It's nearing. Two weeks till the first of six days in the Trans-Savoie enduro race in France! Pretty pumped for sure. Now's the time to get ready! Tools, parts, food, flights. Check. It seems like not too long ago when I was counting the days down and I was at 4 months till race time. LOTS of time to get ready. Like most people I left a lot to the end. Still need to find a place to sleep while in Geneva before and after the race. Still need to do a bunch. And then a whole lot I haven't even thought of yet. Oh yeah, medical insurance might be a good idea.
This is the time that the race season is starting for me. Summer has been pretty busy with work and no races have happened for me yet. There certainly has been loads of time on the bike but no racing. I miss it. Well now's the time. France in two weeks, a 24 hour the weekend after I get back, a 6 hour, and there has been talk of Fernie's Tears and Gears. Always a good time. I've been training by being on the bike and also something new. Crossfit.
Crossfit has been awesome. Working on muscles that don't regularly get used. The first week was filled with a bit of pain. But a wise person once said it'll get better if you can battle through the initial pain. That person was none other than Steph McGregor-Jones. She was right. It's been great.
This whole France race has been pretty interesting to watch develop. Many of my friends and businesses in town have helped me out a ton! You might know that I have a raffle going on and there have been some pretty awesome people to donate to that and help me get to France. That help is hugely appreciated and I thank you a lot. You can get tickets at Favorit Cycle & Ski, High Country, and Max's Place.
Giant Bikes
Gore Bike Wear
Max's Place
Cranbrook Dodge
Cranbrook Crossfit
Favorit Cycle & Ski
High Country
Tim Hortons
Canadian Rockies International Airport
Snap Magazine
Sidekick Stickers
Thanks again to everyone who has helped out. Especially the people that convinced me that it was a good idea to apply for this race in the very beginning! It's going to be awesome.
I would assume you can keep updated of racers progression through the race on the Trans-Savoie website. I am going to try to update on my Facebook page as well if I can.
Ride on!
Sunday, 4 August 2013
Tuesday, 9 April 2013
Do I Smell Summer?!
This is the time of year that I can hardly wait for. It seems to take longer and longer to show up every year. It is finally happening once again. The snow melts to reveal the good brown stuff that has so much potential for endless summer entertainment on it. There is a new smell in the air and I'm starting to see people again that I have not seen since the fall. Testing of trails happens on the bike to see what is good to go and what should probably have a few more weeks. IT'S BIKE SEASON AGAIN!
The winter was long. Too long. I think an extra month gets tacked on every year to make it seem longer. I dislike winter. Things seem to move at a slower pace and outdoor recreating just doesn't seem as awesome. You may say, "Well J, that's just life in the Koots. Love it or leave it." And while this is true, I think I have so much fun in the summer that it gets me through the winter. But I could definitely see myself turning into a snow bird at an early age to get more sweet, sweet summer time in. Maybe winter isn't as bad as I am making it sound.
This spring has started off good. New bike, sweet Utah trip, and biking almost every day. I think it's pretty awesome how biking has so many health benefits, including mental, and it's crazy fun at the same time. What a great sport.
Racing season starts in about a month. First one is in my home town of L.A. The coulees are fast, and really fun. It should be an awesome one. I'll probably see some familiar faces and see how people weathered the winter.
This summer is sure to hold a few races, but none can be too much more exciting for me than the Trans-Savoie in France. 6 day stage race throughout the French Alps. Say what? Yeah, I think it's mostly true and definitely happening one way or another. The Alps have always had my attention but I never thought I would get to ride my bike there. Wow. It's like 140 days away or so.
This year I'll be on Giant rigs again. So good. Maestro for life. Can't go wrong with some Gore biking clothes either. They look sweet and I think I'm going on about 4 or 5 days without it stinking. If we ride in the future please let me know if I stink. You may be asking, "J, where can I get these items?" Favorit Cycles. 9th Ave. They have what you need.
Group rides are starting up again! Awesome people having fun on bikes. Sweet. There ain't too much better then riding bikes with friends.
Summer has it all. Warm temps, good people, bikes, and maybe a couple cold one's post ride. So good.
Just a FYI, I listened to 'Boy & Bear - Feeding Line' repeatedly while writing this. It's real good. Can't wait to get it on the Ipod and ride with it.
Have fun! It's summer time! Get out and see all that the Koots has to offer!
