Wednesday, October 28, 2009
photos
Just updated the photos from Sherbrooke. Kelly's getting pretty handy with the camera, especially considering she's got the baby, camera and dog on the go at the same time, what a superwoman!!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
the park is closed - to cars!!
Spent the last two days out riding on the road bike, something that I've not done in some time since 'cross season has started up. Gatineau Park has recently closed for vehicular traffic, which means no cars, which means riding without the worry of cars buzzing by... very nice!
What few leaves are still left on the trees make for some very nice colorful scenery. Lets not forget the wildlife, who are always quite active in the park, sightings are now (without as much traffic) a bit above average - awesome! Monday three deer were standing in the middle of the road, countless squirrels are out, no bear sightings yet, but I'm sure they are in there somewhere.
Looking forward to some more nice weather, the park will make for great riding untill the snow flies, but I'm sure that wont be too far off...
What few leaves are still left on the trees make for some very nice colorful scenery. Lets not forget the wildlife, who are always quite active in the park, sightings are now (without as much traffic) a bit above average - awesome! Monday three deer were standing in the middle of the road, countless squirrels are out, no bear sightings yet, but I'm sure they are in there somewhere.
Looking forward to some more nice weather, the park will make for great riding untill the snow flies, but I'm sure that wont be too far off...
Monday, October 26, 2009
cyclocross provincials - sherbrooke quebec
One last cycling trip deep into Quebec this year. I only say that, because living in Gatineau (Western Quebec), everything east of Montreal seems like a big trip.. This time off to provincial championships in Sherbrooke, a big race on any calendar, this year would be a bit bigger on mine. It's not often I've had the opportunity to go to an event as "defending champion", so a bit of nervousness beforehand was expectable.
The weather was perfect for 'cross, but then any weather is.. Lots of rain had fallen the day before, so despite a beautiful sunny day, with temps around 10deg. it would turn into a bit of a mudfest. It was quite windy, but the course was well sheltered, so it wouldn't be much of a factor.
The start line was on pavement, and after some discussion they would eventually sort us out, separating the Elites from Masters, and starting the groups 10 seconds apart. I got into a good spot on the start grid, and made a jump to gain the holeshot lead than put four of us immediately off the front, and other than my slip up on the first corner, we immediately gained onto the back end of the elites. After a lap or two, Rob Orange was leading about 10-12 seconds up on myself, with three more 10-15 seconds back. By lap three, I was able to reel Rob back in and take the lead of the masters race. We rode 1-2 until finish, continually putting time into those behind us.
It was a great course, fast, technical with lots of turns, a couple of dismounts, a mud pit (from the rain), an excellent climb (happy me) and a wicked berm ride that looked and felt like riding the banks of a velodrome!! (Surprisingly a lot of people took it low, I'm not too sure why, 'cause riding it high was so fast, and smooth, it was just fun to hang it out). There was also a nice grassy flat switchback section that weaved back and forth, it was a bit greasy and would force a bit more caution. It was paved through the start/finish, into a nice six-foot drop-in back on course.
The final two laps went by pretty quick, Kelly, Leiden, Kona and lots of other friends were cheering along quite well for motivation, plus the legs were feeling great, unfortunately my back starting ache, so it was mental at that point to block it out and just keep pressure on the pedals. On the final lap I started to distance Rob, and would finish nearly 30 second up for the win, he would go on to take the win in the master B category (40+). Two championship jerseys for the Gatineau region! It was nice to race with him, good motivation for each other, and we were able to work very strongly together, to win our categories by over a minute and a half each! On top of that Keirnan Orange (Robs son) won the Junior race, and Sophie Matte won the women's race, to bring the total up to four wins for the Gatineau Region, awesome medal haul!
Next couple of weeks, we'll be home for some more Eastern Ontario racing.
The weather was perfect for 'cross, but then any weather is.. Lots of rain had fallen the day before, so despite a beautiful sunny day, with temps around 10deg. it would turn into a bit of a mudfest. It was quite windy, but the course was well sheltered, so it wouldn't be much of a factor.
The start line was on pavement, and after some discussion they would eventually sort us out, separating the Elites from Masters, and starting the groups 10 seconds apart. I got into a good spot on the start grid, and made a jump to gain the holeshot lead than put four of us immediately off the front, and other than my slip up on the first corner, we immediately gained onto the back end of the elites. After a lap or two, Rob Orange was leading about 10-12 seconds up on myself, with three more 10-15 seconds back. By lap three, I was able to reel Rob back in and take the lead of the masters race. We rode 1-2 until finish, continually putting time into those behind us.
