was the menu-an organic blueberry date square, apple fritter, tune melt panini, and Grande dark roast-7:30pm and that was just me.



We sat in the comfy chairs and started the feast. Knowing we had to climb the Cochrane hill and still return home. We both down another dark roast and headed out-8pm.

The summit was close at hand and the weather was windy yet stable.






Now was the time. The sun setting to our backs we choose the well travel south route hoping to avoid the avalanche of cars down the main chute. Gaining the first plateau at Glen Eagles, we proved that not letting the excitement of what we were doing get the better of us. Skirting the house sized houses, we looped onto the main track. Soon we could see it, the intersection of 1A. We steadied the nerves and pushed for the summit. It was ours. We only now had to cover the upper plateau to the down slope at Stoney trail.

After a day of struggle we both felt good and the pace was high and we covered the pavement well. We had to part ways at Stoney trail and I had nothing but down hill Bow Cycle and my car. Arrival time-9:29pm. 9.5 hours of riding and a 12 hour day, 210km, 60 km on gravel.

Thanks for the ride!!!!

A great weekend of riding

April 3rd I had the pleasure to ride with Steve and Jerry. These guys have it going on. The ride their bikes and love it. They go for beers and eat delicious Jamie burgers and order Guiness. They can ride hard into the ever present wind and still have breathe to talk to you. A few attacks and I had to part ways and head home via hwy 22.

Next day was a ride with the Terrascpae boys Jason and The Kid. We brought along our Bike Trip bud Robb for his first ever road ride. The intermediate pace was very civil but Jason's aka is Flint. The boy likes to start things. Right off the start Jay attack the first hill. He has done a great job of getting down to fighting weight and it shows. I had trouble matching the pace and he threw a top of the hill attack that I could only watch.



Throughout the day The Kid and Flint kept things spicy. Robb did quite well and was able to gain a stop sign sprint victory with a well planned lead out.

All in all and great follow to get in 2 good days.

CFC Revisited

The post is three weeks old but has to be done in order to get you up to date.

After relentless prodding by Alana to go riding with the Calgary Fast Cats, I found myself at Cadence Cafe for the Saturday DeadGoat ride. Craig, Gabor, Ed, Jerry, We started out and the plan was to head south of the city and hit up some of the coffee shops.

I grossly over estimated my ability at this time of year and seem to have overlooked the small, wee, little fact that I have not been doing any long ride/exercise for months. I felt my legs right off the first hill to 16. It didn't get better as I thought I would test things out up the COP hill. That was my one and only effort for the day.

Into a vicious head wind that would prove that it could shred my legs more. Out of no where cam Pat Dodge and 50+ increased the pace until we had to let him go. We stopped at Cinnamon spoons and then head south again. Beautiful rides full of leg pain and lack of endurance. Awesome. TO end this comeback day was the the road to Nepal. I had 4 row seats to the show as the boys cranked up the hills.

We rode within 4 mins of my house but i did ride all the way back to Bow Cycle to get my car. Day 1 of my goal to stick with these guys.

Penguin Stew

ALana and I have been living with our friend The Kid (Ryan) for the last month. He is named the kid because he is the youngest member of our race club at the ripe age of 28!!!! I think Mical has him tied but she has been with the club so long she gets a by.

The kid has had lots of renters over time and has aquired many ?things? in his freezer. Some are obvious frozen corn and tropical fruit mix. Others not so much, as in the frozen bag of white meat. Alana thought it was a bag of perogies. Upon further inspection it was a very old, freezer burnt bag of chicken breast. Having a good laugh at this I called the item in question penguin. Anything that has been in the cold that long has got to be transformed. The only solution was to slow cook it.

It got a pass from the kid and I thought it was yummy. Alana sampled and gave it a good grade too. Proving the point that it is impossible to screw up something in the slow cooker.

Morning Life

Well we are supposed to be here:











Drinking these:








But a passport expired and we had to delay for a week. Oh well, lot to do around the house and with no classes this week we are working hard.

I decided to go for a run this morning. I am trying to get up early and get to it. The Kid, who's house we are staying at, lives right by Fish Creek Park. Within 7 minutes I was running on dirt. Within 9 minutes I was flat on my ass on a slippery section of ice.

Beautiful morning, quiet woods, tranquillity and I turn the corner and literally almost run into:



There was a small group of them and they did not seem to afraid of me. I got within 8 feet of one before he/she decided to flip me the white tail and jet.

What a start to the day. Off I go to construct a wall.

Winter runs

Alana, Jay and I went for a run at Nosehill last night. The sunset was stunning and we took several minutes to savour the orange and red hues as the sun dipped behind our majestic rockies. We took turns at the turns making decisions. jay decided to be a deer and lope off into the deep snow. Nothing like getting a snow cone in the shoe.

We are on spring break this week for spin classes and have been filling the days with cross training activities like swimming and running. So far so good. I have left all recording devices at home and just go out and do. Sunday found us on the Fish Creek bike path navigating snow and huge water/mud puddles. The pace was easy but the riding great. The Kid and I even got in a swim that day as well.

As much as it would be a blast to train like that I cannot deny the benefits of the spin classes. The consistency and progressive steps, i believe, are a major key to my success on the bike.

Soon there will be nothing but outdoor riding but until then some good hard indoor classes.

Winter Fun

Well Can you tell I have been busy.

Here is an update on the goings on.

Had a great xmas in Ontario and my parents cottage. The first time the family has all been together there at xmas. Did some xc skiing and running.

Got back and tried to get in shape for the upcoming Lake Louise to Banff Loppet. A 70km "adventure ski". Jay, Dee, Alana and I went up the night before and stayed at the Deer Lodge which is quite nice and right across the road from the Chateau. Pretending we were twenty again we paid for a small room with two beds and snuck in the back door. Anythign to save a buck. Jay slept on the floor, bears dont' need beds, and it was early to bed.




Up early the next day for the race brief only to find that Alana and I were not actually registered for the race. As it is a small grass roots race they let us in anyways. Too bad we could have just goe for coffee and breaky.

I lost the gang when I wnet to the washroom and at the sound of the start gun here is where we were. Jay-parking lot waxing skis, Alana- running across parking lot to start line, Jeff-standing at start line with no poles or skis, Dee-running like made to get Jeff his skis.

I run a burly setup of wide track skis with fish scales. Yep, no maintanence in years. Needless to say on the first leg which is 22km downhill-ish I was fighting not to be DFL. Alana and Ramona passed me early and I tired hard to hold off Jay but away he went.

Left-Right-Left-Right-Left-Right with only 78 people in the race I spent a lot of time alone to enjoy the sights. Beautiful route although it was in the ditch of the 1A at times.



Wander here, wander there finally got to the Sunshine overpass and knew where I was. Down along the river and done!!!!!

Great prizes at the buffett and a good feel. Would I do it again? I don't know maybe with proper skis and some more training.