The winter was long. Too long. I think an extra month gets tacked on every year to make it seem longer. I dislike winter. Things seem to move at a slower pace and outdoor recreating just doesn't seem as awesome. You may say, "Well J, that's just life in the Koots. Love it or leave it." And while this is true, I think I have so much fun in the summer that it gets me through the winter. But I could definitely see myself turning into a snow bird at an early age to get more sweet, sweet summer time in. Maybe winter isn't as bad as I am making it sound.
This spring has started off good. New bike, sweet Utah trip, and biking almost every day. I think it's pretty awesome how biking has so many health benefits, including mental, and it's crazy fun at the same time. What a great sport.
Racing season starts in about a month. First one is in my home town of L.A. The coulees are fast, and really fun. It should be an awesome one. I'll probably see some familiar faces and see how people weathered the winter.
This summer is sure to hold a few races, but none can be too much more exciting for me than the Trans-Savoie in France. 6 day stage race throughout the French Alps. Say what? Yeah, I think it's mostly true and definitely happening one way or another. The Alps have always had my attention but I never thought I would get to ride my bike there. Wow. It's like 140 days away or so.
This year I'll be on Giant rigs again. So good. Maestro for life. Can't go wrong with some Gore biking clothes either. They look sweet and I think I'm going on about 4 or 5 days without it stinking. If we ride in the future please let me know if I stink. You may be asking, "J, where can I get these items?" Favorit Cycles. 9th Ave. They have what you need.
Group rides are starting up again! Awesome people having fun on bikes. Sweet. There ain't too much better then riding bikes with friends.
Summer has it all. Warm temps, good people, bikes, and maybe a couple cold one's post ride. So good.
Just a FYI, I listened to 'Boy & Bear - Feeding Line' repeatedly while writing this. It's real good. Can't wait to get it on the Ipod and ride with it.
Have fun! It's summer time! Get out and see all that the Koots has to offer!
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
The Fun Has Just Begun!
A lot of people would say that the riding season is coming to an end, and I guess technically it is, but there is still some great, if not the best, riding that is going to happen all year yet to come. The weather tones down a notch to a respectable level so losing massive amounts of sweat is no longer a factor. And the leaves. I don't get why, but riding my bike over fallen fall leaves puts a smile on my face. Every time. The race season is winding down which leaves more time for riding bikes for the fun of it with some good folks that I enjoy riding with. I think it becomes a bit more social. The best riding happens this season!
As for racing over the past little while, it has been pretty awesome as well. There was the Lost Boys Lungbuster way back on the 18th of August in Fernie where I placed 2nd and 17 seconds back from local legend John O'Shannasy. Sometimes I consider the 2nd a bit of a disappointment because I was setting the pace for much of the race. He caught up within the last km or so and it was neck and neck right to the end. I didn't want to let first place go but he ended up riding better than me that day, and I am okay with that.
Lungbuster Results
Two weeks back started a trifecta of weekends of racing again, just like the beginning of the season did. First up was the Tears and Gears event in Fernie. For this event I teamed up with the Cranbrook local legend Stephanie McGregor Jones to do the running portion of the race. She had to run 21km. I remember running 12 one time and not being able to walk properly the next couple days. She did crazy good! My portion held a 26km mtb ride in what seemed to be all of Fernie's uphills. Together we pulled off 1st place in our category. Riding fernie trails and hanging out with cool people? Awesome!
Mixed Enduro Team <80 Results
Last weekend brought the Six In The Stix 6 hour MTB enduro back to Cranbrook. This was the 3rd year of this taking place and it is pretty incredible to see where it has gone. From 45 racers showing up the first year to over 100 this year, some big name sponsors jumping on board to support, and people coming from far and near to ride in it, this event is sure to get even bigger in coming years. I like to think I played a small part in getting the first year of Six In The Stix together and I think the main idea was to showcase Cranbrook's riding and get the word out that CBK did have a lot of great riding that was underutilized. By seeing how the event went off this year, I would say mission accomplished. It's pretty awesome to see the community coming together to put on an event like this. People volunteering their time to help out in any way they can. And then peoples enthusiasm as they take part in the event. A 6 hour enduro is no easy task, but everyone seemed to have a good time. Sweet.
This year I rode the Six event on a team with young Tristin who I met at the beginning of this year when he started working at the bike shop. As far as I know he only started riding xc this year and has a background of bmx and dirt jump. And he's 15. My main reason for teaming up was to have fun and introduce this punk to the sport of xc-ing. I don't think he needed any introduction to it because he destroyed the course and was getting amazing lap times. This kid knows how to rip on a lot of different bikes. Pretty proud of him for giving his all. So for an event I just wanted to have fun with, we ended up getting 3rd place in our category. That's awesome.