It was a great course, fast, technical with lots of turns, a couple of dismounts, a mud pit (from the rain), an excellent climb (happy me) and a wicked berm ride that looked and felt like riding the banks of a velodrome!! (Surprisingly a lot of people took it low, I'm not too sure why, 'cause riding it high was so fast, and smooth, it was just fun to hang it out). There was also a nice grassy flat switchback section that weaved back and forth, it was a bit greasy and would force a bit more caution. It was paved through the start/finish, into a nice six-foot drop-in back on course.
The final two laps went by pretty quick, Kelly, Leiden, Kona and lots of other friends were cheering along quite well for motivation, plus the legs were feeling great, unfortunately my back starting ache, so it was mental at that point to block it out and just keep pressure on the pedals. On the final lap I started to distance Rob, and would finish nearly 30 second up for the win, he would go on to take the win in the master B category (40+). Two championship jerseys for the Gatineau region! It was nice to race with him, good motivation for each other, and we were able to work very strongly together, to win our categories by over a minute and a half each! On top of that Keirnan Orange (Robs son) won the Junior race, and Sophie Matte won the women's race, to bring the total up to four wins for the Gatineau Region, awesome medal haul!
Next couple of weeks, we'll be home for some more Eastern Ontario racing.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
race tomorrow
Well a bit of a slow week, weather not very co-operative, but a couple rides in none-the-less. Good news though, due to bad weather, the park is now closed to traffic, so we'll see if it stays that way, and if so, riding should be great 'sans autos'!
Tomorrow we are off to Sherbrooke for Quebec CX provincials, hope to make a good trip of it.
Tomorrow we are off to Sherbrooke for Quebec CX provincials, hope to make a good trip of it.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
repairing tubulars is a pain
Yes its true, they can be repaired, and it's probably costing me more in man hours than a new tub would... After an experiment in tube replacement that wasn't super effective, its back to the drawing board, and onwards to attempt number two. Hopefully this one goes better... otherwise, we'll be ordering up some new tubs ASAP!
Monday, October 19, 2009
eastern series - almonte
A nice weekend for racing! Woke up to a light frost Sunday morning packed the car and headed for Almonte, ON for round four of the Eastern Ontario Cyclocross series. After nationals last weekend, a light frost was a welcome. Made it out with lots of time to spare, and watch the first race of the day. They did a good job of starting to work in the course, it was still damp, so it was a bit slick. By the time the second race went the sun was warming and staring to things dry up a bit. Kelly, Dave S. and Melanie from the team were all in the first race, and seemed to fair quite well!
We had a decent group for the second start, and would begin on a fine crushed stone track, two laps and then on to the course. I was a bit unsure, as the stomach hadn't been too happy the past 12+ hours, but we'll make a go at it none-the-less. I had a great jump off the gun, and took the immediate lead around the track and onto the course. By the time we'd hit 'the hills' I was happily settled in the front three. A great course was laid out, no where really that you needed to attack, as it was rolling, some good hills, and lots of twists and turns, so it was necessary to stay on the rivet. By the end of the first lap, a couple of groups were starting to form, there were three of us off the front in the lead, with a chase group of four or five just behind, and more groups following. The three of us in the lead would stay close to each other but not really riding together (5-10 sec gaps), as we pushed on.
On the backside of the course, I was using the steeper climb to my advantage, it was a two step steep section, that led out onto a sidewalk that was also an uphill drag, it was a good spot to keep onto the two leaders, and ward off any chasers that were beginning to work up.
Mid race, my stomach started to catch up to me, and I was feeling a bit fatigued, so mentally it was a bit tougher to stay on the gas. At the same time a rider from JandJ cycles had (inadvertantly?) cut the course and decided to jump in right behind me. (This was a bit annoying as I know he was about 45-60seconds back) However, I would have to channel that into pushing onwards. Three laps to go was definitly my slowest, and with two to go, I was ready for the final 10min. I was also caught by one other rider, another wake up call to suck it up and go. On the final lap, it was all or nothing on the hill, which put me back up one spot, and bought me a couple of seconds lead by the time we hit back up on the flats. Just enough for a strong finish, and a well deserved lunch!
