tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776905342035680872024-03-04T23:38:25.340-05:00Riot On RacingMountain Biking, Racing, and much other Nonsense...Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.comBlogger347125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-70726848146153463832019-10-31T06:20:00.000-04:002019-10-31T07:59:37.018-04:00Cannonball 300So, on one of our regular Sunday Riot rides, Rick Ross mentions..."Hey, we should do the Cannonball 300 one day."<br />
<br />
I said, "Yeah, we should. But my gravel bike is single speed...could make me hurt."<br />
Rick: "It's 300+km...everything is gonna hurt anyway."<br />
Me: "OK then...let's do it..."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcYJJx5KWuUT6N5bUDzrIrK7k7_uc3qrKlWlWk-VxcM76Xx-NLxvoO7bhDKLwlW_71xpFJbK9nUBmezYOQcFD9EAytRd9rIdYAsGrcM2hxHUC-Tuv9Yl-6CoOPN2J_jhjSUpQYOCiAvfI/s1600/Cannonball+bicycle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcYJJx5KWuUT6N5bUDzrIrK7k7_uc3qrKlWlWk-VxcM76Xx-NLxvoO7bhDKLwlW_71xpFJbK9nUBmezYOQcFD9EAytRd9rIdYAsGrcM2hxHUC-Tuv9Yl-6CoOPN2J_jhjSUpQYOCiAvfI/s320/Cannonball+bicycle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So on Saturday October 19th at 6am...we headed out to challenge the Cannonball300 in one go...to complete it in less than the day. In case you are not familiar with the Cannonball, it is a 300km route connecting rail trail, gravel, waterfront trail, greenbelt, pavement, and single track. The route never takes you too far from civilization, for water and food...it is meant to be an introductory bikepacking route. You can find all the details at <a href="https://www.cannonball300.com/">https://www.cannonball300.com/</a> (It is actually quite interesting how the route earned it's name!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucRyX8_F78C-pDBJC0nlucDq3rj4K6b0Vc9xN9VIkFtRm4OVhjS5ZxtMwfOawwCttHB4ef5v2SJUIa2yV5fmqGRXAmdBVRT_xg0IqH4MmUK0KLbXW_WNgxtsTspx_0VpuUesP6PyOMG0s/s1600/59313140195__EC36C2FA-D43F-4A92-B544-AA5EF29190A7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucRyX8_F78C-pDBJC0nlucDq3rj4K6b0Vc9xN9VIkFtRm4OVhjS5ZxtMwfOawwCttHB4ef5v2SJUIa2yV5fmqGRXAmdBVRT_xg0IqH4MmUK0KLbXW_WNgxtsTspx_0VpuUesP6PyOMG0s/s320/59313140195__EC36C2FA-D43F-4A92-B544-AA5EF29190A7.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My home is less than 10kms from the start of the route, so Rick and I actually started from my house. So, at 6am on October 19th, it was minus 2 degrees outside, but it was supposed to get over plus 14 degrees in the afternoon. We didn't want to be overdressed for later in the day, and be stuck carrying excessive clothing for the bulk of the ride, so we decided to deal with the cold discomfort and dressed more for the warmer weather.<br />
<br />
And freeze we did. The first 100km of the ride was almost all rail trail...which should have meant we could travel with some speed and eat up kilometres quickly. However, the faster we went the colder we were...fingers and toes were freezing. So, we kept the pace down...and stopped frequently to warm up...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6dvY8EYjvxyZxHRx9hmBZdwDQGnMIM_B03yTJE4w2ZGxRZLR09Z2hZA84OjbX_mTIU0u2EnqfdEHUPlLqSu6fzP9IRRryeeE3M3qig6Q-ElZXD0b4uPyY_ZAYaD2xNTkszQplK-EabVi/s1600/IMG_1822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6dvY8EYjvxyZxHRx9hmBZdwDQGnMIM_B03yTJE4w2ZGxRZLR09Z2hZA84OjbX_mTIU0u2EnqfdEHUPlLqSu6fzP9IRRryeeE3M3qig6Q-ElZXD0b4uPyY_ZAYaD2xNTkszQplK-EabVi/s320/IMG_1822.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ZHcDknXRJf-Bd9rUZXbLmPm5AKWRQTZJv6ddgqgXRqhnstRfBl0gw_y-ZdzCq-5N2esRL43KvSbYfQMj26MHM9rsbu7euDSZtDc2jruCKJbZgmQNtyxWSZHOMAS3Od9FYpLNNTd4mw6p/s1600/IMG_1821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ZHcDknXRJf-Bd9rUZXbLmPm5AKWRQTZJv6ddgqgXRqhnstRfBl0gw_y-ZdzCq-5N2esRL43KvSbYfQMj26MHM9rsbu7euDSZtDc2jruCKJbZgmQNtyxWSZHOMAS3Od9FYpLNNTd4mw6p/s320/IMG_1821.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
2 - 3 hours into the ride we began to warm up, however we continued at a rather liesurely pace. We stopped to talk to other bike riders, chat with locals, nature breaks...and to eat regularly to stay fueled. Mostly, we enjoyed the scenery.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeST1f4Qspjv4BgpvBC267VhVhL3ScH7ibP50GrpMumBvcjeWgEokTUkR-j-yxD654Gr9aag8bpWxR6Ha_CI9X0UNCDnn3svypo48KrrMqbbXgaW6xI8qyC-zPaFbkz8tTnetAb9wfTWcJ/s1600/IMG_1817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeST1f4Qspjv4BgpvBC267VhVhL3ScH7ibP50GrpMumBvcjeWgEokTUkR-j-yxD654Gr9aag8bpWxR6Ha_CI9X0UNCDnn3svypo48KrrMqbbXgaW6xI8qyC-zPaFbkz8tTnetAb9wfTWcJ/s320/IMG_1817.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-ytp5NWRe_9J5znZ6Y92IgG6SI7P5P3P8aoC8bblLWJ0OGvVOZK-RhNg2eCgqczgmCr4WI3AWPet2y5eCXOfRw-wC8suga0m5pUgPMLX_SZZGs_WNcW-3Zor40IY-I00OlpNX1_uJBDV/s1600/IMG_1824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-ytp5NWRe_9J5znZ6Y92IgG6SI7P5P3P8aoC8bblLWJ0OGvVOZK-RhNg2eCgqczgmCr4WI3AWPet2y5eCXOfRw-wC8suga0m5pUgPMLX_SZZGs_WNcW-3Zor40IY-I00OlpNX1_uJBDV/s320/IMG_1824.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6v3BIwjUHojwdxZPRllTP-1Z3op2dT5EFXovsP0fzQcCTpdqYeTvS43FU9e1ihpfz5roFIe5vCeTCxmBTzsq_nqqMAHyhs1PuOXl3i0q1apjHeWhsNOk0z7D6Bqtk-1QRoa1mOR-fnLZ/s1600/IMG_1823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6v3BIwjUHojwdxZPRllTP-1Z3op2dT5EFXovsP0fzQcCTpdqYeTvS43FU9e1ihpfz5roFIe5vCeTCxmBTzsq_nqqMAHyhs1PuOXl3i0q1apjHeWhsNOk0z7D6Bqtk-1QRoa1mOR-fnLZ/s320/IMG_1823.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The second 100ish kms were along the shores of Lake Erie...from Port Dover to Port Colborne. Literally along the shore; so close my garmin map showed us riding in the water...and the scenery was spectacular. Lake Erie is as clear and blue as pool water...without the bleach and chlorine. Nature's beauty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYlosuqJxgs-30auk3b9OOfH4pEiIEeHMM5CLp1PEYgILJWCrb-yrqrjAG2O3n6Q3Z7hKFk0yOSJ7dIHVzIaZogYWPUOmlm62NN7OQPrT6E_I5-4o67CmHeTT8YiJBNZAsLue9I39dqsn/s1600/IMG_1819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYlosuqJxgs-30auk3b9OOfH4pEiIEeHMM5CLp1PEYgILJWCrb-yrqrjAG2O3n6Q3Z7hKFk0yOSJ7dIHVzIaZogYWPUOmlm62NN7OQPrT6E_I5-4o67CmHeTT8YiJBNZAsLue9I39dqsn/s320/IMG_1819.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fbh0aws0CYp6Apa9r9_Zd78Fr-Z_vMT7_nhn990-29uS-MWg-snTYI-usiLggbNgUCMl2OeuClDfvNtd-akRdMW_9qKAVfRdYx7OVStsyRv0FulfAI5yAvlnQdwoC669xZ-3IpAFwtdU/s1600/IMG_1818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fbh0aws0CYp6Apa9r9_Zd78Fr-Z_vMT7_nhn990-29uS-MWg-snTYI-usiLggbNgUCMl2OeuClDfvNtd-akRdMW_9qKAVfRdYx7OVStsyRv0FulfAI5yAvlnQdwoC669xZ-3IpAFwtdU/s320/IMG_1818.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As we got closer to Port Colborne the route included several stretches of very gnarly ATV trail...which kept our pace a little too slow. Eventually, we realized we were going too leisurely, and we still had a loooong way to go. So we picked up the pace...we were going to end up riding for a while in the dark. But we were prepared with lights.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSxZdYh9zgMNdsEfuZIq4uGIfSCAKa9wUKc0VPQ0_-rwaTQeKNOIgXJbxj5POdDNwsBse8ccpZKEswn25zw9umc6tthjoaU3omv_Ma9G3xeLTga_EXvkkdz4rbRoZuwoWsWekMHhFfnWz/s1600/IMG_1825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSxZdYh9zgMNdsEfuZIq4uGIfSCAKa9wUKc0VPQ0_-rwaTQeKNOIgXJbxj5POdDNwsBse8ccpZKEswn25zw9umc6tthjoaU3omv_Ma9G3xeLTga_EXvkkdz4rbRoZuwoWsWekMHhFfnWz/s320/IMG_1825.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The route took us north from Port Colborne, through Welland...and a gravel route along the Welland Canal...the Canal is not attractive scenery....but it is very cool!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLljQzOIi6PfQHtW2bl8QSbwZwdog4Y0L-lCPRFLMB69TzxUpsUJISdtqVhzqH1mzrlZ487_L_Pat9U1ZI9nkkN-PRXP96aD6chfCTLcWpM-QPW7cFWrDRpCtR6ls59dHk7qIb45IU8pP2/s1600/IMG_1826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLljQzOIi6PfQHtW2bl8QSbwZwdog4Y0L-lCPRFLMB69TzxUpsUJISdtqVhzqH1mzrlZ487_L_Pat9U1ZI9nkkN-PRXP96aD6chfCTLcWpM-QPW7cFWrDRpCtR6ls59dHk7qIb45IU8pP2/s320/IMG_1826.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anywhere can be considered paradise under the right circumstances...</div>
<br />
<br />
Then trough Thorold and St Catharines...along gravel and cool single track...it was now dark and getting tough to see. In fact, Rick took a tumble as his front wheel found a rut in a gravel descent. He was OK, but he broke his shifter. We were now both single speed...and it was clearly time to have the lights on.<br />
<br />
By now we were hammering as much as possible...eager to make up time. Through campgrounds, and Balls Falls conservation area...being more careful on singletrack. Then onto the pavement through the twenty valley winery area...I was a little worried being on the road, but we had blinky red lights going, and 1200lumen headlights blazing...and there was generous bike lane for the most part. Rick was full on hammering in this section, I was redlining to hang on...Rick is one tough, talented endurance rider!!<br />
<br />
A long climb out of the twenty valley, along Ridge Rd by Grimsby, still hammering...in the dark...onto the Dofasco Trail...sketchy sections, especially on gravel bikes...but fun!! Over to the Devils Punchbowl...an amazing lookout...the top of the escarpment overlooking Stoney Creek and Hamilton and Lake Ontario...spectacular. We were within 30km of home...eager to finish...but we took time to enjoy the view. Besides, my single speed power muscles clearly needed the rest, and stretch.<br />
<br />
Then into some of the more climby trails of the Red Hill trail system...no hammering in here...but then it came out onto the Escarpment Rail Trail...more opportunity for speed and cover kilometres here...into downtown Hamilton...so close to home. Before we knew it we were done...home!!! 320kms...15hrs of riding. The strava data <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/2802118202" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Done the route, done physically, done mentally..much later than planned but finally home...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aP2buwpq2eZbARi_SmGF_JhuVYYREIY4KnSgiEu0117w6adXDen0ghyphenhyphenc95dyDM30zsVskNZag_WU4QaPkVHfUwJhIm0yf7UdmXcGlegr6BwB73cB8hnnsE0tBk8MZs33oJ-7e9-AINKk/s1600/home+early.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="504" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aP2buwpq2eZbARi_SmGF_JhuVYYREIY4KnSgiEu0117w6adXDen0ghyphenhyphenc95dyDM30zsVskNZag_WU4QaPkVHfUwJhIm0yf7UdmXcGlegr6BwB73cB8hnnsE0tBk8MZs33oJ-7e9-AINKk/s320/home+early.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
At least Lois was glad we made it home...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IIGDqWTBZuFwamJ__fHsMYfYB_e42BILwU9HfSfTodNjeMo-rF3NO788gQCFCz2Kv38jhE8SJhEckFIaRm6k-heCID2AZnayTjUp_0N4jS9P_T-RZZz84JGekAUDC_S31bXMPOFm7Us8/s1600/Lois+gun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IIGDqWTBZuFwamJ__fHsMYfYB_e42BILwU9HfSfTodNjeMo-rF3NO788gQCFCz2Kv38jhE8SJhEckFIaRm6k-heCID2AZnayTjUp_0N4jS9P_T-RZZz84JGekAUDC_S31bXMPOFm7Us8/s1600/Lois+gun.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Seriously...just another amazing ride...with another buddy pushing my limits.<br />
<br />
While it was a challenge to do this route in one day...especially at this time of year when the days are shorter..starting in the dark, and finishing in the dark...it was meant as a bikepacking route. It would be a hoot to camp out along the shores of Lake Erie...or at any one of the many campgrounds along the route. And to stop to enjoy the food and drink at any one of the local establishments. To take the time to properly enjoy the views. Next time...<br />
<br />
Likely the last 'ultra-ride' of the season. I hope... I need to work on more intense, short ride fitness...so that's the plan for now. I think... Ah....one ride at a time, especially at this point in the season.<br />
<br />
So....<br />
<br />
Stay posted!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8ncBiq49p3SFQfrsYbfeDLi8iKxyqhQ2SDlYqysYPdtm7gLMeyUjXm3y7nW3Fa3farHjWkJfE-tx7Kx9uQ17M1rZIeS7KbaJfNQC7k2dqUCv0tM2mSrXlGxz70vcUDSkhFu0jE4JHcim/s1600/cat+home+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8ncBiq49p3SFQfrsYbfeDLi8iKxyqhQ2SDlYqysYPdtm7gLMeyUjXm3y7nW3Fa3farHjWkJfE-tx7Kx9uQ17M1rZIeS7KbaJfNQC7k2dqUCv0tM2mSrXlGxz70vcUDSkhFu0jE4JHcim/s320/cat+home+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh...and happy halloween!!!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0978oAhs1ngavVVjZw1NB34AEYoi19MrwviqUy_drEJyovSzpUzcQCw__PbrRFTL0jlX8h-lcMcDpgCFS0iePRYhQmAw3X12LXwXP78ThYtm_ZjjRXk6xvK9YgI2SFuaYT8HhFQ4SO5Wq/s1600/cat+halloween.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0978oAhs1ngavVVjZw1NB34AEYoi19MrwviqUy_drEJyovSzpUzcQCw__PbrRFTL0jlX8h-lcMcDpgCFS0iePRYhQmAw3X12LXwXP78ThYtm_ZjjRXk6xvK9YgI2SFuaYT8HhFQ4SO5Wq/s320/cat+halloween.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-52700049621717904672019-10-24T07:57:00.000-04:002019-10-24T08:09:06.490-04:00GNR 350 - Grand Nith RouteSo, on September 29th the Turkey Point Fall Ripper was on...a ride to celebrate the fine Turkey Point mountain bike trails. I did not sign up but several friends did, so that morning RickRoss and his spouse Chris and myself set out on our cross bikes to stop in at Turkey Point, say Hi, and ride back home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAnPVpzpNW1-lU0uH_Q6EoeWSLfjfSA3m8mh4YVu8mKPXFOga1Kfws-YZKeyNChIpIlm40iBL0oP-ogxR2yBZuA1vppDtNGZcUXKpORugSUH44KXGuzMUk692u5YqTNp_4XZlhSXXaSEW/s1600/IMG_1759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAnPVpzpNW1-lU0uH_Q6EoeWSLfjfSA3m8mh4YVu8mKPXFOga1Kfws-YZKeyNChIpIlm40iBL0oP-ogxR2yBZuA1vppDtNGZcUXKpORugSUH44KXGuzMUk692u5YqTNp_4XZlhSXXaSEW/s320/IMG_1759.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGY0SfHpD8ra8CitVgQVRwXmTAqsRkSR2iPv0PMuwnxsF-qm9Cva-rC_QV6AFRb_7vHI50Tmyn_Yf_xw42kAtslE8EPq0qbfPuEihYyMTS0zDDQgR3K3pssfcEFZO-9e2MvISbRlnNetw/s1600/IMG_1761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="952" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGY0SfHpD8ra8CitVgQVRwXmTAqsRkSR2iPv0PMuwnxsF-qm9Cva-rC_QV6AFRb_7vHI50Tmyn_Yf_xw42kAtslE8EPq0qbfPuEihYyMTS0zDDQgR3K3pssfcEFZO-9e2MvISbRlnNetw/s320/IMG_1761.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOsSCSnNYJJ7H8MTmT2FiRFFZ7zlO38bHLei67lqblF_c4_VvKQQ7z-EX3G37ArEFi3M85_98FQq-NnJuyj-pjAGlLEsZylRUEQn3mHcNqaOAO6XcR75RkhTPVo5QoVs_Sg5ZdN09W9sO/s1600/IMG_1839.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOsSCSnNYJJ7H8MTmT2FiRFFZ7zlO38bHLei67lqblF_c4_VvKQQ7z-EX3G37ArEFi3M85_98FQq-NnJuyj-pjAGlLEsZylRUEQn3mHcNqaOAO6XcR75RkhTPVo5QoVs_Sg5ZdN09W9sO/s320/IMG_1839.PNG" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
It made for a very nice 217km ride. Rick is an exceptionally strong and talented mtb/gravel rider..even more impressive is that he is diabetic, requiring monitoring his blood glycogen levels, and constantly (literally, constantly) eating to maintain those levels.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ88MFeOoJ2nO0kCIE3JZxwTAZ3dtjhGqfwY1OKRp8hEAIDxvpsE4s-3SwO6pfKPsn_5ohCaabszIVrHtWAL5E_p0Om8jNSwANK084yA-TCD3vqIj5I4gJTdtsBApXBytCRwi9Qxfsxvid/s1600/cat-humor-i-so-hungry-i-could-eat-horse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="600" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ88MFeOoJ2nO0kCIE3JZxwTAZ3dtjhGqfwY1OKRp8hEAIDxvpsE4s-3SwO6pfKPsn_5ohCaabszIVrHtWAL5E_p0Om8jNSwANK084yA-TCD3vqIj5I4gJTdtsBApXBytCRwi9Qxfsxvid/s320/cat-humor-i-so-hungry-i-could-eat-horse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Anyways, along that ride we discussed long rides we had done, and I mentioned having done the BT700 in July. (I posted a blog about the BT700 <a href="https://riotonracing.blogspot.com/2019/07/bt700-ride-adventure-experience-beyond.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) That led to discussing that Matt Kadey (the progenitor of the BT700) had recently put together a new 350km route. The GNR (the Grand Nith Route); a route tracking along the Grand and Nith Rivers. Apparently Rick's friend RobF wanted to do the GNR, so Rick and I determined that the three of us would do it. As it turned out...we would do so on the next weekend!<br />
<br />
So, the GNR officially starts and finishes in St. Jacobs...however, the route passes within 5 kms of my house. So, on Saturday October 5th Rick, Rob, and Riot departed from my home at 7am to get onto the GNR route on Sydenham Road in Dundas...and onto the Hamilton-Brantford Railtrail.<br />
<br />
I was riding my 29+ hardtail with 3 inch tires (I thought it would make for a smooth, comfy ride); Rick was on his 29er hardtail with 2 inch tires; Rob was on his commuter, a hardtail with 33ml commuter tires. The intention was to do the route over 2 days and be back home Sunday evening.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nYVWKgkD-hlDP8_1DR4RUKDbpoZCn6S3ZpZ8chwi3zv3wPYgdsq9VNDsyhIE34lzhEuZi4A2746FdvqkJUmeiPh8YrFuuNpxAqloLro1YVZKjHjDaO5ZEMA4qeprj1Sg7DIN7KHQoWKB/s1600/IMG_1788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nYVWKgkD-hlDP8_1DR4RUKDbpoZCn6S3ZpZ8chwi3zv3wPYgdsq9VNDsyhIE34lzhEuZi4A2746FdvqkJUmeiPh8YrFuuNpxAqloLro1YVZKjHjDaO5ZEMA4qeprj1Sg7DIN7KHQoWKB/s320/IMG_1788.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpJiXxesr72HmaX3QIDrlO6enn2juFJA70_1VtoJT1435Dnn3MAFw2l0fmRVL3gAZ8KbtcEbpHh1kpckgvIZjVvoiUCg-E8KMeFejPu8_wj22JYpnA-MXnBJ5Am-k1Qvrv3OUb0Zt7qNh/s1600/IMG_1777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpJiXxesr72HmaX3QIDrlO6enn2juFJA70_1VtoJT1435Dnn3MAFw2l0fmRVL3gAZ8KbtcEbpHh1kpckgvIZjVvoiUCg-E8KMeFejPu8_wj22JYpnA-MXnBJ5Am-k1Qvrv3OUb0Zt7qNh/s200/IMG_1777.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_nMtuw3E2tEJjpytEfNmCstiB93SP8ze9aVrKtqaj_prQbdwhiJPMCU9EjtlPsjNOTRPupCWgqIObp2GK6xOtCIRiEAq7nG6KUMuu9fssBBcTW-7s9AyfDBO0WZA_LUTMJgjSLGJurxP/s1600/IMG_1786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_nMtuw3E2tEJjpytEfNmCstiB93SP8ze9aVrKtqaj_prQbdwhiJPMCU9EjtlPsjNOTRPupCWgqIObp2GK6xOtCIRiEAq7nG6KUMuu9fssBBcTW-7s9AyfDBO0WZA_LUTMJgjSLGJurxP/s320/IMG_1786.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The route took us up through Paris where we stopped for a sit down lunch and one Adam Frederiksen met us and guided us through the local trails that were part of the route. Glad he did....could have been confusing otherwise...the trials followed the Grand River, but there were various offshoots and side trails. (Adam had also ridden the complete GNR...and Cannonball...earlier in the season). I have to emphasize the Paris trails were great!! This was my favourite part of the route...the trails a great combination of technical, twisty single track....rocks, roots, and punchy climbs...my 29+ was perfect for these trails. Adam had limited time to ride with us though...and soon we were on our own again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzhg1zk9zPHTng5hqDw2dpA1WwjLR9du-2iWYWRQgHrinW_t1uP6LdfRBu6UeI-p89uW9-o3Ret_1sTR-Wf7lSM9fIEbnG4PqPAQoFPcx2aitpFoC-qSd0zc82cBMR7GAUJs0FcnQzA0i/s1600/IMG_1784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzhg1zk9zPHTng5hqDw2dpA1WwjLR9du-2iWYWRQgHrinW_t1uP6LdfRBu6UeI-p89uW9-o3Ret_1sTR-Wf7lSM9fIEbnG4PqPAQoFPcx2aitpFoC-qSd0zc82cBMR7GAUJs0FcnQzA0i/s320/IMG_1784.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The route took us north through the town of Ayr, then west up to a bridge that was out and impassible across the river, so we had to take a bit of a detour.<br />
<br />
The route then turned north, following the river...some trail but mostly gravel roads. Daylight quickly began to wane and we were soon riding in the dark. It was time to find a place to camp for the night. That ended up being at Nith River Campground...more of an RV park with seasonal camping but there was a day camp site right near the washroom/shower facilities that ended up working out great. 172kms into the route.<br />
<br />
It was supposed to rain overnight, so we quickly set up camp...cooked some dinner, and hit the hay...with the intent to get going again by 7am.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hn6qD52FAyS-MNYQjzuXyARBHc4b295cp0eercF9T_aw8zBa73rTQDhBI3FP2_TJVsO89kkfdCj0QI1VJcbYurxmhV6XVFlMw41U1dMcIBLZAxtuIOzZLRl_EczeYz1AV31RvmifsdXU/s1600/IMG_1785.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hn6qD52FAyS-MNYQjzuXyARBHc4b295cp0eercF9T_aw8zBa73rTQDhBI3FP2_TJVsO89kkfdCj0QI1VJcbYurxmhV6XVFlMw41U1dMcIBLZAxtuIOzZLRl_EczeYz1AV31RvmifsdXU/s320/IMG_1785.PNG" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I woke at 5am to the sound of a couple of intermittent rain drops. I quickly packed up my camp which was only a tarp, sleeping pad, and bag...I don't like the hassle of a tent for single night set ups. Rick and Rob both had tents and got wet while the rain fell as they packed their tents. I hid out in the large covered porch of the facility next to us, and cooked a warm breakfast and coffee. The rain poured for over an hour then began to let up as I finished packing everything back on my bike. Rick and Rob took a while to pack while trying to dry their gear but by just after 7:30am we were back on the gravel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmu6OrLf6XXpcho97LwlAfDHtxU60YQ6-wgqUq7ofwQFNU1pwIFvTG8B8sd1OkR_uq01HttIX0wX1mnAwoOjiGB3gxAQgYqGTCcbPiPGeXtIzaHsL4FVbgZL0dP63ftD1fbTYHHqBGbxu/s1600/IMG_1791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmu6OrLf6XXpcho97LwlAfDHtxU60YQ6-wgqUq7ofwQFNU1pwIFvTG8B8sd1OkR_uq01HttIX0wX1mnAwoOjiGB3gxAQgYqGTCcbPiPGeXtIzaHsL4FVbgZL0dP63ftD1fbTYHHqBGbxu/s320/IMG_1791.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yC3dwzomRZ4ZOFy00bFCaBwNECwH5keDqj7cL1_F4AZbIyfgYhRujxFXJXazA_VS1Xs9L8-JCFihj4DyrFRH_bBVDaP3ynnXLUXwZAPZ0iHMDqFwalMuY1QZIflVdAxj66dClZGFkPaK/s1600/IMG_1790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yC3dwzomRZ4ZOFy00bFCaBwNECwH5keDqj7cL1_F4AZbIyfgYhRujxFXJXazA_VS1Xs9L8-JCFihj4DyrFRH_bBVDaP3ynnXLUXwZAPZ0iHMDqFwalMuY1QZIflVdAxj66dClZGFkPaK/s320/IMG_1790.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And mostly gravel it was...all the way to St Jacobs...where we stopped for a sit down brunch at the Eco Cafe. There was some pavement on this part of the route too...to link up gravel bits. Rob put the boots to us with his skinny tire commuter set up on the pavement on gravel...but we made sure he paid for it when we hit trails. We are kind like that...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_PwnwehFPoL55VkEfq16DPqG26levcdscAGNwa3Gh_ZC_RDG26xr7Rq9FYnG2NJc8AsFJIS7c3bL1wSvK02YQEE_Svj4lp8lZ8i9UmnUZluyKswdAGb6y9Pl5LsRzMd_x9mgqmO8aeK3/s1600/IMG_1782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_PwnwehFPoL55VkEfq16DPqG26levcdscAGNwa3Gh_ZC_RDG26xr7Rq9FYnG2NJc8AsFJIS7c3bL1wSvK02YQEE_Svj4lp8lZ8i9UmnUZluyKswdAGb6y9Pl5LsRzMd_x9mgqmO8aeK3/s320/IMG_1782.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Off of some technical (rocky, rooty, climby) riverside trail </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where the single track veered off through a meadow, so we stopped to eat </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and wait for Rob to catch back on.</div>
<br />
<br />
The part of the route from St Jacobs through the Kitchener-Waterloo region included a load of double track that wound through many of the local parks and camps along the riverside. Very, very cool riding....but very, very climby! Long steep climbs...followed by long swoopy descents...one after the other...literally a series of hill repeats. The long flowy descents though, almost made the hill repeats fun...almost...on loaded bikes after almost 300kms of riding. (Keep in mind if we had started this ride from the 'official' start point these trails would be closer to the beginning of the route.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc00dWJvwWlpytT8Jo3Ygx8ij4dXUnCdisud4H8J7pLN1PlyLC7UrMQ-5nUE19_mkglsCUdmSZpZMl2HDcSq4ytt3zaGofDp4iRl1ml6PfIaMs9V4dRkkqyp-iLoiASCcrzprZ7BV0V9pM/s1600/IMG_1792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc00dWJvwWlpytT8Jo3Ygx8ij4dXUnCdisud4H8J7pLN1PlyLC7UrMQ-5nUE19_mkglsCUdmSZpZMl2HDcSq4ytt3zaGofDp4iRl1ml6PfIaMs9V4dRkkqyp-iLoiASCcrzprZ7BV0V9pM/s320/IMG_1792.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A flat bit...</div>
<br />
We were joined by Ana Maria Bogatan...a local mtb-er to help guide us through a stretch of these trails. It was great to have friends join in. Especially locals familiar with the trails...thanks Ana and Adam!!<br />
<br />
Part of these trails led through a cattle pasture. And today the cattle were directly on the trail...sitting peacefully chewing away...tossing us the occasional gaze as we rode through...even the big guy. This was so cool!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx17jGGG24fkTMuDDQWJTI0fkwiUHLTsfmFMqJDG0gZokGOUWe8huG0bLH6h6s2QC9aSrWKtlQL0l4vk0HYGwKU7NidgDpyrS2nD-burtFMTejAY99D93Fqx-WjJ2e6xR3zNenTc5SZSzO/s1600/IMG_1789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx17jGGG24fkTMuDDQWJTI0fkwiUHLTsfmFMqJDG0gZokGOUWe8huG0bLH6h6s2QC9aSrWKtlQL0l4vk0HYGwKU7NidgDpyrS2nD-burtFMTejAY99D93Fqx-WjJ2e6xR3zNenTc5SZSzO/s320/IMG_1789.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
These trails eventually lead to the Cambridge area where a bit of road and gravel took us through the Puslinch trail system (Puslinch is a great trail system, a mix of flowy twisty single track, and gnarly challenging punchy technical climbs...built on a gravel quarry so the recent rains drain and dry up quickly). The GNR route takes one mainly through the fireroad/double track that leads through the centre of the trail system.<br />
<br />
From the Puslinch trails the route is gravel and pavement to the LaFarge trails. The LaFarge trails...double track/fireroad. But if you want some of the steepest, loosely gravelled, rutted from the rain climbs on a loaded bikepacking rig...here you are. Challenging, tough, exhausting on any bike...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHK4mhRh0DncHa9CiOlf6Enx3DEuhMorTlBNmg2Hy0VbAXKKBEWjBAViM6lWe_FI-whpl66rXU7RcTivU21gSyiW1OjIqPaKW6zTF6ycEn6d5ERmfsIxSKKXR2uEnKFI5sLpFqcPqjSVR/s1600/tired-cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="219" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHK4mhRh0DncHa9CiOlf6Enx3DEuhMorTlBNmg2Hy0VbAXKKBEWjBAViM6lWe_FI-whpl66rXU7RcTivU21gSyiW1OjIqPaKW6zTF6ycEn6d5ERmfsIxSKKXR2uEnKFI5sLpFqcPqjSVR/s1600/tired-cat.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then its a road blast down Middleton road...it was now dark, and getting late...we pushed it hard..very hard, on the road sections to get 'er done...and to limit road riding in the dark. Middleton road lead into the Christie Lake trails. The trails here were still soft from the rains (it looked like it rained much more here than it did at our camp site)...so we stayed off the soft trails not wanting to cause trail damage, especially with Rob's skinny tires. Instead we sped through on the fireroad that leads through the trail system. We were almost done!!<br />
<br />
The Spencer Creek trails lead to our end of the actual GNR route (to the point where we jumped in)...and from there it was a quick 5km road blast home!! Where our spouses had met to wait for us. (I use a SPOT device that has a share page so friends and family...and whoever else...can track our progress on these rides...).<br />
<br />
A 188.5 km day...we were done!! The Strava data for the day <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/2769113477" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
We were whipped...exhausted...done...toast. But we had completed the GNR.<br />
<br />
Thank you Rick and Rob for the ass kicking! Thank you to our spouses for letting us come back home! Thank you Adam and Ana for the guiding! Big thanks to Matt Kadey and Tabi for putting together amazing bikepacking routes...this has to take unimaginable amount of time and effort!!<br />
<br />
So, what's next?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKb7CYFSaU00FZ8qUCwBmDjtGW24JFfHACWkObBCDL8uo1bGsOa3e72m0yY5gqU48CFK9Q_WzKf-i1CUgs4rV3aG811F4uG8CxHhv8Xfe_-nw1bgX5y7Nlv007d09fr3CGnV2ihb0IF4DK/s1600/what+next+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKb7CYFSaU00FZ8qUCwBmDjtGW24JFfHACWkObBCDL8uo1bGsOa3e72m0yY5gqU48CFK9Q_WzKf-i1CUgs4rV3aG811F4uG8CxHhv8Xfe_-nw1bgX5y7Nlv007d09fr3CGnV2ihb0IF4DK/s320/what+next+cat.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Yeah...there is more. Another post to come...soon.<br />
<br />
