With the arrival of the Dark Knight cross race at Canada Olympic park, COP, you know it's cross season.
Just as the sun was setting Saturday, the music started, the lights came on, and Csonka kids fired up the smoke machine. This is such a unique event it's hard not to love it and get caught up in the amusement park feel of the thing. I over heard Dave Larson say that Ed Garvin misspelled Race and held a Rave instead.
The course was similar to years past but the Downhill pump track section was gone replaced by more corners and said smoke tunnel. You couldn't see a thing in there and I held my breathe for fear of some obscure lung illness.
I positioned well but was stuck behind other riders while the lead group rode made time. I actually felt good for this race. It normally takes me the whole season to start to get the speed in the legs but I am more rested and could feel the legs had some snap.
Down the twisty back section to the "toilet bowl" that takes you in a decreasing radius turn only to spit you out on the long sewer pipe of an uphill. The sand was s....l......o...w.... It felt like I was in purgatory just waiting to get to the other side. Around the trees and you are in the spotlight. Everyone lines up along the slope to see how you do with the hardest corner of the course, the log barriers that Rob Leeds and Brian Bain change each lap. Those 2 are your worst enemies and your biggest fans.
But it's not over there. If you succeed in in not smashing your knee into your stem, falling over your bars, dismounting, crashing, or being pushed over by said log heathens, there's the 2 foot drop over a log to survive. Yep, DH comes to cross racing.
Great Racing and great event.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
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!!!!
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!!!!
Monday, September 3, 2012
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Friday, August 31, 2012
It's on like, Donkey kong!!
So It's a go. i signed up for the Xterra and swam in Quarry lake this morning. Lucky for me I met a great guy form Ontario named Gary Swayze. I don't know if I would have been so brave if he wasn't going for a lap as well.
The water was surprisingly nice! I know! for a mountain lake i could still feel my hands when I came out. Jay, Dee, and Zee came down to watch and probably to life guard my newly found activity. Greg has lent me his NASA wetsuit and it basically swims itselfs. I just have to hold my breath when it turns my face in the water.
Dee grabbed her bike and joined us for a lap of the course. Oh what fun. It is a little dis-heartening knowing you are by-passing some of the sweet single track but one must remember that this is not a MTB race but a off road tri. The course is laid out well and has some classics and some fun new stuff. Lots of places to eat and drink. Way different then Ed's Single track enduros, where your head involuntarily moves side to side and up and down for days.
Semi-comfortable swim-Check
Pre-Ride-Check
Run- we will have to wait and see???????
Wish me luck and i hope i survive the washing machine start.
The water was surprisingly nice! I know! for a mountain lake i could still feel my hands when I came out. Jay, Dee, and Zee came down to watch and probably to life guard my newly found activity. Greg has lent me his NASA wetsuit and it basically swims itselfs. I just have to hold my breath when it turns my face in the water.
Dee grabbed her bike and joined us for a lap of the course. Oh what fun. It is a little dis-heartening knowing you are by-passing some of the sweet single track but one must remember that this is not a MTB race but a off road tri. The course is laid out well and has some classics and some fun new stuff. Lots of places to eat and drink. Way different then Ed's Single track enduros, where your head involuntarily moves side to side and up and down for days.
Semi-comfortable swim-Check
Pre-Ride-Check
Run- we will have to wait and see???????
Wish me luck and i hope i survive the washing machine start.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Dirty Little Secret
So what do you get when you cross a swimmer, a biker, and a runner????
Nope, wrong!
Just a guy doing his "Thing".
I always start running after the TransRockies to change it up and to get the legs used to it for Cyclocross season. But this year I went home to my parents lake in Ont. and did some open water swimming. I loved it!!!
I have kept up the swimming with my sister in law and now Ryan, and Cesar. The Kid (Ryan),
Soooooooo, Xterra is coming up this weekend and I am so not ready for it. 3 weeks of training is, well, binge training.
Truth be told it is not the distance or the race it's the cold!!! A 3C low over night and 14C high. I know I won't be able to use my hands at all after the swim which will make for a spicy MTB ride. Not very "hard man", but hey i am doing this for fun right???
I have possibly 3 more swims to get ready.
I may or may not. i guess we will see.
Nope, wrong!
Just a guy doing his "Thing".
