updates, updates...

So October has been as busy as ever, but a little more low-key this year! After a bit of a slow start things are slowly coming back into their own.. here is an update.
Starting with a weekend in Montreal, I decided to do Laval and Blainville of the Quebec series, close enough to drive down and back each day, gas was proving cheaper than hotel.. I guess.. tougher recovery though. Laval was near identical to last year. Weather was a couple of degrees warmer, but really windy and the odd cloud spitting. The course was very similar, a couple of small changes, no snow pile(thank you), fast and good! Good race, still not on form but feeling better, a decent fourth place. Blainville was a "new to me" race, good course, rain over night, lots of sand (hard packed however) damp ground, technical power course. Probably best suited to day 1 of a weekend or a single race (that is based on my form however.) Feeling previous day a bit, but alright. Course was good fast, and worth riding aggressive. A final lap flub, and broken spoke knocked me down a spot to finish 5th.

The next week, we'd pack up the fam and head off to Barrie, for the Baseball Cross. It would be a good chance to visit some friends that we'd not seen in a while. The course was worth the trip also! I'd take a shot in the senior field. Original goal was top ten, based on feelings that morning, I'd be happy with not getting lapped! The course as said, was awesome, flat, really fast, hang loose and rail corners, unfortunate for me, no legs.. poor result, 'nuff said!



Next up was an "unconventional double". Saturday I packed up and headed to Cowansville Quebec for the final round of the series there. Sunday was Quebec provincials, but I would opt out to race Cornwall. The drive to Cowansville felt nice, I had good feelings during the drive and was feeling like something nice might happen, first podium of the year maybe? Got in and registered, not a super warmup, it was cold and cloudy (6deg) kind of how I like it. The course was great, fast technical, lots of focus and accelerations. I took the holeshot, and went hard early. The first two laps I had one rider with me, we had ~10sec gap, by the end of lap two, I was alone, with the chase group behind. They would max out at 5 riders, and never more than 15 seconds away. By midway things were really clicking, and with 3 laps to go I was feeling like a win was very doable. Two to go, one of the chasing riders would bridge up, and I started to doubt. Then as with most of the race I was putting time in on the incline sections so pushed hard on the quick ups at the end of lap two, and then really pushed the incline on the final lap, putting the distance back to about 10 seconds. For the final lap all I could think of was push, don't mess up, and don't go home without winning! A solid race, and very nice to leave Quebec with a win! After a slow start and some poor results, it was certainly redemption!

Another long drive home, quick clean up, and up early the next morning to pack up the family for a Eastern Ontario series race in Cornwall. Doubles are tough, even harder in non-same town, and ridiculous hard with a 2pm start followed by and 11am start. I prefer a ~24 hour time gap.. The previous day's effort was felt for sure. Weather was nice though, 8deg and sunny. A good hard course, fast and turny, I felt good but not up to the previous day. A solid race non-the-less. 5th master. Happy.

Next week is nationals, I'm skipping for family stuff, so likely some training days, and then back at it for the rest of Nov! Next time I'll try to be more thorough, and less catch up.

hammer anvil

This weekend was the return of the Ride with Rendal 'cross race. Last year was the Anvil, 2010 would be a two day event; the Hammer/Anvil. The Hammer would go on Saturday, and was nearly identical to last years Anvil course, fast, grassy, but dry this year! A good start saw 4 of us ride away, John Fee, Matt Surch, Yohan Patry (jr) and myself. Simon Smith was behind but chasing. The four of us rode off, I was riding third/fourth wheel, and it felt tough to hang on. On the second lap, Matt took a tight inside line, and clipped John into the tape. I got around clean, but Matt jumped in front still and pinned it hard. Kind of a tough one, but it happens.John seemed instantly defeated, which stinks, he is riding well. Matt got away from me with Yohann, and I was stuck 5-10 seconds back in no mans land.. hmm.. this seems to be happening lots. There was lots of pressure up front, as well and Simon coming up from behind. By mid race I was able to reel Matt back in, I think he had a small slip, then kind of seemed to have slightly sat up(?). Once on his wheel, he definitely seemed to have eased off a bit seeming to maybe play tactically. The pace was good for me (weather it actually was slower or not, it seemed good!) but Simon and John were looking like they may have put a couple of seconds back into us. I was considering an attack, or at least an increase in pace, either way something had to give. On three to go, I took the lead before the "hill" a small bump we'd cross back and over a couple of times, and on a switch back, I heard Matt slip out. I couldn't tell what exactly happened, but the crowd cheered to "hammer". I guessed he'd slid out and so pushed the pace. By lap's end I'd put a gap around 10 seconds. Yohann at this point was up front, I didn't expect to catch him, and really it didn't matter, as he's in the junior category, but I pulled him back, and the two of us rode the rest of the race. With two to go, we'd put some more time into the field, and the race was looking good. We'd hit the bell lap with about 15 seconds clear to Matt and another 5 or so to Simon. It would just be a matter of keeping the pace up. Halfway 'round I let Yohann take the lead, but he was slowing over the hill, so I went back to the front as to not risk any time. He did well to tail, as we rounded into the finish. At the sprint Yohann was right there, and I have to admit, it wasn't contested on my part, as he took the honors. I was quite happy to take the MA category, and put my name on the inaugural Hammer trophy! Matt came in second, Simon rounded off the podium.