Stay posted!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZQW4xpIMGEi9hgRdljpf0XO9yC-75CkvpfYdJkzVnYsnF8I-l0MsXhoCFAYuEr-H-g0AEOX9N6fOyGh__CPu6fp84PDzXbk46BjAmf7ZqPicevp79PjXLmbulhiligQG3Wb85X3qtEzw/s1600/what-to-do-next-cat.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="500" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZQW4xpIMGEi9hgRdljpf0XO9yC-75CkvpfYdJkzVnYsnF8I-l0MsXhoCFAYuEr-H-g0AEOX9N6fOyGh__CPu6fp84PDzXbk46BjAmf7ZqPicevp79PjXLmbulhiligQG3Wb85X3qtEzw/s320/what-to-do-next-cat.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgna2FzfPhCFu1ZHgzyXEb1Y0LoKV530jalQJ1jd9SfmN9w2ElDv8E7vftp69iSJAcydBOo_hIiHSehCdT0X9R-frKnfvePPPSdZisJvb4XdcFTh0RV_BySGls1ct4KeN6tIj6nHNmGJxYP/s1600/Tired-Cat-Meme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgna2FzfPhCFu1ZHgzyXEb1Y0LoKV530jalQJ1jd9SfmN9w2ElDv8E7vftp69iSJAcydBOo_hIiHSehCdT0X9R-frKnfvePPPSdZisJvb4XdcFTh0RV_BySGls1ct4KeN6tIj6nHNmGJxYP/s320/Tired-Cat-Meme.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-86911862392515528972019-10-16T09:52:00.000-04:002019-10-16T09:52:20.155-04:008 Hours of Hurtin'So yeah, I have been very neglectful, lazy, maybe even a bit of procrastination...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSer0YQLo6o5V887zAL23raz68Avkst5FT0cEzoJTUgWEHUzBbwTHkTD3hthLMp7fYGlWrjpDW-ZQSstfk87kkpuakPV2gUIGXe6ekMlokmHVaAnPhoKOOymOg1Giow0NLRZ0qkREvv6WN/s1600/Procrastinating-Cat-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="500" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSer0YQLo6o5V887zAL23raz68Avkst5FT0cEzoJTUgWEHUzBbwTHkTD3hthLMp7fYGlWrjpDW-ZQSstfk87kkpuakPV2gUIGXe6ekMlokmHVaAnPhoKOOymOg1Giow0NLRZ0qkREvv6WN/s320/Procrastinating-Cat-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
especially considering there have been a couple of topics that I wanted to post, chat, shout out about.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMy7DTt_jY_H33gSJcbZ7hIqLFBYT9vrIlsJqyWlSPXIyhOu6_UaZnYAWwPs5UtmWHlavrZxXT1Sgp00mpTCoSebxTWTKQla649190OimzgElST8TEZfVKLQucdNCJBDuS-KtN5-EBvOWS/s1600/Procrastinating-Cat-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMy7DTt_jY_H33gSJcbZ7hIqLFBYT9vrIlsJqyWlSPXIyhOu6_UaZnYAWwPs5UtmWHlavrZxXT1Sgp00mpTCoSebxTWTKQla649190OimzgElST8TEZfVKLQucdNCJBDuS-KtN5-EBvOWS/s320/Procrastinating-Cat-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj776ZOXfgRhA7-qmauy42xAelfa5UQs_u7GE0ygyr9Iru0vp3XeH9_bgMBArKCB6SHk3gqNKudxzgo7MIWqROFZfCQVdue3q4NDbg0Y6TyMh98_boJvhic7ziWeyKSRxCQv4cEqm3vg_kK/s1600/Procrastinating-Cat-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="392" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj776ZOXfgRhA7-qmauy42xAelfa5UQs_u7GE0ygyr9Iru0vp3XeH9_bgMBArKCB6SHk3gqNKudxzgo7MIWqROFZfCQVdue3q4NDbg0Y6TyMh98_boJvhic7ziWeyKSRxCQv4cEqm3vg_kK/s320/Procrastinating-Cat-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIceQSxFmwjayNCYfvBpP1ccjNzoDaBOifd75pZxtSphyphenhyphenvPLzadoiyGRJoZli26pe8qOOHcE1_nLRzvy4bYywW8eYRFEwqRyi0NDfn-386ad1rP9tVFKYEB1UYSen_DgBz7dhcY-j7K8G/s1600/Procrastinating-Cat-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIceQSxFmwjayNCYfvBpP1ccjNzoDaBOifd75pZxtSphyphenhyphenvPLzadoiyGRJoZli26pe8qOOHcE1_nLRzvy4bYywW8eYRFEwqRyi0NDfn-386ad1rP9tVFKYEB1UYSen_DgBz7dhcY-j7K8G/s1600/Procrastinating-Cat-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Anyways...I'm putting off procrastinating until later, so get ready for a couple of quick posts over the next few days...I hope...starting with this one.<br />
<br />
As I have mentioned in past posts...if you can remember that far back, I entered this season with the intention to back off from racing, and just to get back to enjoying riding. The events I did enter, like the Spring Epic 8 Hour, the 24 Hours of Summer Solstice, and the Quebec Singletrack Experience, or backpacking the BT700, I approached with the the same intention...to enjoy the ride. Those were the major events I planned to attend this season; along with a whole lot of just plain non-event riding...and then this came up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQiXwYv5nzKdrdEQViYzZTNbBrRsM-XTsgC6nayFsHzKIaqnl_BnAN4E0LW0Y7tW-VHIeljS3vBexYfTAyMadoCOGdktFEkZ13Mzbc9n-9BBZDvb58dJXhl2UDa994ctVwrSi6kroOhobn/s1600/8+hours+of+hurtin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="742" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQiXwYv5nzKdrdEQViYzZTNbBrRsM-XTsgC6nayFsHzKIaqnl_BnAN4E0LW0Y7tW-VHIeljS3vBexYfTAyMadoCOGdktFEkZ13Mzbc9n-9BBZDvb58dJXhl2UDa994ctVwrSi6kroOhobn/s320/8+hours+of+hurtin.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />
And this event was intriguingly super-cool for a number of reasons. First super-cool reason: It was being run\promoted by MarcWS. Marc ended up inadvertently, unexpectedly, last minute supporting me for the 24 Hours of Summer Solstice...and did an amazingly, totally over-the-top job of it. So I felt compelled to support his venture. Plus Marc is a single speeder...it doesn't get any cooler than that.<br />
<br />
Second super-cool reason: It was a gravel race. I have done many 8 hour mountain bike races, but I have never heard of an 8 hour gravel race...I was very intrigued! Especially considering my gravel bike is single speed...which leads to the next super-cool reason:<br />
<br />
The course. A 27 kilometre loop...with over 300m of climbing per loop. On an almost closed course. The course was basically a fireroad. A single lane (real single...like one lane...fitting one vehicle), linking the odd nearby cottage and the abundant ATV/snowmobile/mountain bike trails...which meant almost no vehicle traffic. I think I may have seen two vehicles the entire day...almost certainly locals driving with cautious attention. The surface included rocky hardpack, loose gravel, and the odd bit of sand where road work/culvert installation had recently been done. Super-tough...but super-cool.<br />
<br />
Fourth super-cool reason: An aid station every 5 kilometres! Because cell coverage on course was sketchy at best...mostly non-existent, there was always an aid station with in close walking proximity. And every aid station was super supportive...with at least two volunteers heartily cheering you on at every lap! Very motivating...especially as the day wore on and the single speed legs started getting rubbery.<br />
<br />
Anyways, I could go on with great reasons to do this race, but these were the main ones. So..off I went to Haliburton. I stayed at a buddy's (thanks ChrisB!!) cottage for the weekend...a ten minute drive from the race venue. Lois came along too (that never happens) for a relaxing weekend in the Haliburton forest. My friend JohnL also attended the race. We were both on Kona Ti Roves...but his was geared. I was set up with a 40-13 single speed, and I was running 29x1.8 old school mtb race tires (Specialized Renegades)...29x1.8 equates to 700x45 in roadie terms. I ran them softer at between 35 and 40 psi to help soak up some of the bumps, lumps, and chatter...hopefully float better over the sandy bits, and make for a more comfortable 8 hours.<br />
<br />
The race started with a light cool rain...but the weather warmed up nicely as the day went on. The 27 kilometre loop took me about an hour for the first couple of laps...but the repeated climbing, quickly caused that time to stretch out. The course was basically roller after roller...with a couple of the climbs just long and steep enough to cause me to slow speed grind just to barely make it over the top (I guess the fact that I am currently weighing in at over 200lbs doesn't help...). The descents were fast and somewhat sketchy into loose gravel and sand....a couple of them around sharp curves. It took me three laps to learn to slow down around the curved loose descent at km 13...yeah I overcooked it three times in a row having to ride it out in the ditch of long grass...luckily surviving intact each time. (Ya...slow learner...). The cheering volunteers at each aid station were a very welcome motivation.<br />
<br />
There were also great photog volunteers on scene...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fn5MkkcNV6HuAQdeQNSob0-2sFefr-ixZv8wTs-plneJOIobiNNpDTB8dVNet7Rrq00gOqOm_kgJutzeNJr8spyGMvPVuIKkzVDLVjXEIQBjDMbkWvybYjw35a6xj_O2rVX9FFEabE9N/s1600/8+hours+haliburton+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fn5MkkcNV6HuAQdeQNSob0-2sFefr-ixZv8wTs-plneJOIobiNNpDTB8dVNet7Rrq00gOqOm_kgJutzeNJr8spyGMvPVuIKkzVDLVjXEIQBjDMbkWvybYjw35a6xj_O2rVX9FFEabE9N/s320/8+hours+haliburton+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9U31x_eZHVS_EQBYZ-fRR_A8XMWOn8mFteeUBoWK_GQ0h6oNIHHYZlJXilzEiAIKipWhODnOGTm77ZqkSwir8WkBpws01qBPmnlKsAO0eCYacD3gSXrHMKLMLP98IEbkNGNG-ZyVRnT0N/s1600/8+hours+haliburton+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9U31x_eZHVS_EQBYZ-fRR_A8XMWOn8mFteeUBoWK_GQ0h6oNIHHYZlJXilzEiAIKipWhODnOGTm77ZqkSwir8WkBpws01qBPmnlKsAO0eCYacD3gSXrHMKLMLP98IEbkNGNG-ZyVRnT0N/s320/8+hours+haliburton+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVHWqGBnxaWQaeChQ36YrMlgKlfMq8PvQwkAZ5K8WH-Dbk8qPjgWTZv5jbrpodUl2eUHe8P6Ori1mOKzFE5ozQR8DOpmRGNr_C380P4CCXb-ettSVrkti7CQSmLD4TiuKuL9pd92-jUCI/s1600/8+hours+haliburton+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="960" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVHWqGBnxaWQaeChQ36YrMlgKlfMq8PvQwkAZ5K8WH-Dbk8qPjgWTZv5jbrpodUl2eUHe8P6Ori1mOKzFE5ozQR8DOpmRGNr_C380P4CCXb-ettSVrkti7CQSmLD4TiuKuL9pd92-jUCI/s320/8+hours+haliburton+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for the great pics Jean!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Photo creds: Jean Horsely)</div>
<br />
As it turned out I was the only solo single speeder, so there wasn't a single speed category. I went into the race hoping to get in 5 laps...mostly worried about my tall gearing, and the extensive climbing...but as I rolled in to finish lap 5 I realized I had time to complete another lap. I pulled up to my pit/cooler (ya the solo pits were right at the finish/transition zone), and realized I was out of water, and wasn't smart enough to reload at one of the aid stations. However, as every good mountain bike knows...there are always beers in the cooler. So one of those beers went into a water bottle and off I went. None too fast...my one hour lap times had stretched into almost 1:15 for lap 5. However, I went out for every lap with a grin on my face (that doesn't always happen in a mtb 8 hour). The course was just so much fun....the climbs were just enough of a grueling challenge, the descents were high speed fun, the other racers were heartily pleasant....everyone was enjoying this unique event! And the volunteers were amazing!!<br />
<br />
As I finished lap 6 I was totally cooked. I had about another hour to get in a 7th lap...but there was no chance of that happening...I was done. The climb muscles were totally toasted...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0Cz_zStHUmzFKLh3DIgzHUmlBi_I_S0x-OP0eKNIG_8QxQOdElvv9iDfW6I7CLZK1t1uqL5QszONSER4v63lXSDPPbIoFKq1sxEgpFI0vfNRd6AUQ0UrnY0qmJtHBRAcWeQ6yfXCsgh4/s1600/8+Hours+Hurtin+in+Haliburton+Results.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0Cz_zStHUmzFKLh3DIgzHUmlBi_I_S0x-OP0eKNIG_8QxQOdElvv9iDfW6I7CLZK1t1uqL5QszONSER4v63lXSDPPbIoFKq1sxEgpFI0vfNRd6AUQ0UrnY0qmJtHBRAcWeQ6yfXCsgh4/s400/8+Hours+Hurtin+in+Haliburton+Results.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But, I had come in 5th out of 21 solo males. I was happy with that. (My buddy John had managed 7 laps...awesome performance!!).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And I am already stoked (you can't have a mountain bike blog without the word 'stoked' in it at least once, right??), to do this race again next year!! 8 hours of gravel...amazing course, great people...nothing but pure fun!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you are looking for something different...and you enjoy a fun, tough challenge...you have to do this thing in 2020. I have a feeling this event is going to become another popular classic!! Be part of it!! I'm sayin!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So there ya have it. 8 Hours of Hurtin' in Haliburton. Just the first of the blog posts I need to catch up on...ya, I know...about time!! So what's the next one?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Soon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Stay posted!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0ZblqdVuCH9g49446IDG7J_KnUT48esiwfqZtasoS7o6zg8c0o6XFrMAX97jSyxwSITw9dvRhhDtU3MUig-B9ZuSJ_enxr1RZRQsoTd1IgjRNoKVhRkKcHIP60MqFZTfI2gO8wzSOLMT/s1600/Procrastinating-Cat-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="561" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0ZblqdVuCH9g49446IDG7J_KnUT48esiwfqZtasoS7o6zg8c0o6XFrMAX97jSyxwSITw9dvRhhDtU3MUig-B9ZuSJ_enxr1RZRQsoTd1IgjRNoKVhRkKcHIP60MqFZTfI2gO8wzSOLMT/s320/Procrastinating-Cat-5.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-50597355040080732502019-08-22T13:36:00.002-04:002019-08-22T13:42:56.725-04:00Quebec SingleTrack Experience - A Race, A Ride, An AdventureOK...it's been almost 2 weeks since we got back from QSE (Quebec SingleTrack Experience) so I figured I'm overdue, as always, to put a review of the event into a post.<br />
<br />
QSE...a 6 day mountain bike stage event, unlike most other stage races. Each day a unique mountain bike experience, each day in another exceptional mtb destination. I posted daily details of the experience on my facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RiotOnRacing/">https://www.facebook.com/RiotOnRacing/</a> For all the exciting details, check out the facebook page. However, in order to keep this post from becoming a novelic saga, I will keep this to a briefer review.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_m8y1bYNzGCh9D9d09Vj6O0PzQAF0pYAy6MXhfUyNRE6-cdq1ACUsEawxCxLnj1s-w5_NJ9Fi25j5Gj8VV_1KQ27WCeA1u-zYZd_Lx4M51pU8stTc9JKFkCkbt9IhxDmdPLxDVGEXhdi7/s1600/IMG_1412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_m8y1bYNzGCh9D9d09Vj6O0PzQAF0pYAy6MXhfUyNRE6-cdq1ACUsEawxCxLnj1s-w5_NJ9Fi25j5Gj8VV_1KQ27WCeA1u-zYZd_Lx4M51pU8stTc9JKFkCkbt9IhxDmdPLxDVGEXhdi7/s320/IMG_1412.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
packed and ready</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YIwJvnzPFjaCuMg-2MXVSQMxVmo8RG-oaXWSWW_zyObV_kg9ACUCWFasBDXHxBmI0yC9yBBht7PqphaMMcJszyPWl1b5Wo6bBJdOrD1fLgUSdrG5w5c-N4xsyaoNNXeXzDgP0dyLJZRF/s1600/IMG_1413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YIwJvnzPFjaCuMg-2MXVSQMxVmo8RG-oaXWSWW_zyObV_kg9ACUCWFasBDXHxBmI0yC9yBBht7PqphaMMcJszyPWl1b5Wo6bBJdOrD1fLgUSdrG5w5c-N4xsyaoNNXeXzDgP0dyLJZRF/s320/IMG_1413.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We drove up with NewfieSteve and PowerPaul</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvO37DU9Bt1gIwLjX2N_-dYYIGVA81-BPJ2DMkKsKVo-4VH3Abd5LJeTcl5I7Tc4Nvgzq3u2MbcigbqN240ftgFEi5wzJII4LcW30SgWcQufZgoeOB_othUh_122FJ0Tt5asSpPWJC3FEt/s1600/IMG_1417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvO37DU9Bt1gIwLjX2N_-dYYIGVA81-BPJ2DMkKsKVo-4VH3Abd5LJeTcl5I7Tc4Nvgzq3u2MbcigbqN240ftgFEi5wzJII4LcW30SgWcQufZgoeOB_othUh_122FJ0Tt5asSpPWJC3FEt/s320/IMG_1417.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Home was a college residence for 7 nights.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1_-spJd2D07DiWgkPa10xLz0VUievBtXfoZAThP5yz9wqEnoUteEN4jmZGOCv9jd_RSonl_C8Fkz_5Jc_gRSrOQ-OlNAckUTNUiP0zNze0CCj0J8rv4ZLUiIie1JYVOycfzdP5Fb7n3S/s1600/IMG_1439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1_-spJd2D07DiWgkPa10xLz0VUievBtXfoZAThP5yz9wqEnoUteEN4jmZGOCv9jd_RSonl_C8Fkz_5Jc_gRSrOQ-OlNAckUTNUiP0zNze0CCj0J8rv4ZLUiIie1JYVOycfzdP5Fb7n3S/s320/IMG_1439.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At the HUB</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukzv0tbaUIgwTqe3y7mx2cY_cAEOfv0Kfu_hXnWo-5c9Wkp9A95diaeEK5yZJVzcsuz5ji5nTppSY2Owux28FPSQmA_lDHad7tqfqWx2AW2beb_GyVyppunbxcyMWdMGZWUR16yDFtG9x/s1600/IMG_1423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukzv0tbaUIgwTqe3y7mx2cY_cAEOfv0Kfu_hXnWo-5c9Wkp9A95diaeEK5yZJVzcsuz5ji5nTppSY2Owux28FPSQmA_lDHad7tqfqWx2AW2beb_GyVyppunbxcyMWdMGZWUR16yDFtG9x/s320/IMG_1423.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1QnZjuWlaRhNzBDw5abS9dPrS23EvazVqjM6OQz-hOfL3VQXx1zIl38G272cZGRtYnrV4ISny_D4v8fRNzbuAamYuKdMib44qh6oaqFKmYloIwOKbTT1-CpAXPDgcNfV7ssdaLLJiCTC/s1600/IMG_1424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1QnZjuWlaRhNzBDw5abS9dPrS23EvazVqjM6OQz-hOfL3VQXx1zIl38G272cZGRtYnrV4ISny_D4v8fRNzbuAamYuKdMib44qh6oaqFKmYloIwOKbTT1-CpAXPDgcNfV7ssdaLLJiCTC/s320/IMG_1424.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The event centred itself around a permanent base camp (called the HUB), including a covered stage, bar, information/kit/clothing kiosk, seating, firepit, massage stations, yoga site. Compared to other stage races that require daily relocation, the permanent base left one time to rest/recover, or visit the many nearby historic sites.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGKrMltKKG6pNRLGLUpXYKmKQtpgxvzo0s1ElrOdXf7YQa83E8XaB3xt4gbOzudnus_yXuFI_EIZ9ZOOoU7AWK1FehxKXUZDluI0Bu8srE6jBGLNRpMw7EuhRyKzedxBuULT5gzh883Q9/s1600/IMG_1431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGKrMltKKG6pNRLGLUpXYKmKQtpgxvzo0s1ElrOdXf7YQa83E8XaB3xt4gbOzudnus_yXuFI_EIZ9ZOOoU7AWK1FehxKXUZDluI0Bu8srE6jBGLNRpMw7EuhRyKzedxBuULT5gzh883Q9/s320/IMG_1431.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lois loved the event as much as I did!</div>
<br />
Lois attended with me...she did the tourist thing each day as I rode the event. The event included extra activities and excursions, and with the HUB being within walking distance of the old city there were literally unlimited options to keep Lois busy. (She absolutely loved the experience, and is as excited as me...or more...to go back!!). This really was our vacation...I planned to enjoy my rides, not so much race them...and come back every afternoon/evening so Lois and I could hang out together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGYIwswkQppa4KQArDp0HUyYlJjwTjkxpt9h3A2y35fI3Q7ikIFvdOHHuG8nRo8F1nR10EZs-LpqBINISLZJJE3AhI9aYPTEQ4t2zjCTVi1e0YSvRuL2Y5WLCpdh0DwhXQBFWj1JmQz5m/s1600/IMG_1438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGYIwswkQppa4KQArDp0HUyYlJjwTjkxpt9h3A2y35fI3Q7ikIFvdOHHuG8nRo8F1nR10EZs-LpqBINISLZJJE3AhI9aYPTEQ4t2zjCTVi1e0YSvRuL2Y5WLCpdh0DwhXQBFWj1JmQz5m/s320/IMG_1438.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The event included a night ride of the Old City, the night before Day 1</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsSenQPOV_8quHd97-z9HHWqUmXyGH2YPMpRXTGuZF1gL5WafS4_a5Z5EBJ2IcJYjbVa5aidG7kDQnJxntkH8M3n8ONxzm-935jLW3enmlQ8fkLGVcsN1r2mv0vsfJ7CgbEn7uW9QdbcC/s1600/IMG_1435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsSenQPOV_8quHd97-z9HHWqUmXyGH2YPMpRXTGuZF1gL5WafS4_a5Z5EBJ2IcJYjbVa5aidG7kDQnJxntkH8M3n8ONxzm-935jLW3enmlQ8fkLGVcsN1r2mv0vsfJ7CgbEn7uW9QdbcC/s320/IMG_1435.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At the Citadel with JennR and PowerPaul</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI44ynHapGk9lhZdMZ1TPiDdHq3n3K7di02SswAwX-z0MxtCX4au0mt6TELSijm-OM1Ii7APYHCy0qezEiA967IPwP5WKOprBDCVBAqV-HEOtr9szPQgZ552281XRiMW4fu1hHlBHXBr7-/s1600/IMG_1445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI44ynHapGk9lhZdMZ1TPiDdHq3n3K7di02SswAwX-z0MxtCX4au0mt6TELSijm-OM1Ii7APYHCy0qezEiA967IPwP5WKOprBDCVBAqV-HEOtr9szPQgZ552281XRiMW4fu1hHlBHXBr7-/s320/IMG_1445.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Getting ready to roll Day 1 Vallee Bras-du-Nord</div>
<br />
But mostly....the sucesss of the event centred around the quality and variety of the trails. Trails that are genuinely world class...including the only permanent stage on the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup circuit for the last 30 years. I've always felt fortunate to live in south-central Ontario (is that where we are??), to be so near such a variety of great trail options...but the trails at QSE are so much above and beyond what we have here. After all, we were in the mountains...and the event included a daily shuttle out to another daily unique experience.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgnkGo876IUEIoLJR7I-mBDCvRctutHRMoRojyEciAWmvKEHJO4F_fUCgkKyFhDi3u0uMIvkwDK6JSNRPkefnZJYoxB94eS6Uy7A-oAHncFybUO-RexAmBCMWeHS9TOhDCp9d03JWTHTS/s1600/IMG_1475+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgnkGo876IUEIoLJR7I-mBDCvRctutHRMoRojyEciAWmvKEHJO4F_fUCgkKyFhDi3u0uMIvkwDK6JSNRPkefnZJYoxB94eS6Uy7A-oAHncFybUO-RexAmBCMWeHS9TOhDCp9d03JWTHTS/s320/IMG_1475+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqKMk8LWqwEtL8pJUiiYEViSgg6hLZbV6BtozqxXpFRCXfaofsBsbr5YGD7X9QUPNeKJKsrPVV3ctHL1s8N7TiCl6hcQC_-lKPIZY73ieslExxG4yYtjNSivhXFVROxeAVfS-Hr8_ssim/s1600/IMG_1473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="720" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqKMk8LWqwEtL8pJUiiYEViSgg6hLZbV6BtozqxXpFRCXfaofsBsbr5YGD7X9QUPNeKJKsrPVV3ctHL1s8N7TiCl6hcQC_-lKPIZY73ieslExxG4yYtjNSivhXFVROxeAVfS-Hr8_ssim/s320/IMG_1473.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PowerPaul</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieoteuxBZhfcx6duchYi8m4PMm4X9dzP3aW01iencFMAL_HlTyr9PNKIuf1oUGP8XEqii8PtLffuO9MM6xlBI47byV9GJWdCbzgpgNtlR40z3plNSMNMJ4_XPzjPqQFzsL1sL5QC2Deouy/s1600/IMG_1474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieoteuxBZhfcx6duchYi8m4PMm4X9dzP3aW01iencFMAL_HlTyr9PNKIuf1oUGP8XEqii8PtLffuO9MM6xlBI47byV9GJWdCbzgpgNtlR40z3plNSMNMJ4_XPzjPqQFzsL1sL5QC2Deouy/s320/IMG_1474.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
NewfieSteve</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7AdNaZIU325iVYLDDQPaFn5NoUHH98yLQ_v_E1vUamwnPf7n_A-NwKWJ1LX3vXR7_aOhgDOwS3eH_JNQQXRQlOW_b3i3vMJAadHgkv2OGhUMv9qvrAUVbL-jTIfGwRO0QGX_se9FxLhJ/s1600/IMG_1477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7AdNaZIU325iVYLDDQPaFn5NoUHH98yLQ_v_E1vUamwnPf7n_A-NwKWJ1LX3vXR7_aOhgDOwS3eH_JNQQXRQlOW_b3i3vMJAadHgkv2OGhUMv9qvrAUVbL-jTIfGwRO0QGX_se9FxLhJ/s320/IMG_1477.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A quote from my daily facebook page post during the event sums it up nicely...<br />
<br />
"<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> A mountain bike Mecca. Today’s route required a gondola ride to the top of the mountain to the start line. From the top the route had us descend and climb the mountain twice. Sooo much tech. A brand new $150,000 trail, with so much high speed burmed flow the momentum threw you into technical stuff before you could second guess. So often I cleared a portion of the trail thinking “There is no way I should have attempted that on a</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">ny bike!” Drops. Air catching jumps landing in roots and/or rocks. The climbs no less crazy. Looong rocky rooty steep climbs. Not ideal for the ribs I injured yesterday. My poor Raijin (Ti hardtail 29er) didn’t know what hit it today. I went in planning to adopt my 8 hour solo pace to play it as safe as possible. And I mostly managed to accomplish that. I rode with friends instead of raced them. Friends like Julie Rossal, Rick Ross (also on a Ti hardtail), the team of Steve Mcrossan and Mary Quinn. So many friends from Team Ontario are smashing the leaderboard!! I was happy to just stay upright. Such a great day, amazing trails, what a venue. Friends. MTB. Adventure. Ending each day back with Lois. "</span><br />
<br />
And this went on day after day for 6 days!! Ridiculously long, steep, high tech descents...high speed flow...4-5km climbs...at least 2 each day. Amazing mountain vistas. Each day, a unique experience that left you exhausted physically and mentally, but so enjoyable it left you wanting more...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUH6P5nTlQkLg0c79ubQ3WYRbCgkoBgJB9Kr4As9XNK9Tsh5lB4QiGglrWqOUPugPb0d2EnDGi7pRiW4EdxF7SNuelpIptwDTOnsjtdnTGLw3YNiAoHj5mePNeyHTTAPdYywKY_A8wVSF/s1600/IMG_1479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUH6P5nTlQkLg0c79ubQ3WYRbCgkoBgJB9Kr4As9XNK9Tsh5lB4QiGglrWqOUPugPb0d2EnDGi7pRiW4EdxF7SNuelpIptwDTOnsjtdnTGLw3YNiAoHj5mePNeyHTTAPdYywKY_A8wVSF/s320/IMG_1479.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More Newfie</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4j6uPsAeRUfc3FuY5DHRP2PBU6MCb5ElA7-fPEXyJAU7579IHngv-4D8um5i_l14G1Xs65zE4FkOySB2XsSiANs_siPpzQzHI_dzT3goOJ2bmM3VFLZ7ZxrWUXiVy0V5ZSG4HJ5z1tGHJ/s1600/IMG_1484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4j6uPsAeRUfc3FuY5DHRP2PBU6MCb5ElA7-fPEXyJAU7579IHngv-4D8um5i_l14G1Xs65zE4FkOySB2XsSiANs_siPpzQzHI_dzT3goOJ2bmM3VFLZ7ZxrWUXiVy0V5ZSG4HJ5z1tGHJ/s320/IMG_1484.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
I have so many pics...trying to choose ones to include is a challenge!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_DOTW2gfnP3a8XFq4Hu4C44F2SufaVSzkzSTdkSNBYSNM9TblXtou2jofaxcYOH2JtzGyZaf_-KHkHC9Wp2qBv_LdR7_9n6gz5pJsh59ws_h73AJzyrwZYMfhrJsclrr8g6qM8APkxQ3/s1600/IMG_1453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_DOTW2gfnP3a8XFq4Hu4C44F2SufaVSzkzSTdkSNBYSNM9TblXtou2jofaxcYOH2JtzGyZaf_-KHkHC9Wp2qBv_LdR7_9n6gz5pJsh59ws_h73AJzyrwZYMfhrJsclrr8g6qM8APkxQ3/s320/IMG_1453.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaxSuABnTMZDqjahOiwt12T9leVfz9yvjv5u8ZCVs8qucPijkSE7y_1lu7h7yY81XVy0qIqSgL1epdAsiSKeZscyfP4VrA-nRSi-Srof6O3gOddByKUZPy99v_3gIM4FitoODB641IOx0/s1600/IMG_1486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaxSuABnTMZDqjahOiwt12T9leVfz9yvjv5u8ZCVs8qucPijkSE7y_1lu7h7yY81XVy0qIqSgL1epdAsiSKeZscyfP4VrA-nRSi-Srof6O3gOddByKUZPy99v_3gIM4FitoODB641IOx0/s320/IMG_1486.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftpYu1bI-cnrHmTw2FZF2wLIS0VuO8OYtm5g3QnSUo0QDMC6f1sduMo5LVapzQmeC1Q8TbxfIgPw8QQ8ujCuFMT4EDYNtEgawdVFtH3K-pc8HyLBgC0lDots8f10ziO5nQJi6719jioPL/s1600/IMG_1489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="720" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftpYu1bI-cnrHmTw2FZF2wLIS0VuO8OYtm5g3QnSUo0QDMC6f1sduMo5LVapzQmeC1Q8TbxfIgPw8QQ8ujCuFMT4EDYNtEgawdVFtH3K-pc8HyLBgC0lDots8f10ziO5nQJi6719jioPL/s320/IMG_1489.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just one of the climbs</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2f60JkkFy2923hEx6PNuCVxj_bCQgT7hk3iK5SHppfbzSysXCObtw-WaUlMCflq1wuvaHjJ1ee9abnF-lF2aLOBazZEmhHqkEdRUH_0cJFLM2IT6WIwczSDBAL9DO-iyJDSjP5oTOZgQ/s1600/IMG_1490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="720" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2f60JkkFy2923hEx6PNuCVxj_bCQgT7hk3iK5SHppfbzSysXCObtw-WaUlMCflq1wuvaHjJ1ee9abnF-lF2aLOBazZEmhHqkEdRUH_0cJFLM2IT6WIwczSDBAL9DO-iyJDSjP5oTOZgQ/s320/IMG_1490.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWxmTFQUxih9wV_J6Z6aFal8SrEXWqtTquY-_i-jLTp6o_e_CM0Zs1Po57eg1q0k9n7K-xUX4fO4RtmZoqo3BpqAxtH0rI4kkBgPNHDMl8pv52B62SL8Q8QDZzoOzEb_gIPXQ1D5qvWaR/s1600/IMG_1491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="720" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWxmTFQUxih9wV_J6Z6aFal8SrEXWqtTquY-_i-jLTp6o_e_CM0Zs1Po57eg1q0k9n7K-xUX4fO4RtmZoqo3BpqAxtH0rI4kkBgPNHDMl8pv52B62SL8Q8QDZzoOzEb_gIPXQ1D5qvWaR/s320/IMG_1491.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxew7y9uryynxlFWrJ9CeThoaNluvTKe2fjg1TBpIJ8CxL-7m2QVxar7zw84fKpnIN_TnSPothOdlogxtM7R15xKTWS4pCmL75aYsnvnH90QmKMD5owovJZ564S2679YOUmjLkozxWtkIO/s1600/IMG_1492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="720" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxew7y9uryynxlFWrJ9CeThoaNluvTKe2fjg1TBpIJ8CxL-7m2QVxar7zw84fKpnIN_TnSPothOdlogxtM7R15xKTWS4pCmL75aYsnvnH90QmKMD5owovJZ564S2679YOUmjLkozxWtkIO/s320/IMG_1492.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZUunKIEGEoIXMx8RP-kxKKfESNO9ZvdbbPYkU3Kkgfbh6kTAfp-XIc5CRaGN4D7G05rhi7eRjRXaZEfHfTS8dJQs1yacCuVeXX0Z4y73GibJ1xlEew1rXNpNtYbSw6OZtga4g2DVjCqX/s1600/IMG_1496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZUunKIEGEoIXMx8RP-kxKKfESNO9ZvdbbPYkU3Kkgfbh6kTAfp-XIc5CRaGN4D7G05rhi7eRjRXaZEfHfTS8dJQs1yacCuVeXX0Z4y73GibJ1xlEew1rXNpNtYbSw6OZtga4g2DVjCqX/s320/IMG_1496.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another little injury on Day 3 </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Not the rib injury I took on Day 1)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfe8DQ25RJG6Su63DBJPlNeb5oBcMIlvWXAyJw4n_KWhRlUPR7aXZELrGwxUv3yI86lXbCloQfSQhyQ-uaVocSu06jD3E3JOyCL0cIzcmGnrIyg9yBJVwj17wNDue6r-dq3y09NtXpHEh/s1600/IMG_1574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfe8DQ25RJG6Su63DBJPlNeb5oBcMIlvWXAyJw4n_KWhRlUPR7aXZELrGwxUv3yI86lXbCloQfSQhyQ-uaVocSu06jD3E3JOyCL0cIzcmGnrIyg9yBJVwj17wNDue6r-dq3y09NtXpHEh/s320/IMG_1574.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just one of so many unique features.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLyV_c3h30IfmODtry-xIr-sND3BL3Trfcn6Lcu68z1DEY6qRFr5MMVkyim8YIUYa-_5C_exSqSljrs2Op_dcHvSMZ80AQwZSLqhxX3ofJ2fqnO4qdyQw__WvFSG6xUKfTPHfYt3VLdLh/s1600/IMG_1508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLyV_c3h30IfmODtry-xIr-sND3BL3Trfcn6Lcu68z1DEY6qRFr5MMVkyim8YIUYa-_5C_exSqSljrs2Op_dcHvSMZ80AQwZSLqhxX3ofJ2fqnO4qdyQw__WvFSG6xUKfTPHfYt3VLdLh/s320/IMG_1508.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just one of so many amazing sights...</div>
<br />
If you think I am being overly positive about this event, I am...because it is totally warranted. It really is that good. However, there are a couple of things I will do different next time. Yes, there will be a next time...we will be back again for QSE 2020.<br />
<br />