I always start running after the TransRockies to change it up and to get the legs used to it for Cyclocross season. But this year I went home to my parents lake in Ont. and did some open water swimming. I loved it!!!
I have kept up the swimming with my sister in law and now Ryan, and Cesar. The Kid (Ryan),
Soooooooo, Xterra is coming up this weekend and I am so not ready for it. 3 weeks of training is, well, binge training.
Truth be told it is not the distance or the race it's the cold!!! A 3C low over night and 14C high. I know I won't be able to use my hands at all after the swim which will make for a spicy MTB ride. Not very "hard man", but hey i am doing this for fun right???
I have possibly 3 more swims to get ready.
I may or may not. i guess we will see.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
When One Season Ends........
XC season is over, excpet for the Snow 80 of course.
It is now time for what I call Phat and Sassy season. Cross season and riding for the beer at the end of the trial.
Apparently this is the best beer in the world.
Jason ordered and received a 6 pack for over $80. hand crafted by Monks and sold in limited quantities you usually have to wait years. The Monks are renovating and need some extra splash cash so....the are selling their ultra beer to heathens like Jason for working capital. Thoughts on the beer: I don't think I am the guy with the authority to call something the best in the world but, for all it's darkness and flavors, it has a grounded initial taste and no heavy lingering bitter taste of an 8% beer. Best beer I have ever had that is for sure.
Rode in Ont. on our vacation at Buck Wallow. Great home grown bike park. big perimeter trial with lots of 500m-700m inner loops. Interesting thing about Ont. riding, I would not call it aerobically challenging in the way we out in AB sit on a climb for 10-15 mins. It is so tight, with roots and rocks that you actually have to "ride" your bike. As Alana said "could use some time there" to learn tight flow.
May play bike polo, may run, may road ride, may swim. Hey, it's not Aug. it's May!!
We jsut got back from On
It is now time for what I call Phat and Sassy season. Cross season and riding for the beer at the end of the trial.
Jason ordered and received a 6 pack for over $80. hand crafted by Monks and sold in limited quantities you usually have to wait years. The Monks are renovating and need some extra splash cash so....the are selling their ultra beer to heathens like Jason for working capital. Thoughts on the beer: I don't think I am the guy with the authority to call something the best in the world but, for all it's darkness and flavors, it has a grounded initial taste and no heavy lingering bitter taste of an 8% beer. Best beer I have ever had that is for sure.
Rode in Ont. on our vacation at Buck Wallow. Great home grown bike park. big perimeter trial with lots of 500m-700m inner loops. Interesting thing about Ont. riding, I would not call it aerobically challenging in the way we out in AB sit on a climb for 10-15 mins. It is so tight, with roots and rocks that you actually have to "ride" your bike. As Alana said "could use some time there" to learn tight flow.
May play bike polo, may run, may road ride, may swim. Hey, it's not Aug. it's May!!
We jsut got back from On
Saturday, August 4, 2012
TransRockies Stage 7 and 8
Start in the rain end in the sun, always. Seems to be the sucker punch in the TR. It leaves you with a huge smile on your face and a thought that maybe it wasn't that bad, which of course it wasn't.
Here are a list of thanks that i can remember:
Alana-for just about everything
Tyler and Bert for somewhere to stay and an excuse to buy good cheese
Terrascape for the camaraderie and laughs along the way
Dave-for your witty banter and invaluable help servicing the "Jeffhammer" and free beers, well almost free.
TransRockies for another fabulous summer vacation.
Pam and Linda for coming all the way back out form Calgary to move the Big Blue Truck
Jason and Deanne for you poor laundry machine.
Deadgoats for always being there for a shuttle or water bottle
Heather and Dave for again moving the Big Blue truck.
all my fellow riders for stories, pumps, hands that work, and sharing the joy of cycling.
Day 7
Started at Rafter 6 and smartly avoided the cow pasture cicuit in favor of the road. It was cold, wet and tight in the peloton. I think it is a blast when someone from mid-pack comes up to the front and makes a "break" for a stage win. good chuckles though turned to a bit of fear as the fellow tried to join the front and was all over the place trying to get it right. Decided it was time to go and made a break for the right hand corner that would be a gong show of rocks, gopher holes, tall grass, elbows, tree branches and mud. Made the corner first and settled into a good pace till the road.