Six Results
With that good of a weekend behind me, it's hard to think about the one coming up. There is going to be a lot of suffering. There is every year. I'm talking about the Kaslo Sufferfest. This will be its third year and my third year attending. They have crazy events like a 200 km trail run, 100 km xc, and many more. The whole weekend is about suffering. I'm signed up for the 100km xc bike but the monster enduro is also looking good. I know the event is going to be awesome but I am not looking forward to the 5am wake up and pain. This race also marks the end of my planned races for 2012.
I saw a movie about the Leadville 100 recently that a friend lent me. Seems like a pretty neat thing to do. But what really struck me in the movie was a part where a guy was talking about how everything that he has or is doing now is a result of mountain biking. Hmmm. Yeah I think I can say the same thing. There have been people/shops that have made a huge impact on what I was doing ever since I moved here nearly 5 years ago. I came to Cranbrook for the forestry work but that changed pretty quickly. From jobs to bikes to friends, there has been a huge part of it related in some way to the insanely awesome sport of mountain biking. That's kind of crazy to think about, but it's the way it is. So I'd like to throw a thank you out to everyone who has helped make the way I am living my life now possible. It's been real sweet and somehow continues to get better!
One more thing before I wrap this one up. I was talking about how fall riding has just started and it is the best time to ride. Well lucky for you there is a group ride going up Mt. Baker on Sunday Oct. 7th. Talk to the guys at Favorit Cycles, or the guy at Sidekick Stickers (now conveniently located in the same building) about how to take part in it.
James from Favorit Cycles has been pretty solid with helping me get set up with everything bicycling related. And helping me see what the future of mtb-ing could offer. Thanks man. Thanks Colby from Giant for keeping the stoke going on riding the best bikes out there. Scott with Gore Bike Wear. This guys has a crazy love for riding bikes. And providing great apparel. Thanks again!
Peace out.
As for racing over the past little while, it has been pretty awesome as well. There was the Lost Boys Lungbuster way back on the 18th of August in Fernie where I placed 2nd and 17 seconds back from local legend John O'Shannasy. Sometimes I consider the 2nd a bit of a disappointment because I was setting the pace for much of the race. He caught up within the last km or so and it was neck and neck right to the end. I didn't want to let first place go but he ended up riding better than me that day, and I am okay with that.
Lungbuster Results
Two weeks back started a trifecta of weekends of racing again, just like the beginning of the season did. First up was the Tears and Gears event in Fernie. For this event I teamed up with the Cranbrook local legend Stephanie McGregor Jones to do the running portion of the race. She had to run 21km. I remember running 12 one time and not being able to walk properly the next couple days. She did crazy good! My portion held a 26km mtb ride in what seemed to be all of Fernie's uphills. Together we pulled off 1st place in our category. Riding fernie trails and hanging out with cool people? Awesome!
Mixed Enduro Team <80 Results
Last weekend brought the Six In The Stix 6 hour MTB enduro back to Cranbrook. This was the 3rd year of this taking place and it is pretty incredible to see where it has gone. From 45 racers showing up the first year to over 100 this year, some big name sponsors jumping on board to support, and people coming from far and near to ride in it, this event is sure to get even bigger in coming years. I like to think I played a small part in getting the first year of Six In The Stix together and I think the main idea was to showcase Cranbrook's riding and get the word out that CBK did have a lot of great riding that was underutilized. By seeing how the event went off this year, I would say mission accomplished. It's pretty awesome to see the community coming together to put on an event like this. People volunteering their time to help out in any way they can. And then peoples enthusiasm as they take part in the event. A 6 hour enduro is no easy task, but everyone seemed to have a good time. Sweet.
This year I rode the Six event on a team with young Tristin who I met at the beginning of this year when he started working at the bike shop. As far as I know he only started riding xc this year and has a background of bmx and dirt jump. And he's 15. My main reason for teaming up was to have fun and introduce this punk to the sport of xc-ing. I don't think he needed any introduction to it because he destroyed the course and was getting amazing lap times. This kid knows how to rip on a lot of different bikes. Pretty proud of him for giving his all. So for an event I just wanted to have fun with, we ended up getting 3rd place in our category. That's awesome.