Fourth overall on the day, and another victory in the MA group!
Next week is another big race, Quebec Provincials in Sherbrooke. Really looking forward to this one, I hear its a good course!
We had a decent group for the second start, and would begin on a fine crushed stone track, two laps and then on to the course. I was a bit unsure, as the stomach hadn't been too happy the past 12+ hours, but we'll make a go at it none-the-less. I had a great jump off the gun, and took the immediate lead around the track and onto the course. By the time we'd hit 'the hills' I was happily settled in the front three. A great course was laid out, no where really that you needed to attack, as it was rolling, some good hills, and lots of twists and turns, so it was necessary to stay on the rivet. By the end of the first lap, a couple of groups were starting to form, there were three of us off the front in the lead, with a chase group of four or five just behind, and more groups following. The three of us in the lead would stay close to each other but not really riding together (5-10 sec gaps), as we pushed on.
On the backside of the course, I was using the steeper climb to my advantage, it was a two step steep section, that led out onto a sidewalk that was also an uphill drag, it was a good spot to keep onto the two leaders, and ward off any chasers that were beginning to work up.
Mid race, my stomach started to catch up to me, and I was feeling a bit fatigued, so mentally it was a bit tougher to stay on the gas. At the same time a rider from JandJ cycles had (inadvertantly?) cut the course and decided to jump in right behind me. (This was a bit annoying as I know he was about 45-60seconds back) However, I would have to channel that into pushing onwards. Three laps to go was definitly my slowest, and with two to go, I was ready for the final 10min. I was also caught by one other rider, another wake up call to suck it up and go. On the final lap, it was all or nothing on the hill, which put me back up one spot, and bought me a couple of seconds lead by the time we hit back up on the flats. Just enough for a strong finish, and a well deserved lunch!
Fourth overall on the day, and another victory in the MA group!
Next week is another big race, Quebec Provincials in Sherbrooke. Really looking forward to this one, I hear its a good course!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
cross nats - part 2 (jim horner gp)
Sunday morning I awoke to what looked like more flurries over night, and a bit colder temps too. I was happy to however see that the wind had calmed down to almost nothing, so at least there was some good news! A quick pack up and sort out of race gear, flight home clothes, and all my belongings before checking out of the hotel, then off to the races.
Conditions were near identical to Saturday, a couple of corners were shifted, but most remained the same, only icy-er. A quick warmup, and off to the start line. I had shed a few layers from the previous day, much less constricting, (and a higher forced effort if too cold). I also dropped tire pressure a fair amount in hopes of better traction.
A decent call up put me on the front row, and we had a couple less riders on the start line (20?). A good jump, saw Peter Mogg and I sprinting for lead on the first corner, I went in second, trying to stay upright. Peter however went down on the second turn, I cleanly got around him to assume the lead for a short bit. Peter recovered well and chased us down, I bobbled a couple of times, but did manage to stay in the top 3 for the first half of the race, holding off a strong chase group of three riders, about 10 second back of me. Very good feeling to be riding for a podium spot, however it wouldn't last. Mid race out on the "icy slopes" I fell victim to a spectacular crash, that was well photographed (still looking for the pics of that one). My front wheel slid out at the top of the hill, I went over the top, and began to slide down while frantically grasping for my bike. It would go missed, and stay stuck at the top while I finished at the bottom. The group of three pass me as I was running back uphill to retrieve my bike. Third to sixth.. just like that. A strong chase would keep me in position, with a few attempts at overtaking for fifth, but in the end unsuccessfully. The mountain bikers were in full force over the weekend, as the technically demanding course suited them quite well. I wasn't quite able to reel in enough time on the straits and was losing too much time on the icy corners.
Most definitely a good weekend, ultimately happy with the trip, a bit disappointed with results, but that's the nature of the game. Looking forward to trying again next year, as Nats head back eastward to Toronto.
Next week, Almonte, (Eastern Ontario series).
Conditions were near identical to Saturday, a couple of corners were shifted, but most remained the same, only icy-er. A quick warmup, and off to the start line. I had shed a few layers from the previous day, much less constricting, (and a higher forced effort if too cold). I also dropped tire pressure a fair amount in hopes of better traction.