I will consciously make every effort to not get injured on day 1. Busting/bruising ribs on the first day made for overly cautious riding for the remainder of the event.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXuy351qqE-Rw33XlgOoZWAfo5ptp8oqXiSnOu1qFA65lDhS1pR0CWrZK6sGj-4Scd_b3wEXAKeyW0a0xcNvp5GyOfguw45gCyXT_p_fY0t-B0_HgRGerFWPJQkQ0XCAJdVWbezOL2MMa/s1600/IMG_1613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXuy351qqE-Rw33XlgOoZWAfo5ptp8oqXiSnOu1qFA65lDhS1pR0CWrZK6sGj-4Scd_b3wEXAKeyW0a0xcNvp5GyOfguw45gCyXT_p_fY0t-B0_HgRGerFWPJQkQ0XCAJdVWbezOL2MMa/s200/IMG_1613.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A couple of weeks later...blood from the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
injured ribs pooled in the hip before dissipating.</div>
<br />
This year we treated the event as a vacation...I rode to enjoy the trails. In 2020, we will go back twice...once in the spring as a vacation, where I can ride, and re-ride trails, and take a little more time to enjoy the Quebec culture with Lois. Then again to attend QSE 2020...where this time I plan to treat it more as a race. I will train for this, hoping my current endurance training/fitness, with a little bit of work, will translate into stage race (2-4 hrs/day) fitness. One great thing about Quebec is that it is close enough (compared to BC) to drive or take the VIA train in less than a day.<br />
<br />
I will have a different bike...a bike more properly suited for these type of trails. My Kona Raijin, with it's hardtail XC race geomety, and 100mm travel fork was not enough...and the steep head angle made the descents challenging, if not almost treacherous (especially on the Enduro stage on day 5!). The Raijin may have been OK on any given day, but over 6 days it took a beating...and so did I. A bike with minimum 130mm full suspension travel would be much more appropriate...so that is the plan for next time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDViZ2Mjn_VU-P29uZGrdAXymjfycsNMj6OXqJk6f8G4NAa2mJGM6egepP5MEXbddTyLRJSzWcAjG3yjpF1LpvC0vxH5OB4ssWIjgzffTxkj1Y2q3GsTuFH94pOWhNO1c-HKGjHtvelghN/s1600/IMG_1514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="720" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDViZ2Mjn_VU-P29uZGrdAXymjfycsNMj6OXqJk6f8G4NAa2mJGM6egepP5MEXbddTyLRJSzWcAjG3yjpF1LpvC0vxH5OB4ssWIjgzffTxkj1Y2q3GsTuFH94pOWhNO1c-HKGjHtvelghN/s320/IMG_1514.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhZKyM0_o971tQUfMQ-IEhNhg-Jhf0104h4fqhzr81bx4TrAmJuCM6tjJeJImUEqyw207ROlBipZZnseWlN5VGAdF0tM-V8QlvZa9asX6JJIIFHC9cV1ZM1glKXAeWuSvwYLZmgvGL4yD/s1600/IMG_1518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhZKyM0_o971tQUfMQ-IEhNhg-Jhf0104h4fqhzr81bx4TrAmJuCM6tjJeJImUEqyw207ROlBipZZnseWlN5VGAdF0tM-V8QlvZa9asX6JJIIFHC9cV1ZM1glKXAeWuSvwYLZmgvGL4yD/s320/IMG_1518.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
RobR...podium finisher!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpeMHB0XZ06bGzJSZ5pjLNIXPympu8d29-E_wmncph3Pvn1efyrFLKxSfJygR7Y03mPPPWzjEBs_SL13LIRF6rOo0PxLeGPsCgR1XuCR0bXC4K0iefMJ6n1sNfPLrY3x2_-6O6KdKVQLy/s1600/IMG_1543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="482" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpeMHB0XZ06bGzJSZ5pjLNIXPympu8d29-E_wmncph3Pvn1efyrFLKxSfJygR7Y03mPPPWzjEBs_SL13LIRF6rOo0PxLeGPsCgR1XuCR0bXC4K0iefMJ6n1sNfPLrY3x2_-6O6KdKVQLy/s320/IMG_1543.JPG" width="241" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There was a rain/mud day, but the trails held up great! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mike VanDenBlender...smokin' fast podium finisher!!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIPr20IBLp2ID5nHjb0DXB4NlOMCVuL3irtx4s0hdxqBrxhCPZwV4JeEDEkTdQM5PuaheFIaK-VOZityFkxsJBJsnvjFpr08lQ7hqyUheCcjhRHFOugII7WCN-dUa4qHOGR7Gt33teWMT/s1600/IMG_1553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIPr20IBLp2ID5nHjb0DXB4NlOMCVuL3irtx4s0hdxqBrxhCPZwV4JeEDEkTdQM5PuaheFIaK-VOZityFkxsJBJsnvjFpr08lQ7hqyUheCcjhRHFOugII7WCN-dUa4qHOGR7Gt33teWMT/s320/IMG_1553.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
JennR on rain day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Also smokin' fast 1st place podium finsher, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3rd place women overall...gave the pros a run!!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8TU2_UO4bVAfe14OjDQL5LvrxCctZN1J03-80VIz1Krma8vrZL_TYQ2xDiiQ5d0R6EnbyMvBAmceSqY8nU-YU3EckZE2ZmeuANwXwIEUgbZ-ctWMVm2jPOp4EuCj50p9L-MKs7yIFpIO/s1600/IMG_1555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8TU2_UO4bVAfe14OjDQL5LvrxCctZN1J03-80VIz1Krma8vrZL_TYQ2xDiiQ5d0R6EnbyMvBAmceSqY8nU-YU3EckZE2ZmeuANwXwIEUgbZ-ctWMVm2jPOp4EuCj50p9L-MKs7yIFpIO/s320/IMG_1555.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
KarenD...mud day...yet another podium finisher!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtDjWKzByodjQ73-dQAcMd_R2eVnSr7744FSTDxY-RF6WyNNZlBLcrDB0-E2QymG8fF6BjMTFuRuKV0GPISXiIoPp8aEJqUQqNjcuss2roxPIzM1mihxvxakTxrWKdf3nzQtqFe2dWZ4y/s1600/IMG_1556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtDjWKzByodjQ73-dQAcMd_R2eVnSr7744FSTDxY-RF6WyNNZlBLcrDB0-E2QymG8fF6BjMTFuRuKV0GPISXiIoPp8aEJqUQqNjcuss2roxPIzM1mihxvxakTxrWKdf3nzQtqFe2dWZ4y/s320/IMG_1556.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bevin, Riot face?? This was Bevin's 3rd QSE...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
one of the most respected mtb'ers around. Skill, speed, and character.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2F9IjDZlATnIbv-TMThW0FlXJ0Z4gE36oZYkX_HU3m7_63zSbG8u60vJPU0kPO8E-bnzRTyx7RNUo8Ef6-qmbWvI_XVx0agF8_jni0Dll0bwGJn1mizA2biNeDd0hISBuHWjICQ_WSIP/s1600/IMG_1607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2F9IjDZlATnIbv-TMThW0FlXJ0Z4gE36oZYkX_HU3m7_63zSbG8u60vJPU0kPO8E-bnzRTyx7RNUo8Ef6-qmbWvI_XVx0agF8_jni0Dll0bwGJn1mizA2biNeDd0hISBuHWjICQ_WSIP/s320/IMG_1607.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bevin has been adopted as the face of QSE...and multiple year podium finisher, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this year was as a team with GaryS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYnLA12GX4Dt_mszvQ-_yPZjISHIfTgFMhY3lBKKUAj_GJH-lHCZvD84JJsChTZU8EKmqNO9py9rO3KJq30S3uZw9MoEtLWp6ZanAQ10grhFz70Gbp2sePfp5bvX2ggfUIRfd5UdICqnI/s1600/gary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYnLA12GX4Dt_mszvQ-_yPZjISHIfTgFMhY3lBKKUAj_GJH-lHCZvD84JJsChTZU8EKmqNO9py9rO3KJq30S3uZw9MoEtLWp6ZanAQ10grhFz70Gbp2sePfp5bvX2ggfUIRfd5UdICqnI/s320/gary.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
GaryS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMi2WutllV9BFTx1nuAd9rxMXrXrcDcszAqiD6BlICgrkpcJ1qHxt-bQj4m8XuADg_sCgNvjHlUVpBXuazEsUO0kwLXvrWES6RkhpGXNvoytpLWy1wjzl0TRzkCiXD99AL0v8zvYfKp5Cc/s1600/IMG_1506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMi2WutllV9BFTx1nuAd9rxMXrXrcDcszAqiD6BlICgrkpcJ1qHxt-bQj4m8XuADg_sCgNvjHlUVpBXuazEsUO0kwLXvrWES6RkhpGXNvoytpLWy1wjzl0TRzkCiXD99AL0v8zvYfKp5Cc/s320/IMG_1506.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Steve and Mary, teammates on and off the trail!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6u-E_GKbCZ1n7nLyMJXOySaVaRyIkHpPrDLvnYO3zFtjtBFShV2rpnQsyKOOUCvimzSAH2iZKhJZW2xJpv1qRSthT39gaa-FUKlxzrur5Ym6is5doOi041wAWo6Ikr2GygzalI34VHt7O/s1600/qse+kim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6u-E_GKbCZ1n7nLyMJXOySaVaRyIkHpPrDLvnYO3zFtjtBFShV2rpnQsyKOOUCvimzSAH2iZKhJZW2xJpv1qRSthT39gaa-FUKlxzrur5Ym6is5doOi041wAWo6Ikr2GygzalI34VHt7O/s320/qse+kim.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kim, one of the toughest ladies on the trail...and podium finisher.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigONLiCZJcNRWc8a8L_3dJXxbwDmMo1TlSr2k7-IlC3PTxqCGCrfxOHnW-FsCKuOfCLjF_FdQpqOhgCwSbi_3WtyTTCp2NB-ILp4ozpI16-rWCNw5kVVvEPPE4d1qwldcjIPCqzFLfrNBM/s1600/vero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="960" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigONLiCZJcNRWc8a8L_3dJXxbwDmMo1TlSr2k7-IlC3PTxqCGCrfxOHnW-FsCKuOfCLjF_FdQpqOhgCwSbi_3WtyTTCp2NB-ILp4ozpI16-rWCNw5kVVvEPPE4d1qwldcjIPCqzFLfrNBM/s320/vero.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Vero</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZZuDA8o25qAylvlS6sbFBM9FsqAben2kSsU7PPJ6VHRg81x03tGS9JawP3RtGXJlOFfWSF0GnZcoKB_483vMqskEnvW6aiSrzHcl1ZEhJY16KybkSYrjguSdyCkJ0Lq7l8URZf0g_lhV/s1600/Julie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZZuDA8o25qAylvlS6sbFBM9FsqAben2kSsU7PPJ6VHRg81x03tGS9JawP3RtGXJlOFfWSF0GnZcoKB_483vMqskEnvW6aiSrzHcl1ZEhJY16KybkSYrjguSdyCkJ0Lq7l8URZf0g_lhV/s320/Julie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
JulieR...tough, fast, podium finisher!</div>
<br />
I told you I had a ton of pics!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJ9Q4FstJReqP-PdHuGXvTDzNvy44Z1azMZrRPjwpM7m7kJiJW5vtqn_YJKOZhPoUGBcgTw6YHeKXpJIkw0XlNrF7-rwSNN3JYEocq1_eR9YW0kQUtiBsETzkpMW5dZwxB7KW6upv6izV/s1600/qse+rain+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJ9Q4FstJReqP-PdHuGXvTDzNvy44Z1azMZrRPjwpM7m7kJiJW5vtqn_YJKOZhPoUGBcgTw6YHeKXpJIkw0XlNrF7-rwSNN3JYEocq1_eR9YW0kQUtiBsETzkpMW5dZwxB7KW6upv6izV/s320/qse+rain+day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylX1pDFn7UhogDeJWeqhGodacOD_60U39JZjlEuNbkuHjGKAdY-amSh1rzKmFpkiHyGFlWI2v98zaPW9q0WXf7ma1u270NByngytAOfaUfLSUa_DLqWYAhdBWYeEwKzCPLzgKio-ss803/s1600/qse+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylX1pDFn7UhogDeJWeqhGodacOD_60U39JZjlEuNbkuHjGKAdY-amSh1rzKmFpkiHyGFlWI2v98zaPW9q0WXf7ma1u270NByngytAOfaUfLSUa_DLqWYAhdBWYeEwKzCPLzgKio-ss803/s320/qse+me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWShjRz4szxdmhSs3OPtiFeEoj1V9My3NNhDbSCDQIiic5lo39HAPNMfnJm3npO1D3TmFtLMq8JDU83mnunfi-eo0S05ZzKhQ6ruY3TpDpAFg0VH5Ku-M1uvTUrsw8otvclzZxykEI7Mn6/s1600/IMG_1611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWShjRz4szxdmhSs3OPtiFeEoj1V9My3NNhDbSCDQIiic5lo39HAPNMfnJm3npO1D3TmFtLMq8JDU83mnunfi-eo0S05ZzKhQ6ruY3TpDpAFg0VH5Ku-M1uvTUrsw8otvclzZxykEI7Mn6/s320/IMG_1611.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPABoI37IS8qvVOokeXyVOsmCKFMqV_uXgUuKZ8QuFAUIwK2RI5hpQTf_8kwVZxdToUVBm_Muli5KIS6qK_aYeRvwvcHuSFiSx_Mra7yhTTd4oO94xW45isW6wFRabR7BXCRpcPgKZ09R/s1600/IMG_1610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPABoI37IS8qvVOokeXyVOsmCKFMqV_uXgUuKZ8QuFAUIwK2RI5hpQTf_8kwVZxdToUVBm_Muli5KIS6qK_aYeRvwvcHuSFiSx_Mra7yhTTd4oO94xW45isW6wFRabR7BXCRpcPgKZ09R/s320/IMG_1610.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjiITdGB0xI51No1fR7lKiuSqtB_oEedQT-x9d0sjGx_btSuOxeAuzf5AUnsL_UTPMQCPm_GcwFW5gG0hYSHFrbBoKskbo_3Y7K7IXc8hW6ttFiY7eTJWvTyiWAg7NphuAPdCN7ZwRrsG/s1600/IMG_1583_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjiITdGB0xI51No1fR7lKiuSqtB_oEedQT-x9d0sjGx_btSuOxeAuzf5AUnsL_UTPMQCPm_GcwFW5gG0hYSHFrbBoKskbo_3Y7K7IXc8hW6ttFiY7eTJWvTyiWAg7NphuAPdCN7ZwRrsG/s320/IMG_1583_1.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ukLGgPH2luv-29rXkDzyR8qTxfyAb5BiB6s5DdWFX8p-v2mocB2EjNgmA-2yhC4012eZrVUZHvvnGJ4-hKiT0Kx3y0Fmt3QTBt00IQAUP9dnXo6sZD1jAurlOtVXxNQzH-grIlQlRRgO/s1600/IMG_1561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ukLGgPH2luv-29rXkDzyR8qTxfyAb5BiB6s5DdWFX8p-v2mocB2EjNgmA-2yhC4012eZrVUZHvvnGJ4-hKiT0Kx3y0Fmt3QTBt00IQAUP9dnXo6sZD1jAurlOtVXxNQzH-grIlQlRRgO/s320/IMG_1561.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfl3q-zRjDtApT4uNHlk9dZvoKHSZ_8fjQrg4QhrfIrRgrLINc55fDur9eZovqro9m9XtZ2NRNMBExWLVtiCSvQkaWE6W8L_ucJ57kO1HtV9NUU2N6an2EWTLgp4eLuJe8YS2Fmv1kkgoz/s1600/IMG_1560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfl3q-zRjDtApT4uNHlk9dZvoKHSZ_8fjQrg4QhrfIrRgrLINc55fDur9eZovqro9m9XtZ2NRNMBExWLVtiCSvQkaWE6W8L_ucJ57kO1HtV9NUU2N6an2EWTLgp4eLuJe8YS2Fmv1kkgoz/s320/IMG_1560.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlsJuPFBjHXrL2Pw4wB0TEx0qI3QnyN8C9JpPCIIdTqdrpOjH_PCGk8N-LHaCv3v9D0g7GPKj8Gz0Y5UxElsRzpgQ9KaktUYaw9LB8LLdXYEowQOsEGDqyJxXuQz4T3hUaVNqkKEXftmR/s1600/IMG_1514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="720" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlsJuPFBjHXrL2Pw4wB0TEx0qI3QnyN8C9JpPCIIdTqdrpOjH_PCGk8N-LHaCv3v9D0g7GPKj8Gz0Y5UxElsRzpgQ9KaktUYaw9LB8LLdXYEowQOsEGDqyJxXuQz4T3hUaVNqkKEXftmR/s320/IMG_1514.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTG8NvBpbzcJolnMY9sUH02ZvUgvGSNp4pxT-0BxauC2MMDBaLM6rj9iRZJ65mixXteb98G4eKjfQJSWOfFjqYjVGMvCZvxTrBUEb73EEov07qV8cuNI_5ABRoW0FBOWQVw1VWJbvT0pH/s1600/IMG_1550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTG8NvBpbzcJolnMY9sUH02ZvUgvGSNp4pxT-0BxauC2MMDBaLM6rj9iRZJ65mixXteb98G4eKjfQJSWOfFjqYjVGMvCZvxTrBUEb73EEov07qV8cuNI_5ABRoW0FBOWQVw1VWJbvT0pH/s320/IMG_1550.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even a pic from the bus/shuttle...off to another stage...</div>
<br />
A final point...the friendships. New ones made, current ones cemented. When you get a bunch of like-minded people...specifically a group of mountain bikers, out to enjoy an experience. It was such a positive energy flowing through the event...so very enjoyable.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Q0gNkbHRrPGrxZqZPlhET6BCHjxQSukANlOYHh9C-fo00MBl-SwCbBoJ0OcWoXjWjyHsH5EZHrcsz1Xk9vAMhKuXiW8-W5WFT_c-QTtFRuQKe4wzIUQhW9Bx3uZWjUHDq9HOnOuoe0Wc/s1600/IMG_1512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Q0gNkbHRrPGrxZqZPlhET6BCHjxQSukANlOYHh9C-fo00MBl-SwCbBoJ0OcWoXjWjyHsH5EZHrcsz1Xk9vAMhKuXiW8-W5WFT_c-QTtFRuQKe4wzIUQhW9Bx3uZWjUHDq9HOnOuoe0Wc/s320/IMG_1512.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A group dinner evening...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharbNZIEODS7GDmdOfFHc8CcxsvQ4mZ-EK79zqxMb7ds17uZ-vERq91OJk-ngjOgwYndG6s84SHB_Ww8cCpeX7icBfeB_VCw5ZX0ydgQ8CxI7V0SnOZkTvYotZFzeDb56bxGInMIVdNria/s1600/IMG_1596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharbNZIEODS7GDmdOfFHc8CcxsvQ4mZ-EK79zqxMb7ds17uZ-vERq91OJk-ngjOgwYndG6s84SHB_Ww8cCpeX7icBfeB_VCw5ZX0ydgQ8CxI7V0SnOZkTvYotZFzeDb56bxGInMIVdNria/s320/IMG_1596.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MfMy9gHJURUCNgMFOQg7ICr0BJXlpF6yBpPnrC4Eaiaot3wzC2RTyodkcsVCcM1lROMmQWNLUmc9b5m-eUeNBj2p2lfacvh7l69JP1ETnW29XIfOF9OzNUWXl0Ky1PduA9wvy_zdeO1d/s1600/IMG_1591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MfMy9gHJURUCNgMFOQg7ICr0BJXlpF6yBpPnrC4Eaiaot3wzC2RTyodkcsVCcM1lROMmQWNLUmc9b5m-eUeNBj2p2lfacvh7l69JP1ETnW29XIfOF9OzNUWXl0Ky1PduA9wvy_zdeO1d/s320/IMG_1591.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkW34mufmoTJzCqzjO9ozJQvzZ89OtxcwqSMdrjqyJwPbbKNoE6LWFpeGj2Kuh6Hf2HtToYcO3Yev-n0Y790b2AdtW5dBcoQYdVuA9_L5mo8sRDJzF2FgEtNk1JdsR0hrUm9tMbRDXbb_/s1600/IMG_1588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkW34mufmoTJzCqzjO9ozJQvzZ89OtxcwqSMdrjqyJwPbbKNoE6LWFpeGj2Kuh6Hf2HtToYcO3Yev-n0Y790b2AdtW5dBcoQYdVuA9_L5mo8sRDJzF2FgEtNk1JdsR0hrUm9tMbRDXbb_/s320/IMG_1588.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Drinks on the deck</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpwNAEx-vkQ25Gdn3XiyyJjKXBm9-X0eTTaNGuq7pYmD_OHS3tXAftCEDgMmzxHGtFVe8QGKa0hW_5ahDdPNmm2ZpNAt0E_WD3169Tin5ykORMCcJYIRzIU4fS4hIl3Hufsp1k4-y0zQL/s1600/IMG_1546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpwNAEx-vkQ25Gdn3XiyyJjKXBm9-X0eTTaNGuq7pYmD_OHS3tXAftCEDgMmzxHGtFVe8QGKa0hW_5ahDdPNmm2ZpNAt0E_WD3169Tin5ykORMCcJYIRzIU4fS4hIl3Hufsp1k4-y0zQL/s320/IMG_1546.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The official group pic</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaPJHrDeHkbJMTr-23aMtvWvlbLPRJDM7K5W70ocG_BagfXUpegSGn0qsJH040K5f0IKnsETpTV0oJrwYyyBnwTGvp-LPqKwg_9atRzvcDX8SnC1pd_RS6udsX1gn_1smugzDrF1-LKAA/s1600/QSE+friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaPJHrDeHkbJMTr-23aMtvWvlbLPRJDM7K5W70ocG_BagfXUpegSGn0qsJH040K5f0IKnsETpTV0oJrwYyyBnwTGvp-LPqKwg_9atRzvcDX8SnC1pd_RS6udsX1gn_1smugzDrF1-LKAA/s320/QSE+friends.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So there you have it...there is so much more I could write about. The details of the individual stages and trails, the organization, the food, the comaraderie and friendships, how well individuals from our 'Team Ontario' did on the leaderboard. There was so much...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-2sCFJ6asMCgtr3rnBtHcDbI_SP8Jkcw1LbCrzPguBHLYPxf8OjNoF5HC4NsViF7aIBIQebf2rIyXo6gvEshrK7qXAMoQ5xXtwZXp1XYaapBBPSVOiSUkZth1uvHUORNXA5x9J0GcyjY/s1600/IMG_1575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-2sCFJ6asMCgtr3rnBtHcDbI_SP8Jkcw1LbCrzPguBHLYPxf8OjNoF5HC4NsViF7aIBIQebf2rIyXo6gvEshrK7qXAMoQ5xXtwZXp1XYaapBBPSVOiSUkZth1uvHUORNXA5x9J0GcyjY/s320/IMG_1575.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTwnGv13GR2NBHFgrZhpDUISOONcpIQo8-DxTlla0YRriZHEaOxjIDJ82sfUNhD0SSRx4Lzc85-jUUiznq1McBZULNhliEq9pLoL2odvIywbtq6Mo8U1z4xWVQS4vmDmFhoOJnLy_YgLc/s1600/IMG_1572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTwnGv13GR2NBHFgrZhpDUISOONcpIQo8-DxTlla0YRriZHEaOxjIDJ82sfUNhD0SSRx4Lzc85-jUUiznq1McBZULNhliEq9pLoL2odvIywbtq6Mo8U1z4xWVQS4vmDmFhoOJnLy_YgLc/s320/IMG_1572.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Forever, a Que-biker</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFXtLTWs9-6MjDPp1_9r3L45EyuZAYTZX0wd_iPRC_oNCJvWrxUXkflCDF-WdFe1NJmB_pHHrCR1COH3oz8WTicKBaG7h93_ffhJIMFiqWoA9_77Hto778EzhKoHyQFkMq7JZLgspZl46/s1600/IMG_1614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFXtLTWs9-6MjDPp1_9r3L45EyuZAYTZX0wd_iPRC_oNCJvWrxUXkflCDF-WdFe1NJmB_pHHrCR1COH3oz8WTicKBaG7h93_ffhJIMFiqWoA9_77Hto778EzhKoHyQFkMq7JZLgspZl46/s320/IMG_1614.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There was also an amazing post event party with an amazing live band...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I'm not allowed to post any pics from the fun...except this one.</div>
<br />
So...if you are looking for another event to add to your calendar, this one is so worthy. You could not package together your own vacation for the cost of this event. And so many memories...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3AyteIPZ_-U0uG51GDYwf7rXiAtxh_fkGk-FcH5mpcdoi97LXJylNBWU4BOxYeVTyIO2S1Xr3jL4qQADiRgpeM1NbvQd64Xlg4_OQ0PtW_y4-1ygRj6KnpJAzZudb8xwoBIR9uQ2L8mRc/s1600/QSE+gang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="957" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3AyteIPZ_-U0uG51GDYwf7rXiAtxh_fkGk-FcH5mpcdoi97LXJylNBWU4BOxYeVTyIO2S1Xr3jL4qQADiRgpeM1NbvQd64Xlg4_OQ0PtW_y4-1ygRj6KnpJAzZudb8xwoBIR9uQ2L8mRc/s320/QSE+gang.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
Eventually, we had to make our way home...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhre60ctb_oh0hDgkfNyFoTV_PcJ6qYntKmOocVOjTJ5fIf-fTtI8rR7z79UyXBSP-8skZSQE1cQefNAUFTbA67AVSA8MD3sm1hcvtZe8B3UNQVMuxpuHHyROVdMWFa-K7JsYuOOqGNRjCj/s1600/IMG_1578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhre60ctb_oh0hDgkfNyFoTV_PcJ6qYntKmOocVOjTJ5fIf-fTtI8rR7z79UyXBSP-8skZSQE1cQefNAUFTbA67AVSA8MD3sm1hcvtZe8B3UNQVMuxpuHHyROVdMWFa-K7JsYuOOqGNRjCj/s320/IMG_1578.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xOj8dziimWkdl5yf5H2k4Kgbb_wSDRGR6vaBptGp3K8bYzCII8YIve88fEj6d2KAERVYwAUEkfL-ugws23w4lAww_DKHy1V4nmbgiH74n7Hm3GmOXeqt0db9NJXFiFt4bC-gLqeyhoJI/s1600/IMG_1618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xOj8dziimWkdl5yf5H2k4Kgbb_wSDRGR6vaBptGp3K8bYzCII8YIve88fEj6d2KAERVYwAUEkfL-ugws23w4lAww_DKHy1V4nmbgiH74n7Hm3GmOXeqt0db9NJXFiFt4bC-gLqeyhoJI/s320/IMG_1618.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyways, I could seriously go on forever on this one...<br />
<br />
Feel free to text, message, email me if you have any questions. Check out the website...<a href="https://quebecsingletrack.com/en">https://quebecsingletrack.com/en</a><br />
<br />
In the meantime...<br />
<br />
Stay posted.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHd77oDUiR37VSEhlgfey3uiTWOP97xJz0FQtsNtni0X2h9fMmJJnoEpFuA3L29Zi4UNk8qGdElfuHq__qg8941A2NHjv6S6ZZ9nuvQi5OfQIal8oJI2zoXRPqVkcNolCPuNfbh5SniR6/s1600/Welcome+Lion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="500" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHd77oDUiR37VSEhlgfey3uiTWOP97xJz0FQtsNtni0X2h9fMmJJnoEpFuA3L29Zi4UNk8qGdElfuHq__qg8941A2NHjv6S6ZZ9nuvQi5OfQIal8oJI2zoXRPqVkcNolCPuNfbh5SniR6/s320/Welcome+Lion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-18186887732668426422019-07-31T19:23:00.000-04:002019-07-31T19:23:02.657-04:00BT700 - The Adventure Continues - Part 2 (Deux...D'Oh!!)At the end of part 1 we left off with Hal's tire, after numerous re-pumps, a tube insert, a boot attempt....finally giving up the ghost. Flat and un-repairable, with a long section of bead separated from the tire wall. This was around the 70km mark for the day.<br />
<br />
Luckily, we spotted someone on the deck of a nearby farmhouse. We rolled into the yard, it was a young girl and her mother taking care of the farm and the plants while the owners were away. To make a long story less long, after some conversation and explanation of the situation they actually offered to drive Hal to Collingwood (about a 45km drive) to purchase a new tire. (People are amazing!!). I topped up my water, and proceeded to continue the ride while Hal went to get a new tire...Hal and I would figure out a way to reconnect later on.<br />
<br />
So on I went, now properly solo, into the heat and back into the relentless repeated climbs, broken up with steep rocky descents on this section of the course. At the 108km mark of the day I came to an optional loop on the course, through the Loree Forest. It was an opportunity for a little more fun while Hal caught up to me. A steep little climb lead to a fun rooty trail loop that lead to a lookout that loomed over the Blue Mountains, Lake Huron, and Craiglieth Provincial Park.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HTMXqVoPP-aOhycqyzrbj80PnhbDIQMtZ6DQXge8KQ-OVQlfMvSe0lbwrDgK75T_bdgfMxkzsn53hpUO5GD83atiVWTxA7voZ1SpNKyiP8FMIXH2-yJOwiyJqSA8B_KN9zGxRfCXqt9E/s1600/IMG_1347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HTMXqVoPP-aOhycqyzrbj80PnhbDIQMtZ6DQXge8KQ-OVQlfMvSe0lbwrDgK75T_bdgfMxkzsn53hpUO5GD83atiVWTxA7voZ1SpNKyiP8FMIXH2-yJOwiyJqSA8B_KN9zGxRfCXqt9E/s320/IMG_1347.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The view was spectacular! May camera skills don't even </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
come close to doing it justice. Where is ApexTed when you need him????</div>
<br />
<br />
Then, on I continued...I still had not heard from Hal...but I wasn't always totally alone...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEU_Zs8TdZFTPjrheyxe9AuhDbfbaZKfLfptij70jUBssCO4-s4qrTKjSph4lLwufasIX5kpOQhJOPF_1cMSpJox-ENnh7vKjE1U6suY_rOUfDxlRKU4ZY9MnxJ8FGtHTAhUDcsT101RS/s1600/IMG_1333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEU_Zs8TdZFTPjrheyxe9AuhDbfbaZKfLfptij70jUBssCO4-s4qrTKjSph4lLwufasIX5kpOQhJOPF_1cMSpJox-ENnh7vKjE1U6suY_rOUfDxlRKU4ZY9MnxJ8FGtHTAhUDcsT101RS/s320/IMG_1333.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Moo, eh...</div>
<br />
Finally, a text from Hal...he had acquired a new tire and was back on his way from the location where we split up. My optional trail loop had let him get closer to catching up but at this point he was still a good hour and a half behind me. But after a half a day of riding lost to the tire issue, he was back on track. <br />
<br />
So on I went, into the Blue Mountain trails (more climbs), into Blue Mountain Resort that was robust with tourists and downhillers. I stopped for a break (and a $5 PowerAid!!!), re-fueled with some packed food. Then on...more crazy climbs through the Scenic Caves area...then into some wet, washed out (literally under water) fire-road/ trail...up a heart busting long, loose, steep, rocky climb (was there no end to these things???), then into some of the most fun single track on the route. The 3-Stage trails...ridiculous steep rocky climbs...screaming fast descents, hucking rock and root drops on a fully loaded bike...had me wishing I could strip my bike of bags and rip around in here for a couple of hours...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tvzGl8vN3ChC9k9mcdNflplTSboPwDhfJ-ZfmDQK7wIG0bhyFd1bxOnG8IXnnEsQEKpJ52-6fQjGmw3-sSQ3IUSgbIBBCMeE23juq6kEKmD-MMmBH0OMzJT2t10gfP3BDmXqR07PF6S9/s1600/IMG_1340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tvzGl8vN3ChC9k9mcdNflplTSboPwDhfJ-ZfmDQK7wIG0bhyFd1bxOnG8IXnnEsQEKpJ52-6fQjGmw3-sSQ3IUSgbIBBCMeE23juq6kEKmD-MMmBH0OMzJT2t10gfP3BDmXqR07PF6S9/s320/IMG_1340.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEsz0NaGDIRZulX0tla_ecUIMxURbWEVUKDDX0-d41gykDeFBJgVJtf5G8ZJdXrfzZqLkjWfj9UEcnpPRLvezZ-6FFve-6RbZ2jsTAguqSDlR50ahcEBoVZi4B7GVORAir73oOXv39vT9/s1600/IMG_1339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEsz0NaGDIRZulX0tla_ecUIMxURbWEVUKDDX0-d41gykDeFBJgVJtf5G8ZJdXrfzZqLkjWfj9UEcnpPRLvezZ-6FFve-6RbZ2jsTAguqSDlR50ahcEBoVZi4B7GVORAir73oOXv39vT9/s320/IMG_1339.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yeah...Red Death Lookout...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
had this Metis a little worried...</div>
<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, had to eventually move on from the 3-Stage/Kolapore trails. The heat of the day, the climbing were beginning to take a toll. Saddle sores were starting to burn...even with regular applications of chamois cream. A niggling pain in my right knee at the start of the day had grown to screaming burn from inside the joint, and was accompanied by a blister on my little toe. Perhaps, a change in cleat position would alleviate the discomfort...if I remembered to address it this evening.<br />
<br />
At about the 135km mark for the day, I texted Hal...he was about 30 kms behind me. The events of the day had worn on him. We determined we would make camp at Highlands Nordic. A site that offered tent camping space, a washroom and a shower. It was about 20km ahead for me.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately it was on Concession 10. One of the hilliest gravel roads in the area. Of course....continue the BT700 experience. Onward....climb after climb....then there it was. I pulled in...sore, and dehydrated. Mark and Dave, two other BT700-ers were already there. As I set up my camp, Cambridge rider also pulled in.<br />
<br />
Eventually, Hal limped in. Kelly, Highlands Nordic staff person helped us, as a group find a place that would deliver pizza out our way. (People are amazing!!)<br />
<br />
Feast was had. Then sleep...hoping for an early morning start.<br />
<br />
Tuesday: 155.34km. 2173m elevation. 9hrs 6mins.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/2538396499">https://www.strava.com/activities/2538396499</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Day 4: Wednesday<br />
<br />
Awake early...but took time heating some coffee and pre-made breakfast with the small camp stove. On the bikes rolling by 6:15am. The hope was to beat the heat, but it was already densely humid. Mark and Dave had rolled out about a half hour ahead of us...Cambridge was still at camp packing up as we left.<br />
<br />
I had put a bandaid over the blister on my little toe, but did not re-position the cleat on my right shoe; this would prove to be a mistake. It was another intense climbing day, and my knee with a sharp thud followed me through the day. And the saddle sores were in full scream mode (that means they hurt like heck!!).<br />
<br />
Into the climbs and descents...at about the 20km mark of the day...climbing another ridiculous long, steep, loose rocky fire road climb we met Bill Wang...who was into Day 2 of the tour. He started a couple of days after the Grand Depart, but he was doing it in the opposite direction.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XjZBvaIc2FIDFMRA9WrYv9-GgJQc7EWZeHzDpUtsMNX7mVrLhfTsbWu-63POKpoQrPbRKhkR1VT1J-GXl6xSJCUtLf_by92kAzhn3HikEeQ0BiIjCj87DXDhxwnqjqDqzwoj5tgOGcb3/s1600/BT700+looooong+climb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XjZBvaIc2FIDFMRA9WrYv9-GgJQc7EWZeHzDpUtsMNX7mVrLhfTsbWu-63POKpoQrPbRKhkR1VT1J-GXl6xSJCUtLf_by92kAzhn3HikEeQ0BiIjCj87DXDhxwnqjqDqzwoj5tgOGcb3/s320/BT700+looooong+climb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bill took this pic. I was glad to meet him; </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
gave me a reason to stop to rest on this ridonculous climb.</div>
<br />
<br />
Then onward...we ended up leap-frogging Mark and Dave throughout the day. We rolled into Creemore where we found a small gas station open for another coffee, water, and stock up on fuel for the day. Mark and Dave rolled in as we ate.<br />
<br />
It was another hot day...slow progress with the repeated long, steeeep climbs. A constant search to keep water topped up. Trying to stand as much as possible to alleviate saddle sores, and an aching knee. At about the 70km mark for the day we rolled into the small town of Primrose with Mark and Dave and stopped at a small restaurant for lunch and water. (Steve's Restaurant....I think...).<br />
<br />
After lunch the route took us through Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, and some very fun single track. At about 110km mark we hit the Tim Hortons at Airport Road and Hwy 9 for more fuel. Then directly into more fun single track...through Glen Haffy Conservation Park and the Oak Ridges Trails. A few kms of gravel followed...then into the Palgrave single track.<br />
<br />
At 126km mark, almost directly out of the Palgrave single track, the route lead us directly by provincial legend, Sarah Caylor's country home. Sarah had offered her property as a spot for BT700 riders to camp for the night. How much of a legend is Sarah?? She had started this journey 2 hours behind us...she passed us on day 1 in Southampton...and finished the entire 715km more than a full day before we rolled into her yard!! ON A SINGLESPEED!!! She was already home, slept and recovering...cheering us on as we rode up...with beer for us!<br />