Six Results
With that good of a weekend behind me, it's hard to think about the one coming up. There is going to be a lot of suffering. There is every year. I'm talking about the Kaslo Sufferfest. This will be its third year and my third year attending. They have crazy events like a 200 km trail run, 100 km xc, and many more. The whole weekend is about suffering. I'm signed up for the 100km xc bike but the monster enduro is also looking good. I know the event is going to be awesome but I am not looking forward to the 5am wake up and pain. This race also marks the end of my planned races for 2012.
I saw a movie about the Leadville 100 recently that a friend lent me. Seems like a pretty neat thing to do. But what really struck me in the movie was a part where a guy was talking about how everything that he has or is doing now is a result of mountain biking. Hmmm. Yeah I think I can say the same thing. There have been people/shops that have made a huge impact on what I was doing ever since I moved here nearly 5 years ago. I came to Cranbrook for the forestry work but that changed pretty quickly. From jobs to bikes to friends, there has been a huge part of it related in some way to the insanely awesome sport of mountain biking. That's kind of crazy to think about, but it's the way it is. So I'd like to throw a thank you out to everyone who has helped make the way I am living my life now possible. It's been real sweet and somehow continues to get better!
One more thing before I wrap this one up. I was talking about how fall riding has just started and it is the best time to ride. Well lucky for you there is a group ride going up Mt. Baker on Sunday Oct. 7th. Talk to the guys at Favorit Cycles, or the guy at Sidekick Stickers (now conveniently located in the same building) about how to take part in it.
James from Favorit Cycles has been pretty solid with helping me get set up with everything bicycling related. And helping me see what the future of mtb-ing could offer. Thanks man. Thanks Colby from Giant for keeping the stoke going on riding the best bikes out there. Scott with Gore Bike Wear. This guys has a crazy love for riding bikes. And providing great apparel. Thanks again!
Peace out.
Sunday, 12 August 2012
Shaved Legs
It's time once again to start shaving legs and racing bikes. I took a bit of time off over the last little while and rode my bike for fun. Went on a few good adventures with lots of good people. In fact, the last time I raced my bike competitively was on June 24, about a month and a half ago. And that was the Round the Mountain Festival in Kimberley, B.C. Pretty good local race. Results
But that was in the past. There are a hand full of good races coming up in the near future. One week from today is the Lost Boys Lungbuster in Fernie. This proved to be a fun race the last two years I've done it. 3rd both years but hoping to improve on my time and maybe my place this year given I have a new ride and new strategy.
Then in about a month from now on Sept. 15 there is the Fernie Tears and Gears event. I've never been to this one but racing in Fernie can't be a bad thing given their outstanding trails. I have been coerced by the ultra runner - Stephanie McGregor Jones - to team up and destroy the Fernie trails. Should be fun.
The always growing Six In the Stix will take place on Sept. 23 right in my backyard in Cranbrook. This will be the 3rd year in a row this event has went on, showcasing the awesome trails that Cranbrook holds. I will be teaming up with a younger punk who has just gotten in to xc riding this year but who's skills are developing rather quickly. It's going to be awesome.
One week after that on Sept. 29 there is the Kaslo Sufferfest. Some event names, such as the Lungbuster, lie in the names because the competitor doesn't actually bust a lung. However, the Sufferfest is a true sufferfest. This one will be the 100km xc ride with the potential of doing the Monster Enduro the next day. It's going to be a crazy weekend.
So there are still 4 awesome races left this season with a bunch of adventure mixed in.
It seems these days that it doesn't satisfy my cravings to go and do a couple loops of something in the community forest. There needs to be something more. That's where Baker Mountain comes in. This hill has taken me on a bunch of awesome rides this summer and there is sure to be more. All climb to all descend. So good.
Ride on!
But that was in the past. There are a hand full of good races coming up in the near future. One week from today is the Lost Boys Lungbuster in Fernie. This proved to be a fun race the last two years I've done it. 3rd both years but hoping to improve on my time and maybe my place this year given I have a new ride and new strategy.
Then in about a month from now on Sept. 15 there is the Fernie Tears and Gears event. I've never been to this one but racing in Fernie can't be a bad thing given their outstanding trails. I have been coerced by the ultra runner - Stephanie McGregor Jones - to team up and destroy the Fernie trails. Should be fun.
The always growing Six In the Stix will take place on Sept. 23 right in my backyard in Cranbrook. This will be the 3rd year in a row this event has went on, showcasing the awesome trails that Cranbrook holds. I will be teaming up with a younger punk who has just gotten in to xc riding this year but who's skills are developing rather quickly. It's going to be awesome.