Geoff and I made a plan to ride safe and smooth until check point 1 as the course is a bit treacherous along the Trans Canada Trial. What makes it cool also makes it dangerous. single track, roots, sharp rocks, bridges, fall away slopes, and stairs. Travis Hauck was down with a flat and would eventually hammer back to be down only until seconds. He would finish 4th in the TR4 but 3rd in the unofficial TR7. Heroic efforts and a huge heart from our little buddy from Nelson.
Geoff kept attacking me!!Why??? He needed 8 minutes to get back on the podium in 3rd spot. The race was on. I rode with him to help keep the pace up and to give myself some focus for the day. We had fun at times but the hills were getting pretty intimidating near the end. A normally benign trial like EKG has uphills!! I never noticed them on a weekend night ride.
We rolled into town together adjusted leg warmers and jerseys for the photos and sprant for the finish. Geoff got me by 1.3 seconds enuf for the stage win and his 8 minutes.
Alana and Nicole had a great week and were all smiles at the finish.
Stage 8
It's what we call the ceremony and after party. I thought I was only going to stay for one but it was one of the first times all of us were warm, fed, and had nothing to do. Conversation flowed easy and so did the drinks. 2am say Alana and i at the Canmore Hotel eating Poutine with some Goats and friends.
Breakfast with Jason Deanne and Zach and back to life.
We are on our way to Ontario Cottage country for a week of lakeside eating, resting, and visiting. Buckwallow cycling center is just down the road and Ryan Draper may be able to hook us up with some Scott's as they are HQ'd out of the town 15min away. Or pass una mas cerveza Por Favor!
Thanks for reading. I found the Stats page and someone is actually reading this. Helps to know that. I will let you know when the next adventure happens.
Ciao!
Here are a list of thanks that i can remember:
Alana-for just about everything
Tyler and Bert for somewhere to stay and an excuse to buy good cheese
Terrascape for the camaraderie and laughs along the way
Dave-for your witty banter and invaluable help servicing the "Jeffhammer" and free beers, well almost free.
TransRockies for another fabulous summer vacation.
Pam and Linda for coming all the way back out form Calgary to move the Big Blue Truck
Jason and Deanne for you poor laundry machine.
Deadgoats for always being there for a shuttle or water bottle
Heather and Dave for again moving the Big Blue truck.
all my fellow riders for stories, pumps, hands that work, and sharing the joy of cycling.
Day 7
Started at Rafter 6 and smartly avoided the cow pasture cicuit in favor of the road. It was cold, wet and tight in the peloton. I think it is a blast when someone from mid-pack comes up to the front and makes a "break" for a stage win. good chuckles though turned to a bit of fear as the fellow tried to join the front and was all over the place trying to get it right. Decided it was time to go and made a break for the right hand corner that would be a gong show of rocks, gopher holes, tall grass, elbows, tree branches and mud. Made the corner first and settled into a good pace till the road.
Geoff and I made a plan to ride safe and smooth until check point 1 as the course is a bit treacherous along the Trans Canada Trial. What makes it cool also makes it dangerous. single track, roots, sharp rocks, bridges, fall away slopes, and stairs. Travis Hauck was down with a flat and would eventually hammer back to be down only until seconds. He would finish 4th in the TR4 but 3rd in the unofficial TR7. Heroic efforts and a huge heart from our little buddy from Nelson.
Geoff kept attacking me!!Why??? He needed 8 minutes to get back on the podium in 3rd spot. The race was on. I rode with him to help keep the pace up and to give myself some focus for the day. We had fun at times but the hills were getting pretty intimidating near the end. A normally benign trial like EKG has uphills!! I never noticed them on a weekend night ride.
We rolled into town together adjusted leg warmers and jerseys for the photos and sprant for the finish. Geoff got me by 1.3 seconds enuf for the stage win and his 8 minutes.
Alana and Nicole had a great week and were all smiles at the finish.
Stage 8
It's what we call the ceremony and after party. I thought I was only going to stay for one but it was one of the first times all of us were warm, fed, and had nothing to do. Conversation flowed easy and so did the drinks. 2am say Alana and i at the Canmore Hotel eating Poutine with some Goats and friends.
Breakfast with Jason Deanne and Zach and back to life.
