is there a correlation between Top riders and Snobbery??

Interesting question, No?

We have all be subject to a shunning from a top rider at one time. They don't say hello when you see them at an event or race, or remember your name after you have met them several times. So does that make them a snob??

I am at a cross roads here, I like to think that I am not a snob but depends on when you meet me. Warming up for Nationals-no talking- focused, middle of hill repeats- no talking-can't, just finished race in which all wheels fell off- no talking-crying inside. So maybe take a look at the situation before passing judgement.

Not remembering your name, hmmmmm tough one. Maybe snob because they don't care to, maybe can't. Do you call your barrista a snob because they don't remember your name after you have told them countless times for call out? Elite racers race a lot. Therefore, they meet a lot of people. People look different between events, especially Independents who have no set kit. People look way different in civil attire as well. I almost rode past Keith Bayley when he had long hair.

Why the topic? I had someone tell me so-and-so is an ass because he never remembers me, Snob.

I have also been snubbed by countless Sport and Expert riders at events. Everyone is going thru the same feelings and emotions and are lost in the same thoughts, we just race at different times and for different lengths.

Instead of saying "I got snubbed by an Elite", try, "I got snubbed by another racer/rider".

Do you really care if they remember you. If you do keep introducing yourself and they will, I know. Try being "Mical's partner" for 2 years and see how many people remember your name.

A successful Bow 80

So over beers at Carson's 1st birthday party, Chris lent me his Single Speed to ride the Bow80. Yep, End of season dumb and drunk is all it took.

Discussed the gearing for way to long and in SS I think under is better then over. But I went over. A 32 up front with 18 on the back, on the 29er. Slow cadence and balance was key all day long, and lots of hiking.

A usual scattered start, borrowed bike didn't have water bottle cages so had to beg them off the fine folks at Bow Cycle. All the excitement and coffee kicked in 7 minutes before the start. Line up was too long so had to do my best imitation of:

Don't worry, ran deep in, used heel to dig hole, covered back up.

Just get to start see all the other SS and hang. Patrick Humeney, Sir Pat Doyle, Cesar. Ceasr and Pat take off but I don't know what to do so think " Sir Pat rides smart" and follow him. We caught the other fellows just before Prairie Creek and all rode together almost to the aid station on Powder face road.

Grabbed some water and it was only Sir Pat and I. i cannot believe how much I learned riding behind Sir Pat for the first 3rd of the race. He is a picture of conservative power, he always has it but never wastes it. Smooth on the ups, smooth on the down. It was like going to SS school. Unfortunately, like an ill prepared student, with a bad summer job, and spending too much at the bar, I didn't have tuition money for the second half of term and Sir Pat was finished teaching. Sir Pat dieseled away on the road and I never saw him again. He ended up 13 minutes ahead when it was over.

I had a flat going down Poser Face, as was to be expected and Cesar and another SS passed me. Rode down with team mate Andy Paul how was on a hard tail and we both were tentative until the bottom. I had to open it up and get Cesar back in sight. I made a move on Elbow Springs and got to Sulphur before them. I knew that being over geared, Cesar was going to be faster up, and he was. He caught and passed me. We rode up lots of Pnuema together but he let me pass, which I gave him trouble for as he had me on the ropes. I took the lead, ate, drank, and attacked. Silly Cesar.

I tried to hold him off but I kept hearing this voice with a Venezuelan accent " I SEE YOU", to which I would reply " I HEAR YOU". This happened right until the top where it gets a little flat, I hammered and got into Special K ahead of him. I knew I could descend faster and rolled the dice. It worked. 2nd and Cesar took 3rd.

Congrats to Pam Pearson from Terrascape with a podium in the Wpmen's 40+ and to Alana, the only female Single Speeder. It is an open category but she is #1 in our hearts for the huge effort she threw down!!!!

What Have I done!!!

First I would like to thank Ryan Young for encouraging me to give it a go. Second , I would like to curse Ryan for encouraging me.

JOKERS!

With a fevorous and short training program I entered the Xterra Triathlon in beautiful Canmore. I got to pre-swim Friday but nothing could prepare me for what happened Sunday morning. I asked Luke Way for some advice and tried to follow it but alas, I forgot it. The water was brisk but not too bad so the frozen brain excuse is out.

The gun went and we were off. I found myself swimming right beside Dannel Kabush, This alone should have been a big red flag. I got about 150m into the swim and panicked. Not a rational thought in my head. Thinking too much and too fast. I had to tread water and the got punched and kicked for my silliness. I had to wave in a kayak and hang out for a minute or two. I wanted to quit but would have to swim to shore. I started again with the full intention to swim out the other side of Quarry Lake and walk back.

 Not actually me, I would have tears in my eyes. hahaha

As I went to execute this plan I found some clear water and relaxed a bit. I got my breathing under control and decided to just swim from Buoy to buoy, oh boy. After lap 1 of 3 I thought I was done, but with everyone cheering my on and Luke Way standing in the water coaxing me in I went out again. My lovely wife walked around the lake so i could have someone to look at. She kept giving me thumbs up and relax signs. It got better, not good just better.

Glad that's over!!!!


I left the water a shattered man but now it the bike. Home Turf . It went well and I will keep it short. Great course for a Tri, lots of fun, lots of slick roots, lots of roadies pulling off to side,

The run was, well....interesting. It always feels like I am running with rented legs and the first portion is all down hill. Throw your leg out front and hope that the small part of your brain that keeps you from falling on your face is working. I really enjoyed the run, very simple, very pure, very painful. Mike Vine, the champ, ran by my so fast I had to look at my feet to confirm that I was actually moving forward.

Don't quite have the smooth transition down. I was messing with my belt for a while.

So when the dust settled........ I was 17th overall and 2nd in my age category with a World's spot in Hawaii if I want it. I had some drinks and thought about it. All I could come up with is I need more drinks.

Congrats to Heath McCroy for his first place and Darren Robinson for 3rd. Great race as we could see each other throughout the run.

Ryan had a great first kick at the cat and our new friend Gary did great in his age category as well.

Thanks to Jason for all his help, Dee for her great photos, Zee, Ange, Colin, Holly, Beckham, Alana, for all the cheering.

The last Tri I did