One week after that on Sept. 29 there is the Kaslo Sufferfest. Some event names, such as the Lungbuster, lie in the names because the competitor doesn't actually bust a lung. However, the Sufferfest is a true sufferfest. This one will be the 100km xc ride with the potential of doing the Monster Enduro the next day. It's going to be a crazy weekend.
So there are still 4 awesome races left this season with a bunch of adventure mixed in.
It seems these days that it doesn't satisfy my cravings to go and do a couple loops of something in the community forest. There needs to be something more. That's where Baker Mountain comes in. This hill has taken me on a bunch of awesome rides this summer and there is sure to be more. All climb to all descend. So good.
Ride on!
Tuesday, 29 May 2012
Cat UP!
Another weekend, another race. This was the final in a trifecta of races over the last three weeks. This time, Canada Olympic park in the bustling metropolis of Calgary, AB. The drive there was super nice. I went through Kootenay National Park this time instead of going south through Alberta on the 22 which proved to be really relaxing and helped to lessen the blow of having to go to Calgary.
With the last couple races in my mind and knowing that I did well in them, I decided to sign up for the Expert class for this Summer Solstice race. It sure is nice to be up there in terms of rankings but I didn't think my skill was going forward and I wasn't learning as much from races as I would have liked to. There was also the recommendation of some friends to try a higher category, see how it goes. So for this race I was in the Expert category, in the league with the big boys.
Signing up to a higher category without being told to by either the Alberta Bicycling Association or Cycling BC created some confusion as I was signing in for the race. In the end, one of the reps let me in the Expert class based on my previous results. This was good as now I did not have to drive back to Cranbrook without getting my tires dirty.
Race time was at 1:00pm. The people in my category now looked even more serious and hardcore when lining up at the start gate. This, I knew, was going to be a true test of my skill. The whistle goes off and everyone is battling for position. The course starts out on an open lawn to a short stretch of pavement but quickly turns into smooth singletrack. I was keeping what I thought was a comfortable pace and staying about midpack. There was a few short, gradual climbs on this course but by lap four those same climbs turned into long, steep climbs of destruction. The rest of the course was surprisingly techy with quick turns, wet roots, and super muddy sections. This was a tough, yet fun course.
I stayed about midpack for the duration of the race, making a few spots on some of the climbs. Then lap 4 came. This course was 24km long, with 6km laps. Lap 4 felt great to get to in the position that I was in but it would have its share of problems.
The riders around me, and including myself, started to feel the effects of going hard for that long. Riding started to get sloppy and the pace started to decrease. For the first time ever riding my bike I had the craziest cramps I have yet to experience. Anytime I would shift to a different position on the bike my legs would start to lock up. This also took effect as I was set to pass a rider that had slipped on a wet root. Instead of passing him I pedalled right into his back wheel, coming to a stop. All because of cramping.
Lesson 1: Figure out how to avoid cramps.
I thought I might be able to catch up on a few of the riders towards the end of the last lap but everyone's pace increases right at the end. No one wants to lose where they are.
24km later I ended up in 9th position out of 15 in my category. Not too shabby. There were a great deal of things learned in this race and I have no doubt that it will progress my riding to be in a higher category.
Summer Solstice Results
Over the course of 3 weeks I drove over 1800km to get to and from races. Seems crazy but I guess if I'm having fun it's not so crazy. I think it is time for a weekend off though.
Next up? I'm not too sure. I know Round the Mountain in Kimberley is right around the corner and it would be awesome to defend my spot in that.
I went for a ride last night on the Hungry Hound with some friends. It got me thinking. What if I wasn't into biking? Life would be totally different. Much of my life is based around riding and people that I have met through riding bikes. If all of that were just gone one day, what would I do? Wow, that is way too deep to think about right now.
Thanks for reading my blog.
Peace out.
With the last couple races in my mind and knowing that I did well in them, I decided to sign up for the Expert class for this Summer Solstice race. It sure is nice to be up there in terms of rankings but I didn't think my skill was going forward and I wasn't learning as much from races as I would have liked to. There was also the recommendation of some friends to try a higher category, see how it goes. So for this race I was in the Expert category, in the league with the big boys.
 |
| COP - Calgary, A.B. |
Signing up to a higher category without being told to by either the Alberta Bicycling Association or Cycling BC created some confusion as I was signing in for the race. In the end, one of the reps let me in the Expert class based on my previous results. This was good as now I did not have to drive back to Cranbrook without getting my tires dirty.