<br />
Mark and Dave were somewhere behind us at this point and we expected them to roll in at any time. But they had decided to ride on through...in fact they continued on throughout the night, to finish the full route at 3am in the morning. Well done guys!! Cambridge made camp for the night at nearby Albion Hills camp ground.<br />
<br />
Sarah and her favourite fella, Scott, offered to go to town for pizza and (more) beer for us. (People are amazing!!). So we made camp for the night here...and visited with these amazing folks...swapping stories.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigu1sOJZMaQ2r-o2JqgLMJE3DsRKtx_vGtfxbX9anxGyT5cr6By8IkQC645yWig2kEa2FFMM-UqtcmJi3LsoPVKZTQk1-eLgdfD5emY6EEGwXGdODZ1x3QDSSCrU9p_MHXqcbJrFJulDJE/s1600/Getting+to+Sarah%2527s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigu1sOJZMaQ2r-o2JqgLMJE3DsRKtx_vGtfxbX9anxGyT5cr6By8IkQC645yWig2kEa2FFMM-UqtcmJi3LsoPVKZTQk1-eLgdfD5emY6EEGwXGdODZ1x3QDSSCrU9p_MHXqcbJrFJulDJE/s320/Getting+to+Sarah%2527s.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Relieved, happy, to make it to Sarah's.</div>
<br />
Wednesday: 126.15km. 2004m elevation. 8hrs 16mins.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/2541276879">https://www.strava.com/activities/2541276879</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Day 5: Thursday<br />
<br />
Thursday morning saw us enjoying our accommodations, and taking our time, continuing our visit with Sarah and Scott. It was 7:30 by the time we got going. <br />
<br />
The day was almost immediately into the Albion Hills single track and double track. One of my favourite memories of this route is the abundance of fun single and double trails. It's not all gravel...and almost no pavement! <br />
<br />
Off of the Albion trails and onto the Caledon Trailway...finally!!! 40 kms of almost dead flat rail trail lay ahead of us. It actually took a few moments to adjust my brain...to actually shut off and zen out...and relax into a steady cadence for this section.<br />
<br />
Where the trail crossed Airport Road, we stopped to hydrate and fuel at an amazing little bakery, Four Corners Bakery...enjoying some pastry, and conversation with staff/owners and customers. A great place to stop if you are in the area!! Continuing along the flat rail trail...having to stand to give the saddle sores and aching knee a break as often as possible.<br />
<br />
We exited the rail trail at the town of Inglewood...and the route took us up one of the limited sections of pavement on the route. But what a stretch of pavement. Just another looong, steep climb. Damn...after so much flat rail trail, this was a slap in the face!! Knee shouting its displeasure...we finally crested this climb (the last real climb of the route!)....into more fun single track...at Forks of the Credit Provincial Park. Then onto the Elora Cataract trail....more flat rail trail...most welcomed!!<br />
<br />
Into the town of Fergus, for one more stop at a Tim Hortons...water and fuel. Then into the Elora Gorge...a place of beauty!! Such an awesome sight...nature at its finest...and fun twisty rooty trails.<br />
<br />
Then across an old, closed bridge...we crossed then were met by Tabi...co-founder of this route!! She led us out along a section of pavement. Thank you Tabi!! Great to meet you!!<br />
<br />
Through the covered bridge at West Montrose...one of Ontario's last historic covered bridges. Then the route took us onto the Grand River trail...several kms of fun tight twisty single track then some seriously overgrown trail along the Grand River. Another historical bridge...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3el1Il87pdm-M2wncdMJ1_NQ5Dr9UsoAQ3Rd019IBlvC4rZmwEBcbJFrSlXZy7S-OtKYTZA6s2-vBV6Zehe-LCPXIDfJ5tTysLcApxLKzV9siI0oUF97EqIA4QLKPRzTWuRhW8uqqMVXE/s1600/IMG_1356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3el1Il87pdm-M2wncdMJ1_NQ5Dr9UsoAQ3Rd019IBlvC4rZmwEBcbJFrSlXZy7S-OtKYTZA6s2-vBV6Zehe-LCPXIDfJ5tTysLcApxLKzV9siI0oUF97EqIA4QLKPRzTWuRhW8uqqMVXE/s320/IMG_1356.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hal took a rest here, while I attended to my hardware...</div>
<br />
Here...I finally took time to readjust my cleat...and almost immediate relief to my knee!!! Ya...don't even say it...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFUv97cT0nDaFiSwwcPjKhOqnyOFtFBjLI_oXeKmUEdZni198kEfEcvTw85l1gQVdcJjxLFzBax6c1KahT_dxLADd_NrzGKBFVfI0iNUlNlWQTslFB2pmDtkVMlVX_W-apq2jFjwVQP9d/s1600/IMG_1361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFUv97cT0nDaFiSwwcPjKhOqnyOFtFBjLI_oXeKmUEdZni198kEfEcvTw85l1gQVdcJjxLFzBax6c1KahT_dxLADd_NrzGKBFVfI0iNUlNlWQTslFB2pmDtkVMlVX_W-apq2jFjwVQP9d/s320/IMG_1361.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There were actually several very interesting bridges along the route!</div>
<br />
<br />
Then...with 5 -10 kms to go there was Matt Kadey...Tabi's partner and co-founder of the route. He had come out to meet us and lead us into town. Into St. Jacobs...and there we were. Done!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bcD4_VK7S6XTr2Do30J9QF9gssoUENBtE1gesDblkQqdE-vH52Gr_kRLZGGh8vt4EB-JQVnvJKWYN217dtbKjExFvJUqyFupugYN00g6SoY-4NMYREoWnEr6Ub2b-xYCWD4sioOaHetX/s1600/bt700+finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bcD4_VK7S6XTr2Do30J9QF9gssoUENBtE1gesDblkQqdE-vH52Gr_kRLZGGh8vt4EB-JQVnvJKWYN217dtbKjExFvJUqyFupugYN00g6SoY-4NMYREoWnEr6Ub2b-xYCWD4sioOaHetX/s320/bt700+finish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Done!!!</div>
<br />
Thursday: 125.56km. 903m elevation. 6hrs 54mins.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/2543726009">https://www.strava.com/activities/2543726009</a><br />
<br />
<br />
An unbelievable experience! So complete...a total inclusion of everything an Ontario mountain biker/gravel grinder could look for! Thank you so much to Matt and Tabi for the route. I cannot even fathom how much work, research, recon, and logistics this must have taken!! And with such success!! So greatly appreciated!!<br />
<br />
And thank you to Hal, for joining me on this experience. Not many can handle me for this long at one time...some strange idiosyncrasies, and sense (or non-sense) of humour...or so I'm told. Ask Lois.<br />
<br />
I look forward to doing it again. Soon!! In fact...likely early September. What say you???<br />
<br />
Would I do it as a racer? Or again as a fast tourist? (We should have been able to do it in under 4 days without the mechanical, and the thunderstorm delay.) It will depend on who I do it with...or if I do it alone. I am fine to do it either way. Although, I would recommend that for anyone who did do it as a racer...to do it again a little slower...and enjoy the amazing scenery, the local stops, the incredible variety this province has to offer. It is all there on this route. <br />
<br />
Someone (a committed racer...who, I think has to be committed to it because he has committed so much to it...if that makes sense) mentioned that he will do the more tourist approach to any race/ride when he is older. I think this is a mistake...because if you are living life 'properly' you will never feel 'older'. One with a 'racer', A-type personality (I know, I've been involved in competitive sport for most of my life) has to consciously approach a route like this with the intention to take the time to appreciate all the extras that come with it. This route is one worthwhile of taking that approach...at least one time. I understand both sides...I want to race it sometime too...sometime. The very cool thing is that this is a route worthy of both approaches. This route...with it's unforgivable climbing...tech bits of single track and double track...navigational challenges...and amidst an Ontario humid heat wave was conquered by a challenger in under 48 hours is unbelievable!! That is one committed athlete!! Un-countable amount of kudos to that rider!!<br />
<br />
Anyways...I'ma do it again. Soon!! And I will enjoy it at any rate...and curse it, and Matt and Tabi, as I suffer through. <br />
<br />
The BT700 will surely become a famous classic. In fact....there are whispers...rumours...that there may be some additions to it...(perhaps another 300km???)...but you didn't hear it from me. Cuz nothing is for certain...or forever...on the internet. Right??? Right.<br />
<br />
So, there we have it...<br />
<br />
And with that...what's next for me in the MTB world??<br />
<br />
Lots!!<br />
<br />
Stay posted!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3PwctNHpj1j-wG-pZQYQLLZFHqWx34jZZB44TLGf5-UnG0YcbT4F84J4_Mn4vEXYdm1nCwzcEidIcdtnqJYBm6PbEpiCj2P1MIDQsV8MeL6BmPLJS3ad8fKG-aeYY9F6R0hlYclfa6_E/s1600/cat+question.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3PwctNHpj1j-wG-pZQYQLLZFHqWx34jZZB44TLGf5-UnG0YcbT4F84J4_Mn4vEXYdm1nCwzcEidIcdtnqJYBm6PbEpiCj2P1MIDQsV8MeL6BmPLJS3ad8fKG-aeYY9F6R0hlYclfa6_E/s320/cat+question.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-73157260876369710542019-07-26T06:11:00.001-04:002019-07-26T08:02:55.867-04:00BT700 - A Ride, An Adventure, An Experience; Beyond Epic - Part OneThere are so many words, so many pictures, I will do my best to sum up this experience in a less than novel-ic blog post. (OK...I failed so I have made it a two parter...)<br />
<br />
The BT700...a 700 km tour starting at St Jacobs, Ontario, heading north through the Mennonite farmlands to the shores of Lake Huron, east to the Blue Mountains, south through the Beaver Valley and further through the Oak Ridges Moraine, then back west through the Albion and Caledon Hills back to St Jacobs. All through various rail trails, gravel roads, and single/double track trails. A route highlighting gravel/mountain bike riding options and the variety of central Ontario's geography, forest greenery, agriculture regions, river valleys, escarpment and great lakes views. Seriously world class. All put together by an unbelievable amount of research and recon by one Matthew Kadey, an experienced gravel-bike packing cyclist with an obvious intense passion for the experience...and a desire to share.<br />
<br />
When I first became aware of this tour, I knew it was an immediate must do. The question was how to approach it. Should I do it as a racer, packing minimal necessities to stay light and fast, riding through nights with minimal sleep to get done in as short a time as possible? Or do it as a tourist, packing full sleeping gear, tent, food, stove and taking my time to take in the full experience of the route, the views and the various small towns??<br />
<br />
The previous week, my friend Hal and I had bikepacked up to Kincardine (220kms each way), and back. Hal was also doing the BT700. The two day Kincardine trip worked out well...we didn't get on each others nerves too much...Hal was ok with me blasting out obscure 70s and 80s songs (yes, with my own voice), and talking to farm animals as we passed by. So we decided we would do the 700 together with the intention of doing it in 4 days. Not racer fast, but more like fast tourists; riding as steady as possible during daylight...bringing lights but not intending to night ride unless necessary. We planned to minimalist camping at night (I brought a bivy bag and a tarp), and take the time for pictures and admiration of points of interest along the way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXFQcMraKJsQp0L_UmW8imLJcmB7p4uFBB5XXuAhLO5BruggT4aZq6Wy_7NJWh1HEqd7K8K6sFRZqdVzIM82xHjtG0VkXm-GMSjvkLCM4eag1FqZKYcoqNeS3_VeE3wNliLfwKQ3oA5A8/s1600/image1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXFQcMraKJsQp0L_UmW8imLJcmB7p4uFBB5XXuAhLO5BruggT4aZq6Wy_7NJWh1HEqd7K8K6sFRZqdVzIM82xHjtG0VkXm-GMSjvkLCM4eag1FqZKYcoqNeS3_VeE3wNliLfwKQ3oA5A8/s320/image1.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My loaded rig. Hardtail 29 Kona Ti Raijin.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With 2.3ml Specialized Fast Trac tires tubeless.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcMRTRWT92hkAuun_oqhY6OUTsGSNVErkk0hqf9zRairDFfV8p3zonW0v5saKwO66nGyDHZRHqZcxcZpCgOkhDph15FPrmpSPB89iXTIsDOTfc1Xx73vayQw5HWqnkEB_a4gMWVgchkaM/s1600/image2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcMRTRWT92hkAuun_oqhY6OUTsGSNVErkk0hqf9zRairDFfV8p3zonW0v5saKwO66nGyDHZRHqZcxcZpCgOkhDph15FPrmpSPB89iXTIsDOTfc1Xx73vayQw5HWqnkEB_a4gMWVgchkaM/s320/image2.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hal`s Saturday evening prep proved we weren`t serious</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
about race pacing this one. (OK that`s milk in the jug...)</div>
<br />
And so, on Sunday at 7am...we were on our way...<br />
<br />
Day 1: Sunday<br />
<br />
The Grand Depart was scheduled for around 8am...however we wanted to take advantage of as much daylight as possible so we rolled out sometime between 6:30 and 7:00am.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsu-OhNGvGKOwT1E-AUoh2J2JYRxSrVY1Ygatgn_AIml7I-WY1MafRZdv-Cz6XsfYu1jbrvefypEYB5WXpdb2eWZV0QPhJFz4LGA9SJaQqpS1ZwK6BcEE5US_5O-2zHEOmH8e3522ltuoV/s1600/IMG_1305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsu-OhNGvGKOwT1E-AUoh2J2JYRxSrVY1Ygatgn_AIml7I-WY1MafRZdv-Cz6XsfYu1jbrvefypEYB5WXpdb2eWZV0QPhJFz4LGA9SJaQqpS1ZwK6BcEE5US_5O-2zHEOmH8e3522ltuoV/s320/IMG_1305.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hal at the start line...</div>
<br />
I noticed early into the ride that my newly rented SPOT tracker was not staying powered, it would start then power off in a minute or so, so after a bit of fiddling I took the time to change the batteries...still no luck. I plugged it directly into a power pack (I brought two 10,000mA power packs to keep phone and garmin charged), it still would still not stay on. Something was buggered with it...so I did away with it, and texted the situation to family that might be tracking me so they wouldn't worry. Enough time lost to this problem...on we went.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1TBjz24Ivky_MNLmQTNEBFgMGQW8hYOckmlChvpfxoF0HfiytCn96RNZlVY0TlDMDH5ymudkYuPkI8JcFY4kGLd_E3pFxzRk3OhYLrcf-nxi_ykQ5ZWn5rkLt9kJD9PizV40zUOqd6RK/s1600/IMG_1304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1TBjz24Ivky_MNLmQTNEBFgMGQW8hYOckmlChvpfxoF0HfiytCn96RNZlVY0TlDMDH5ymudkYuPkI8JcFY4kGLd_E3pFxzRk3OhYLrcf-nxi_ykQ5ZWn5rkLt9kJD9PizV40zUOqd6RK/s320/IMG_1304.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The buggered SPOT...</div>
<br />
The Sunday route headed north from St. Jacobs, onto gravel roads busy with Mennonite horse and carriage traffic, then the route turned into long stretches of rough chunky rail trail as ATVs are allowed to use this trail system (Bruce County rail trail). As we headed north on the rail trail we were treated to a few single track trail systems including the Carrick Tract trail system, and, my favourite on this day the Brant Tract trail system.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZvMcZfpOiCCS3zv-sD9r48s1Uk_9V8ZRfuhaUrJ2VJtTYP0ZKjDIQi6Snrbt4EW0SMhoxTzSLbz8XOuuuClg3Ga6yOEIfJzhq0yPjgfNNrsKeTVzcRRBeOEqQUehSGTO_5Th2WQxfxZv/s1600/IMG_1319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZvMcZfpOiCCS3zv-sD9r48s1Uk_9V8ZRfuhaUrJ2VJtTYP0ZKjDIQi6Snrbt4EW0SMhoxTzSLbz8XOuuuClg3Ga6yOEIfJzhq0yPjgfNNrsKeTVzcRRBeOEqQUehSGTO_5Th2WQxfxZv/s320/IMG_1319.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMFOeybw0bZq2su9lv0bbk3czUG_GLpB-Kw_Kc3j2SBEwqR7C9igovJHElxUjGd8oD5_qJRgLG0jYDAzkW3_oP2nDMGtbKsaw4iUeoGTx1Q6O6s6VjBG9_GwyOC2RqodkV2coB4HM8I5p/s1600/IMG_1308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMFOeybw0bZq2su9lv0bbk3czUG_GLpB-Kw_Kc3j2SBEwqR7C9igovJHElxUjGd8oD5_qJRgLG0jYDAzkW3_oP2nDMGtbKsaw4iUeoGTx1Q6O6s6VjBG9_GwyOC2RqodkV2coB4HM8I5p/s320/IMG_1308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjS-t7-UEDpVH4qxOrwEfCdMEBPG5i63qNoQUzOkT_00cFNsFQIRVVILl0esucwCNjAWC1XsxY_Pzbmt-VCmQ74unkziAdTsIWQ3w2NPg0KKxInWhx-YEVoap7FLkqAG6txqQjECHI4QBs/s1600/IMG_1316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjS-t7-UEDpVH4qxOrwEfCdMEBPG5i63qNoQUzOkT_00cFNsFQIRVVILl0esucwCNjAWC1XsxY_Pzbmt-VCmQ74unkziAdTsIWQ3w2NPg0KKxInWhx-YEVoap7FLkqAG6txqQjECHI4QBs/s320/IMG_1316.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some of the scenic (sorry I`m in the way!) sights along the way...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there were so many, and my pics don't do them justice!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Where is Apex Ted when you need him??</div>
<br />
At the 175km mark we hit McGregor Point provincical park on the shores of Lake Huron. The trails system here is extensive with multiple offshoots of side trails of single track that made navigation a challenge, so there was much out and back trial and error navigation to stay true to the planned route. Extra mileage was put on here. However the multiple views of the lake made it worthwhile. The beaches and incoming waves of Lake Huron would have you believe you were ocean-side! Seriously, the views on this entire 700+km route were so impressive...and they started here on Lake Huron`s shore. An extensive ride down a lengthy boardwalk required us to walk the bikes with the volume of pedestrian traffic on a hot Sunday evening.<br />
<br />
At around the 210km mark, we hit Southhampton where we had planned to camp for the night at Denny`s Dam campground. However, it appeared that this spot had been shut down and signs alerting that there was no camping allowed. So after a bit of riding/scouting around we found another camp spot and at 222kms we set up camp.<br />
<br />
Sunday: 222.77 km. 1005m elevation. 10hrs 49mins.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/2532991629">https://www.strava.com/activities/2532991629</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Day2: Monday<br />
<br />
After a rather good night sleep on an open bivy (Hal had a small bikepacking tent), we woke and boiled water for coffee and breakfast. A little more leisurely than planned, we were hoping to get rolling again by 6:30am or 7:00, but by the time we ate, and packed up our dewy gear it was 7:50am. (I brought my own pre-mixed breakfasts and dinners that were good to be coldsoaked or hot water added).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PlDZKSMBD__is-C3voLQyW7ND94UpQWw1VjeUQqht2SM0RWQuSLbhncsub9kdaBnLDESpVQrJbNUXybe9JOuLlYJNgzLaUaKyXejKMo5q_1DyiOdfH6W90RKb7CiwDA-mjH2zuY7YrDK/s1600/IMG_1324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PlDZKSMBD__is-C3voLQyW7ND94UpQWw1VjeUQqht2SM0RWQuSLbhncsub9kdaBnLDESpVQrJbNUXybe9JOuLlYJNgzLaUaKyXejKMo5q_1DyiOdfH6W90RKb7CiwDA-mjH2zuY7YrDK/s320/IMG_1324.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Riot smile selfie!!</div>
<br />
The day started on gravel road and the Georgian Bluffs trail for about 50km into Owen Sound. In retrospect we should have continued yesterday`s ride to include this section, as it was mostly flat, easy and fast. A point to remember for next time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeLys59XiUHSqixOlPUia_wX7B9WXXae8Dlda11ujMfbd3RZ5BRVfYH5egMxEYw-6fnF59CNCwxTXNffmrq4_UUfKgQEHQSdguNvCi-gbA5JUoaVeNdW-2WzZ6egXJcQS_iSbXoZL4E64/s1600/no+exit+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="342" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeLys59XiUHSqixOlPUia_wX7B9WXXae8Dlda11ujMfbd3RZ5BRVfYH5egMxEYw-6fnF59CNCwxTXNffmrq4_UUfKgQEHQSdguNvCi-gbA5JUoaVeNdW-2WzZ6egXJcQS_iSbXoZL4E64/s200/no+exit+sign.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDdUPdyNpei54Ic3VBCqwF7GYRVbxYL8AHH7IlLG67mN4KzCBGH-Drz2ZTK5_zDH9IRD5sM_OUU93INtH0KJemD7-wJ4qGKIQCJ1gscNmKEF-0HGqheJVmhIqNhtvEAVnKLPPJ3SZxiBN/s1600/road+not+maintained.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="400" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDdUPdyNpei54Ic3VBCqwF7GYRVbxYL8AHH7IlLG67mN4KzCBGH-Drz2ZTK5_zDH9IRD5sM_OUU93INtH0KJemD7-wJ4qGKIQCJ1gscNmKEF-0HGqheJVmhIqNhtvEAVnKLPPJ3SZxiBN/s320/road+not+maintained.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Signs like these are common on this route!</div>
<br />
Past Owen Sound the bulk of the ride was on rough gravel roads, and very rough trail. In the heat and humidity of the day the main challenge (other than keeping pedaling) was to make sure we kept our water and food supplies topped up. Tim Horton`s and local convenience stores became our best friends to keep camel backs and bottles full, and to pack as much `food` as we could fit on our bikes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXDUtUXzPP_rrbSVR75yj6X0xnuD1n3GpWGHrHk-cmz2_rULJ0BJb0arktQowmvU7nxqiKt-B_f_qQcPSyOjys2gc7mOgwSlRvNVUPHqePZ7SXrhM6ag53_ZgcpjzKk6liRGe-A7DL9uY/s1600/IMG_1326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXDUtUXzPP_rrbSVR75yj6X0xnuD1n3GpWGHrHk-cmz2_rULJ0BJb0arktQowmvU7nxqiKt-B_f_qQcPSyOjys2gc7mOgwSlRvNVUPHqePZ7SXrhM6ag53_ZgcpjzKk6liRGe-A7DL9uY/s320/IMG_1326.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The heat and humidity...clearly added to the challenge of this ride. Many times I pulled up to a convenience store with empty bottles and camelback...staying hydrated was key...the heat was intense reflecting off the gravel surface...the humidity oppressive when we were in the forest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZWKevjyrd7seBDpDrMRK54bnTdK5PtxWeazK2rP2TZNGCdihZp4AZqh-TjHB6AhhcqmbrPhfWukkuotyFDZcBgbdWpb_-DJd0J-Vfa_BN4D0auD8Q2RrijOmyEsDINL6qFzTzMMOTB-a/s1600/water+coyote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZWKevjyrd7seBDpDrMRK54bnTdK5PtxWeazK2rP2TZNGCdihZp4AZqh-TjHB6AhhcqmbrPhfWukkuotyFDZcBgbdWpb_-DJd0J-Vfa_BN4D0auD8Q2RrijOmyEsDINL6qFzTzMMOTB-a/s320/water+coyote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were always on the lookout for water stops. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Keeping topped up was key!!</div>
<br />
Then it started to rain...which was a relief from the heat...but there was thunder and lightning on the horizon. As we rolled into the town of Thornbury around 3pm we decided to stop at a local pub for lunch and see if the rain would let up or pass. As one cider/beer led to another, more riders rolled in to eat/hydrate and wait out the rain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhJ9pnSduCb-4me6j-9Eh04SIgy3v6eEuYJMxZMRX9wWVpnFyyfXEH0oAsr2i6BxtPgUgKrjQcawMbWubqX4itadpZY46WzOB38OBzBQOAybWhK3yacm1aXcCYu3j2t6LmvbX8ucmsCgF/s1600/IMG_1331+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhJ9pnSduCb-4me6j-9Eh04SIgy3v6eEuYJMxZMRX9wWVpnFyyfXEH0oAsr2i6BxtPgUgKrjQcawMbWubqX4itadpZY46WzOB38OBzBQOAybWhK3yacm1aXcCYu3j2t6LmvbX8ucmsCgF/s320/IMG_1331+%25282%2529.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ahem...when in Rome...</div>
<br />
However, the rain did not let up, and the lightning storm slowly rumbled closer...so after ordering and eating, sharing stories with other riders, and more beer/cider, we decided to play it safe and found a cheap, but clean hotel (Penny`s motel in Thornbury!!) for the night. (Besides, I don`t think Hal was in any shape to ride at this point!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D5GyJZIx7ZUWDGQAyFAzybliM2-RDiZjvm7TAYgy5UT6lAtXBV0nzMfRrhIIc2FjK0ftQ7-zDTnMJhw9y2tXdEl15Q9gzWI073YIBN968E3FRXhTLWf3lCpXjb7IRcEH-G6VFhcXieE5/s1600/IMG_1350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D5GyJZIx7ZUWDGQAyFAzybliM2-RDiZjvm7TAYgy5UT6lAtXBV0nzMfRrhIIc2FjK0ftQ7-zDTnMJhw9y2tXdEl15Q9gzWI073YIBN968E3FRXhTLWf3lCpXjb7IRcEH-G6VFhcXieE5/s320/IMG_1350.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There were also buttertarts...of course!!</div>
<br />
It was a good call as the storm raged for 2 or 3 hours throughout the night. The motel was full with other riders who made the same call. But is was almost a half day of riding lost...<br />
<br />
Monday: 132.09km. 793m elevation. 6hrs 36mins.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/2552363766">https://www.strava.com/activities/2552363766</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Day 3: Tuesday<br />
<br />
Heat and elevation, with a bit of an adventurous side story would be the story of this day.<br />
<br />
We got going rolling out of the motel, stopping at the local Tim Horton's to load up on food to get us through the day.<br />
<br />
The temperature would reach the mid thirties, with the humidity taking it into the low forties. Out on gravel roads you not only got roasted from above, but baked from the heat reflecting off the road...in the forest the humidity felt like riding in the depths of a swamp.<br />
<br />
Then add in the elevation. Relentless loooong gravel climbs...followed by a screaming fast loose gravel descent, often littered with brake bumps from the auto traffic...followed by yet another looong gravel climb.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOafug8cNeG9FhpPkmvjNARZRcuq1RZa_a1S7eimDp5-5WPVIW35YxNgStyD8iyjKl226A01tCNHVUp924q00HiPN9TSf8Psd6Wn9zyu3F2310eJBV8dsK8oXEVgC5Ejjk97U254jB1ofg/s1600/IMG_1341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOafug8cNeG9FhpPkmvjNARZRcuq1RZa_a1S7eimDp5-5WPVIW35YxNgStyD8iyjKl226A01tCNHVUp924q00HiPN9TSf8Psd6Wn9zyu3F2310eJBV8dsK8oXEVgC5Ejjk97U254jB1ofg/s320/IMG_1341.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Relentless...but my camera and my pic skills don't do it justice. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Where is Apex Ted when we need him??</div>
<br />
And when the route dove into the forest and you thought there might be a bit of relief from the climbing the route presented you with a looong loose rocky double track climb...so steep I often found myself in my 12 speed granny gear. These forest climbs also embraced the humidity but to add to the suffering the lack of breeze made it a haven for the black flies, deer flies, and horse flies...all happy to feast while you slowly struggled up the climbs...even crawling under my camelback. Fun times here.<br />
<br />
The extreme heat made it imperative to stay topped up for hydration...we had to venture off route, adding additional mileage, in order to find water sources. As in this stop in Flesherton...a few kms off course...then return to the course at the point of departure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvk4knJdXJ_JMFXzTDseNu7-C7UWCvPo3ZZ4xmM3LTE9_vPx0GbBWymxGStbqosrEXhGMzrWfA-Jfs1jzEP__WsQ_yzOBtAohC82x1cJWKgtGqMfg6R18YkRkoqc8kvg9QRqsd91bITtUF/s1600/IMG_1337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvk4knJdXJ_JMFXzTDseNu7-C7UWCvPo3ZZ4xmM3LTE9_vPx0GbBWymxGStbqosrEXhGMzrWfA-Jfs1jzEP__WsQ_yzOBtAohC82x1cJWKgtGqMfg6R18YkRkoqc8kvg9QRqsd91bITtUF/s320/IMG_1337.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Small store in Flesherton...showing us the way??</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuDTP8__ZxtYJzvytEqr5gF4QE3AmOJbaJd4yP3MtRfRuSAa5uyegsYUDSYdDMmcp76rVIJbpRzFiCF-zCbu_nl6TVaXbEK3bX-vD81vL5BJ4fI1XaXMe0EgKZ8TqsjweUi6_P0shH8f8/s1600/IMG_1334+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuDTP8__ZxtYJzvytEqr5gF4QE3AmOJbaJd4yP3MtRfRuSAa5uyegsYUDSYdDMmcp76rVIJbpRzFiCF-zCbu_nl6TVaXbEK3bX-vD81vL5BJ4fI1XaXMe0EgKZ8TqsjweUi6_P0shH8f8/s320/IMG_1334+%25282%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be aware if you do this route, many small town stores and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
restaurants are closed on Monday and Tuesday...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I guess since they are open all weekend. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We found this out the hard way!</div>
<br />
And the morning breeze became a stiff wind...usually a head wind of course. This was indeed a day made to test the suffer metric.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmo6gOziq_I8I22VgQ0TGzGhcqRUicRqZRIU1DrZ9dedDQqHltaOR8YlG5ooWWG8leUAIAk49lrFWCVjxKhuqeEuXKNx5YdORVIHeIVDhvvBELV0QDveTALb7oFKBLh_JJWN8GjqVpHwl/s1600/IMG_1338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmo6gOziq_I8I22VgQ0TGzGhcqRUicRqZRIU1DrZ9dedDQqHltaOR8YlG5ooWWG8leUAIAk49lrFWCVjxKhuqeEuXKNx5YdORVIHeIVDhvvBELV0QDveTALb7oFKBLh_JJWN8GjqVpHwl/s320/IMG_1338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The headwind was substantial...this flag standing out straight.</div>
<br />
And then...<br />
<br />
Hal developed a slow leak in his rear tire. And after 4 or 5 stops to pump up the leak Hal decided to insert a tube...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4t_VGz_6TUFL2B2PR25UF4vvVyJgDpXsw-v9ghrBQz7H-sozp3LeLO5G68J9e6DIQQfDNeLkpR-VrMAIrvpcomRQAqZdynMvVV0OGWEdpdfSCX1uu2Ozs7e-gEFKTX2aliUUH28KtrLOX/s1600/IMG_1336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4t_VGz_6TUFL2B2PR25UF4vvVyJgDpXsw-v9ghrBQz7H-sozp3LeLO5G68J9e6DIQQfDNeLkpR-VrMAIrvpcomRQAqZdynMvVV0OGWEdpdfSCX1uu2Ozs7e-gEFKTX2aliUUH28KtrLOX/s320/IMG_1336.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Repair time...</div>
<br />