We are on our way to Ontario Cottage country for a week of lakeside eating, resting, and visiting. Buckwallow cycling center is just down the road and Ryan Draper may be able to hook us up with some Scott's as they are HQ'd out of the town 15min away. Or pass una mas cerveza Por Favor!
Thanks for reading. I found the Stats page and someone is actually reading this. Helps to know that. I will let you know when the next adventure happens.
Ciao!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
TransRockies Chapter 4,5,6
After 3 days of racing it's time for...well, 4 Days of racing. TR4. Alwasy good to see who shoes up for the TR4 and who toughs out the unofficial TR7 Solo.
Lot's of folks combining the 2 and Doing the "full Pull".
Day 4 went well, off the start at least. Godo civil pace and good drafts got me in the lead group and feeling frisky. I was able to stick with them for a bit then relaxed into my pace and hoped to make up time on the DH. Nope, My memory of this day failed me as I thought it was mainly smooth. It's not. It's the Rockies. They call it that for a reason. Should have changed tires. Didn't. FLAT.
It's great how many people asked or stopped to help. Even with their competitors all around. Fixed. Tore side wall. Fixed and on way again. Made up some good time and managed to squeak a stage win out of it.
Day 5
It all came together. Knew the course, paced it perfect, hit all the right feeds, rode strong, got 3rd overall!!!
Thought Travis and Houston were gunning me down together but ended up being Jon and Steph.May have burned some matches but when you you get to do that in life?
Day 6
The Cox Hill Curse, as Nicole calls it. It started raining last night, was raining this morning.
The professional staff at TransRockies knows what lay ahead and re-routed for everyone's safety. Be thankful they did. 2 years ago we went up and over Cox Hill in similar conditions and it was not pretty. Lucky to get out alive, no joke.
It didn't make it easier though, the road was a bit tacky, roots were slippery, glasses were dirty.
Was going a nice pace, holding off a charging Geoff Clark, you know that fine fellow from Day 4 who stopped to give me a pump. I wanted to get most of the elevation done before teaming up with him for the finish. i paused just before he caught me to put a little air in the front. Snap goes the valve stem. Told him i was good and started to put in a tube. Problem. Hands were so cold I could not get the tire un-seated from the rim. Pat Doyle and Craig Bartlett stopped both grabbed the tire and pulled it off. Then blasted off to catch up to their competitors who had passed while helping. All good sort of. Hands still too cold to undo valve collar. Took the 2 tire irons and used them as levers and there you have it. Back to racing. Jaun and Trish rode past, Juan turned around and lent me his CO2 for a quick blast then caught back up to Trish and they were gone.
3rd place John Gould had passed and a host of other, mud splattered, rain jacket wearing, hard peeps of the MTB world. Time to catch up. Was following plan when Lo and Behold Geoff is in the ditch?? Broken Derailleur. Pay it forward works. Together we managed to get it to a semi-functioning single speed and we were off. Myself a bit faster as I had gears to choose from.
Rain, blah blah, dirt blah blah, hills blah blah, My Jon Kraukaur best " and then when I thought all was lost I pushed on the pedal one more time and the bike sluggishly, lethargically, unwillingly, moved forward. I thought all was lost as I couldn't bear to push again, but something primal, sub-concious, instinctually took over then I pushed the other pedal with the same out come as before the bike moved! Blah Blah blah
It was a hard go and Jon had ??? minutes on me. Rode a good tempo and spirits were high as I was feeling the love and realizing how cool this sport is. Camaraderie abounds here at the TransRockies. Everyone, (except the guy right near the finish who didn't help, damn outlier) is willing to step out of "race" and help a "fellow rider". I think it's because of the honest and naked truth of mountain biking, that if the person is in front of you, they are faster then you, no excuses.
K, so heading in knowing there is no stage win and maybe not the overall having fun on the DH. FLAT, Remember there is a tube in the front? You did? Great! i didn't Pow right into the rock field. Thought I was only a km or 2 from finish so started running. Quickly realized 2 things, it was farther, and I am not a runner. Bought the Havens for the "no questions asked" warranty and rode in on the rim. Damn tough rim.
Started truck, blasted heater, grabbed shower and waited for Nicole and Alana to arrive so they would have somewhere stinking warm to go to.