A decent call up put me on the front row, and we had a couple less riders on the start line (20?). A good jump, saw Peter Mogg and I sprinting for lead on the first corner, I went in second, trying to stay upright. Peter however went down on the second turn, I cleanly got around him to assume the lead for a short bit. Peter recovered well and chased us down, I bobbled a couple of times, but did manage to stay in the top 3 for the first half of the race, holding off a strong chase group of three riders, about 10 second back of me. Very good feeling to be riding for a podium spot, however it wouldn't last. Mid race out on the "icy slopes" I fell victim to a spectacular crash, that was well photographed (still looking for the pics of that one). My front wheel slid out at the top of the hill, I went over the top, and began to slide down while frantically grasping for my bike. It would go missed, and stay stuck at the top while I finished at the bottom. The group of three pass me as I was running back uphill to retrieve my bike. Third to sixth.. just like that. A strong chase would keep me in position, with a few attempts at overtaking for fifth, but in the end unsuccessfully. The mountain bikers were in full force over the weekend, as the technically demanding course suited them quite well. I wasn't quite able to reel in enough time on the straits and was losing too much time on the icy corners.
Most definitely a good weekend, ultimately happy with the trip, a bit disappointed with results, but that's the nature of the game. Looking forward to trying again next year, as Nats head back eastward to Toronto.
Next week, Almonte, (Eastern Ontario series).
Saturday, October 10, 2009
cx nationals part 1
Arrived in (d)Edmonton late Thurday evening a bit after 10pm local, I'd heard it'd be cold here, but was not actually expecting to see snow on the ground... take me home was the first thought.
Got settled at the lovely Argyle Plaza, chef reccomends, cheap(ish) and massive rooms, if all else fails I could book my room out for a spin class!
Friday would be chill out (and trying litterally not to chill out too much) found the neares grocery store, stock up and relax 'till later in the afternoon to ride.
Course was due to be open at 4pm along with registration, could have gotten there earlier as I'd heard most were riding around 2 o'clock. a few detours turned a 10min ride into a good 45min warm-up before registering and hitting the course. It was in good shape, varying from 0-3 cm of snow but packing into ice. Temps never went above 0 as predicted, so ice was looking to be a factor. 3500m course, lots of turns, and if it were dry it'd be smoking fast. Thoughts for raceday, unpredictable at best.
Saturday I was awaken to see a few flurries landed over night and cold temps. Race time would be -5 with strong winds out of the north (-12 to 15 ish windchill?). The master C and B races went first, and as hoping not for, icy. Probably the only condition I don't like (re: Morrisburg 2008 shawn almost broke a hip) decent warm-up though, felt good, not confident in tire choice, but I only brought one set so that'll be my choice (tufo makes a great tire, but it's not great below zero). I was a bit uncertain about clothes so went with more is better, felt a bit constricted, but was warm (will shed a layer for sunday). On top of that, it would be a short race, usually races are 60min, but for nat's this would be to protocol, at 40min, and actuall finish time was around 36min (4 laps) a full on sprint!
Started second row, with 23 riders in the grid. Small (but manageable) pack, good for today's conditions. had a great start, immediately to the front (about 5th wheel) and ready to jump as needed. may have gotten a bit too anxious however, took a coner hot and clipped a post and went down. I was able to get up and continue on made up some ground moved back as high as 6th again, but a slip-up on the slope, knocked me back to 8th. At the halfway mark, I was regaining confidence, and using acceleration and straight-aways to any advantage possible, and moved quickly back into 7th chasing to within seconds of 6th place.
So happy with a top-10 finish at 7th, really wanted podium, but realistically knowing that on frozen ground its a crap-shoot, and anything can happen. Will try again tomorrow at the Jim Horner GP, conditions are expected to be about the same, will fiddle around with tire pressure a bit more in hopes of some help there, maybe the course will get chewed up a bit this afternoon, although it will likely only refreeze overnight (please no more snow!) and be just as slick tomorrow.
More chilling out and relaxing at the Argyle for now, I feel like such a pro this weekend, so far it has been; fly in, sleep, get up eat, rest, eat, ride, eat, rest, sleep, get up race, come back clean up, eat, rest, currently on the internet, the rest of my weekend will be, eat, rest, sleep, get up, eat, race, eat/pack go to airport and go home.. awesome!
Looking forward to seeing to tomorrow, and even more to getting back to Kelly and Leiden!