Day two was the Anvil race, a different course, some of the Hammer run backwards, with a lot of new sections too, very technical, meaning turny, and still fast. Ideal.
I was feeling good after yesterday, and was motivated to defend from last year.
Another clean start, with the usual suspects, this time adding Michel (from this season's Quebec duels). John, Matt, myself, and Michel took the lead, with Yohann mixing it in also. Matt and I got clear on the first lap, until Matt made a wrong turn, and I made the mistake of following him and not the course. We rode into the tape, and the other three caught up to us. The next lap would keep us all together. Michel would however begin to fade by the end of lap two. Lap three was again status quo, save for a lead change or two, Matt John and I were riding away from the field. On the fourth lap, Matt had a small slip up, followed very shortly by a slightly bigger slip up. I (we) got around him on the second slip, I had a small slip of my own, but was right back on, and pushed the pace instantly. I knew that I had to make a go of it, we were three to go, so it was go time. John Fee came right back, and the two of us were gone. Yohann fell of the fast pace, and turns out Matt would also roll a tire. He got it back on, and would continue, but was never able to regain. Two to go, and John and I were flying. I was feeling a bit tight, but stayed on the front. It was a course where leading was full advantage, with all the turns there was really no where to draft (despite a decent wind), and it was easier to set the line this way. I pushed a small gap on the (very slight) hill, John would reel me back in. Finally on the bell lap fireworks went off, John attacked on the only long straight to take the lead and a couple of seconds, by the time we'd hit the slight hill I was back to him, and used the hill to go back in front. I was thinking just hold on until the barriers then push the final few corners, as they were tight. The final corner came 50-75m to the finish, so it would be key to get in first. To my surprise, John attacked into the barriers regaining the lead, not what I was expecting. I held his wheel tight to the finish, hoping he'd take the final corner easy. As I'd hoped he took the final corner cautious (loose gravel by the way) I drove it full on, but just wasn't quite able to pull the bike back to the inside line, losing any chance of getting around. A hard fought and well deserved second. Disappointed to lose a sprint, but I'm more a drag racer less and accelerator, but probably more disappointed to get my name on the trophy again... Still though, a good day either way!

a new season underway... sort of

Well its three races into the season, and a bit of a slow start. Not quite off with the bang of the past couple of years, but excuses are plentiful!
The season started about 5 days after returning home from a two week stint in China, and really, as amazing that the trip was, (I'd go again in a heartbeat!!), there is no better way to mess up good form than to fly half way 'round the world, not ride for two weeks, sit in the back seat of a car for 1500km+, breathing some wicked heavy air (11/10 on the Toronto smog scale), then flying home, and readjusting back from the 12hour time change.
*cough* I need a smoke!
So first race, yeah, you might call it that. Britania was a good day, not super cold, drizzly, fast course, and I didn't die! Top 20 in the overall, really not that bad! Week two would be Britania, again, this time the Madison. Normally we'd skip this one to travel, but decided to stay home and build form, good call. Team-mate Marc and I would partner up, and had a good race. We were something like 6th overall? Really good, laps were getting faster as the race went on (I did four of 7). I feel like I am riding well, maybe not the top end I'd normally have, but technically really sound!
The following week would be a bit slack in the riding, and Thanksgiving happened in our house on Saturday (never again before a race!!) Woke up Sunday to head to Brockville, not feeling super confident. The weather was perfect 10 going up to 15ish, Sun, and wind. Rain mid week was really heavy there, and didn't dry up much. The course was a sloggfest time trial, with wind, glad I had my HR on... The tickle in my throat, turkey gut, and lack of confidence was leaving me wondering why I was even there... The race did start off ok, got moved up on the first lap, took charge on the second lap, and was putting in time. All was looking up, I was hopeful anyway. Lap three I noticed a group of six forming about 15-20 or so second back, I was (and had been) alone in the wind, cue the music.. da-da-daaaaaa. The group of six would actually blow, advantage me. I also blew, re-advantage group behind, as I watched over the next two laps one by one they caught and rode by. It was then pretty much a ride home. With two laps to go, a slight resurgence crept into the legs, just enough to put in a respectable final lap though. It was a rough race, one of the hardest I'd done in a long time, and the HR didn't lie, I spent all by 3 minutes in "zone 5", averaging 95% of my max heart rate for an hour and 12 min... Ouch.
So its recover, ride this week, and hope that pain is gain.
Monday I rode the Tall Tree double 'cross (fun ride, not a race), not much to say other than three flat tires in 68km, and we took the short route home, again, ouch.
Next week the plan is to go to Laval, first race of the season in Quebec. Hoping it goes better than previous weeks, only one way to find out!!

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...

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!