eastern ontario finals- second race

Our last day of 'cross in Ottawa for the year would finish with the second event of the day. After getting ready and heading out onto the course for a warm up and a quick view of the layout, things were looking OK. Expectations were not to high, as the season is winding down for the year, and the legs are fading. While finishing up a warm up lap with Matt S., I noticed that he'd peeled off a moment earlier, and no one else was around! So I was quickly on my way over to the starting queue hoping not to have completely missed it. Everyone was lined up and pretty much ready to go, Bob was kind enough to hold us for 30seconds extra while I peeled off a warm-up layer.
So were off like a rock, not the best start position, but again, not too worried about it. There was nearly a mishap however, as I could feel handlebars bumping my leg in the bunch, fortunately no incidents. as we got around the first few corners, I was able to work my way up to a chase group of four or five of us, with 7-8 riders off the front. Matt, myself and a couple of others would spend the next few laps chasing around. Nothing terribly eventful happened until (I think) the third lap, on a rough decent I snapped a spoke in my front wheel. Fortunately it happend just before the run-up, and the pit was the top. So on the run-up, I shouldered the bike, took the front wheel off (all while running) tossed the wheel off course and kept on running to the pits. Once I got to the top, I could pit and grab my spare wheel. From there it was head down and try and chase back on to the small group I had been riding with. There was lots of cheering on the run-up and decent, so it was extra motivation to start off the chase.
It would take about a lap for me to come up, and our small chase group then somewhat came back together, we lost one, picked up another, it pretty much balanced out. Marc L. had fallen off one of the lead groups, he, Marcel and I would finish off the second half of the race together. I was riding a bit sloppy for a fair amount of the race, but as I was tiring late in the race, it was extra motivation to focus on riding smooth, and attempt to keep lap times consistent.
Coming into the final lap Marcel rolled a tubular, casualties were really starting to add up, he would pop it back on and finish off, surprisingly not very far behind Marc and I. The final lap the two of us would kind of cat and mouse it, trying to keep the pace up, but no real attacks, which meant it would come down to a sprint, both of us have a decent sprint, and it was uphill, so it would come down the line. At the line it was me by half a bike, thumbs up!
A great race, well done with the course, Mooney's Bay (both times) this year has been tops, a nice change!
Next weekend we are off to Warwick, Rhode Island for the Verge Series finals, the NBX GP, looking forward to it, a good weekend of racing in the US is always fun. I'll try my hand in the Pro/Elite race, should be a fun one.

eastern ontario finals - first race

Sunday was the final race of the season, in Ottawa. Amazing how many times (almost every weekend it seems) I've been saying what nice weather we've been having.
The build up to this race was very... well non-existent. The weather hadn't been the best, so little to no riding all week, and forecasts for the weekend kept changing. So overall it was going to be an "expect the worst and have fun with it" type of scenario. No problem with that, good way to cap off the season! That being said, the weather would turn out to be great!
There was plenty of hype surrounding this race, well around the water cooler that is.. a few of the gang at work have been neck and neck all season, and another would make his debut Sunday, so the odds were posted, they hype was building, we could only hope that this wouldn't be a Superbowl style letdown.. Martin had been regularly leading the so called "group of four", Kelly has been getting faster every week, Peter hasn't raced in three weeks so hard to say how he'd feel, Phil has been right behind Peter all seaon, so was poised to beat him. Geoff is the newcomer to the race and a bit of a dark horse, so the odds slotted him mid bunch. No one would disappoint!
Geoff turned out to have a good race, despite convincing himself he had a flat early on and ran off course in a confused heap, he would get back on and in the end did quite well. Peter pulled off a great crash, almost taking me out in the process... I was taking pictures on the sidelines at the time. Phil was right on his tails and would slide past. Martin blew out his tire and would be forced to DNF. He would race the second event to redeem himself. Kelly steadily worked her way up through the pack finishing strongly and on the lead lap!
Melanie had a pretty good race, and was looking fast most times I'd seen her, although I hear she wasn't much liking "the hill". Another newcomer to the event was Matt "I'll make it out to a race sometime" McLean. He also had a really good race, finishing just in front of Kelly. He's a runner, and fast on a bike too.. just a natural athlete, but he's hooked on 'cross now (that he's finally gotten to a race) we'll get him more next year!
I missed the final couple of laps, as I had to head back to the car to get ready for the second race, but everyone was all smiles by the time they were done..
next up the second event...

weather not helping much these days

Well it is more and more late in the year each day, after a slow week last week, the past few days have not been much better. So far a couple of rides to and from work has been the best case scenario. The body is feeling like it is starting to settle in for the winter too. We can only hope that all will come together for the race on the weekend, and after that, its looking more and more like I'll have to break out the rollers for a few rides next week. Today was cold and rainy, and tomorrow is not looking much warmer, in fact the rest of the week is looing pretty cool. All is good, two more weekends of racing for the season, and I'd have to say I'm about ready to hang 'em up for the winter.
The skiis are waxed and ready to go whenever the snow does hit, so I'm sure it'll be a nice change of pace!
rambling complete...

i read somewhere that no gloves is the new sideburns...