Got settled at the lovely Argyle Plaza, chef reccomends, cheap(ish) and massive rooms, if all else fails I could book my room out for a spin class!
Friday would be chill out (and trying litterally not to chill out too much) found the neares grocery store, stock up and relax 'till later in the afternoon to ride.
Course was due to be open at 4pm along with registration, could have gotten there earlier as I'd heard most were riding around 2 o'clock. a few detours turned a 10min ride into a good 45min warm-up before registering and hitting the course. It was in good shape, varying from 0-3 cm of snow but packing into ice. Temps never went above 0 as predicted, so ice was looking to be a factor. 3500m course, lots of turns, and if it were dry it'd be smoking fast. Thoughts for raceday, unpredictable at best.
Saturday I was awaken to see a few flurries landed over night and cold temps. Race time would be -5 with strong winds out of the north (-12 to 15 ish windchill?). The master C and B races went first, and as hoping not for, icy. Probably the only condition I don't like (re: Morrisburg 2008 shawn almost broke a hip) decent warm-up though, felt good, not confident in tire choice, but I only brought one set so that'll be my choice (tufo makes a great tire, but it's not great below zero). I was a bit uncertain about clothes so went with more is better, felt a bit constricted, but was warm (will shed a layer for sunday). On top of that, it would be a short race, usually races are 60min, but for nat's this would be to protocol, at 40min, and actuall finish time was around 36min (4 laps) a full on sprint!
Started second row, with 23 riders in the grid. Small (but manageable) pack, good for today's conditions. had a great start, immediately to the front (about 5th wheel) and ready to jump as needed. may have gotten a bit too anxious however, took a coner hot and clipped a post and went down. I was able to get up and continue on made up some ground moved back as high as 6th again, but a slip-up on the slope, knocked me back to 8th. At the halfway mark, I was regaining confidence, and using acceleration and straight-aways to any advantage possible, and moved quickly back into 7th chasing to within seconds of 6th place.
So happy with a top-10 finish at 7th, really wanted podium, but realistically knowing that on frozen ground its a crap-shoot, and anything can happen. Will try again tomorrow at the Jim Horner GP, conditions are expected to be about the same, will fiddle around with tire pressure a bit more in hopes of some help there, maybe the course will get chewed up a bit this afternoon, although it will likely only refreeze overnight (please no more snow!) and be just as slick tomorrow.
More chilling out and relaxing at the Argyle for now, I feel like such a pro this weekend, so far it has been; fly in, sleep, get up eat, rest, eat, ride, eat, rest, sleep, get up race, come back clean up, eat, rest, currently on the internet, the rest of my weekend will be, eat, rest, sleep, get up, eat, race, eat/pack go to airport and go home.. awesome!
Looking forward to seeing to tomorrow, and even more to getting back to Kelly and Leiden!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
trois-rivieres
The Quebec cross season is in full swing, and this past weekend was round (2 and) 3. Unfortunately missed round two due to work.. boo work! but was able to make the trip down the river to T-R for the third race of the season. A bit of a smaller crowd for this one, but perfect weather certainly wasn't the reason. After a total debaccle of a start grid, call-ups were completely non-organised, and the commissaire had a freakout, but after a few moments everyone got to the line, and we'd be off. I was in a horrible position, right in the middle, and two-thirds back.. slight uphill start, and wide wooded roads would keep the pack together. I was able to move up through the crowd and by the first obstacle was in the top 5, quickly after in the top 3. By the end of the second lap I was able to move into second place, only about 5-6 seconds off the leader, Hugo Houle. Lap 3, two of us were in the chase for the lead, unfortunately I was starting to fall off, and lost a couple of seconds. Within a lap, I was recovered and concentrating on maintaining position, and chasing back second place. The plan worked, and I did manage to come within 10 seconds of second place, by the end. The laps were pretty quick, (we did at least 8 or 9) half forest, half open, one good sand pit, (with more sandy sections in the woods). The final two laps it seemed the pace picked up quite a bit. Second place was in sight in front, and fourth was chasing hard. By the end it would stay as is, good showing third in the overall, and third category victory of the season, most definitely a great start to the season!!
Most excellent pre Nationals test, looking forward to the trip to Edmonton, although it looks like it'll be a cold one! Hope the legs hold up!
Most excellent pre Nationals test, looking forward to the trip to Edmonton, although it looks like it'll be a cold one! Hope the legs hold up!
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