New tube inserted, and a bit of coaxing to get the tire seated properly, but it all seemed to be holding, we were back on our way. For about another 20 - 25 kms...until finally on a flat section...we noticed the tube bulging through the sidewall...a quick stop and air release to ensure the tube didn't burst. Inspection showed that the bead of the tire had split from the sidewall...not good at all. As a last resort, we booted the tire with a $20 bill (all we had on us at the time).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrl-_amEdeu8hlgiB-XYHDQPhWCx-p5M9oDBsrTNROQpwFMaio-iG3wop_B8qcYxbPiZTK2_4oZmAzj3_fXyfmvWzaBccVRO_TMNLgrnwAoD5L4wqPVPMcsn5-mzxgmW8rdgn6KRLpjVZT/s1600/wiley+help.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrl-_amEdeu8hlgiB-XYHDQPhWCx-p5M9oDBsrTNROQpwFMaio-iG3wop_B8qcYxbPiZTK2_4oZmAzj3_fXyfmvWzaBccVRO_TMNLgrnwAoD5L4wqPVPMcsn5-mzxgmW8rdgn6KRLpjVZT/s320/wiley+help.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As we worked on the situation, a fellow BT700 rider came up behind us. I don't know if I ever got his name, but he was from Cambridge and riding a rigid gravel bike. He was really struggling with the heat and the climbing, and as there wasn't anything he could do to help us, he mentioned that he was going to wander on and find a small town to have lunch and try to recover to complete the day. Off he went. We eventually got the tire booted, and re-inflated...enough to find a medium pressure that would prevent pinch flatting...and not burst the boot...very tricky.<br />
<br />
Then on we went...the fix appeared to hold. Hallelujah...but we would keep a close watch on it.<br />
<br />
As became a matter of course on this route, I would drop Hal on the climbs and he would catch me on the flats.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsODY_7ZQKZbggmlV3QIS65B4NTdsHZW_W7EkpruZqGemyPUNxhuTskqtYbT_W9yKuPrHhE2AMIRvJeoW2k3bn6yJNN5dgsndQEuwllfwMdN8XoLybEfOfS4gLjBHuEGBGXNBMcPQggrZ/s1600/IMG_1351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsODY_7ZQKZbggmlV3QIS65B4NTdsHZW_W7EkpruZqGemyPUNxhuTskqtYbT_W9yKuPrHhE2AMIRvJeoW2k3bn6yJNN5dgsndQEuwllfwMdN8XoLybEfOfS4gLjBHuEGBGXNBMcPQggrZ/s320/IMG_1351.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hal, speeding down another hill...</div>
<br />
As we continued with the repaired tire, the dropping on the climbs became accelerated...then at a point about 20kms into the most recent repair...Hal wasn't catching me...I looked back. No Hal. I turned around and rode back...still no Hal. Finally, there was Hal...limping along on a flat tire...riding gingerly as to not damage the rim of the wheel. A quick, "I'm f...k'd" summed up the situation. There were no more options...a new tire was required.<br />
<br />
We noticed someone standing on the deck of a nearby farmhouse...<br />
<br />
But...<br />
<br />
This story has taken too long to tell...let's end this chapter for now...<br />
<br />
Will Riot and Hal survive to ride another day??<br />
Will the person on the deck shoot at the Metis and the Judd??<br />
Will Marvin's bomb make a 'Kaboom'??<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for the next post to see if our heroes (heroes???) find a phone booth!!<br />
<br />
Ya....<br />
<br />
Stay posted!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDGNuotSyGhnOqu78dLO-vBLBY3okPFQ3cSXjd3HJQ0eo9A0nP0P8MuuEGnFEOC3inBRJDxms_9UNCca_Wdqw8IGnlZb18xpdMCkNXGprEGDpEIku8vARZ9HGHTA2FSpjNtV8CV2tvb4J/s1600/cant+wait+grumpy+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDGNuotSyGhnOqu78dLO-vBLBY3okPFQ3cSXjd3HJQ0eo9A0nP0P8MuuEGnFEOC3inBRJDxms_9UNCca_Wdqw8IGnlZb18xpdMCkNXGprEGDpEIku8vARZ9HGHTA2FSpjNtV8CV2tvb4J/s1600/cant+wait+grumpy+cat.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-61191304202506345332019-07-11T09:59:00.003-04:002019-07-11T10:56:53.608-04:00What's Been Going On?? It's Been Awhile!!Well I guess I have procrastinated on putting off delaying (???) this post long enough that I can't really call it a review of any race...but TeamColin has been blog posting so I guess I should. So here are very quick re-caps of what has been going on this spring and summer...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>The Spring Epic 8 Hour mountain bike race</b>...<br />
<br />
Always a true test of spring fitness levels. Held at Mansfield Outdoor Centre where the sandy trails stand up to a variety of conditions, and are in fact, better when a tad wet; which it was this spring. Plenty of roots...and plenty of hills on these trails. But this year, it seems the folks at Chico Racing went out of their way to include every rooty climb in the trail system...and then found/made a few more just to add to the fun/challenge.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
Seriously, with 250m of rather technical climbing every 10km lap, from very steep to long and grinding, it was a serious single speeders challenge. Actually, for me the start climb is the toughest...although it's wide open fire road width, it's so long and relentless, and either soft sand or loose gravel, by the time I get to the top I'm redlined.<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
I'd been riding fairly consistently throughout the winter (yay for fatbikes!!!), but I still had no idea what kind of endurance ride kind of shape I was in. After the first couple of laps I settled into what I thought was a proper 8 hour pace for me. I paid zero attention to the 'scoreboard' during the race...just intent to enjoy the day and put in as many laps as I could muster. (Meeting other solos along the trail, and having JennR chase me down, or push me for the final half of the day). However, at the end of the day, with 10 laps put in; I realized I wasn't totally trashed like I should be, and usually am at the finish of a race. Which meant I could have, should have, set myself a faster pace and had a better result. (You may ask why I didn't recognize this during the race, but all the climbing had me concerned about flaming out at any point...which didn't happen...and good to know for future races this year.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
No podium spot for me this year...this time...but for me a great day...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KnGVqdPkFmoR2Y7YoGVRJRmJhpIcM81vpcI_IEwmRc2s3rfU3a5ktTeSPqoqCkBno8-hOAM83T44aEpXWWTd9SV0etofDYFNJnpvtaI__4Rqo_3vxWNUj73PwV_gMCkmqkQPz3kiD9LG/s1600/epic8+2019+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KnGVqdPkFmoR2Y7YoGVRJRmJhpIcM81vpcI_IEwmRc2s3rfU3a5ktTeSPqoqCkBno8-hOAM83T44aEpXWWTd9SV0etofDYFNJnpvtaI__4Rqo_3vxWNUj73PwV_gMCkmqkQPz3kiD9LG/s320/epic8+2019+1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And ApexRacePhotography was on course.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ted at his best making even me look fast!!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5ty0RWXjUIs7u70_GWCl7J8VN7bMj-vLip9E7VWdLiFEVfjNiPT44OW5ZSzMwbFB3lsJI9rxTAU_1eCJG1yWY37NCTx4SzT76iE_FJE-cMUHRTwegyO92ig0_ZQKwi-CRxZyZunogVQc/s1600/epic8+2019+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5ty0RWXjUIs7u70_GWCl7J8VN7bMj-vLip9E7VWdLiFEVfjNiPT44OW5ZSzMwbFB3lsJI9rxTAU_1eCJG1yWY37NCTx4SzT76iE_FJE-cMUHRTwegyO92ig0_ZQKwi-CRxZyZunogVQc/s320/epic8+2019+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRDgNqGqh_GS4N0qiXDHgdTyuKkdXHqX2DhajdOXSukYo8aX6r-0wjwev9s0d_Tqj6DqqhKgqApva5Uh_3dmiWEu7MkOvZi9ADONxcWfWRh9ocLu6Rey2r9HPr2mOkDFn8LTayJ9thfBP/s1600/epic8+2019+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRDgNqGqh_GS4N0qiXDHgdTyuKkdXHqX2DhajdOXSukYo8aX6r-0wjwev9s0d_Tqj6DqqhKgqApva5Uh_3dmiWEu7MkOvZi9ADONxcWfWRh9ocLu6Rey2r9HPr2mOkDFn8LTayJ9thfBP/s320/epic8+2019+3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Summer Solstice 24 HR Relay Race</b><br />
<br />
Another Chico Racing classic. I had the unfortunate circumstance of crashing hard on a gravel road ride just 7 days before this event. A broken road helmet and severe road rash on my knuckles and up the right side of my body from my knee to my shoulder threatened to keep me from participating in this years Solo 24. But the road rash was nicely scabbing over (yum, eh??), and any possible concussion symptoms had subsided (a doctor visit resulted in only a tetanus shot) so on Friday Jonny (who was also solo-ing so we were sharing a pit) and I headed up to the race venue at Albion Hills Conservation Area to get set up. We had planned to race unsupported (no assisting back up crew), but MarcS showed up...he was supposed to be racing but had very recently broken his thumb in a crash...so he offered to help us out with support. What an amazing help Marc was!! Marc has solo-d the 24 HR before so he knew when we should eat, what we should eat, when we should rest...all the stuff that an endurance racer doesn't always make the best decisions on in a glycogen depleted brain fog!! So many sincere 'Thank yous' to Marc for the help!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOs_8pUnh-NSUUFU3o23BYTT98uMGxIDQyW08yr-wpYruv_EVJj0DyyuYhpTrdb2KW46YmPF7xNU3to7JeWd2iM0vJD6_1SzMCyO52_lY_WXDP663AS3OH3wrcVgILsX2Yf0aZ0yLQ2cG8/s1600/2019+24hr+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOs_8pUnh-NSUUFU3o23BYTT98uMGxIDQyW08yr-wpYruv_EVJj0DyyuYhpTrdb2KW46YmPF7xNU3to7JeWd2iM0vJD6_1SzMCyO52_lY_WXDP663AS3OH3wrcVgILsX2Yf0aZ0yLQ2cG8/s320/2019+24hr+5.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ApexTed on course again, clickin my pic!!</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1d76nuOlyXpACtHKVqf3tYjLjXRYcBcs59gBReOvtAuCpmUwV14ui-VhgKiOUSQ393qCSE3s9UH-aPGtB04cakSdu2TwBz7zijs27ASGn2alCJYklZ_cIJY593u-XVYLMW6XSSv2ML6SF/s1600/2019+24hr+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1d76nuOlyXpACtHKVqf3tYjLjXRYcBcs59gBReOvtAuCpmUwV14ui-VhgKiOUSQ393qCSE3s9UH-aPGtB04cakSdu2TwBz7zijs27ASGn2alCJYklZ_cIJY593u-XVYLMW6XSSv2ML6SF/s320/2019+24hr+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Different jersey, trying to stay fresh through the 24 hours. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcq7IdfbN-J-ck69Ch94TphBwtj7zAhPZ7g0bZ-ipwy8nUpMihdJObbpO23RTk8wCsRSvcXlAOYpZbsOAfCXuh2n_VtFz6bZ_GJ_WhK4LoDBfR0SwdUPA1iLhWTSw1ZY5hDoOqpLwVw3q/s1600/2019+24hr+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcq7IdfbN-J-ck69Ch94TphBwtj7zAhPZ7g0bZ-ipwy8nUpMihdJObbpO23RTk8wCsRSvcXlAOYpZbsOAfCXuh2n_VtFz6bZ_GJ_WhK4LoDBfR0SwdUPA1iLhWTSw1ZY5hDoOqpLwVw3q/s320/2019+24hr+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ted catching a Riot smile! </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Race day Saturday was perfect weather...there must have been close to 3000 racers entered into this event. It really is a classic, and so well run by the folks at Chico Racing...they have been doing this for 100's of years (well alomost....) and have it down to a science...an art even. It sells out early every year (by February). There were 50 of us solo-ing....with 13 entered into my age category (male age 50+)....and at noon sharp the start gun went off...we were a going! I settled into a pace early...with almost 300m of climbing per 17km lap, the plan was to survive the climbs, take advantage of the long very fast downhills, and recover-eat-hydrate on the flats. With two of the strongest endurance riders I know in my age category, DaveS and KenW, not entered in this race cuz they were doing a little thing called the Tour Divide, I thought I might even have a chance at the podium on this one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JGAIaqciDimEws418pu4DYpKgMHl69GMQ-2iHfCATFvhOvm_z7jGDVaBjG19Wa1tDo4Kj0HiAvExVNmG7z0Oc73LrxceQ4CrBEJuKE4rjoQ834diP4Hb6h-_yaJl_p_1XJNAI4yuSteQ/s1600/2019+24hr+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JGAIaqciDimEws418pu4DYpKgMHl69GMQ-2iHfCATFvhOvm_z7jGDVaBjG19Wa1tDo4Kj0HiAvExVNmG7z0Oc73LrxceQ4CrBEJuKE4rjoQ834diP4Hb6h-_yaJl_p_1XJNAI4yuSteQ/s320/2019+24hr+4.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So for the first few hours of the race I saw myself battling between 3rd and 4th place with Andy (a racer with the team Lapdogs). I would pass him as he took long breaks between laps then he would rail past me somewhere further up the race course. Then somewhere during the night laps I had begun to develop a headache. Not knowing the cause exactly...a result of energy/electrolyte depletion, or a recurring concussion symptom from my previous weeks crash, Marc suggested it may be a good idea to have a sleep and see how that would work out. A great call I might not have had the faculty to make on my own. So...a couple of hour nap...headache was gone. Get some fuel back in me....and got back out into the race.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaSxDGCxbFTrpeM75z2HYRK-TKUp2XNfFjrzRJolX-mZ7mhjDaiGD0lElTuzDCNRr9KNFdOEl4Zp5iBCDDmjCBLjx3ck5Jo5qjq2EX8rpzTSrxQ4QvwcYNYd2T5g5zqfPyFfFYu8wdHjm/s1600/2019+24hr+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaSxDGCxbFTrpeM75z2HYRK-TKUp2XNfFjrzRJolX-mZ7mhjDaiGD0lElTuzDCNRr9KNFdOEl4Zp5iBCDDmjCBLjx3ck5Jo5qjq2EX8rpzTSrxQ4QvwcYNYd2T5g5zqfPyFfFYu8wdHjm/s320/2019+24hr+1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Well the nap may have saved me a few much needed brain cells...but I had now dropped to seventh place. So I just proceeded with the intention of just finishing up the race at my pace...it was still night time...about 3am...so I planned to ride careful...I'm not a big fan of night riding...I can crash just fine in the daylight. For a solo racer, it's when you hear the birds start to chirp their morning calls that you feel a wave of relief knowing daylight should be coming on the next lap...and you can do away with the lights on the bike and helmet. So, on I proceeded into the sunrise and onto the morning. Approaching the noon finish I was struggling...the pains of riding for that length were starting to take hold...my lap times had dwindled to 1hr44mins for my last two laps. Very slow, just pedalling to keep going...survive the climbs, take advantage of the downhills, recover on the flats...just slower than before. Then near the end of the race time, I pulled into my pit to fuel up and stretch before heading out for one more lap to end the day. And Marc mentioned to me, "Hey Mike, (he forgot my name is Riot) you know you have worked your way back up 4th place...In fact you are only 10 minutes out of 3rd."<br />
<br />
What?? What?? Making up 10 minutes at this point of the race, and in my depleted state was a near impossibility but I knew I had to try...so off I went...blazing like a tortoise! Pushing through all the hurts...doing my best to hammer up the climbs...and push on the flats...no need to save and recover now. It was my buddy Orville I was chasing...Orville was in 3rd place. I had met Orville at the previous years 24HR race. Orville is a surprisingly fast mountain bike racer...surprising because he is built like a football halfback...one strong dude! When he stands up to push his single speed (yeah...single speed!), he is gone! Well there he was in front of me!! On a looooong grassy double track climb....just ahead of me. I passed him on the left...and said, "Hi Orville" as I passed. At his point I didn't know if he knew I was in 4th pushing him for 3rd...but he must have because he responded with, "Dammit, I knew it!!". And as we dove back into some single track, he was hard on my tail.<br />
<br />
At this point I was wrecked...I had drawn on everything I had to make up the time gap and was now working on fumes. But Orville must have been saving some gas in the tank...as we approached a long loose gravel road climb...BOOM! (as TeamColin says!), Orville stood up and he was away!! I struggled up the climb in some wimpy granny gear....then back into single track...I pushed hard! And pushed harder! My hamstrings started to cramp...then my quads...and my lower back started to lock up....but I pushed through. I felt like I was going fast, and expected to see Orville around every next bend or climb. I actually wondered if I had passed him without noticing...but no. As I pushed up the last stupid little rooty climb to the finish...I was done. I tapped my computer chip on the reader pad, my leg muscles weren't working right...my brain was as foggy as Johnny Cash on a Sunday morning. If there was time to do another lap...I couldn't do it. Orville had finished 4 minutes ahead of me, he's an athlete to respect! He took 3rd place, but I think I made him earn it.<br />
<br />
I was done...but it was a good day.<br />
<br />
So...how does one recover from solo-ing a 24 hour? Usually with about a week of rest, or very easy riding. But...I had gotten into bike packing this spring...and I totally enjoy it!! Combine mountain biking...or gravel riding, with camping...what could be better??<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdMe1CpyYHIBi461AiG1QncvBr0Twj0n496c9w6BkFCQPSh4iXyVI2sAOrqMYjXCbXXn5CgDOuoMuZ7pJAh0QvlfE8s33caDW0JuBMJHJtRC6cV8xC04QDgAS_EZu9olTb1PpAnGd7AXX/s1600/bikepacking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdMe1CpyYHIBi461AiG1QncvBr0Twj0n496c9w6BkFCQPSh4iXyVI2sAOrqMYjXCbXXn5CgDOuoMuZ7pJAh0QvlfE8s33caDW0JuBMJHJtRC6cV8xC04QDgAS_EZu9olTb1PpAnGd7AXX/s320/bikepacking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So when my buddy Hal called me on Wednesday, 3 days after the 24HR and says, "Hey Mike (he forgot my name is Riot), I'm going to bikepack to Kincardine tomorrow (a 200+km ride), and back on Friday (a 200+km ride), do you want to join me?"<br />
<br />
I says, "Hal, I'm still wrecked from the 24HR...I can't do that!"<br />
<br />
He says, "So you'll do it then?"<br />
<br />
I says, "Yeah, I guess so."<br />
<br />
So, that's what we did...and many hurts were had...and good times. Especially riding 4 hours in an extreme thunder storm on the way back on the Friday.<br />
<br />
Oh...and apparently this is now a thing...<br />
<br />
The Riot smile...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kohkCCie0mGy1JA2zTYr5nRFgg95oV9x7E8bEfEX8e9kjyR8F0DB3TVn0IHA4yNZmhrav4BaojL7lwqr1MmeDOGjgTmW8WN-5jFrX4HxVlxJrol-yoGf9gxVTJS5QHcECG3lArjgdzkV/s1600/pinoy+riot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kohkCCie0mGy1JA2zTYr5nRFgg95oV9x7E8bEfEX8e9kjyR8F0DB3TVn0IHA4yNZmhrav4BaojL7lwqr1MmeDOGjgTmW8WN-5jFrX4HxVlxJrol-yoGf9gxVTJS5QHcECG3lArjgdzkV/s320/pinoy+riot.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinje1SNBBg-53dxOPQXtYqt0wFrryfqVzOB2BSq4tBsJcSgf_124vzvGjugDGSO2-KGv4oxgxnra0ms6IbGTrr8k3FOro6nuk8Di-UaNVqIcDxWGcr0mIipEO-JcmLaBFTCc1BWOnAWqKz/s1600/oggie+riot2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinje1SNBBg-53dxOPQXtYqt0wFrryfqVzOB2BSq4tBsJcSgf_124vzvGjugDGSO2-KGv4oxgxnra0ms6IbGTrr8k3FOro6nuk8Di-UaNVqIcDxWGcr0mIipEO-JcmLaBFTCc1BWOnAWqKz/s320/oggie+riot2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmYmYTTsB9KqHrUqc1N8UI8S_V7aB4Cy7E-Sml0wf28rDY44qS38xIy4-aJmR-hfXxayIKaRDPcq6KcFuC-eMij9MQfMH-EJtj-DByx50gr8PjxqQjoB72SMt1q0oHEF_8-4GxAVFMv_6/s1600/IMG_4862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmYmYTTsB9KqHrUqc1N8UI8S_V7aB4Cy7E-Sml0wf28rDY44qS38xIy4-aJmR-hfXxayIKaRDPcq6KcFuC-eMij9MQfMH-EJtj-DByx50gr8PjxqQjoB72SMt1q0oHEF_8-4GxAVFMv_6/s320/IMG_4862.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBAb834P1Am-dx708b3scz8VJhXiIPA-nn5TJkeAg7ogzFZldWVOL5RBpGEI-A3TD_aiSimDGPyaZkJ7uNc3d5JSlFLYC6-ztCUTxddQQnqpxI5i3snpV-ovofwB2oZzIDECBGC6sEHHB/s1600/riot+galore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBAb834P1Am-dx708b3scz8VJhXiIPA-nn5TJkeAg7ogzFZldWVOL5RBpGEI-A3TD_aiSimDGPyaZkJ7uNc3d5JSlFLYC6-ztCUTxddQQnqpxI5i3snpV-ovofwB2oZzIDECBGC6sEHHB/s320/riot+galore.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0C0nlvmtQD16eCCA8V2jB-9cgq45dw7zUhnCuKlxJMBp3oC4ySIaBS5vDP5pLKY4Knj_1W3H9GAHyvtiyjB0oY8lh3uryqu8Knyfu2AQty1mu7HaV8jEJzi0nvWJBjyZN2-g3RiybbiEV/s1600/IMG_4864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0C0nlvmtQD16eCCA8V2jB-9cgq45dw7zUhnCuKlxJMBp3oC4ySIaBS5vDP5pLKY4Knj_1W3H9GAHyvtiyjB0oY8lh3uryqu8Knyfu2AQty1mu7HaV8jEJzi0nvWJBjyZN2-g3RiybbiEV/s320/IMG_4864.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well...some are still learning...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AI-BxePMPeg-N6JTRGHxmtdTpg-C8vfKdVKomsU-bhMjuKQixRMmfRnaf3qcBxYZkb4G2DNqMAcwy0UxrPVJkTHobq5WGtK_p0EYZAV3yZsQH_Yd1BjTXwK0xkmLUYZtefflSSK2_KNF/s1600/pinoy+riot+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AI-BxePMPeg-N6JTRGHxmtdTpg-C8vfKdVKomsU-bhMjuKQixRMmfRnaf3qcBxYZkb4G2DNqMAcwy0UxrPVJkTHobq5WGtK_p0EYZAV3yZsQH_Yd1BjTXwK0xkmLUYZtefflSSK2_KNF/s320/pinoy+riot+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And some have it perfected...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVZt9W2Ccx-02yxxDGeacSLNJFq0lr0tztA4Lq2KymLMa-hS3aweVaHoEppwvj9oIFhetqrqOYNuOonAd_1xlNhxOLp1RtN198EkE3-7V1uqaHdBeL4IOuHZgRmhP1csnqwNqv-BElUWf/s1600/oggie+riot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVZt9W2Ccx-02yxxDGeacSLNJFq0lr0tztA4Lq2KymLMa-hS3aweVaHoEppwvj9oIFhetqrqOYNuOonAd_1xlNhxOLp1RtN198EkE3-7V1uqaHdBeL4IOuHZgRmhP1csnqwNqv-BElUWf/s320/oggie+riot.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I think only my buddy Jody has figured it out...that the Riot smile was inspired by Bob and Doug Mackenzie...the two hosers eh!!<br />
<br />
Anyways....sorry about the long post...there is so much more I could include...like how Jonny killed his first solo 24, how Sarah kills every endurance race, how JoeM destroyed his first 8HR solo, Jouko and Robin attacking the DirtyKanza, NatalieT crushed her first 24 solo. I'll try not to be such a procrastinating cat from now on...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglg5ySG9ob8mtfwc9I_ycR-8QAENCGTFb60jPIU6ZySwd5rVHLfjmhTUfnaHEhgR7wkqQBhLmT2_N3OuE42PiSKjPZAHhKkyEYbvRWI8-PbEBEyPPFWqFlJa1WTnND_wA-b3lPcI2eXlrk/s1600/cat+procast+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="374" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglg5ySG9ob8mtfwc9I_ycR-8QAENCGTFb60jPIU6ZySwd5rVHLfjmhTUfnaHEhgR7wkqQBhLmT2_N3OuE42PiSKjPZAHhKkyEYbvRWI8-PbEBEyPPFWqFlJa1WTnND_wA-b3lPcI2eXlrk/s320/cat+procast+2.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKB8hDuzhF8DE-d17qO_K5Q1cLqoqRS_XE31qk-NHSeJa7uz1tJX6RfiifNN2_q1svKItOSW2U6RmP43IttQxxbFAHOVKXBdYQct4p0tPT6we789mKeK9ExLvIeeF5psePpcEoV6zi7n0/s1600/cat+procast+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="500" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKB8hDuzhF8DE-d17qO_K5Q1cLqoqRS_XE31qk-NHSeJa7uz1tJX6RfiifNN2_q1svKItOSW2U6RmP43IttQxxbFAHOVKXBdYQct4p0tPT6we789mKeK9ExLvIeeF5psePpcEoV6zi7n0/s320/cat+procast+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIl4Ewk9DTGS9eFU0hojntuyUiZDnRcW90H56vosoZpbiSCutnQHVIWgN9UjuRPh8sdTgF5NISRqCBZyzpKuut5NoK6hpf_LfJ9Khft6dbH7WyEKQMVZCZm7HadvQxqx3oCJMpCAJfLHn/s1600/cat-procrastinator+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIl4Ewk9DTGS9eFU0hojntuyUiZDnRcW90H56vosoZpbiSCutnQHVIWgN9UjuRPh8sdTgF5NISRqCBZyzpKuut5NoK6hpf_LfJ9Khft6dbH7WyEKQMVZCZm7HadvQxqx3oCJMpCAJfLHn/s1600/cat-procrastinator+1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Anyways...So whats up next for me??<br />
There is a little ride called the BT700. It's new. 720kms. It's happening this weekend. Hopefully I will report on how it goes before next Christmas.<br />
<br />
Stay posted!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8LG_cvHP38jrnltRBa3CUBfjPMnaeCNlxyefpgrkrNvcfR0mVgwvndmGtyVbb7reRKSeimtVjL2ukR5wP5ithJbOmY0cH98UgzhXTVS_xKSSx0cTQxLNw1RVdkX4-o4V75AsTpspDKfr/s1600/cat+procast+4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="480" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8LG_cvHP38jrnltRBa3CUBfjPMnaeCNlxyefpgrkrNvcfR0mVgwvndmGtyVbb7reRKSeimtVjL2ukR5wP5ithJbOmY0cH98UgzhXTVS_xKSSx0cTQxLNw1RVdkX4-o4V75AsTpspDKfr/s320/cat+procast+4.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-67479564449840975432019-04-26T12:18:00.001-04:002019-04-26T12:18:06.759-04:00Turkey Point XC Marathon and More MTB Coming Up!!Well...a little late...but that is how procrastination goes. But wait....<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So...two weeks ago (April 13th)...Substance Pojects first race of their XC Marathon series happened at Turkey Point. Turkey Point, becoming a MTB Mecca...especially for early in the season where everywhere else in the world is still saturated, the sandy based trails here are primo...actually awesome even!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And there is a winery nearby!! Which is where Dan (Dan of Substance Projects) had the race start and finish. (Smart that guy is!!). So...instead of a long winded, boring, detailed version of the race (which I can now barely remember cuz it was so long ago...) let's go with more of a brief re-cap.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Morning of the race RustyCrank and I left my house for Turkey Point (living in North Bay, RustyCrank stayed at my house the night before in order to avoid a kazzillion mile drive the morning of the race).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxruhKFWUCnHRCwdeQEUa21i9WDjJFvkuOqmqCMq2mxdSIm1IVnAU0rbG2BxsL7JhHoRDuUWXduWJ9bxtIP1WNFc_G_LGZ1KaXWMwZy5VNT4GnOa4IIDiDvgYJHD-il9589xCtmFfPPR_B/s1600/D73DB272-92F9-4331-910B-F9FA07D4B908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxruhKFWUCnHRCwdeQEUa21i9WDjJFvkuOqmqCMq2mxdSIm1IVnAU0rbG2BxsL7JhHoRDuUWXduWJ9bxtIP1WNFc_G_LGZ1KaXWMwZy5VNT4GnOa4IIDiDvgYJHD-il9589xCtmFfPPR_B/s320/D73DB272-92F9-4331-910B-F9FA07D4B908.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Me and Rusty...ready to roll??</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2WrriFxxprIatzoWbMnCCQSZPPHwEIbuOIyltKHroc7n3ojYm2MZfnZqLGdsNXTXFHhGpoxBX-5MSnlwVLXhJaR2QNbRC_NjZqAHnbVwaIA-VsdjMM3P_NJY0FIMFTZ6_4iRQzuH5Y9p/s1600/4BCD4621-4BB9-4169-A6C7-41A08A45F68B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2WrriFxxprIatzoWbMnCCQSZPPHwEIbuOIyltKHroc7n3ojYm2MZfnZqLGdsNXTXFHhGpoxBX-5MSnlwVLXhJaR2QNbRC_NjZqAHnbVwaIA-VsdjMM3P_NJY0FIMFTZ6_4iRQzuH5Y9p/s320/4BCD4621-4BB9-4169-A6C7-41A08A45F68B.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well...at least my bike seemed to be ready...</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We arrived to see many of the familiar faces, fellow racers and organizers...friends, competitors, lovers of the sport...it was like a homecoming it was.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPpeIDi5Nhp6hISllUFvJasmaNsZeIf9QP5vtbWVJo2-XrdTV9bicLS3huSN5NwkwQNMdmTFGyPE6xrLREJAojefv4mbRZQww98IYksYOkxEhWf5FuVIe1st8zKWn3cET5D71euyIrso2/s1600/5852AC2A-4930-4BB8-8B9B-E651E0B56343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPpeIDi5Nhp6hISllUFvJasmaNsZeIf9QP5vtbWVJo2-XrdTV9bicLS3huSN5NwkwQNMdmTFGyPE6xrLREJAojefv4mbRZQww98IYksYOkxEhWf5FuVIe1st8zKWn3cET5D71euyIrso2/s320/5852AC2A-4930-4BB8-8B9B-E651E0B56343.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
SleevelessAdam (even in the winter races...seriously!), </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jonny, Grant, Richard hiding...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1t43datsAnagKDjgw-ssIrLw1o3-RuMm0llkfBQWqXCYoufH6wmHaQlb3IQWu7gdofSc1X56rekJuMl6KxMsVaaFBDmjb5ftSDtSrS5TTp7NsiuYSxiIRiq28ksSSdU20_o2D_Vy9-zc/s1600/FA4009FF-B9A7-4F50-A043-0DABD3AE70A9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1t43datsAnagKDjgw-ssIrLw1o3-RuMm0llkfBQWqXCYoufH6wmHaQlb3IQWu7gdofSc1X56rekJuMl6KxMsVaaFBDmjb5ftSDtSrS5TTp7NsiuYSxiIRiq28ksSSdU20_o2D_Vy9-zc/s320/FA4009FF-B9A7-4F50-A043-0DABD3AE70A9.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
KTuff</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then a bit of a warm up...(there is never enough of a warm up for me...it literally takes me at least a full hour to properly warm up). Plus...I needed to test how my back felt. I had taken a rather harsh fall on a very long rock garden of a trail 3 days prior. My back was still very bruised...very stiff.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbmTIOMX2l6aWbzojST7GQJm3ivY8Z0tnf7nB7oyMez5U3zdMvzM17E5zIdAtBFDgBB_dA14J03ZQFkKZliiAiHUeEoXqcMN9vg2Vn1qPp-Lc-ZS2CtobN5JYMuno0_rAO4WFuaQtgApV/s1600/E0F01683-0552-4C1D-9F58-ADD3F673E3E1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbmTIOMX2l6aWbzojST7GQJm3ivY8Z0tnf7nB7oyMez5U3zdMvzM17E5zIdAtBFDgBB_dA14J03ZQFkKZliiAiHUeEoXqcMN9vg2Vn1qPp-Lc-ZS2CtobN5JYMuno0_rAO4WFuaQtgApV/s320/E0F01683-0552-4C1D-9F58-ADD3F673E3E1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sorry...should have warned about that view...</div>
<br />
So into the start corral (moo!), where there was a mix serious intense racer types, folks looking to have fun and enjoy the trails, and some like me, observing while looking to push ourselves while enjoying the day. And I wanted to ride safe...make sure not to fall on my back again...there is an entire season of racing to come.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAObcNKo8SUzAuV1iLDs3yf_VeuiNdtRQYreBDRAHph6RafVLLFXDqgYYNweCksXmaVqx9_OcqhUb8yusRSsU_6Cx6nVN0ox4E2FeS-qZCNt_L-UMHyO9DIWmgldWF4MmTeObXJ_FeZrU/s1600/661C8A69-8722-40FF-AD59-89A59EF95F45.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAObcNKo8SUzAuV1iLDs3yf_VeuiNdtRQYreBDRAHph6RafVLLFXDqgYYNweCksXmaVqx9_OcqhUb8yusRSsU_6Cx6nVN0ox4E2FeS-qZCNt_L-UMHyO9DIWmgldWF4MmTeObXJ_FeZrU/s320/661C8A69-8722-40FF-AD59-89A59EF95F45.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Crowded</div>
<br />
<br />