Race time was at 1:00pm. The people in my category now looked even more serious and hardcore when lining up at the start gate. This, I knew, was going to be a true test of my skill. The whistle goes off and everyone is battling for position. The course starts out on an open lawn to a short stretch of pavement but quickly turns into smooth singletrack. I was keeping what I thought was a comfortable pace and staying about midpack. There was a few short, gradual climbs on this course but by lap four those same climbs turned into long, steep climbs of destruction. The rest of the course was surprisingly techy with quick turns, wet roots, and super muddy sections. This was a tough, yet fun course.
I stayed about midpack for the duration of the race, making a few spots on some of the climbs. Then lap 4 came. This course was 24km long, with 6km laps. Lap 4 felt great to get to in the position that I was in but it would have its share of problems.
The riders around me, and including myself, started to feel the effects of going hard for that long. Riding started to get sloppy and the pace started to decrease. For the first time ever riding my bike I had the craziest cramps I have yet to experience. Anytime I would shift to a different position on the bike my legs would start to lock up. This also took effect as I was set to pass a rider that had slipped on a wet root. Instead of passing him I pedalled right into his back wheel, coming to a stop. All because of cramping.
Lesson 1: Figure out how to avoid cramps.
I thought I might be able to catch up on a few of the riders towards the end of the last lap but everyone's pace increases right at the end. No one wants to lose where they are.
24km later I ended up in 9th position out of 15 in my category. Not too shabby. There were a great deal of things learned in this race and I have no doubt that it will progress my riding to be in a higher category.
Summer Solstice Results
Over the course of 3 weeks I drove over 1800km to get to and from races. Seems crazy but I guess if I'm having fun it's not so crazy. I think it is time for a weekend off though.
Next up? I'm not too sure. I know Round the Mountain in Kimberley is right around the corner and it would be awesome to defend my spot in that.
I went for a ride last night on the Hungry Hound with some friends. It got me thinking. What if I wasn't into biking? Life would be totally different. Much of my life is based around riding and people that I have met through riding bikes. If all of that were just gone one day, what would I do? Wow, that is way too deep to think about right now.
Thanks for reading my blog.
Peace out.
Monday, 21 May 2012
Hammer Time
The day began early. 5:30am early. That's too early. But it's okay if you're going out to ride your bike. That's what happened today in the awesome riding area of Herron Park, near Kalispell, Montana. The trails are super smooth, and blazingly fast.
About this time last year I headed to the same event not knowing at all what was going to happen as it was my first year racing and that was my first race. I ended up placing 8th and learning a lot about racing.
This year the course was completely changed up, but still had a lot of the same characteristics of last years course. Smooth course, tight switchback climbs, and a great crowd.
I was in the first row lining up to the start. Horn goes off. Everyone wants it so the speed right off the bat is a bit quick but now is not the time to get left behind. I stayed within the first 3 spots as the rest of the group also settled into their spots. There was a climb within the first km and 3 of us broke away from the rest of the group. The pace at this point was not as fast as I would have liked it but I didn't want to haul ass too early as I had no idea what the rest of the course had in store. There was no way to gauge my speed to see what I needed to save for later. So I tagged along in 3rd spot until the first downhill section came. Wow. I think it might be that I started off DH-ing when I moved to Cranbrook which is what gives me the skill on the way down. The two I was following were not going nearly as fast as the course allowed. The next extended hill climb came and I decided to make a leap to start the pace a bit faster. One of the racers amongst us three started at the same pace that I was now doing. At this point I thought we were pretty equally matched. The top of the climb came and now was the downhill right to the start/finish area. I made up a lot of time on the other two racers on this section. I thought I had it. The first hill climb was under way for lap 2 and the guy that was following me made up a bunch of time and apparently has mad climbing skills. He passed me at a good pace on the way up and I didn't see him again. I thought I might be able to catch him again on the way down but he was just too quick of a climber. The rest of the race was filled with harder hill climbs as energy was decreasing. I think I might have given 'er as hard as I ever have in this race cause my legs were aching by the end of the 30km course. In the end this course was super fun and I would end up with 2nd place, and a nice prize bag to top it off.
The race made me realize that Cranbrook must, and does, have a lot of talented riders. We have such a variety of varied terrain here. Most of us riders would laugh at the rock section they set up and power way harder on the downhills.