This is what they looked like:
Jean Ann and Sandra met them at the finish line. This is what they looked like:
hmm if you look hard enuf you will notice subtle differences.
Jason and Deanne have most lovingly and graciouly allowed us to use their house in Canmore for laundry and beds. Yep staying here tonight. Didn't plan on it but once we got here it was all over.
Calls for rain tomorrow then clearing. Stand by
Lot's of folks combining the 2 and Doing the "full Pull".
Day 4 went well, off the start at least. Godo civil pace and good drafts got me in the lead group and feeling frisky. I was able to stick with them for a bit then relaxed into my pace and hoped to make up time on the DH. Nope, My memory of this day failed me as I thought it was mainly smooth. It's not. It's the Rockies. They call it that for a reason. Should have changed tires. Didn't. FLAT.
It's great how many people asked or stopped to help. Even with their competitors all around. Fixed. Tore side wall. Fixed and on way again. Made up some good time and managed to squeak a stage win out of it.
Day 5
It all came together. Knew the course, paced it perfect, hit all the right feeds, rode strong, got 3rd overall!!!
Thought Travis and Houston were gunning me down together but ended up being Jon and Steph.May have burned some matches but when you you get to do that in life?
Day 6
The Cox Hill Curse, as Nicole calls it. It started raining last night, was raining this morning.
The professional staff at TransRockies knows what lay ahead and re-routed for everyone's safety. Be thankful they did. 2 years ago we went up and over Cox Hill in similar conditions and it was not pretty. Lucky to get out alive, no joke.
It didn't make it easier though, the road was a bit tacky, roots were slippery, glasses were dirty.
Was going a nice pace, holding off a charging Geoff Clark, you know that fine fellow from Day 4 who stopped to give me a pump. I wanted to get most of the elevation done before teaming up with him for the finish. i paused just before he caught me to put a little air in the front. Snap goes the valve stem. Told him i was good and started to put in a tube. Problem. Hands were so cold I could not get the tire un-seated from the rim. Pat Doyle and Craig Bartlett stopped both grabbed the tire and pulled it off. Then blasted off to catch up to their competitors who had passed while helping. All good sort of. Hands still too cold to undo valve collar. Took the 2 tire irons and used them as levers and there you have it. Back to racing. Jaun and Trish rode past, Juan turned around and lent me his CO2 for a quick blast then caught back up to Trish and they were gone.
3rd place John Gould had passed and a host of other, mud splattered, rain jacket wearing, hard peeps of the MTB world. Time to catch up. Was following plan when Lo and Behold Geoff is in the ditch?? Broken Derailleur. Pay it forward works. Together we managed to get it to a semi-functioning single speed and we were off. Myself a bit faster as I had gears to choose from.
Rain, blah blah, dirt blah blah, hills blah blah, My Jon Kraukaur best " and then when I thought all was lost I pushed on the pedal one more time and the bike sluggishly, lethargically, unwillingly, moved forward. I thought all was lost as I couldn't bear to push again, but something primal, sub-concious, instinctually took over then I pushed the other pedal with the same out come as before the bike moved! Blah Blah blah
It was a hard go and Jon had ??? minutes on me. Rode a good tempo and spirits were high as I was feeling the love and realizing how cool this sport is. Camaraderie abounds here at the TransRockies. Everyone, (except the guy right near the finish who didn't help, damn outlier) is willing to step out of "race" and help a "fellow rider". I think it's because of the honest and naked truth of mountain biking, that if the person is in front of you, they are faster then you, no excuses.
K, so heading in knowing there is no stage win and maybe not the overall having fun on the DH. FLAT, Remember there is a tube in the front? You did? Great! i didn't Pow right into the rock field. Thought I was only a km or 2 from finish so started running. Quickly realized 2 things, it was farther, and I am not a runner. Bought the Havens for the "no questions asked" warranty and rode in on the rim. Damn tough rim.
Started truck, blasted heater, grabbed shower and waited for Nicole and Alana to arrive so they would have somewhere stinking warm to go to.
This is what they looked like:
Jean Ann and Sandra met them at the finish line. This is what they looked like:
hmm if you look hard enuf you will notice subtle differences.
Jason and Deanne have most lovingly and graciouly allowed us to use their house in Canmore for laundry and beds. Yep staying here tonight. Didn't plan on it but once we got here it was all over.