Then after Dan's required blah, blah, blah, we were off. I started off too hot...each right legged pedal stroke with any kind of power was accompanied with a stabbing reminder up the right side of my back...so I eased off and just rode...or tried to ease off. Dan's course had a few punchy climbs, at least for a heavy single speeder, that required more effort...and whatever power I could muster. As I continued the discomfort diminished and after an hour or so it was mostly gone...and I was able to actually go at race pace. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTJ1RLUDH_XHZ0GA9uG3sgWzF2lmSU8oAhn8cuQH_zZcB0vGvup4Hum5NEI9A6i0HB4-huofYOQx17_3dExWhZHK7-CSiQY7M1gfBnAg5dzwKUqaseMv7iauiobvukvc5qNkFpg9x5AD_/s1600/19XCTurkey_+%2528231%2529-ZF-10267-52619-1-001-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTJ1RLUDH_XHZ0GA9uG3sgWzF2lmSU8oAhn8cuQH_zZcB0vGvup4Hum5NEI9A6i0HB4-huofYOQx17_3dExWhZHK7-CSiQY7M1gfBnAg5dzwKUqaseMv7iauiobvukvc5qNkFpg9x5AD_/s320/19XCTurkey_+%2528231%2529-ZF-10267-52619-1-001-002.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And Ted and his crew (ApexRacePhotography) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
were out there...caught me grimacing </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
through one of the climbs.</div>
<br />
Actually, check out this progression of Ted's pics...as I recognized him as I rode by...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbETkSj57Cz2BchOpPju_4nWis-isTZCbyxg4RbN6QTcMWuQ3kYSosD-ubM77DLRp1hMfrfkx3nMpMPsu-b_yJ5J8nIFSXu0YIFBqlsob0Xh9XVlYTwuZfuF-Cuh9P-vsFbNcFECBhNVX/s1600/19XCTurkey_+%25282904%2529-ZF-10267-52619-1-001-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbETkSj57Cz2BchOpPju_4nWis-isTZCbyxg4RbN6QTcMWuQ3kYSosD-ubM77DLRp1hMfrfkx3nMpMPsu-b_yJ5J8nIFSXu0YIFBqlsob0Xh9XVlYTwuZfuF-Cuh9P-vsFbNcFECBhNVX/s320/19XCTurkey_+%25282904%2529-ZF-10267-52619-1-001-003.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This race hurts...dammit Dan!! Hey...is that...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vbgW8Pvhc6QOmVneDVvJ1T_nWSFLP1z2np87ZNVui6nE5xtUJevm99VoiR1aoLkhqIzfPmY5gJ5OR8UrgfzY45F93V4dlcyxXouZsXJkJfqRYdA1Wx-In9mHLuRsiSbir1MGzBBvaD5I/s1600/19XCTurkey_+%25282906%2529-ZF-10267-52619-1-001-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vbgW8Pvhc6QOmVneDVvJ1T_nWSFLP1z2np87ZNVui6nE5xtUJevm99VoiR1aoLkhqIzfPmY5gJ5OR8UrgfzY45F93V4dlcyxXouZsXJkJfqRYdA1Wx-In9mHLuRsiSbir1MGzBBvaD5I/s320/19XCTurkey_+%25282906%2529-ZF-10267-52619-1-001-001.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...Ted?? Hey!! It's Ted!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGJJ7ngH5WhVjJ83KaAQAreyX95pfZZxMLmGatoHgYhVHFMWQVl_9cKSOve0SDaSEXk3gR9ugVW6xbopf2ZJ7WpxTcqgPBwSpT6_qEmiH4V7UYptSX9hX30hcS_vCXUCo_3pfam6cB7fQ/s1600/19XCTurkey_+%25282908%2529-ZF-10267-52619-1-001-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGJJ7ngH5WhVjJ83KaAQAreyX95pfZZxMLmGatoHgYhVHFMWQVl_9cKSOve0SDaSEXk3gR9ugVW6xbopf2ZJ7WpxTcqgPBwSpT6_qEmiH4V7UYptSX9hX30hcS_vCXUCo_3pfam6cB7fQ/s320/19XCTurkey_+%25282908%2529-ZF-10267-52619-1-001-004.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hiya Ted!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSPNbR46L21kGEUL99GVJKGvWf0Tpjra7P2QyYXw0Zq8S9rusHF_L5Q3fgos7RjI0iNSgoNk2GpBkJJNIQK4yLxFsZTBSqoh7dZf-qJ_nNGbzlnhvZWJfK0NaZASWhJF9WF3XiVrKw6uh/s1600/19XCTurkey_+%25282911%2529-ZF-10267-52619-1-001-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSPNbR46L21kGEUL99GVJKGvWf0Tpjra7P2QyYXw0Zq8S9rusHF_L5Q3fgos7RjI0iNSgoNk2GpBkJJNIQK4yLxFsZTBSqoh7dZf-qJ_nNGbzlnhvZWJfK0NaZASWhJF9WF3XiVrKw6uh/s320/19XCTurkey_+%25282911%2529-ZF-10267-52619-1-001-005.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Haha!! I saw Ted!! OK...me race now!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
But at this point, I was an hour into a 40km (2 to 2.5 hour race)...so my race was effectively over...and I still wanted to make sure I didn't fall again. But the trails were awesome...conditions were pristine!! And the TP trails are just plain, all out fun!! So much flow!! Over a small hill at speed, down into the rooty drops on the trail 'Pile Driver' were a small reminder to be careful. But for the most part I rode out the rest of the course in full out race mode. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIOhzESjaEThpVUpQiI_9b08UiXkRSBbk2-fsRuxI95S0eIVSIAD0EoOmRkuJeev2_34PCx5WjK0NnIlGU0vGW-Ckk39GA_hJiec1F2FLqdAEstvuCfUsTGp_a7EnD4q8OF8DrkAfsmtf/s1600/678AD37C-6BBF-4B84-A971-860BD1D25358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIOhzESjaEThpVUpQiI_9b08UiXkRSBbk2-fsRuxI95S0eIVSIAD0EoOmRkuJeev2_34PCx5WjK0NnIlGU0vGW-Ckk39GA_hJiec1F2FLqdAEstvuCfUsTGp_a7EnD4q8OF8DrkAfsmtf/s320/678AD37C-6BBF-4B84-A971-860BD1D25358.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Topping out one of the climbs, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there was NewfieSteve and PowerPaul taking a couple of pics as I went by...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
laughing at me. (They were not racing on this day). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Laughing either at my discomfort, or how slow I was going...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdBLxguoBdjb220fGjs_-bd87bZIZEzMGej1dgLdmMKgzbrYH0eowMSP9lIGSqOzaRlZBSXpUcfckCr_fHEcFEWoaI5EZWKI3-zoUFasIpAuDhvhtdEnjEUdCj7kVzjMmLYEr9wLiV87X/s1600/F7E5E35E-9188-44AD-8D27-A3CED0E059E1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdBLxguoBdjb220fGjs_-bd87bZIZEzMGej1dgLdmMKgzbrYH0eowMSP9lIGSqOzaRlZBSXpUcfckCr_fHEcFEWoaI5EZWKI3-zoUFasIpAuDhvhtdEnjEUdCj7kVzjMmLYEr9wLiV87X/s320/F7E5E35E-9188-44AD-8D27-A3CED0E059E1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Either way it was funny...and I just had to laugh back.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was cool to see them there.</div>
<br />
<br />
I finished off the race chasing down a fellow single speeder, Marc, who had come into view; and crossed the line with a finish time of 2hours24minutes. I was last of the 11 single speeders entered...but I was safe and happy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLfMmdG1m9gq00vg98d8pJ1H_REP3qAUJi1rujKlfmIYqXG9VAR0YqwAUEd5OhyphenhyphenD28mrTbRzAnbom92iTjt4UrAA2BHjuGKjAV8MNyNlEdLWmXaC6rGYaN-PF9KaawkHnVuCXi6rlXPfc/s1600/IMG_4874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLfMmdG1m9gq00vg98d8pJ1H_REP3qAUJi1rujKlfmIYqXG9VAR0YqwAUEd5OhyphenhyphenD28mrTbRzAnbom92iTjt4UrAA2BHjuGKjAV8MNyNlEdLWmXaC6rGYaN-PF9KaawkHnVuCXi6rlXPfc/s320/IMG_4874.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Post race interview?? No...unfortunately not...</div>
<br />
<br />
Dan's races are always amazing...great race courses...but mostly it's the fun, relaxed atmosphere. It seems that no one really takes themselves too seriously, and the main goal is to enjoy the day. It's always a great experience...even if Dan always has a poke at me for my propensity to get lost (one time!!!...OK...maybe twice....or three times...but hey!!).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcN47fTOv5oWD8kvnL5p0DwEhLju0sLjjbvIa2R1c3kv36HInwJ8Rr8bU5Hgz7OC1QN9s_zvEbVhlzyyTvX0gxfvppdE5isPLESmyiFXByQUq8CEmEWixKxG2aU2aflyQeMDZe4CqAdUPh/s1600/IMG_4858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcN47fTOv5oWD8kvnL5p0DwEhLju0sLjjbvIa2R1c3kv36HInwJ8Rr8bU5Hgz7OC1QN9s_zvEbVhlzyyTvX0gxfvppdE5isPLESmyiFXByQUq8CEmEWixKxG2aU2aflyQeMDZe4CqAdUPh/s320/IMG_4858.JPG" width="221" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Why? Just cuz it's funny...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or is it??</div>
<br />
Anyways...it took me so long to write this review/blog, that Dan's second race of his Marathon Series already happened. (April 20th) I didn't race this one...so no review. Sorry Dan. <br />
<br />
And the iconic gravel?? race, the Paris to Ancaster is happening this weekend. I'm not racing that one either. <br />
<br />
I guess I'm saving energy for one of these two upcoming races. But will have to choose...they are both on May 11th!!<br />
<br />
The Epic 8 Hour Spring edition...promoted by ChicoRacing and held at the always challenging (which makes it totally fun!!) trails at Mansfield. The idea is to race as many laps of a 10km course as you can do in 8 hours. A mix of steep hills, sand, and roots, this is a race I try to do every year...especially considering these trails are not normally open to the public. The Epic 8 Hour MTB relay series (Spring, Summer, and Fall races), have become a southern Ontario must do.<br />
<br />
The other option this year is the BORCA Spring Chicken. The folks at BORCA (Beachburg Off Road Cycling Association) work their tails off to create and maintain a series of single track trails in Whitewater township (Ontario), and each year they hold the Spring Chicken to help support the trailbuilding/maintenance efforts. The race is 60kms, with so much awesome single track (there is also a 27km version if shorter is more your style), in the heart of the Ottawa valley. Climbs, shield rock, roots all mixed into the flow. And for a great cause. Check it out at <a href="http://www.borcatrails.com/spring-chicken.html" target="_blank">BORCA Spring Chicken!</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.borcatrails.com/spring-chicken.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4VdSGYuIvwEym2TIjG0smvT9RfhgTNNJnar5ECbgiLIQXEZsKjxTEvDQR77CUQNslc8Lk09NPAp-RWjMY8mb5vlZWZTjIjEJQRmFcql0tfaLAYTJNIrh_9D1mxoHx2eIc092j9SEf-dq/s1600/BORCA+Spring+Chicken.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I really like the longer rides/races. The sad truth for me is if the ride/race is less than 2 hours its hardly worth putting on the gear. I don't know if its my metabolism, age, hairdo...or what, but it seriously does take me an hour or more to properly warm up. Hence, my focus on 4+ hour races. If you follow my strava most of my rides fit this narrative...(is that a proper use of the term??? sounds fancy anyways...). And I try to drag along as many friends that like to do these types of rides...and most of them end up kicking my ass. I've never claimed to be fast...I just really like to ride.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzyKKuXB4PvifKAnl4lvz8zfERwIuD9isTNldh_gxO1SIx5ZxdHPodElS4sXe8HuLgUtzaQHYPCoIZ-_WtGTlr4vmDTFJo7Lp6trgAa0iAjWE4YMyuS-TPSG6aUGS4Z5x_91akjsLa-Vq/s1600/image2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzyKKuXB4PvifKAnl4lvz8zfERwIuD9isTNldh_gxO1SIx5ZxdHPodElS4sXe8HuLgUtzaQHYPCoIZ-_WtGTlr4vmDTFJo7Lp6trgAa0iAjWE4YMyuS-TPSG6aUGS4Z5x_91akjsLa-Vq/s320/image2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On one ride...re-water/food stop</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVrVGbWd0konOU0QmPmApr2VBZcsOVKtGEFkUM3jOpqkjfhhf8dkASGt8tDD-FwekUD1dTjVQPNfW3nJ4rlvAJGWIrQBtZaRJ_BAPhL4OMMiDTbrv5n4G1HA6M75Bk4Aw0jdQDJJU4nr3/s1600/image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVrVGbWd0konOU0QmPmApr2VBZcsOVKtGEFkUM3jOpqkjfhhf8dkASGt8tDD-FwekUD1dTjVQPNfW3nJ4rlvAJGWIrQBtZaRJ_BAPhL4OMMiDTbrv5n4G1HA6M75Bk4Aw0jdQDJJU4nr3/s320/image1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So Oggie can practice his Riot face...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuuQoQcNJtmJmsCBr0B4rYe-Jzpl3jQYKXh1dLmDb0TuItqIu0cD8p1FJCbbW3-SvRm1Fc72CqMoUZuQ2gYOs1kfGjoYLC_n6iAR7y1nxhyphenhypheniiY_uXr4pvUfQJWH2Y0w0Zhd60EXJJlh5Z/s1600/8FC2820C-0732-44B0-89C0-8D8488958793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuuQoQcNJtmJmsCBr0B4rYe-Jzpl3jQYKXh1dLmDb0TuItqIu0cD8p1FJCbbW3-SvRm1Fc72CqMoUZuQ2gYOs1kfGjoYLC_n6iAR7y1nxhyphenhypheniiY_uXr4pvUfQJWH2Y0w0Zhd60EXJJlh5Z/s320/8FC2820C-0732-44B0-89C0-8D8488958793.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes Alpaca lunch...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_4Ub6ejli4op30VpZH4BgP2YApcdKPI9bTD6tOLH5OdD74TFcvarZFHnZs1dyHzHr7g77VsHLcI30TSIPVHl7u97XiEh91vVIN3D5OssPCd0VCbKVVdTzn_UlCU1YpDEXa96JiNVrype/s1600/9F86C05E-65A0-4D81-9191-7D376806E65D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_4Ub6ejli4op30VpZH4BgP2YApcdKPI9bTD6tOLH5OdD74TFcvarZFHnZs1dyHzHr7g77VsHLcI30TSIPVHl7u97XiEh91vVIN3D5OssPCd0VCbKVVdTzn_UlCU1YpDEXa96JiNVrype/s320/9F86C05E-65A0-4D81-9191-7D376806E65D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No horsing around on these rides...moo!</div>
<br />
Anyways...always getting off track. So... May 11th will be my next race...maybe I will manage a blog post before that. <br />
<br />
Stay posted!!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Black hole...or....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNF6RBgDHXaHhVffV7sgKQiHFSF9vOwrLUP3Yq1mhshoyVu0CGSylQmtc3my6PAuEwAHaKJblrFTehjULhVGSkR3peK1LTQHXYXkeqj_SaAK_F4HuyeauiCf_wPxV7AgZkr7hK1UEvcJyC/s1600/BD2DC37C-678B-4156-A2EE-D19D30413F57.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="501" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNF6RBgDHXaHhVffV7sgKQiHFSF9vOwrLUP3Yq1mhshoyVu0CGSylQmtc3my6PAuEwAHaKJblrFTehjULhVGSkR3peK1LTQHXYXkeqj_SaAK_F4HuyeauiCf_wPxV7AgZkr7hK1UEvcJyC/s320/BD2DC37C-678B-4156-A2EE-D19D30413F57.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aha!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gPBncKGHDrWHXAJ6Ce9jomFNR0IYbU0zVNlpb7CnUvEIMNinJCwLmdPEcOV1jpgEB6j8oXK5uq7Ke4d5NO5dN9MsD7G7Z3jaR1Jsz7Tdph1GLr6rvEKTCgqFQwcyj9xcf_BGn0qwInM_/s1600/D4A24D8D-462D-4D64-909B-778E7CCE782F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gPBncKGHDrWHXAJ6Ce9jomFNR0IYbU0zVNlpb7CnUvEIMNinJCwLmdPEcOV1jpgEB6j8oXK5uq7Ke4d5NO5dN9MsD7G7Z3jaR1Jsz7Tdph1GLr6rvEKTCgqFQwcyj9xcf_BGn0qwInM_/s320/D4A24D8D-462D-4D64-909B-778E7CCE782F.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EbLtQxXeAUDcaizP9T0Bqe5qDtqpAw8GkYyyz39maEMqALqHMnnoWwlNw243aaQc8HJEL6kiIREjEJ8m0_wacaWfeYUFS0tFNw6abKmtniCg3gtJWMegibc6hAlA4mvP35QxLJ7JXwHw/s1600/BB007A14-17C1-4A9E-BD4C-7EDB269EF245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EbLtQxXeAUDcaizP9T0Bqe5qDtqpAw8GkYyyz39maEMqALqHMnnoWwlNw243aaQc8HJEL6kiIREjEJ8m0_wacaWfeYUFS0tFNw6abKmtniCg3gtJWMegibc6hAlA4mvP35QxLJ7JXwHw/s1600/BB007A14-17C1-4A9E-BD4C-7EDB269EF245.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-1695801476491586892019-04-11T05:19:00.001-04:002019-04-11T08:49:54.463-04:00The Supreme Race?So, it seems mountain bike race season is getting here...or is even upon us now.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For example...Pisgah is happening...and there are some local heroes out there killing it. There are Stels, Ben Jiks, and Alexas (Oh my?). All very accomplished riders...whose race posts I am enjoying following on social medias, and expect some good stories when they return.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkah9Z8xnD9SiuQNIeeHxiaEgwBuu0tOH9HyoOOEv9C942LSoX7nA85twWqoEoPTi21Y2OsI4IpC9JomHwgxjUfV7Az7p9rZIe88uHhQadVQGo3jLP-2To8mRC45zq5FN0H_wek381JJgV/s1600/ondrej+n+stels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkah9Z8xnD9SiuQNIeeHxiaEgwBuu0tOH9HyoOOEv9C942LSoX7nA85twWqoEoPTi21Y2OsI4IpC9JomHwgxjUfV7Az7p9rZIe88uHhQadVQGo3jLP-2To8mRC45zq5FN0H_wek381JJgV/s320/ondrej+n+stels.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And locally, there are two races this weekend. At Turkey Point on Saturday is the first of Substance Projects' (Dan Marshall) XC Marathon Race Series; and on Sunday there is the Steaming Nostril, a gravel race out in the St Jacobs area.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFC4rLxVkx5wSwAGsoIn2mEy2mDyWHo7hkq9Iw8pNx82yvCjw5jj5UB3uPh0YPzTnjmHpP93QGJKdU8IBYHBq6N4XhbAogoH6gRW9M8JWKy0vHkfoB2qmCsBDrPOTVOFaa6eslLmJOTaTV/s1600/D730C07B-88F0-42A6-8B0C-9F303FFCDDBA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFC4rLxVkx5wSwAGsoIn2mEy2mDyWHo7hkq9Iw8pNx82yvCjw5jj5UB3uPh0YPzTnjmHpP93QGJKdU8IBYHBq6N4XhbAogoH6gRW9M8JWKy0vHkfoB2qmCsBDrPOTVOFaa6eslLmJOTaTV/s320/D730C07B-88F0-42A6-8B0C-9F303FFCDDBA.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Map of Turkey Point Marathon Course</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbVJBxR3NtwkhQ8A6Czet3gdYWD2wa1BlRZwXcA41YBPkIKy9oVUSKPsZCqonIfyeEqLFC4aIgxD2zNn5If9bt_xLpoCNnR3QjG0oaAxg0nKaLeY0ztw-snuk_b-zRd2KF0QzXLlN7-4d/s1600/05EEF2DF-A765-4E1F-AB8A-8005A8DBB6D1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="639" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbVJBxR3NtwkhQ8A6Czet3gdYWD2wa1BlRZwXcA41YBPkIKy9oVUSKPsZCqonIfyeEqLFC4aIgxD2zNn5If9bt_xLpoCNnR3QjG0oaAxg0nKaLeY0ztw-snuk_b-zRd2KF0QzXLlN7-4d/s320/05EEF2DF-A765-4E1F-AB8A-8005A8DBB6D1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Map of the world...you know...just for context...</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some truly, epically hardy folks are doing both races (You know who you are!!). I considered doing so. There is also the Spring Kicker on Sunday...a celebration of Mountain Biking, and Demo day attended by several mountain bike manufacturers at Turkey Point. So many options to consider (mtb race season IS here!!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However on today's (Wednesday) ride I crashed hard on a rocky trail and banged up my lower back fairly significantly. I am already signed up for Dan's Turkey Point race (Singlespeed Catagory)...so I think I will leave it at that. I am icing the back and hoping to keep it from stiffening up. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I will race Saturday...and likely do a Riot ride on Sunday...that way I can choose the pace and distance to what I can handle. Who am I kidding...it will be epic...as always!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Am I in race shape? Hell no!! I am planning on peaking for mid June (ya...Summer Solstice 24 hour)...but I am on my way...much better than I was last Christmas season. At that time I weighed in at 220lbs. I am currently bouncing around between 190 and 195...not where I wanna be, but on my way.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've been working hard, riding lots...and good friends pushing me hard on our Sunday Riot rides. Jenn, Jonny, PowerPaul, Al, Seth...regulars who are all faster and in better shape than me and who push me to be faster on every ride. And ocassionally Oggie's, KarenD's, NewfieSteve's, and MikeV's who even make it faster. And these are all folks who don't normally whine about how tough, fast, far the ride is...just the opposite!! (Well we do occasionally lose a couple of riders, like at last Sunday's Riot ride at Turkey Point to pre-ride the race course...but that's because the pace starts too fast for the distance...). </div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3Xng9fUzPYVoKTW8qSV87lsvY13FweNdl3tJwFhxhzRXH802L2D1NK8soqkaGCPvzwTuOUHjHvp2b_Q0TTLLHyX7hELZhPQwZnvSn-OztJ125EZoL5KF49-9bl9KZSwbuOvkALPbdz3t/s1600/IMG_4862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3Xng9fUzPYVoKTW8qSV87lsvY13FweNdl3tJwFhxhzRXH802L2D1NK8soqkaGCPvzwTuOUHjHvp2b_Q0TTLLHyX7hELZhPQwZnvSn-OztJ125EZoL5KF49-9bl9KZSwbuOvkALPbdz3t/s320/IMG_4862.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The fast crew at last Sunday's Turkey Point ride...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsQNd_pWKVwA_nrSer2-N-5Re3XoRTLtnAwiU43TtgTuDfMecnfsbjnZYefSRaIvEzCjiVkhMjevnitqbtvcLqcZdwmaf61XQagCRmAe-QlHXQXZvmn0TAkVJi8eW0jo3Bn9rJMptFfvc/s1600/IMG_4859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsQNd_pWKVwA_nrSer2-N-5Re3XoRTLtnAwiU43TtgTuDfMecnfsbjnZYefSRaIvEzCjiVkhMjevnitqbtvcLqcZdwmaf61XQagCRmAe-QlHXQXZvmn0TAkVJi8eW0jo3Bn9rJMptFfvc/s320/IMG_4859.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Folks often trying out the Riot face...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrzzeHYRuDlYm8_pwpBgCED-6ahoD8DOfpGLgHdqM8dDKzhyIULYnGxCRsblDZMxi8C5eFLBU_3XvnZ00J2LAtYbDJV8J76gfyYleTTrbGJ3NsO6Ga_t59VZP39igciQF-SVEuOBbGd4g/s1600/4F76AFE1-99AE-4AEA-9574-68C87103276D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrzzeHYRuDlYm8_pwpBgCED-6ahoD8DOfpGLgHdqM8dDKzhyIULYnGxCRsblDZMxi8C5eFLBU_3XvnZ00J2LAtYbDJV8J76gfyYleTTrbGJ3NsO6Ga_t59VZP39igciQF-SVEuOBbGd4g/s320/4F76AFE1-99AE-4AEA-9574-68C87103276D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRxtsYUmLZFEk1xJtEt8TEKekb5VO1iMB5mylCIqpPKCdZcL5qXx5UxiYELu1vggDDt9tiFsVapZ1PdXlFAA3IohezLswQz-X4h7XcE7farpfRnn2umEuSDRXstJ4VVJmgzoEV6RI9apD/s1600/IMG_4860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRxtsYUmLZFEk1xJtEt8TEKekb5VO1iMB5mylCIqpPKCdZcL5qXx5UxiYELu1vggDDt9tiFsVapZ1PdXlFAA3IohezLswQz-X4h7XcE7farpfRnn2umEuSDRXstJ4VVJmgzoEV6RI9apD/s320/IMG_4860.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5lS8ezI9BbhV41H884rUjI5K1bJ5uxFqY3tXVV3WLUf03Cb4jmhtaGDyE8Or9pwRkDCU541ULv1MLAv5wnzEOTevAbwYUnC5Ao6D7GFZDTeC9rCaZ9giLhPBkxbFJMgFznj16g8_VO-9/s1600/IMG_4864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5lS8ezI9BbhV41H884rUjI5K1bJ5uxFqY3tXVV3WLUf03Cb4jmhtaGDyE8Or9pwRkDCU541ULv1MLAv5wnzEOTevAbwYUnC5Ao6D7GFZDTeC9rCaZ9giLhPBkxbFJMgFznj16g8_VO-9/s320/IMG_4864.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithIwNsPxbZVyFK_Ndklx2hbJO9-dp2g6RooSNbtH2Zr0Kb4q8PIArk1wHql45PenhsWgBUxlwWhKR9dTbjtoj8ku1vOvYe0cW5TMbkGFuDVkNO2IQZnIS6KQghKZB409vrwSIw0Jkn-VF/s1600/IMG_4865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1086" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithIwNsPxbZVyFK_Ndklx2hbJO9-dp2g6RooSNbtH2Zr0Kb4q8PIArk1wHql45PenhsWgBUxlwWhKR9dTbjtoj8ku1vOvYe0cW5TMbkGFuDVkNO2IQZnIS6KQghKZB409vrwSIw0Jkn-VF/s320/IMG_4865.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-A8SApKWGjbufGCL71i3P3hvsPQdXlY5jEImyPt9CLE2wvFzc5pRECeJ3FR4FOlbpwq0hrwxeohbef83q8ztD2PwexqGtf6JXL6dNc0EqUWj4h1Z3JECt4niNss-FmfaufFbvFsI0lKH/s1600/IMG_4866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="550" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-A8SApKWGjbufGCL71i3P3hvsPQdXlY5jEImyPt9CLE2wvFzc5pRECeJ3FR4FOlbpwq0hrwxeohbef83q8ztD2PwexqGtf6JXL6dNc0EqUWj4h1Z3JECt4niNss-FmfaufFbvFsI0lKH/s320/IMG_4866.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways, sorry...a little off track there. About my friends who believe in punishing me... With this crew it's usually "Let's keep going...let's find another hill...lets get a buttertart." (Ya!!!). OK....maybe that last one is always me...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeJcHIl2ecCUo_-o9uO9-2ewFDbcGeJXAIWXklzyCVpIHOzyx1warJJxeZW_qFm188EL2YCtJT8Z3l-geEkNJrM6fIhFCI7K4WJi3F5wfCurzPzYVf5rGUXUsU3l5BzH_YSb66ZPT8SJC/s1600/931B4A88-ACD6-42AE-9E4F-C3FF9BCC359B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="663" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeJcHIl2ecCUo_-o9uO9-2ewFDbcGeJXAIWXklzyCVpIHOzyx1warJJxeZW_qFm188EL2YCtJT8Z3l-geEkNJrM6fIhFCI7K4WJi3F5wfCurzPzYVf5rGUXUsU3l5BzH_YSb66ZPT8SJC/s320/931B4A88-ACD6-42AE-9E4F-C3FF9BCC359B.JPG" width="221" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yup....these folks are fast!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVy75vWFxAvcHdNEYHZv-Ax1lYQjyMB4Gr5mhEJCrmt16rEnaZ0e28PY5D68OPNTTSJI54X5rzOLvYV0QG-d3WTQywSnmV-zdTdy85SipbY7o9Ing30lQgaDg2bnE1x7g4XP5Xvn3cT0Wu/s1600/IMG_4851+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="960" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVy75vWFxAvcHdNEYHZv-Ax1lYQjyMB4Gr5mhEJCrmt16rEnaZ0e28PY5D68OPNTTSJI54X5rzOLvYV0QG-d3WTQywSnmV-zdTdy85SipbY7o9Ing30lQgaDg2bnE1x7g4XP5Xvn3cT0Wu/s320/IMG_4851+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On many of the rides I feel like this guy...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm06vIl4Vn6jcmhjyrDSVMKygrQlrBW359gUd1iSMGvqhOSxc2-OmCEoLdWTZdktO33_FAr9G0MFQz3LA-Mv8PZDBojgGSCoN_3KO7YUo1FGn_xxfIpwfqkXQNQdgux9TeTwJmFMcTNNXd/s1600/1B80102E-E4A3-4282-B127-10B87ECD5544+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm06vIl4Vn6jcmhjyrDSVMKygrQlrBW359gUd1iSMGvqhOSxc2-OmCEoLdWTZdktO33_FAr9G0MFQz3LA-Mv8PZDBojgGSCoN_3KO7YUo1FGn_xxfIpwfqkXQNQdgux9TeTwJmFMcTNNXd/s320/1B80102E-E4A3-4282-B127-10B87ECD5544+-+Copy.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Although, Wednesday once I pulled myself off the rocks</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I got to ride with Al and Roscoe </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bvUq86987JLoTXAHrV-SnlEE4KjMTfgNHmoJWtrft2vrE3llfv90l67oIhXX4ybPeySw1XW8866VHR2YebwYH62Sg5oxWlycLClmaZPannjWiYV3Zgrm3OMfTOr8xBs1v9KeUPIjrYO0/s1600/F28F16D6-2543-4C15-BDA2-ABBBCEC69564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bvUq86987JLoTXAHrV-SnlEE4KjMTfgNHmoJWtrft2vrE3llfv90l67oIhXX4ybPeySw1XW8866VHR2YebwYH62Sg5oxWlycLClmaZPannjWiYV3Zgrm3OMfTOr8xBs1v9KeUPIjrYO0/s320/F28F16D6-2543-4C15-BDA2-ABBBCEC69564.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Roscoe</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio94Ubq6xZSqYrxnBtlimY3Ifb-p9v_Nsg51UpOtkW9XiDiWM9pbRIo48I1qgSMlsCd5zEsXoGgHK0LOd0MeYnzTekeWhk04Oz3ynsQnBO2QePjM9gl-adOfYmBb2injQp2ql2PT6zzo3v/s1600/IMG_4839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1393" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio94Ubq6xZSqYrxnBtlimY3Ifb-p9v_Nsg51UpOtkW9XiDiWM9pbRIo48I1qgSMlsCd5zEsXoGgHK0LOd0MeYnzTekeWhk04Oz3ynsQnBO2QePjM9gl-adOfYmBb2injQp2ql2PT6zzo3v/s320/IMG_4839.JPG" width="248" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Makes me wonder what the dog is really thinking...</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTEGQwLqeUL_nEX25Ucg-1N2-nbXm3amSpz-vlXk2N7U9eD5Dd5JdkYNRwZrPFwG9e4LTlUTJ6U_H-GWRx426esEQUgnqbZFCRd_6t_jjRdu1VfGObhhX272G2aVy1uvJWIia-ilbXKHj/s1600/886EB2C6-AE96-46F0-B193-4E6BDDD1E864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTEGQwLqeUL_nEX25Ucg-1N2-nbXm3amSpz-vlXk2N7U9eD5Dd5JdkYNRwZrPFwG9e4LTlUTJ6U_H-GWRx426esEQUgnqbZFCRd_6t_jjRdu1VfGObhhX272G2aVy1uvJWIia-ilbXKHj/s320/886EB2C6-AE96-46F0-B193-4E6BDDD1E864.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Squirrel!!! Or...Buttertart!!!</div>
<br />
<br />
Anyways...here I go off track again. (Dont say it Dan!) So, back to my tough friends...pushing to be better...you know what I mean...in fact, Jenn wants to do a 3000m climb-fest next week. So let's get at it!!</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKauW2APrNP_qFXIyVfCPPA5cs-eGoLsrql34VSUFu2YAwS-JOSPkIyv93pyrZF6XM7KOImf9Jnie0kpE1kqTJr877VPx6qX3-SNtv2nMoSRHUIw6zPafsSD3P2t5H7_SN-xJ49-HxDKV0/s1600/IMG_4844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="575" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKauW2APrNP_qFXIyVfCPPA5cs-eGoLsrql34VSUFu2YAwS-JOSPkIyv93pyrZF6XM7KOImf9Jnie0kpE1kqTJr877VPx6qX3-SNtv2nMoSRHUIw6zPafsSD3P2t5H7_SN-xJ49-HxDKV0/s320/IMG_4844.JPG" width="274" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Someday I want to feel like the wolf...</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZRBMSc-rP3Orv1nZHjFRUaajvtPIs0kh2WgA_cuxHJh14I6YBVMU0GdAYFMRqjIEGlr5K-_ZDLTvYpJPVh_9ydGBEBzkrbY0WQJl-QoE453cLTH_8NPfwSU_1CTMCzYUHreMDWwEn3IR/s1600/IMG_4847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZRBMSc-rP3Orv1nZHjFRUaajvtPIs0kh2WgA_cuxHJh14I6YBVMU0GdAYFMRqjIEGlr5K-_ZDLTvYpJPVh_9ydGBEBzkrbY0WQJl-QoE453cLTH_8NPfwSU_1CTMCzYUHreMDWwEn3IR/s320/IMG_4847.JPG" width="280" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Instead of this guy...</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
OK...focus. So, yes...it looks like the new MTB race season is here...finally, winter is on its way out. Time to set aside the fat winter riding. I'm working on getting back into race shape for this summers big races.<br />
<br />
And as far as the immediate future, for me, for now...the focus is to get my bruised back pushing my single speed through Dan's Marathon this Saturday. Review next week...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Stay posted!!</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggr3AO1ImUIJa3YUWdsGSPm1fKzy8suAXknzVK7iWF5AiFNB24VBuVuPfH9rLfjlRKOys6wJYVlk9cCZOB-z3VuUnucHo7QhSSRQk1Ib4VQAIvzRsLiGOH_V7ahqjyhsh1IutH7IbOuLFT/s1600/IMG_4842+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggr3AO1ImUIJa3YUWdsGSPm1fKzy8suAXknzVK7iWF5AiFNB24VBuVuPfH9rLfjlRKOys6wJYVlk9cCZOB-z3VuUnucHo7QhSSRQk1Ib4VQAIvzRsLiGOH_V7ahqjyhsh1IutH7IbOuLFT/s320/IMG_4842+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-19746278569339106932019-03-26T17:40:00.001-04:002019-03-27T05:29:53.216-04:00Update - No Races But Epic Rides!Well, I have not done any races to report on, but it has been a little too long since my last post so I figured...time for an update. Whether or not no one other than Putin or Trudeau read this to figure out what's happening in this country, I enjoy writing it...so here's an update of sorts.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I actually missed a couple of fatbike races that I had considered doing...a couple of Dan's fatbike races, the Wendigo, and another race or two missed. A couple because of a life event or two...and a couple because course conditions made for a convenient excuse.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgik9buwwfHfnEfNRrmKF-ypIImsoKz_wTdMTduc3jSamkQdUu-JOOk8LR_HyxmreNuTmRis8QQEb5iEYGf5p1FqxJOJT3St9hgDbAYElScBAd53gfkWvpXY8F24-FKeFWc1bf9Eza7z3K/s1600/47226C67-850F-40C2-980B-281BC623EFA2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="597" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgik9buwwfHfnEfNRrmKF-ypIImsoKz_wTdMTduc3jSamkQdUu-JOOk8LR_HyxmreNuTmRis8QQEb5iEYGf5p1FqxJOJT3St9hgDbAYElScBAd53gfkWvpXY8F24-FKeFWc1bf9Eza7z3K/s320/47226C67-850F-40C2-980B-281BC623EFA2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways now weather and trail conditions have changed significantly...what a difference a couple of weeks can make!!<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