It was awesome that a good friend came along who also rode the course and ended up with 2nd in his category. Way to go Colin. We both ended up with some pretty sweet shwag and it was a great day for riding bikes. Results
Next up? The Deadgoats in Calgary are putting on The Summer Solstice race at COP this weekend. Time to take out some Deadgoats. This will complete a trifecta of weekends racing my bike. Maybe a weekend off after that is in order...
About this time last year I headed to the same event not knowing at all what was going to happen as it was my first year racing and that was my first race. I ended up placing 8th and learning a lot about racing.
This year the course was completely changed up, but still had a lot of the same characteristics of last years course. Smooth course, tight switchback climbs, and a great crowd.
I was in the first row lining up to the start. Horn goes off. Everyone wants it so the speed right off the bat is a bit quick but now is not the time to get left behind. I stayed within the first 3 spots as the rest of the group also settled into their spots. There was a climb within the first km and 3 of us broke away from the rest of the group. The pace at this point was not as fast as I would have liked it but I didn't want to haul ass too early as I had no idea what the rest of the course had in store. There was no way to gauge my speed to see what I needed to save for later. So I tagged along in 3rd spot until the first downhill section came. Wow. I think it might be that I started off DH-ing when I moved to Cranbrook which is what gives me the skill on the way down. The two I was following were not going nearly as fast as the course allowed. The next extended hill climb came and I decided to make a leap to start the pace a bit faster. One of the racers amongst us three started at the same pace that I was now doing. At this point I thought we were pretty equally matched. The top of the climb came and now was the downhill right to the start/finish area. I made up a lot of time on the other two racers on this section. I thought I had it. The first hill climb was under way for lap 2 and the guy that was following me made up a bunch of time and apparently has mad climbing skills. He passed me at a good pace on the way up and I didn't see him again. I thought I might be able to catch him again on the way down but he was just too quick of a climber. The rest of the race was filled with harder hill climbs as energy was decreasing. I think I might have given 'er as hard as I ever have in this race cause my legs were aching by the end of the 30km course. In the end this course was super fun and I would end up with 2nd place, and a nice prize bag to top it off.
The race made me realize that Cranbrook must, and does, have a lot of talented riders. We have such a variety of varied terrain here. Most of us riders would laugh at the rock section they set up and power way harder on the downhills.
It was awesome that a good friend came along who also rode the course and ended up with 2nd in his category. Way to go Colin. We both ended up with some pretty sweet shwag and it was a great day for riding bikes. Results
Next up? The Deadgoats in Calgary are putting on The Summer Solstice race at COP this weekend. Time to take out some Deadgoats. This will complete a trifecta of weekends racing my bike. Maybe a weekend off after that is in order...
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
Wheelie
It's good to get the first one out of the way.
There were a lot of things to prepare for leading up to my first race of the season, especially since there were a lot of changes from the beginning of this year to the beginning of 2011. I was losing some weight, getting better endurance, and having more fun on my bike then I ever have. But probably the biggest change to 2012 is the bike. I was a little hesitant to jump back on a hardtail after not riding one for a whole lotta years. But thinking about how the bike would work in certain situations for the better, and seeing many racers on hartails last year, I knew it was a good idea. Throw 29er into the mix and you have a fast, climb like a billy goat sorta bike.
The stage was set. Race: Coulee Cruiser. Location: Lethbridge, Alberta. My old stomping grounds. Where I grew up and pretty much fell in love with mountain biking. A lot of riding happened in these coulees, and now I wanted to see how I could do in race pace on a rig so different then the one I grew up on, a Norco Kokanee.
I arrived a couple hours before my group was set to go so I took the road bike out for a couple k's to warm up the legs. In doing so I saw a lot of racer types doing the same thing. The nerves started to go a little bit but I figured I was also starting to be a 'racer type' so it should all be good.
Our group was set to go at 11:34am. The family was there rooting for me and I was feeling pretty good on this 27 degree day.
The course was smooth, so smooth. Filled with wide turns and long straight sections, I knew it was going to be a sprint for the whole thing. Just the way I like it. The course was about 6.4 km long and we had to do 3 laps. Game on.
After a sufficiently steep descent into the valley right off the gun, the first hill climb lay ahead of us. Ahead of me was Kevin, a racer that I met at the Edmonton Canada Cup in 2011. He organized the Coulee Cruiser and was also racing in it. But then he dropped his chain on this first climb of the race, not more then 5 minutes in. This was an issue as I was following him closely as I knew his skill and wanted to stay with him. He came to a stop and I had to think quick and try to get around him without running into him. In the process of doing this, somehow my rear axle dropped out of the frame. I have narrowed it down to only one cause. I did not tighten it enough that morning after cleaning my bike. This has never happened before and I am sure it will never happen again. I didn't realize what was going on right away so in the end I probably lost half a minute getting it all geared up again. After all the racers passed me I was on the trail again giving it as hard as I could to regain some spots.