Sunday past was the penultimate race in the Eastern Ottawa Cyclocross series (that one is for you kel!). Packed it in and travelled to Morrisburg to historic Upper Canada Village, ooooo.. well, la-di-da says the Maritimer in me.. I always loved that term, Upper Canada, has a je-ne-sais-quoi about it. We'll leave it at that, and I shall digress..
So UCV(illage) from now on.. Friday as was customary this fall rained, a fair amount this time too, and the weekend yet again proved to be nice weather. Sunday was around 8ish, but being right on the St. Lawrence, the humidity was biting, much like a foggy cool fall day back home on the coast, you want to say "its not that cold", but the air goes right through you, you feel it in your bones.. FUN!
First race went off well, Kelly did well, slow start, made up ground and a strong finish, she was a bit dirty by the end, the wet was beginnig to push up through the grass.. Leiden and I hung out and got pictues, before heading back to prep for the second start.
We found the nearby, heated washrooms, ahhh they were very nice indeed. Got changed, and ready to go.
Preview of the course was near identical to last year, only non-frozen, just wet. A couple of water spots, and a soft power climb, one of five (yes 5) climbs (per lap) up the hill..
Bad position on the start line, left me literally spinning in the mud, it felt kind of cool.. but didn't help my case any, either way, first lap was spent working my way up through the field. By the end of the first lap I was up well inside the top 10 with leaders in sight, that was as close as I got. From there in it was all downhill. Legs just not quite full on for the day, on enough, but not fully. Mid race I was able to sort into a small group of three or four, and we'd work our way around for most of the rest of the day. I could see Simon (from Kingston) behind me, and my main goal for the day was to stay in front of him. By calculations, it will be a tight finish in the final standings between us for the overall, so every bit counts.
On the final lap, Keirnan Orange was catching back up, and his rival Connor was just in front, so I was able to do a bit of pacing in hopes he could catch up (they are both Juniors) but the gap just couldn't quite fully be closed. So Keirnan and I would sprint it out for the line. It was a good one, I had the lead out for him, so I could toy around, would have been interesting to see a photo finish, it was tight. They gave him the the nod in the results, hard to say which way it came out, but he deserves it!! Keirnan by the way was just selected for the national team for worlds, so we'll be watching for him in January from Europe!
All in all another good day, nothing spectacular, we'll hold that out for next weekend's finalle in Mooney's Bay.

new tires are in

Its never a bad time for new tires! Just received a new set of Challenge Griffo's for demo, looking to be set up with a few sets for next year, and with three weeks left on my calendar, good chance to decide if it will be worth a go.
Everything is now glued up on the old Zipp's, just waiting for sidewall sealant to dry up, and we should be riding Saturday morning, racing Sunday.
Eastern Ontario Series is on this weekend, down at the Upper Canada Historic village. Two years ago this one was snowed out, last year it was -10, and judging by the rain we are getting now, it may be slightly slick, and as has been the trend, warm weather is in the forcast.
Will update as ususal.