I may have missed a fatbike race or three, but I have still been riding quite a bit. With MTB and gravel race seasons right around the corner I've been working to get into some semblance of race shape. I'm still working on getting the injury time-winter laziness-not racing last season fat weight off...and it's going away....slowly.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBl6Vlvk78-iG4Qaqr4Msk7UB3dyJJ8MvbgNWZbozy4eRv9kMSOKgQ42lz4mxFLkFMD7yRNNU_bi8sG48P5VPCFJeBNBmsXAqubRGpqOr859rHfDtQxPF2-h_AUst0PrcKwORZ3I4xOOe1/s1600/443291D8-F89F-489D-862C-8615EC268553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="563" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBl6Vlvk78-iG4Qaqr4Msk7UB3dyJJ8MvbgNWZbozy4eRv9kMSOKgQ42lz4mxFLkFMD7yRNNU_bi8sG48P5VPCFJeBNBmsXAqubRGpqOr859rHfDtQxPF2-h_AUst0PrcKwORZ3I4xOOe1/s320/443291D8-F89F-489D-862C-8615EC268553.JPG" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
I dropped from close to 220 lbs down to under 200 then stalled. It took some time to figure out what would get the fat burn machine working again, but a tweak or two to my nutrition plan and a focus on more endurance riding has got me leaning out again...now down under 195 and dropping.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_du14f7t4SJjwRuX1kKx9n4DGZiIGrLP3_ymgRuwMnHhbK9NxxrP0bKVXM6WLdxyAqRcrXOOH8e7zXo7npdBxOkjoRXa_B0qB_VBkiL3_TERUFVSdyOesXP3XOVkOkUKbR8vdMq0CCYP/s1600/IMG_0574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_du14f7t4SJjwRuX1kKx9n4DGZiIGrLP3_ymgRuwMnHhbK9NxxrP0bKVXM6WLdxyAqRcrXOOH8e7zXo7npdBxOkjoRXa_B0qB_VBkiL3_TERUFVSdyOesXP3XOVkOkUKbR8vdMq0CCYP/s320/IMG_0574.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've been riding a single speed fatbike for most of the winter...with the occasional opportunity to ride a studded 29er on icy trail days...but since the weather has turned its been (over the last two to three weeks) mostly road and gravel riding on a CX/adventure style bike (a Kona RoveTi).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIL62MaMG5xjbeztiKqr8baiwtU78HDrnD1HfcBAgPWp3eGF0EXs1LJeLKyBxLGSHULa0IzidZ5zp-qcYVVe9Tsv7R4myxfm5QXcIPdjk9-DdEkj506sNuIUjdo-bWn49C_qT7ZBengzzJ/s1600/IMG_0620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIL62MaMG5xjbeztiKqr8baiwtU78HDrnD1HfcBAgPWp3eGF0EXs1LJeLKyBxLGSHULa0IzidZ5zp-qcYVVe9Tsv7R4myxfm5QXcIPdjk9-DdEkj506sNuIUjdo-bWn49C_qT7ZBengzzJ/s320/IMG_0620.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
And I'm very fortunate to have a great circle of mountain bike friends drag me out at paces and distances that push me to be better! We started the gravel season with 50-85km rides...then 100+km rides...then Jenn said, "Hey, let's do a 200km ride!" So that's what we did this past Sunday.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Jenn, PowerPaul, Seth, Jonny, and moi left my house shortly after 8am, and headed west...into what seems to be a permanent headwind in these parts. We rode pavement into the gravel of Sulphur Springs Road, Mineral Springs Road, and Slote Road. This gravel had ocassional packed spots, with mostly spots that looked packed but was just soft enough to be energy sucking sponginess.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then we headed southwest through a mix of pavement and gravel into Brantford where, at about the 50km mark, our first re-watering stop was at BicycleWorksPaul's farm...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieP59NXp1rsMXawymZo0XNvY_bJ9stahF_roRqmuRaNfWG8qQmNlQROToEnho270mTWCAzdGkavaWnSmEZSiAgvPp9Nm2erI-0rEWj_pHlh6src9uAJnLp5IvjDb8O7hXGrUYAdmDx8PuA/s1600/image5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieP59NXp1rsMXawymZo0XNvY_bJ9stahF_roRqmuRaNfWG8qQmNlQROToEnho270mTWCAzdGkavaWnSmEZSiAgvPp9Nm2erI-0rEWj_pHlh6src9uAJnLp5IvjDb8O7hXGrUYAdmDx8PuA/s320/image5.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2OxIsZ9OWQX2700Glhx2c8fuqgNz-Vh5T9abogoFjxIDm1OcTfatrYE18_ukUjwkZIMNp1RPuZWTGXdmjhP5cHJ8EoGSXq__tlp-rDUpJ0Nv9OGAIKQUtrmv3u-T-gaV5QBMMb6_wsFa/s1600/57513086655__E50814F0-7690-4810-B6D6-B7951D99E46D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2OxIsZ9OWQX2700Glhx2c8fuqgNz-Vh5T9abogoFjxIDm1OcTfatrYE18_ukUjwkZIMNp1RPuZWTGXdmjhP5cHJ8EoGSXq__tlp-rDUpJ0Nv9OGAIKQUtrmv3u-T-gaV5QBMMb6_wsFa/s320/57513086655__E50814F0-7690-4810-B6D6-B7951D99E46D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwLQH02gdza-M1ppklHadpZ-I1Az62h6Bnr206AxY-1UuNeVkfY5krxt_UBnzT7OJt9V_05A4swHvBIPBPdl8OAdNlNfqk9prOKhdWVY6P54QbManVDF89M7Ws3iNPJqQkzm_sF-A4vvG/s1600/IMG_0627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="546" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwLQH02gdza-M1ppklHadpZ-I1Az62h6Bnr206AxY-1UuNeVkfY5krxt_UBnzT7OJt9V_05A4swHvBIPBPdl8OAdNlNfqk9prOKhdWVY6P54QbManVDF89M7Ws3iNPJqQkzm_sF-A4vvG/s320/IMG_0627.JPG" width="242" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hmmm?? (I'm pretty sure we were invited...)</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then we snaked our way north, onto some of the Hamilton-Burlington railtrail (that was mix of rough, hiker created, post holing and sketchy slick top mud), up through Harrisburgh onto the gravel of Howell Rd, Burt Rd, Glen Morris Rd, and Lockie Rd. All of the gravel was a challenging mix of hardpack, soft sponge, and thick rocky gravel where the municipalities had attempted to cover icy sections in the winter. It all made for a fun but challenging ride!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWKACofC7KFknwUdOwDRX8Avowf86qzKukFHg-B5WWJVy4s8fJHVHMsysDl_a-z3nYtGR96tiWmCdMWqpnGGEdAZFDcfxGX5AQewzACKwZnoUT0raEBFpCjXC52ngGdAvNJvULCnBNQAI/s1600/image4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWKACofC7KFknwUdOwDRX8Avowf86qzKukFHg-B5WWJVy4s8fJHVHMsysDl_a-z3nYtGR96tiWmCdMWqpnGGEdAZFDcfxGX5AQewzACKwZnoUT0raEBFpCjXC52ngGdAvNJvULCnBNQAI/s320/image4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A cool spot to stop and stretch</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA85MEBOiM8Oo233s-IwUoBI0_w_4LGkivW8aS-y17llIysy0FGpgJQmjPTxgjg0_STF2mDjiOFRvIArfD4-MfB9rwUR-bOp8m6BJf3PIh0F3gGcHt7HB6v1ryxkGNT2fzWj2J_Bl54bxA/s1600/IMG_4821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA85MEBOiM8Oo233s-IwUoBI0_w_4LGkivW8aS-y17llIysy0FGpgJQmjPTxgjg0_STF2mDjiOFRvIArfD4-MfB9rwUR-bOp8m6BJf3PIh0F3gGcHt7HB6v1ryxkGNT2fzWj2J_Bl54bxA/s320/IMG_4821.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hmmm???</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
After a series of steep, short, rolling hills our second stop came at about the 130km mark at 97 General Store (on 97 County Road near Valens Conservation area), which specializes in selling Dee's buttertarts....which we gorged on to fuel our ride.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaPOcCPHtTLH8g9CfxSxdIexiRejW20G6SVX1MfsmXlXRRarNtWXp-HZbtepXSkWsqg8MhgnfIVDqieqC9Whv-vl9o7TvL6Wt2hHB0GNjxBR9Nxd_IMpDMreKw7hAcMD5V4dPvgJjQrvp/s1600/image3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaPOcCPHtTLH8g9CfxSxdIexiRejW20G6SVX1MfsmXlXRRarNtWXp-HZbtepXSkWsqg8MhgnfIVDqieqC9Whv-vl9o7TvL6Wt2hHB0GNjxBR9Nxd_IMpDMreKw7hAcMD5V4dPvgJjQrvp/s320/image3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9pTpK-ivjG3fIxS0MlJtC4Ty3NJhZ-zxPrvjYXePrKtUi74pBKADPfgsHhndFnUk8IC_iI7FuMV-WzASpD8s3bEYn8Husuz-j1HzFL2Ltyxmug1nziyquAr2V2YKRa5q8_WmZWQKdNEr/s1600/image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9pTpK-ivjG3fIxS0MlJtC4Ty3NJhZ-zxPrvjYXePrKtUi74pBKADPfgsHhndFnUk8IC_iI7FuMV-WzASpD8s3bEYn8Husuz-j1HzFL2Ltyxmug1nziyquAr2V2YKRa5q8_WmZWQKdNEr/s320/image1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Then we headed north and East riding the gravel Sideroads from near Puslinch/TwinPonds mountain bike trail system (North of the small town of Clyde) towards and across Highway 6, where after a quick stop at the natural spring water of Maddaugh springs for water refills, over the gnarley hill of 14 Sideroad, we rode into Moffat at about the 155km mark for our final stop at Dar's...for, yes...another buttertart specialty spot!!</div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VUJWZ4_BKJm8XLEHRKBPH_GO9vDpWEiW5UYnzn81AA27qxPkBpVGhRXf9pLqsHqLfSXq5aRC-VJVvZgT65aJoVcTkZBDdHDP4e3w8gxNtwOn536sgjbStDYS1KsRTwraE3Tf-UOZ14AI/s1600/image2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VUJWZ4_BKJm8XLEHRKBPH_GO9vDpWEiW5UYnzn81AA27qxPkBpVGhRXf9pLqsHqLfSXq5aRC-VJVvZgT65aJoVcTkZBDdHDP4e3w8gxNtwOn536sgjbStDYS1KsRTwraE3Tf-UOZ14AI/s320/image2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLAm7OKsI-7521z757-TIH1JiCfrB7RMl8dfudI0W1V_51xMvkcxTLE0Me3Ley6J80rGzhYFr9748fJD1zQGbbSw9u_j_JqnEMvG8SqH7MZ6h5C4WRF1exg00jSBAMhMaXsdWWMJOdpsy/s1600/IMG_4836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLAm7OKsI-7521z757-TIH1JiCfrB7RMl8dfudI0W1V_51xMvkcxTLE0Me3Ley6J80rGzhYFr9748fJD1zQGbbSw9u_j_JqnEMvG8SqH7MZ6h5C4WRF1exg00jSBAMhMaXsdWWMJOdpsy/s320/IMG_4836.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Then we headed south on First Line Rd, up the Cedar Springs Rd/Britannia Rd climb...cuz Jenn said we had to (Dammit that is a nasty hill after 180kms!!!). Then we headed east, back into the headwind...Seth setting a blazing pace over 30kph into the headwind for the last 20kms...the rest of us struggling to hold on.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then...finally...done!!! 205kms... We were home!! Where Heidi "call me Lois cuz Riot is my Superman" had warm food and cold bevvies waiting for everyone...as she always does!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, first 200km ride of the season under our belts. I'm still feeling it two days later...but great training for the upcoming endurance races...and just plain fun with great friends. 8 hours of riding/pushing each other...nobody whining...much...out loud (I may have cried inside every time Jenn said 'let's do another hill'...). I didn't get us lost...well maybe a little, but not for long. And plenty of fun, challenging gravel!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So...now we are all ready to do it again!!?? Maybe...in a few weeks...or more...<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Something a little different this coming weekend...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Stay posted!<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoP4NF99p482C5TTnXWBpiybxeA1OHWEYqHNPhhQYHXuuoZf27Rkp8RhOyD4f8961z6_nLALpAM0Nx_BISMiMyKk14touVYwMPlc9rqQ31GGRQpFwydcKq3PmNkvZLKTuSyItVPZ5SABbS/s1600/08A866C1-2909-4AE1-93A9-5F994B740672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoP4NF99p482C5TTnXWBpiybxeA1OHWEYqHNPhhQYHXuuoZf27Rkp8RhOyD4f8961z6_nLALpAM0Nx_BISMiMyKk14touVYwMPlc9rqQ31GGRQpFwydcKq3PmNkvZLKTuSyItVPZ5SABbS/s320/08A866C1-2909-4AE1-93A9-5F994B740672.JPG" width="255" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-28020282234048887502019-01-29T09:35:00.001-05:002019-01-29T10:17:41.549-05:00Ontario Fatbike Race Series #3 - Georgian NordicSo, I wasn't going to do this race due to the long drive to get there. But Jenn & Mark said they were going and that I could ride with them...so I entered. This is a Substance Projects (Dan Marshall) race...and, in case you haven't heard from anyone yet...Dan's races are awesome. The courses are always a challenge, the vibe is always a fun, relaxed, form of race anticipation, and the people involved are so down to earth...and this atmosphere tends to attract racers who truly love the sport, and the camaraderie that comes with riding 'together' and enjoying a beer and stories after. So many great people who just love to ride their bikes in the woods. Can't beat that.<br />
<br />
And the race was being held at Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre up in Parry Sound. Parry Sound...where there is proper fatbike snow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlDnWQSeh4bD6FKqJNxg3rAhBZTpistZdYY898ofYIkGQBl4gbJ0Hq0-ZLz27hnIHD69ytooYyvqiTaNqzzrKWGUscFfLdsPQjeaREXat0yxffH_bXfMWzj-wmfIiNpusdOWInP58Q_9M/s1600/snow+cat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlDnWQSeh4bD6FKqJNxg3rAhBZTpistZdYY898ofYIkGQBl4gbJ0Hq0-ZLz27hnIHD69ytooYyvqiTaNqzzrKWGUscFfLdsPQjeaREXat0yxffH_bXfMWzj-wmfIiNpusdOWInP58Q_9M/s320/snow+cat2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And all reports of the Georgian Nordic mountain bike trails are super positive...and somewhere I had never ridden. It looked great!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsCTRgiziVx-FsIPktVpomLYIKir76do1GVKF-6Y1PSmLW6E4fWzx29-dhKHFCwYE6pBQyuVhMaodH_Wzvh7UBWwIyy2SSlALwXm1s4ZgtoAsKmZGh3EMsy_RGvkR7M1fuB9zPSpTpFsW/s1600/IMG_0556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsCTRgiziVx-FsIPktVpomLYIKir76do1GVKF-6Y1PSmLW6E4fWzx29-dhKHFCwYE6pBQyuVhMaodH_Wzvh7UBWwIyy2SSlALwXm1s4ZgtoAsKmZGh3EMsy_RGvkR7M1fuB9zPSpTpFsW/s320/IMG_0556.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And the folks up there spent the night grooming the trails!!</div>
<br />
<br />
So I entered. Single speed cat. (I love my SingleSpeed Fatbike! If you have never tried it...you gotta...you will be hooked!!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUCrdUiyS0Wphd5uKDnZq-9oWSrGEGlcGOJAMQgiozJcXwujGOUpeRiOXLJGpmxHAQMLfC5WwSmAIHVj7Y7F1fJYX6jaQln_OzRW-CKLQyt-YoQk-HyQtZ0o6HwJYUoVD_DzUTuj2iR9Q/s1600/IMG_0574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUCrdUiyS0Wphd5uKDnZq-9oWSrGEGlcGOJAMQgiozJcXwujGOUpeRiOXLJGpmxHAQMLfC5WwSmAIHVj7Y7F1fJYX6jaQln_OzRW-CKLQyt-YoQk-HyQtZ0o6HwJYUoVD_DzUTuj2iR9Q/s320/IMG_0574.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And then, Mark & Jenn bailed (something about feeling that it wasn't proper to leave their single digit aged children alone)...and I faced the prospect of doing the 2.5 hour drive alone.<br />
<br />
And then PowerPaul entered, and talked me into riding up with him. Awesome! And then EnglishJim entered...wow!! In case you were not warned years ago to not follow this blog...EnglishJim has a bit of a history here...his name is actually ancient Metis for 'He Who Enters Two Races' (ooops...pun not intended!!), or 'He Who Randomly Races', or 'Hey, I Wear Nipple Tape' (long story...you will have to ask Jim...). Anyways...travel crew established...early last Saturday morning we headed up to Parry Sound.<br />
<br />
We pulled into the Georgian Nordic parking lot around noon (2pm race start time!!). Hey, there was Jenn & Mark!! They had 'un-bailed...with Jenn racing and Mark parenting. Cool!! Actually, it was cold...around -12 Celsius I think. But the sun in the wide open parking lot and staging area seemed to warm things up. And then we went for a pre-ride loop into the woods...out of the sun it seemed like the temp dropped at least 5 degrees...it was bloody cold!! Off back to the truck to put on a warmer balaclava...warm head = warm everything ... or so they say.<br />
<br />
The pre-ride also established that the trails were well groomed, but still soft enough to create significant drag...which would get worse as the trail got chewed up. (The race course was a 7km loop that we would race for 4 laps).<br />
<br />
Then it was start time and the race was on!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBTUnwpq7ENz9XbNvpQzWfWNVqyp1EN_PR5PdVxIJoeI83ihYbpLqxhgGnSXw1dOOR3sRx2bWbzN7sz6IhfSzVcP5pwkmydMy5EmDKTHYEs1UNIzfyoT3Fsm34JqgXS1ZIM3TOpWGC82_/s1600/IMG_0578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="640" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBTUnwpq7ENz9XbNvpQzWfWNVqyp1EN_PR5PdVxIJoeI83ihYbpLqxhgGnSXw1dOOR3sRx2bWbzN7sz6IhfSzVcP5pwkmydMy5EmDKTHYEs1UNIzfyoT3Fsm34JqgXS1ZIM3TOpWGC82_/s320/IMG_0578.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Seth leading the way with JeffS in hot pursuit...the FAST guys!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Photo GetOutdoorsParrySound)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghv_LFggoGWbGm6tmUMvEGhtqd-tdNYy18EOTjDy0QyCqIwbwK8sjv-Fwm5c9LNku8CHNxoHEh1pcVq3KHtzosc71IPX-xW1I1HuIUlmvskMFD7OOvSKXVbSi_3yrMT17dYMPzZ0dQDaM1/s1600/IMG_0579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghv_LFggoGWbGm6tmUMvEGhtqd-tdNYy18EOTjDy0QyCqIwbwK8sjv-Fwm5c9LNku8CHNxoHEh1pcVq3KHtzosc71IPX-xW1I1HuIUlmvskMFD7OOvSKXVbSi_3yrMT17dYMPzZ0dQDaM1/s320/IMG_0579.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sarah...fastest female on this day (She is always fast!!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Photo GetOutdoorsParrySound)</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumOzcoriYLqL610aVytZ46-G2kUw8FmTwLCTMI4mMUhRkmKTxmdHTO7Ew9fDDfKj9KSGEhggYz1SgRqUg9C86nnZDTO4RCVdgwKRKoE3mVGEz7pv6U4tSCPdaaakmrxkitXxBpLcG7-ln/s1600/IMG_0580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumOzcoriYLqL610aVytZ46-G2kUw8FmTwLCTMI4mMUhRkmKTxmdHTO7Ew9fDDfKj9KSGEhggYz1SgRqUg9C86nnZDTO4RCVdgwKRKoE3mVGEz7pv6U4tSCPdaaakmrxkitXxBpLcG7-ln/s320/IMG_0580.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who dat??</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Thank you to GetOutdoorsParrySound)</div>
<br />
Of course, the course was crowded for the first lap...a bit of a cluster with folks with too much tire pressure for conditions getting squirrelly on the track up front...trying my best to get by them, and stay on the best groomed sections of the track. The track was mostly rolly double track, with several punchy climbs, and a couple of longer lung busting climbs...then dove into some glorious, very narrow single track...which also included a couple of longer climbs. Actually it almost felt like the entire course was uphill!<br />
<br />
I was rolling along at a pretty good pace (for me)...in fact, probably too fast...my heart rate was red-lining, especially on the climbs. But then somewhere mid-lap I spotted TimM within eyesight. Tim is a deceptively fast dude on his fatbike...and I thought if I could keep him in sight...that would be a worthy goal. So I pushed on in that pursuit...again...probably too much. I went to take a swig of water...but my camelback tube was frozen solid (despite my best efforts to ensure that didn't happen)....so no drink for me.<br />
<br />
Also...I had started the race alongside PowerPaul...but somewhere during the first lap he had dropped off...so I kept a consistent look over my shoulder expecting him to come zooming up on me. WillA racing for FatboyNation was also right on my tail for the first lap...pushing me. So I had plenty of motivation to push it...although my heart rate was telling me that might not be the best idea.<br />
<br />
I really had no idea where I stood in this race amongst the SingleSpeeders. I knew JackB was here...and he is outta my league kinda fast...but otherwise I wasn't sure...so I was keeping my eye out for other bikes with a distinct lack of derailleur...(had TeamColin shown up singlespeed???) Otherwise, in my head I was racing against other racing friends that I recognized...<br />
<br />
Out of the single track...and back into the double track that lead to the end of the lap...as I approached the lap end...there was Jenn starting lap 2 (the route converged for the first/last 100m or so) perhaps a minute in front of me...and there was Tim...perhaps within reach?? (He wasn't...I never saw him again...).<br />
<br />
Into lap 2...the course was getting chewed up, and so much more work to ride through. But I continued to push it...to stay ahead of PowerPaul and WillA...and to try to catch Tim, and possibly Jenn. However, I was pushing too much...making mistakes on the chewed track as I was getting beyond fatigued. Proof was provided when I got near the edge of the track on a fast curving descent...and went to dab just off the track...and poof!!! It was like there was no bottom to the snow...I sunk at least three feet...and swam like a floundering fool to get upright, fish my bike out of the snow and get going again! I am a slow learner though...I continued pushing my limits, not want to give up any gains I might have made by pushing so hard up to this point...but back in the snow to make snow angels I went...at least 3 more times. I was also trying various efforts to thaw my water supply, but to no avail...it stayed frozen...I stayed dry.<br />
<br />
Finally, I realized it was faster to play it safe, and stay on the trail, and on the bike. As I finished lap 2 (the laps all finished with a long false flat ending in a steep nasty little climb!) there was Jenn starting lap 3 still maintaining her distance on me.<br />
<br />
Into lap 3...there was not much pushing it left in me. In fact...I don't know if it was my pace for the first two laps, or the softening course conditions but it felt like I was riding a flat tire...or dragging a piano behind me (a couple of quick checks revealed no pianos...). I was now walking all the longer hills....and on one of them Seth went sprinting past me...he had lapped me!! I felt like a fat slug! I relented on...I was sure I saw Jenn cresting a longer climb as I was pushing up it. Then 3 more fast dudes, including superfast JeffS lapped me. Damn!! OK....no more getting lapped...get your slow ass moving!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nSlJoOX9qvWBm05DVA5J1uQxGhqSZ_6Ocx4mYF4QzwZfuGOY00zikuKTPq6aGt_ZygRxlnPa6OPWHfJWbxApUZZLECdUy8ntiSog23pawB1WiANrqKbbaCpEm7IZ5VcR_BE4Uu519d7h/s1600/IMG_4801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nSlJoOX9qvWBm05DVA5J1uQxGhqSZ_6Ocx4mYF4QzwZfuGOY00zikuKTPq6aGt_ZygRxlnPa6OPWHfJWbxApUZZLECdUy8ntiSog23pawB1WiANrqKbbaCpEm7IZ5VcR_BE4Uu519d7h/s320/IMG_4801.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Seth...ended up so far ahead (first overall!!) we couldn't see him...seriously!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Photo iSparkStudios)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37yOlw37OeiOlBRLp62KDD_1G-Pdp5T-w-_fRfQ0QTqu97OvjCkfiS6InBrMKT6L_-KycME0LjsnMYEmzrtnaGvzVXMD0veGY-OOmnA48xf0Y12ps8icBYPcdaTWTeJpS7gKCiZ6QTLKz/s1600/IMG_4803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37yOlw37OeiOlBRLp62KDD_1G-Pdp5T-w-_fRfQ0QTqu97OvjCkfiS6InBrMKT6L_-KycME0LjsnMYEmzrtnaGvzVXMD0veGY-OOmnA48xf0Y12ps8icBYPcdaTWTeJpS7gKCiZ6QTLKz/s320/IMG_4803.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Photo iSparkStudios)</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zYl6FdjdU_CzYyo-yIFwjxNhFhF0MyDjfMg0t8z2PdpGaPNgp84I_RjDhO4RrhFvHYG1T3d-PruhLwTv2hcrCtCsLGPcVDIkhvJ35Ay3kUnq_l_bsQ5p4CENYdB3sdr-5nRQZ10vHxMI/s1600/fatsnowcatme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="169" data-original-width="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zYl6FdjdU_CzYyo-yIFwjxNhFhF0MyDjfMg0t8z2PdpGaPNgp84I_RjDhO4RrhFvHYG1T3d-PruhLwTv2hcrCtCsLGPcVDIkhvJ35Ay3kUnq_l_bsQ5p4CENYdB3sdr-5nRQZ10vHxMI/s1600/fatsnowcatme.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am...but I'm working on it!</div>
<br />
Into lap 4...there was Jenn...just in front of me!! I pulled up directly behind her, and let go with my best BatDad routine...'JENN!!'. She must have been lost in a daydream...cuz I think I startled her more than I intended...she might have even swore at me some. She pulled away from me...I strove to keep her within eyesight. However, my leg and lower back muscles were rebelling.<br />
<br />
These shorter, sprinty, red-line races are not my specialty...I was hurting at the intensity of the effort. I was also thirsty! And besides the deteriorating course conditions (the single track had become particularly nasty!!), it had also clouded over, gotten dark and blizzardy with wind and snow. It was getting difficult to properly see the nuances of the trail. In fact, race officials had started to pull racers off the course as they finished their third lap as it was getting too tough to see.<br />
<br />
At this point...Jenn was still within eyesight...I could see no one in sight behind me...my legs and back still screaming at me I relented choosing to ride to ensure a safe, upright finish. I saw Jenn exit the single track ahead of me...heard the clicks of her shifting gears...and she was gone outta sight.<br />
<br />
I exited the single track...up that now stupid false flat...and the stupid steep little finish climb...and across the finish. Where Dan stood...congratulating me on finishing...and for staying on course for the entire race (get lost one time...in one race, years ago...well maybe 2 different races...or 3...).<br />
<br />
Anyways...I was finished...and beyond spent. And there was JackB, he had totally kicked my arse...finishing almost a full half hour ahead of me...he is a speed machine on his SS Fatbike!! Keeping him in sight is a stretch goal for me to strive for!<br />
<br />
Anyways...the the podium celebration was held down the road at Trestle Brewery, yes...a brewery!!! I tell ya...Dan's races are awesome!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IPlFGYiWUX5-KpCV4UGQX9PF4fqNyCESkgNrCBnP0727uSHfPDUGrHiIzLT1-543xfl1aWYv145oufJjVQyp2lDxpKDBRR1h3mw-62KkmE20ubxsEtCW-EHOEB_9HnmuRtg-OfXTpRrs/s1600/IMG_0567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IPlFGYiWUX5-KpCV4UGQX9PF4fqNyCESkgNrCBnP0727uSHfPDUGrHiIzLT1-543xfl1aWYv145oufJjVQyp2lDxpKDBRR1h3mw-62KkmE20ubxsEtCW-EHOEB_9HnmuRtg-OfXTpRrs/s320/IMG_0567.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvNLYkQJbnshPFivxxOKaN1fxd2EkH-1E0k52730QhfQrnxlK9jq83I3spBrTnMPKNhzbjHTsoah81CSxRjaGISlfVNg_FvBewmn04n5lSV5FAxdfrBGVgq9bbNEPEuCcimT4IX0myYVB/s1600/IMG_4800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvNLYkQJbnshPFivxxOKaN1fxd2EkH-1E0k52730QhfQrnxlK9jq83I3spBrTnMPKNhzbjHTsoah81CSxRjaGISlfVNg_FvBewmn04n5lSV5FAxdfrBGVgq9bbNEPEuCcimT4IX0myYVB/s320/IMG_4800.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The winning ladies...Sarah first, Jenn second, Hollie third.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMHSPWRkgyjb1OKVuhwwYadMCjXq7okCR03c7GhWH_3__jMyxtU65cGJBr98utQEhFz8_89e8DhWqKRSbJkl9xo9mvpW_zj6MS18Va8VuYiHzgmc3FFuxtb9nieul3fsDiL2O29F0RI4r/s1600/IMG_0562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMHSPWRkgyjb1OKVuhwwYadMCjXq7okCR03c7GhWH_3__jMyxtU65cGJBr98utQEhFz8_89e8DhWqKRSbJkl9xo9mvpW_zj6MS18Va8VuYiHzgmc3FFuxtb9nieul3fsDiL2O29F0RI4r/s320/IMG_0562.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I managed second place singlespeed, eeking out a spot ahead of Dean. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jack was first but was so fast he skipped right past the podium!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(He left his beer prize though....)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghB24o6-O9MKEOu9CbGMIh1J0vdKdwCs_rK9xL6RBGsbxjzpKJ_VI1Qoef1K-GetAOzoH_Jl6nLddVdOn6SfzraBa72vkyXrGJxQPxrtm6bRhcIsmkk3QcgdV2OAU3YF1ynSKswxRbXfuv/s1600/IMG_0569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghB24o6-O9MKEOu9CbGMIh1J0vdKdwCs_rK9xL6RBGsbxjzpKJ_VI1Qoef1K-GetAOzoH_Jl6nLddVdOn6SfzraBa72vkyXrGJxQPxrtm6bRhcIsmkk3QcgdV2OAU3YF1ynSKswxRbXfuv/s320/IMG_0569.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Beer prize with silver medal...Dan's races always great prizes!!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnHb6-O0J-9uRFNOHbJ-WJ1OKitShCsZg9SM4jrvDNW7670JDEbYZ-l7rHRqsZeOaKy80kDnok9gNue-KdIxtH8sTxWp6DLW_iePdRTXbtvpyBSaw2ei_ygMvFBmVrIBxukoqlafRuuJC/s1600/IMG_0566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnHb6-O0J-9uRFNOHbJ-WJ1OKitShCsZg9SM4jrvDNW7670JDEbYZ-l7rHRqsZeOaKy80kDnok9gNue-KdIxtH8sTxWp6DLW_iePdRTXbtvpyBSaw2ei_ygMvFBmVrIBxukoqlafRuuJC/s320/IMG_0566.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And always great swag and draw prizes...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there was even an EagerBeaver mouse pad!!!??? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(These were not my prizes...I scooped the pics of someone elses treasure.)</div>
<br />
<br />
So there ya have it...another great day at another of Dan's races. There is one more in the Fatbike Series...Kingston. Be there...or you will miss it!!???<br />
<br />
Otherwise...<br />
Stay posted!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjF8aeeY7MEuv-yVghonPb3vA9-cTxCYUTZJ9hKprF6GLEISFZl45SqHiwCU-VgozHNB-8lkoI2ppm2RLOxShn9vprCv_zNT7WFtsN6uczxOvS78oEZpY6RfVrYbzz5joWvcblXXTEfRZ7/s1600/frozepeecat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjF8aeeY7MEuv-yVghonPb3vA9-cTxCYUTZJ9hKprF6GLEISFZl45SqHiwCU-VgozHNB-8lkoI2ppm2RLOxShn9vprCv_zNT7WFtsN6uczxOvS78oEZpY6RfVrYbzz5joWvcblXXTEfRZ7/s320/frozepeecat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
OK...not that posted!!</div>
