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.

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.