ontario cyclocross provincials

This Sunday was 'cross provincials in Ontario, and this year they were held in Ottawa, which made for a great second half of weekend racing close to home. The weather would be, again, spectacular for November, overcast, 12 degrees (or more?) very light breeze, just nice. The start list was much longer than Saturday's 'Anvil Race', and so there would be a few fresh legs starting up, and no doubt most were saving themselves for a good result. As appealing as the thought of two provincial championships are, it would however have to remain 'unofficially' appealing as I am a Quebec resident, and some rule says you can only be champ in one province... the one you live in... Sounds like an Ontario rule... HaHa!
We showed up as the first race of the morning was finishing, and Kelly would get ready for the second event of the day. She and Mel were racing the women's event, so Darren, Leiden and I would take on spectating/cheering and photog duties. Jr. men, Master B and C men were also out. All races were quite entertaining. Kelly had a decent day, and was quite content as usual to just be out competing. Mel looked a bit tired from Saturday's race, but would finish strong.
As they finished up, we headed back to prep for the final event of the day. Darren was in the Senior Men's race, Marc B. arrived, and the two of us were fresh off Saturday's podium and ready to go in the Master A group.
A couple of laps for warm up gave us a chance to see the course, it was typical Ottawa, long straights, sharp/steep climbs, several dismounts, and new this year a beautiful beach sand pit!! The course was nicely taped off and would keep everyone on track.
I was able to pick up a good spot on the start line and score the hole-shot off the gun to lead out the group. Peter Mogg (national champ) was second wheel, followed by Derek Harding and the rest. Peter fairly quickly found his way around, and then a small bobble on a corner let Derek around. I would hang on for most of the first lap. Near the start of the second lap, Derek crashed somehow(?) and I was able to slip back into second position. Peter was already beginning to slide away, and was putting in about 8-10 seconds faster per lap. So the race quickly became, a hold position game; try and keep up, and don't let the others move up either. By mid race I started to pull Peter back in a few seconds, but he unfortunately noticed, and it didn't last long. Derek was distantly back in third, so it was easy enough to focus ahead. We were also working our way deep into the Senior field at this point, so there was lots of good pacing going on.
One thing I have come to love over the years is the sand pit. Typically hated by all, which is often how I come to love things, it is hard to ride, never the same twice, and always a challenge. This one was no different, perpendicular to the beach, a 180 around a life guard shack and back up, ouch. Most were able to at least get to the shack, but not much beyond. My best go at it required only one 'dab', impressive even to me. The final lap I was determined to go all the way, but alas the elusive full beach ride never happened... Maybe next time, if it ever makes a re-appearance.
By the end of the race, everything was well settled in, and one final go to make up time would only solidify second place, which is pretty awesome none-the-less!
Great weekend, two podiums, including a win, some great November weather, lots of smiles, and one week closer to the end of the season.
Two more races in Eastern Ontario, with Upper Canada Village being next weekend, then a trip to Rhode Island the first week of December to cap it off. As always, looking forward to it!!

the anvil

Saturday was the Ride with Rendall Anvil 'cross race, a new event to the Ontario 'cross calendar, one day before the Ontario Cyclocross Provincial Championships. It was being billed as a not to miss event, and certainly lived up to expectations. Course design was by local 'cross legend Greg Reain, and Glen Rendall (of RwR fame), a beautiful course, located at the Nepean Equestrian Park, not much in vertical, but nice and twisty, a good power course, a sand pit, and fun!
Weather wise, it was perfect November, roughly 10 degrees, cool light breeze out of the north, and mid-race we got a light drizzle to slicken things up a bit. Kelly and Leiden were joined by Kona to help with the cheering, no camera at this race, so we'll have to rely on others, it was a good sized crowd so I'm sure something will turn up for viewing pleasure.
A small group of 13 would contest the Master A race, no doubt everyone was home "saving legs" for provincials tomorrow, wimps.. We were off without incident one minute after the Elite Men. A few unfamiliar faces from the Toronto crowd were there, so a good start would be ideal, and figure the rest out as we go. Fortunately for me a great start as we headed off put me at an instantaneous gap from the gun, right to the finish! I think this is the first time I've lead a race start to finish(?) and it was quite awesome.
By the second lap I had begun to really put a gap into the small chase group containing (teammate) Marc Beaulieu, who was riding spectacularly by the way, I'd also started the task of working up through the back end of the Elite men.
By mid race, after holding a decent pace and building a good lead, the rain started, it was never hard rain, but it was cool, and enough to slicken the grass making some of the corners trickier. I was noticing Rob Orange (Master B leader) working his way up from behind, giving a bit more motivation to continue working my way onwards and upwards.
With two laps to go I had my first slip up on one of the sloping corners, (Mel got the whole thing on her camera so we'll get the pics soon), I guess just a reminder to watch the lines for the last couple of laps.
A strong finish capped a great race, with a lead of roughly 2min 45sec to second place, it would certainly back up what felt like a great day on the bike! Marc B. also had a fantastic day, with the best result of his 'cross career finishing in second (two Rouleurs on the podium, very nice!)
Looking forward to Sunday's race, the start list looks a little longer, so it should be quite interesting. Hope the legs hold up well after today's race!

spring has arrived?