Calls for rain tomorrow then clearing. Stand by
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
TR 3 Race within the race
Check this out:
40+ men Final
4 guys battling for a position in the top 10. NASCAR calls this "The Chase". Lonn Bate came down with his wife and 2 kids and put in a great day 3 to move up a spot or two. Jesse Mong won the Go Pro cam for best story-Day 1 got stung by 15 wasp and wne tot hospital, Day 2 broke something on his bike, Day 3-went for a ride after the stage was done. Steve Walsh has drank a "mistake beer" every night. Sorry Mike don't know your tale. The number in brackets de-note their position in the GC at the start of the day.
You can bet these fellas know exactly who each other are and mark them all day. They know how many seconds down or in front they are and try to exploit their strengths and hide the "areas of opportunities".
Pretty cool to see this kind of competition. If these guys were the top four the media would lose their minds for such a good race, so keep an eye on the full results and watch the shuffle.
In saying that I am remiss for not mentioning 3rd place John O'Sannassy. Very solid efforts each day and with his knowledge of the trails flew the DH. Very nice guy and won the fastest Fernie Rider.
Men's open
Women's open
1 Second????? Really 1 Second!!!!!!!!
40+ men Final
| 8 | Lonn Bate | 346 | 2:36:56 (12) | 2:50:05 (8) | 2:44:26 (7) | 8:11:28 | +1:18:49.0 |
| 9 | Mike Johnston | 310 | 2:28:34 (10) | 2:54:16 (9) | 2:56:20 (8) | 8:19:10 | +1:26:31.0 |
| 10 | Jesse Mong | 342 | 2:23:26 (8) | 2:59:15 (13) | 2:56:49 (9) | 8:19:31 | +1:26:52.0 |
| 11 | Steve Walsh | 309 | 2:28:22 (9) | 2:57:34 (10) | 2:58:33 (11) | 8:24:29 | +1:31:50.0 |
4 guys battling for a position in the top 10. NASCAR calls this "The Chase". Lonn Bate came down with his wife and 2 kids and put in a great day 3 to move up a spot or two. Jesse Mong won the Go Pro cam for best story-Day 1 got stung by 15 wasp and wne tot hospital, Day 2 broke something on his bike, Day 3-went for a ride after the stage was done. Steve Walsh has drank a "mistake beer" every night. Sorry Mike don't know your tale. The number in brackets de-note their position in the GC at the start of the day.
You can bet these fellas know exactly who each other are and mark them all day. They know how many seconds down or in front they are and try to exploit their strengths and hide the "areas of opportunities".
Pretty cool to see this kind of competition. If these guys were the top four the media would lose their minds for such a good race, so keep an eye on the full results and watch the shuffle.
In saying that I am remiss for not mentioning 3rd place John O'Sannassy. Very solid efforts each day and with his knowledge of the trails flew the DH. Very nice guy and won the fastest Fernie Rider.
Men's open
| 9 | Shawn Bunnin | 321 | 2:01:21 (8) | 2:20:49 (9) | 2:29:55 (13) | 6:52:06 | +50:06.0 |
| 10 | Sébastien Cadieux-Duval | 323 | 2:04:15 (10) | 2:30:32 (14) | 2:17:52 (5) | 6:52:40 | +50:40.0 |
| 11 | Peter Watson | 394 | 2:07:09 (15) | 2:23:57 (13) | 2:23:40 (10) | 6:54:47 | +52:47.0 |
| 12 | Travis Hauck | 315 | 2:06:53 (14) | 2:22:25 (12) | 2:26:40 (12) | 6:55:59 | +53:59.0 |
Women's open
1 Second????? Really 1 Second!!!!!!!!
| 9 | Linda Green | 396 | 3:19:34 (8) | 3:52:07 (10) | 4:13:12 (12) | 11:24:54 | +3:32:56.0 |
| 10 | Carthy Chan | 324 | 3:19:35 (9) | 3:52:07 (9) | 4:13:12 (13) | 11:24:55 | +3:32:57.0 |
| 11 | Lisa Kalischuk-Tymensen | 373 | 3:24:55 (12) | 3:57:55 (11) | 4:10:16 (11) | 11:33:07 | +3:41:09.0 |
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