There were 3 decent climbs on this course. All of which were smooth and still fast. I made a lot of time up on them and passed people, which was a bit of an issue everytime as there were no good passing spots so I was forced to go into the grass not knowing if a cactus was right beneath my tire. Luckily enough there were no flats.
The rest of the race went smooth. Really smooth. The bike felt great and my legs were just givin 'er. I threw back an energy gel and forced on. The dude that dropped his chain on the first climb came into sight. I knew I had to pass him.
After passing him I had no idea where I lay in the pack. I just kept pressing on thinking about the finish. Nearly 20 km later the finish came and I was pretty stoked on how I did.
I ended up passing 13 racers to gain a position of 4th, 2 minutes off the leader. Pretty decent I think for my wheel falling out.
This was an awesome course and I am thankful to Kevin from the Lethbridge Headwinds for putting on a spectacular race.
Coulee Cruiser Results
What's next? There are a couple things lined up. This next weekend there is a race in Kalispell, M.T, the Herron Hammer. Not too far away but still takes gas to get there. It was an awesome race last year and I'm sure my new hardtail would haul ass on that course. Maybe take a weekend off and do the Summer Solstice XC #3 in Calgary on May 26th.
There were a lot of things to prepare for leading up to my first race of the season, especially since there were a lot of changes from the beginning of this year to the beginning of 2011. I was losing some weight, getting better endurance, and having more fun on my bike then I ever have. But probably the biggest change to 2012 is the bike. I was a little hesitant to jump back on a hardtail after not riding one for a whole lotta years. But thinking about how the bike would work in certain situations for the better, and seeing many racers on hartails last year, I knew it was a good idea. Throw 29er into the mix and you have a fast, climb like a billy goat sorta bike.
 |
| The new ride, on the stickered up ride |
I arrived a couple hours before my group was set to go so I took the road bike out for a couple k's to warm up the legs. In doing so I saw a lot of racer types doing the same thing. The nerves started to go a little bit but I figured I was also starting to be a 'racer type' so it should all be good.
Our group was set to go at 11:34am. The family was there rooting for me and I was feeling pretty good on this 27 degree day.
 |
| The start of it all |
After a sufficiently steep descent into the valley right off the gun, the first hill climb lay ahead of us. Ahead of me was Kevin, a racer that I met at the Edmonton Canada Cup in 2011. He organized the Coulee Cruiser and was also racing in it. But then he dropped his chain on this first climb of the race, not more then 5 minutes in. This was an issue as I was following him closely as I knew his skill and wanted to stay with him. He came to a stop and I had to think quick and try to get around him without running into him. In the process of doing this, somehow my rear axle dropped out of the frame. I have narrowed it down to only one cause. I did not tighten it enough that morning after cleaning my bike. This has never happened before and I am sure it will never happen again. I didn't realize what was going on right away so in the end I probably lost half a minute getting it all geared up again. After all the racers passed me I was on the trail again giving it as hard as I could to regain some spots.
There were 3 decent climbs on this course. All of which were smooth and still fast. I made a lot of time up on them and passed people, which was a bit of an issue everytime as there were no good passing spots so I was forced to go into the grass not knowing if a cactus was right beneath my tire. Luckily enough there were no flats.
The rest of the race went smooth. Really smooth. The bike felt great and my legs were just givin 'er. I threw back an energy gel and forced on. The dude that dropped his chain on the first climb came into sight. I knew I had to pass him.
After passing him I had no idea where I lay in the pack. I just kept pressing on thinking about the finish. Nearly 20 km later the finish came and I was pretty stoked on how I did.
I ended up passing 13 racers to gain a position of 4th, 2 minutes off the leader. Pretty decent I think for my wheel falling out.
This was an awesome course and I am thankful to Kevin from the Lethbridge Headwinds for putting on a spectacular race.
Coulee Cruiser Results
What's next? There are a couple things lined up. This next weekend there is a race in Kalispell, M.T, the Herron Hammer. Not too far away but still takes gas to get there. It was an awesome race last year and I'm sure my new hardtail would haul ass on that course. Maybe take a weekend off and do the Summer Solstice XC #3 in Calgary on May 26th.
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