The past few days have been, weatherwise, incredible! Monday would hit 19c, perfect enough for a fantastic 70km ride around Gatineau, and beyond. Tomorrow is an odd scheduled day at work, due to Rememberance day, weather is holding well, so it will be nice to get out for an a.m. spin. No better way to celebrate those who gave us the freedom to do so!
We'll see how long this nice weather holds out, I'm sure we'll be back into normal temps anytime soon...

almonte v2

Today we made our second 'cross trip out to Almonte of the season for another round on the Eastern Ontario Series. Usually when we head out to Almonte, its a good time, the terrain makes for a fun course, and today did not dissapoint. On top of that, we had some of the nicest November weather I have ever seen (other than year in Florida)! It was around 15 and sunny by the time noon rolled around, and the morning low was about 7, which again for November would be a nice daytime high.
A slightly shorter course than last time, more compact as well making more spectator friendly, and fun, hardly any straights, and no recovery available meant it would require keeping it full gas for the hour.
Usual quick warmup, and view of the course, then off to the start line. Good start, as usual, two laps around the running track, and onto the course. I was able to gain good position right away, and six of us would quickly break off the front. I would dangle off the back for the first lap, as Neil, Sylvain, and Ryan were setting a blistering tempo. Doug and Osmand would drop back, Doug looked like he'd popped, and Oz had bike issues, switched bikes and rejoin me for a two man chase group. We'd spend most of the race sitting about 25-30 seconds back of the lead three.
I was quite content to just hang with Oz, knowing if I could hold his wheel, it would be a good day for me. Mid race we were putting big time into those behind us, and holding steady behind the leaders. As we neared the final two laps I was feeling I may drift off though. I could tell Marcel was beginning to gain time, and that would be motivation enough to push on and try and stay with Oz. A final lap push would keep me about 5-7 sec back, and good distance to chasers. Very tough course, but sooo much fun. Very rewarding ride, no doubt of the biggest efforts of the year, and it paid off with a first in the MA cat, and 5th overall. Huge redemption for last weekend.
This is looking like it will be a fairly nice week, so hopefully a good sign shaping up for next weekends big double, the Anvil on Sat, and Ontario Provincials on Sunday, good times for sure.
Tomorrow is looking like a nice day in the park, temps should be back up in the low-mid teens, and that's ok with me!

weekend update

So, its been a long week, finally getting re-adjusted to the time zone change, and trying to squeeze in rides accordingly, losing light in the evening has put a hamper on things, however the updated ride sched seems to be accomodating.
Got a couple of rides in, and feeling ok for Almonte round two tomorrow, so we'll see how it goes..

Kanata Kross

Well this past Sunday was another round of the Eastern Ontario series, a bit closer to home too, with the race out in Kanata. After another infamous late night Saturday, no chance to make up for lost sleep with the time change Sunday AM. However, nicer weather would prevail, and we were quickly off to the races. Kelly would take on the first race, and put on a pretty good showing, she's definitely quickening up as the weeks go by and the fitness returns. Leiden and I got a chance to watch the race and take pics, well she slept, but I'm sure it was still as exciting as things can get at 3 months of age.
There had been a lot of rain on Saturday, so how the course would hold up would be questionable, by the looks of the first start, everyone was relatively clean, so not much mud, and maybe should have brought the file treads...?
A quick warm-up to get things going, preview the course and finalize clothing selection before the start, would get a view of the almost nearly flat open course, one small bump midway, with some switchback turns on the way down would prove to be the only technical bit. Add lots of wind and you've got yourself a road race.
A bit of a late-show to the start line put me on the second row (good position anywhere but Ottawa area, as the front row is 30 wide....) After the start I was able to move up to the first chase group relatively easily. This was only where my downfall began. I was banking too much on strength and not racing tactically very well. The group in front was only up 10-15 seconds, so repeated attacks in an attempt to move up were only burning my legs out. The other six in our group were just jumping on and riding. Neil (who was on fire by the way) and I did most of the pulling, with occasional aid from the other five. I knew there was at least one other master in the group, so mid race I'd unsuccessfully take another shot or two at getting away. Nearing race end, things were looking to inevitably fall apart and with a lap and a half to go I blew up, and would spend a lap dangling off the back of our group, where by the end I would finish 30seconds or so behind the group, 2nd in the category.
Not terribly happy with the race, but probably not really the best 'cross course either. Would have been nice to see a bit more technical, but, that said, still not a bad day.

Monday afternoon would present more lovely weather, and a nice ride in Gatineau Park. First full loop in some time. A few other riders out enjoying the day, but still quite quiet. Now with the time change, getting rides in will be a bit more of a challenge.. I'm on my way up to dig through the closet to find the old light set, that might be crucial to maintaining fitness for the next month, 'cause we all know, there's little chance I'll be in the basement on the rollers.