<br />Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-20604335897774639752019-01-25T07:47:00.000-05:002019-01-25T08:05:44.413-05:00WendigoAs I get prepared for the third race of SubstanceProjects Ontario Fatbike Race Series being held at the Georgian Nordic trails in Parry Sound, there is another type of Fatbike race coming up for you to consider. An Ultra race....the Wendigo.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtllkwd-kvqA7BOoVn0gnrOtf77Q0fcUx7OWJIqejKKPneqEgoGlZsucdd3qlnsvD2dJVa5mWO2ZhRBi2T8EDB7TgipDvsMU7Y8ueGHvk9oNtdG1CcGOlgRdfUV5tfhlb1uTk2czsadUwW/s1600/IMG_4790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="765" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtllkwd-kvqA7BOoVn0gnrOtf77Q0fcUx7OWJIqejKKPneqEgoGlZsucdd3qlnsvD2dJVa5mWO2ZhRBi2T8EDB7TgipDvsMU7Y8ueGHvk9oNtdG1CcGOlgRdfUV5tfhlb1uTk2czsadUwW/s320/IMG_4790.JPG" width="232" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ultra basically means long. In this case 155kms...across snowy gravel and trails of North-Central Ontario (the start is out of Cobden, ON...from a brewery no less!!), and in fact the route travels 75kms into the province of Quebec. (There are also 50km, and 100km route options.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimh2MtqsWmT3_Q8CpDqOfOcHqeNMS3SRuEyzkOB063AaIgobCH9gUBJnNOp00psbP9GUfr7ithUNusQcTrpv5fhWeskG6h6lT-IxkOCtkJZUhEF-PDrqAStjTm76-tQY_dk5rDsWMv1jZZ/s1600/IMG_4793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="427" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimh2MtqsWmT3_Q8CpDqOfOcHqeNMS3SRuEyzkOB063AaIgobCH9gUBJnNOp00psbP9GUfr7ithUNusQcTrpv5fhWeskG6h6lT-IxkOCtkJZUhEF-PDrqAStjTm76-tQY_dk5rDsWMv1jZZ/s320/IMG_4793.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Full details of the Wendigo can be found here... <a href="https://wendigoultra.blogspot.com/">https://wendigoultra.blogspot.com/</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For reference <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">the wendigo has its roots in native Algonquin folklore. The Wendigo is a mythical man-eating monster or evil spirit native to the northern forests of the Great Lakes Region of Canada, a possible relative to the Samsquanch (Bigoot/Sasquatch).</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So a mysterious, dangerous, tough, entity...with a touch of evil...</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYw9dK9NNpZ6UE-Hq2ys-gSMRagoD6f-dgIg68yhlTXSDyCaAWVVQTFkbz7NmGquGHWHQrAVefVTldNkg5aPe6rTMzwFutkQ7f1dTnWmSe1ly3t0dR0b5uMu6V-IaBv28BzqCdse91VWb/s1600/IMG_4792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="250" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYw9dK9NNpZ6UE-Hq2ys-gSMRagoD6f-dgIg68yhlTXSDyCaAWVVQTFkbz7NmGquGHWHQrAVefVTldNkg5aPe6rTMzwFutkQ7f1dTnWmSe1ly3t0dR0b5uMu6V-IaBv28BzqCdse91VWb/s320/IMG_4792.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
And by definition, the quick gist of this race is that it is tough...an honestly difficult test of skill, fitness, and determination. It's through snow...and not necessarily groomed surfaces...(the first and last 10kms are across a frozen lake surface...Muskrat Lake)...so don't expect to maintain a 30km/hr average speed. In fact 10 may be pushing it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A couple of years ago OndrejB and I challenged the Wendigo. Ondrej did great...I barely survived.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoA00zLf3kA2qNH0ppp_RVIIq7sf7RPrmu4B1z3jyWiNlNGKSAD755BMiK1qwNbNU5iJgnffhvFe4bzasJY91w0C27BmPHbA83_xc0wYcYD1iQ2Siv3C_VTqSO-d71V0UAhHX72kJ_Sx4/s1600/IMG_4786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="748" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoA00zLf3kA2qNH0ppp_RVIIq7sf7RPrmu4B1z3jyWiNlNGKSAD755BMiK1qwNbNU5iJgnffhvFe4bzasJY91w0C27BmPHbA83_xc0wYcYD1iQ2Siv3C_VTqSO-d71V0UAhHX72kJ_Sx4/s320/IMG_4786.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
Seriously, it a true test with a just enough of a hint of danger to make it even more compelling. In fact there is an extensive compulsory required gear list:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-size: 17px;">Rules/Gear (From the Wendigo webpage) </span></h3>
<div class="post-header" style="line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">
<div class="post-header-line-1">
</div>
</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-768137092495441994" itemprop="description articleBody" style="line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 570px;">
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>MANDATORY GEAR LIST (MEANING "MUST HAVE" AND NOT A "SUGGESTION")</b></span></span></span><br /><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<i><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">NOTE THAT ALL RACERS ARE REQUIRED TO DISPLAY THEIR GEAR TO A RACE OFFICIAL AND HAVE IT CHECKED AND SIGNED-OFF. THIS IS MANDATORY IN ORDER TO PROCEED TO THE START LINE.</b></i></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><i>GEAR PER CATEGORY</i></b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><u><i>50KM</i> </u></b></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>1. MINIMUM 8 SQ INCHES OF REFLECTIVE MATERIAL ON FRONT AND ON BACK OF BIKE OR RIDER</b></span></span></span><br /><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>2. RED BLINKING LIGHTS (X3BULBS) ON FRONT AND BACK & BLINKING AT ALL TIMES (24/7). BRIGHT WHITE LIGHT ON FRONT ACCEPTED.</b></span></span></span><br /><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>3. TWO LITERS (2L) OF INSULATED WATER IN A WINTER-RATED INSULATION SYSTEM (CAMELBACK DOES COUNT). BE SURE IT WORKS IN -20C. INSULATED "<a href="https://www.camelbak.com/en/bottles/R02015--Podium_Chill_21oz?color=6161484c0ea043f4aef6e0792aa18b5d" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">CHILL BOTTLES</a>" DO NOT COUNT, UNLESS FULLY WRAPPED IN WINTER-RATED CLOSED CELL FOAM INSULATION OR A COZY DESIGNED FOR FULL BOTTLE COVERAGE. </b></span></span></span><b>(NEW FOR 2019)</b><br /><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>4. 12X12" <a href="https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5027-424/Z-Seat" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">INSULATING FOAM</a> PAD OR <a href="https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5023-544/Seat-Cushion" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">INSULATING INFLATABLE PAD</a> FOR RESTING/SITTING OFF OF THE COLD GROUND (NEW FOR 2019)</b></span></span></span><br /><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>5. <a href="http://www.surviveoutdoorslonger.com/survive-outdoors-longer-escape-bivvy.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">EMERGENCY BIVY</a> OR BLANKET THAT CAN FEND OFF THE COLD/WIND. (NOT FROM DOLLARAMA).</b></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><u><i>100KM & 150KM </i></u></b></span></span></span><br /><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>1. ALL OF THE ABOVE </b></span></span></span><b>(NO NEED FOR THE 12"X12" FOAM)</b><b>, PLUS...</b></span></div>
<div>
<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></b></div>
<div>
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>2. <a href="https://www.mec.ca/en/product/0808-022/Evazote-Winter-Sleeping-Pad" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">3/4 BODY LENGTH (MINIMUM) INSULATED FOAM PAD</a> OR <a href="https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5023-665/RidgeRest-SOLite-Sleeping-Pad" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Z-REST</a>, OR </b></span></span></span><b><a href="https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5041-047/NeoAir-Xtherm-Sleeping-Pad" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">INSULATED AIR PAD</a>, </b><b>"R" VALUE OF 3 OR GREATER. </b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />3. WINTER-RATED SLEEPING BAG. <i>MUST SAY -18C OR WARMER ON IT AS ITS 'COMFORT RATING' AND NOT ITS EXTREME RATING (NEW FOR 2019)) </i></b></span></span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><i><br /></i>4. HIGH POWERED LIGHT SYSTEM (IDEALLY 500LUMENS OR MORE) WITH BACK-UP BATTERIES FOR EXTENDED USE IN COLD TEMPS.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />5. WINTER COOK SYSTEM THAT YOU'VE PRACTICED WITH AND TRUST TO WORK IN THE COLD. (MSR/PRIMUS LIQUID FUEL, FIRECUBE/BIO FUEL STOVE, ETC..)</b></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>IN OUR OPINION, CANISTER STOVES ARE USELESS WHEN THE TEMPS HIT THE FREEZING MARK. BE SURE YOU KNOW YOUR STUFF WORKS BY PRACTICING WITH IT, IN THE COLD. </b></span></span></em></span><br /><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></em></span></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>6. MUST FINISH WITH 800 SPARE CALORIES (EI: 4 CLIFF BARS). WE WILL CHECK YOUR CALORIES AT THE FINISH (NEW FOR 2019)</b></span></span></em></span><br /><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></em></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></span></b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>7. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: SPARE LAYERS/BATTERIES, FOOD, VAPOUR BARRIER SOCKS, TOOLS, ZIP TIES, GPS, CUE SHEET, PHONE.</b></span></span></em></span><br /><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></em></span><b>IF YOU DO NOT HAVE YOUR LIGHTS BLINKING AT ALL TIMES, YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE COURSE!!!</b></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So...proper preparation is not an option.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Check with these wily local podium finishing veterans of this race...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAm8DYs1eL56WhPoId3-BH7VhexFK9LxXnjK1albS3WxcEGItCQOMXthkarOamlwNc7GpqqUJyJIdfFduhp8B0i6UFfivDWI_4mIpnMQS17E1R8eKBLaDGB7Wb6kWNFhBoZyLdlWPNfyP_/s1600/IMG_4789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAm8DYs1eL56WhPoId3-BH7VhexFK9LxXnjK1albS3WxcEGItCQOMXthkarOamlwNc7GpqqUJyJIdfFduhp8B0i6UFfivDWI_4mIpnMQS17E1R8eKBLaDGB7Wb6kWNFhBoZyLdlWPNfyP_/s320/IMG_4789.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
AdamF...first place in the 150km long race!!</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoG4ad_2Nhr6Yfk86MiUvJR2n04uzQPLXo5YsVCtUEoI-TMOXOhwEpGLtx29uxvGH09WBbJJbGWMyyR42q0P32ln8Ip55EVqzuLaUhLEK7m9xGmmtgVHFpnhWIBAF4CVVyYprwm5INgdO/s1600/IMG_4788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoG4ad_2Nhr6Yfk86MiUvJR2n04uzQPLXo5YsVCtUEoI-TMOXOhwEpGLtx29uxvGH09WBbJJbGWMyyR42q0P32ln8Ip55EVqzuLaUhLEK7m9xGmmtgVHFpnhWIBAF4CVVyYprwm5INgdO/s320/IMG_4788.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
JackP...second in the 150 (yeah...only second!!)</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So it's tough...ultra tough. It really is a test on many levels...physical fitness, mental/emotional toughness, endurance/nutritional discipline, temperature management, logistical preparedness. So...yeah it's difficult...a test worthy of challenging.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And it's all on a fatbike...how fun is that??<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhu0pOMfFAADKvMeltUnSLCi-wVKLfO6jRPYH9q4Rk12DiEfg2EMXLa35H7WsDITgsgm27n-D1dcb1VXG2HlR43x9-KTs9_hrIDVzkycYshvImRxS6UxSZ3yllJQDJeIXHycPct1yvGX99/s1600/IMG_4791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhu0pOMfFAADKvMeltUnSLCi-wVKLfO6jRPYH9q4Rk12DiEfg2EMXLa35H7WsDITgsgm27n-D1dcb1VXG2HlR43x9-KTs9_hrIDVzkycYshvImRxS6UxSZ3yllJQDJeIXHycPct1yvGX99/s320/IMG_4791.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidk72YpLwjTm0DKV9WC6iIAvu-XgHmxed1lzJZBl0dYA7SRF2R92DUIhpKMHPU2TXi2l73pYlOiDpVgQxeS7Qt05-WaL5kGNQ5AB9t-9C9Y4041zM6ko2Pd5gahXWxtTLIAusmiKcqhO2n/s1600/IMG_4787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidk72YpLwjTm0DKV9WC6iIAvu-XgHmxed1lzJZBl0dYA7SRF2R92DUIhpKMHPU2TXi2l73pYlOiDpVgQxeS7Qt05-WaL5kGNQ5AB9t-9C9Y4041zM6ko2Pd5gahXWxtTLIAusmiKcqhO2n/s320/IMG_4787.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The fastest riders will complete the 155km course in 10-15+ hours. On a fatbike. In a winter wonderland. It's a mountain biking winter lovers dream! There are similar races in Alaska/Northwest Territories...but this one is in our own back yard. And promoted by one of our own well seasoned ultra-endurance riders, CameronD. If ultra endurance events are your forte, or have ever been on your radar, this is a great opportunity!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Again, check out the details, pics from past races, and register here.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://wendigoultra.blogspot.com/">https://wendigoultra.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
And then conquer the mystery and spirit of the Wendigo on February 9th!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And we will stay posted!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenqg7g-RZ5DSibdbmGpHaGA26alNh2Qf_vKI-rJPc5WLQAFSvS20KI_iiAB9rmSn0_DpFs3oc2j16v6Nlm5QUyWUw7RE8ZVofahXYHKuonNwSjgQ2MAcS4Il5JkIHDcahoGALBkIMIJfO/s1600/A934652D-4733-4526-88CF-63F47A753854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1080" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenqg7g-RZ5DSibdbmGpHaGA26alNh2Qf_vKI-rJPc5WLQAFSvS20KI_iiAB9rmSn0_DpFs3oc2j16v6Nlm5QUyWUw7RE8ZVofahXYHKuonNwSjgQ2MAcS4Il5JkIHDcahoGALBkIMIJfO/s320/A934652D-4733-4526-88CF-63F47A753854.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-77046830320367266052019-01-18T07:03:00.001-05:002019-01-18T07:12:20.946-05:00Albion Fatbike Fest WeekendSo....following up on last post...I plan on getting back into racing for 2019. I am currently woefully out of shape...so the plan is to get into shape. To get my 215 lbs arse (as at January 2nd)...down to race weight (180lbs...or less!!), and to get my cardio fitness back into racing condition.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I knew that this was happening on January 12th. The Albion Fatbike Festival...which was the 2nd race in DanM's Substance Projects' Ontario Fatbike Race Series. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJC0w-3pKN2O1r40SPo-4jmDu3VLKeoyOMuX-oyFi80qKVIPgwOZewpyce8mxFG5cM-_p4gbuHp7frdQh8DYEDomuCduVHvaXmPbqX2omDoPVjiL7HvK_ApsY_hyphenhyphenzpksJ6SyKx7Bz8GVl/s1600/IMG_4779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJC0w-3pKN2O1r40SPo-4jmDu3VLKeoyOMuX-oyFi80qKVIPgwOZewpyce8mxFG5cM-_p4gbuHp7frdQh8DYEDomuCduVHvaXmPbqX2omDoPVjiL7HvK_ApsY_hyphenhyphenzpksJ6SyKx7Bz8GVl/s200/IMG_4779.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sean of SuperflyRacing, used to promote this event. However, he is focusing on working on the Crank The Shield multi-stage MTB race taking place later this year (a great topic for a future blog post!). So Dan has taken over the Albion FatFest.</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Anyways...as I mentioned...I am woefully out of race shape...plus the race was only 20km long (two 10km laps). Short sprinty races are not my forte, (that means I really suck at them!). I really prefer the longer endurance races...at least 75kms...or at least 6 hours. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However, Dan's races are awesome. Always fun, yet very challenging courses; and always a fun, relaxed vibe. Plus, great people attend Dan's races...some of the fastest folks around...yet fun people to hang out with, people who love to ride and it shows. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwlA3LspI-LCE3rR1sNmHCJQDbcSl09KfGzHZBV_2Z2JBSlI_DcGvWIOs_fxdytc_TZhR9-4VjBLTyRFuBqTh3PGltBc642REZcd6CpkbD5-hjI04PIcwSoqTq5YA9cNfNQTsaW0f8Uwv/s1600/IMG_0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwlA3LspI-LCE3rR1sNmHCJQDbcSl09KfGzHZBV_2Z2JBSlI_DcGvWIOs_fxdytc_TZhR9-4VjBLTyRFuBqTh3PGltBc642REZcd6CpkbD5-hjI04PIcwSoqTq5YA9cNfNQTsaW0f8Uwv/s320/IMG_0513.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
JackP one of the fastest cats on 2 wheels in these parts</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The race also had a non-race polker run option, which required costumes...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8DkFKFWyqO943c4Rg6TXQ1tnR1V4c9vm-V6KStiztnklKkK0GmxhGokXAoxDN5t-LOHih7D3mihDa2Qp7cwJp4cbE5Fm-nTlL9XwrgdukHPwQfVG4j7t8Q87P8oG2ePsi__VuL3fP_MN/s1600/IMG_0508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="405" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8DkFKFWyqO943c4Rg6TXQ1tnR1V4c9vm-V6KStiztnklKkK0GmxhGokXAoxDN5t-LOHih7D3mihDa2Qp7cwJp4cbE5Fm-nTlL9XwrgdukHPwQfVG4j7t8Q87P8oG2ePsi__VuL3fP_MN/s320/IMG_0508.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQqPUiWoCLNmakR_Smw7ndDCOuz7tYSJI4sGIZfjH1uF-LtpBXxpMBKfkspqaV7oZhhz5mJ_bpp1RVr1l-chLEbU52FJ46M3zvJZ4Cl5Tnr1EHcwjK6xYXTcXBg4H79oXIUVE8EF7mUtQ/s1600/IMG_0509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQqPUiWoCLNmakR_Smw7ndDCOuz7tYSJI4sGIZfjH1uF-LtpBXxpMBKfkspqaV7oZhhz5mJ_bpp1RVr1l-chLEbU52FJ46M3zvJZ4Cl5Tnr1EHcwjK6xYXTcXBg4H79oXIUVE8EF7mUtQ/s320/IMG_0509.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafdILQDxE1v_2jNPIN3S67gI9-J77c0ZiILb4tOiD2GHtCSNxzHg8IfxKVvoRa8J4aJiu4Wytjukc8Pi0g57ar12a0FrU11dmxOFMIWJ-LJZcdmu0_DQlzVTLo9JdbDpLywNU2hP5R-zt/s1600/albion+fat+polker+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafdILQDxE1v_2jNPIN3S67gI9-J77c0ZiILb4tOiD2GHtCSNxzHg8IfxKVvoRa8J4aJiu4Wytjukc8Pi0g57ar12a0FrU11dmxOFMIWJ-LJZcdmu0_DQlzVTLo9JdbDpLywNU2hP5R-zt/s320/albion+fat+polker+19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sean, Jenn, Raf???</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So, yeah, you see the fun component here...<br />
<br />
So when these fine folks made an effort to convince me to sign up...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8vfW7UcbmmsNDJmiQwtlC0BrFI86SmAIaf4V-sAhQCaw4ggi2SpUbf7dcJ2RAJBDgRenxa1c4t-HpGntKVRU_UaTLikK8GwUeHsIOEqxmAJaPobPdDZDwvVb4kbZlof3TaxWFSKcpldK/s1600/IMG_0489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8vfW7UcbmmsNDJmiQwtlC0BrFI86SmAIaf4V-sAhQCaw4ggi2SpUbf7dcJ2RAJBDgRenxa1c4t-HpGntKVRU_UaTLikK8GwUeHsIOEqxmAJaPobPdDZDwvVb4kbZlof3TaxWFSKcpldK/s320/IMG_0489.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mark 'n' Jenn</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I did. I hit that switch...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJljGLSzO7AQf9Jcc1yNPXvY4kxaO6xwEIp5MLimq0Ksb_gCdxoFArkDd5TIlnCO-uztDzfaG_HFL87iIec_wxzqvz36Saev9ra_k3t3AmBqnl4NbHnvNMq_2ozIE1_ecHnevZeYnO-0Rx/s1600/IMG_4768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="720" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJljGLSzO7AQf9Jcc1yNPXvY4kxaO6xwEIp5MLimq0Ksb_gCdxoFArkDd5TIlnCO-uztDzfaG_HFL87iIec_wxzqvz36Saev9ra_k3t3AmBqnl4NbHnvNMq_2ozIE1_ecHnevZeYnO-0Rx/s320/IMG_4768.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I absolutely love my single speed Fatbike....so into the Single Speed category I entered...(sorry about the Yoda speak...). I had no illusions of grandeur...my plan was to just have fun, enjoy the ride...and to ride safe and stay upright. Having just recovered (still recovering) from a significant injury, this wasn't a race to be taking any chances in. The word was that the course was icy (it was cold!!)...so it was fortunate that I had just installed my studded fat tires.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And as I ambled into the start gate...I noticed JackB on his single speed...and CarlN on his...two superfast folks. Superfast Sarah was riding a geared Fatbike, and superfast AdamF wasn't racing (he had entered the non-race poker run option). I tried to talk TeamColin into racing single speed earlier in the week...but he came out on a geared bike. So...it was just going to be a cold, but enjoyable ride.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So off we went...and yes it was icy. It really wasn't a typical Dan race course....it was relatively flat, only 130ish metres of elevation over the 10km loop. Mostly doubletrack...with only the occasional newly created single track meant to circumnavigate dangerously icy double track descents. It really was a very single speed friendly course. Despite the departure from a typical Dan course, it was still huge fun. It was a rather casual start...somewhere a little farther back in the start corral, behind the mayhem that always happens near the front. In fact, started the race chatting with TimTheDukeM, and TeamColin. Then the trail opened up, but there were several obvious, multiple signs of wipeouts on the icy course, usually on a fast corner or off camber section...and I was witness to a couple of wipeouts of riders near me (and checking to make sure they were ok), had me focusing on riding within my limits, even with studs, and maintaining my primary goal of safely finishing the two 10km loops.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was great to see ApexTed and his crew (Neil I) out there on the trails capturing all the cool pics!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQYni8f9ORuqkabwIz_YJ9N3NMoSoli-NTt-cUeiusAIr4ALMNl_OtAT6-HB_hknd1mQNrJRzKmNvQA8nwgQudshbrf4TezdT0-5Q-rTgzZVCbMcGL3UpIe9rDSIaG-GQ_-k0tVnI6Vnc/s1600/IMG_0522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1182" data-original-width="788" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQYni8f9ORuqkabwIz_YJ9N3NMoSoli-NTt-cUeiusAIr4ALMNl_OtAT6-HB_hknd1mQNrJRzKmNvQA8nwgQudshbrf4TezdT0-5Q-rTgzZVCbMcGL3UpIe9rDSIaG-GQ_-k0tVnI6Vnc/s320/IMG_0522.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5b1CEsY6brHtGrFkkaouFQnPFU8jbSpcLzyyybgTw6bWFvVPCW_3Tkcyxi1-7-VrnRehM6l0CujL0g5ZiJIbW8AtM9iBDNzUu6ibX4Lhm6nAP5fXRDxvWyYKPObNWtT5lPgWi0wKqDzD/s1600/AlbionFatFest2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5b1CEsY6brHtGrFkkaouFQnPFU8jbSpcLzyyybgTw6bWFvVPCW_3Tkcyxi1-7-VrnRehM6l0CujL0g5ZiJIbW8AtM9iBDNzUu6ibX4Lhm6nAP5fXRDxvWyYKPObNWtT5lPgWi0wKqDzD/s320/AlbionFatFest2019.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXsIOJ3Hd_xaIgEAzb4e5i5Czg_NPyI2wY5vufWP7I0CHF7Rrpo54poDjiIkQKpLfF_JjXpIB76hKSbULFYI8iN8DBX4XYuYicT2BxPft0Wt9BG2pBdk_ZsaDsWBW2HpT25Bdjg28xSuU/s1600/sarah+albion+fat+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXsIOJ3Hd_xaIgEAzb4e5i5Czg_NPyI2wY5vufWP7I0CHF7Rrpo54poDjiIkQKpLfF_JjXpIB76hKSbULFYI8iN8DBX4XYuYicT2BxPft0Wt9BG2pBdk_ZsaDsWBW2HpT25Bdjg28xSuU/s320/sarah+albion+fat+19.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sarah</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yLp7IMe2PXNXK0bIRJzYAjRMj7ouXfu564tq3R635P_VNfMAmBdADB7naBTYUT7QcBjnUIi-0NKgI4bAGn9GxkWf0cIWVp4A6PlqhC2_wZQqskImpcMC1QlghqlufnvrncHCQjXele-q/s1600/jack+albion+fat+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yLp7IMe2PXNXK0bIRJzYAjRMj7ouXfu564tq3R635P_VNfMAmBdADB7naBTYUT7QcBjnUIi-0NKgI4bAGn9GxkWf0cIWVp4A6PlqhC2_wZQqskImpcMC1QlghqlufnvrncHCQjXele-q/s320/jack+albion+fat+19.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jack...so fast he got two pics!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And finish I did (damn Yoda)...safely and upright for the entire course...in just over an hour...and great fun had along the way!</div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrwBrc_cxewIBUHOwS1dmkSO5jaVsLMPmbpOO0zcA6etOh6uumII2rRbOZbNfbtvHlPkUUp8TBy7fN6HayeoUYQeY6JZKCP3zDp-_Y4SwzLVCtceZk7RMKq6iQPXcupWt2Mc3PUlpTGIU/s1600/IMG_0496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrwBrc_cxewIBUHOwS1dmkSO5jaVsLMPmbpOO0zcA6etOh6uumII2rRbOZbNfbtvHlPkUUp8TBy7fN6HayeoUYQeY6JZKCP3zDp-_Y4SwzLVCtceZk7RMKq6iQPXcupWt2Mc3PUlpTGIU/s320/IMG_0496.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then it was time for the typical SubstanceProjects after party, with great food and sponsor supplied beverages...and mostly the camaraderie of fellow riders.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJPuPT6krS0WZ9ERzaxo7egMFcmbOhk7dcZrh0dbkTnKUdZO6BpsxsIVIY-mZAmkAOmYvoERsSXd93y-XFCILW65mdCPW5DRcx9kCBw5RC3LRpvuyZAy8bUz6vIQtvSFs1O4qTdRJ8pAC/s1600/IMG_0491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJPuPT6krS0WZ9ERzaxo7egMFcmbOhk7dcZrh0dbkTnKUdZO6BpsxsIVIY-mZAmkAOmYvoERsSXd93y-XFCILW65mdCPW5DRcx9kCBw5RC3LRpvuyZAy8bUz6vIQtvSFs1O4qTdRJ8pAC/s320/IMG_0491.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzFu_FIpfGTVV79wBHLn9DK57SFsCflAb3BNiM2nyfZL2fQolfKC_oIoD0t3mRQbC-Hd1Ioa1hRydpFn0sQyiple9ypPGtbjW7tThU2i0vRuFiLGQHud1pphnkFzItDvgYNnDCouMAVgi/s1600/IMG_0490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzFu_FIpfGTVV79wBHLn9DK57SFsCflAb3BNiM2nyfZL2fQolfKC_oIoD0t3mRQbC-Hd1Ioa1hRydpFn0sQyiple9ypPGtbjW7tThU2i0vRuFiLGQHud1pphnkFzItDvgYNnDCouMAVgi/s320/IMG_0490.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sarah celebrating her podium finish...chasing KS</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKg3dWqJcjN1EiQW4fd5GcBYniYAuAik_LLvksEDw10drVQxVuHbD03a4wUWto6k7CZjk7uZQOErK4CUYN0dYuOcCAyFa1x-R7GjDxUlCdBdohhD-cIA8ls9z_fAy1SWNLO7SjAvThnL8n/s1600/IMG_0493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKg3dWqJcjN1EiQW4fd5GcBYniYAuAik_LLvksEDw10drVQxVuHbD03a4wUWto6k7CZjk7uZQOErK4CUYN0dYuOcCAyFa1x-R7GjDxUlCdBdohhD-cIA8ls9z_fAy1SWNLO7SjAvThnL8n/s320/IMG_0493.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Seth...celebrating his win...and the treasure supplied by Caledon Hills Brewing</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you missed this one you missed a good one. In case you haven't noticed all of Dan's races are good ones.Make sure you catch the next race in Dan's Fatbike Race Series on January 26th in Parry Sound. The word is that there is a ton of base snow on groomed trails there! Perfect fatbike conditions!! Will we see you there? Check it out at <a href="http://www.substanceprojects.com/">www.substanceprojects.com</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also coming up soon, if you want another Fatbike challenge, or rather ultra-challenge, as I mentioned in my previous post, there is the Wendigo coming in February. Check it out at <a href="https://wendigoultra.blogspot.com/">https://wendigoultra.blogspot.com</a> I will provide more details on this in my next post.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqVU5lWFAz1Lk0UAOjoo5Qbsu5xPYDG81XGZ24u8VgoXl9Q1Qtdi36GkeusAtvSFnFznSOFL1kW3Ihe5XZj6HCUhF4NNVen5zCkv4yeGOFs6b_DIudDASr0bQE_7QJaMimye3cy21j16N/s1600/IMG_4771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="720" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqVU5lWFAz1Lk0UAOjoo5Qbsu5xPYDG81XGZ24u8VgoXl9Q1Qtdi36GkeusAtvSFnFznSOFL1kW3Ihe5XZj6HCUhF4NNVen5zCkv4yeGOFs6b_DIudDASr0bQE_7QJaMimye3cy21j16N/s320/IMG_4771.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Time for gratuitous cat pic??</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WMrqVtMXfaNXfQ4PYRBbvtmsglWuUU_XWcbcQkzx6p9NH3yZtY51vCJadkZrjkUNRgEYJ9gJ0fUTnSLlQRp1hJmmTXnTAZbM-4AbK_yNjZKuHFPkN269HGAk5EXTLxcDx5TeuCjmkySz/s1600/IMG_0512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="750" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WMrqVtMXfaNXfQ4PYRBbvtmsglWuUU_XWcbcQkzx6p9NH3yZtY51vCJadkZrjkUNRgEYJ9gJ0fUTnSLlQRp1hJmmTXnTAZbM-4AbK_yNjZKuHFPkN269HGAk5EXTLxcDx5TeuCjmkySz/s320/IMG_0512.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
dog??</div>
<br />
No? OK, sorry...let's carry on then...<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
As for me...recovering from injury, trying to get back into race mode/race shape. As I mentioned earlier on Jan 2nd I weighed in at 215 hefty lbs. This week I am down to 210...only 5 measly lbs but that was basically the result of cutting out alcohol...no real change to nutrition. The next step will be to implement a nutrition plan that will have me cut weight with minimal catabolism (loss of muscle).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Other than that I also need to work on increasing and maintaining my top end speed/power. I have worked heavily on base...but my top end is weak. So I need drills that will work on this area. If you have any good ones feel free to share with me. (Outdoor though, please. I have a trainer, but I really despise having to use it. I ride to be outside...).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So there you have it...another successful Dan event...and another coming up soon. There are many winter riding/racing options this season!! Let's see you out there!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Stay posted!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9kPsX1ji3LE9rtRywl7OCZXaZvlGaB1tEGvlM0wUxDdedqLrn3KaDu4ypuqnnSzaYIrgwr9VGicb0VK6iq3rl6vgXCd0O8ThTRcI1Tqu51BD3A7jBvBy6WMsxZgfA5wi424YcIludKOA/s1600/IMG_0482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="478" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9kPsX1ji3LE9rtRywl7OCZXaZvlGaB1tEGvlM0wUxDdedqLrn3KaDu4ypuqnnSzaYIrgwr9VGicb0VK6iq3rl6vgXCd0O8ThTRcI1Tqu51BD3A7jBvBy6WMsxZgfA5wi424YcIludKOA/s320/IMG_0482.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-76678496909168549612019-01-07T16:12:00.002-05:002019-01-07T17:31:36.707-05:00Bringing On 2019So...2018 is gone. Goodbye...yer done. 2018, the year I was to take as a year mostly out of racing, to ride lots but all for fun...stay safe...no injuries. And in 2018 I did ride for fun...but still managed the injury thing...a couple of times. Spent weeks living in a reclining chair, recovering...(recovering = gaining weight....at least it does for me).<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhbD0FU5BKA-wpHGMZyL87cNABTxkB9MYtXLKPlvtXGByB8xsjPxeBpm_kTXNGbSyES4AvbDYIbzYf9ExOk7Urs1DYzanaYgWoOYvsPi6zJCNBN_18lRWpTVOguJ_4-krvxGa8be1Tnrp/s640/blogger-image-1137896936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhbD0FU5BKA-wpHGMZyL87cNABTxkB9MYtXLKPlvtXGByB8xsjPxeBpm_kTXNGbSyES4AvbDYIbzYf9ExOk7Urs1DYzanaYgWoOYvsPi6zJCNBN_18lRWpTVOguJ_4-krvxGa8be1Tnrp/s400/blogger-image-1137896936.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So now as we all suffer together through the rash of 2018 Strava summaries, heat maps, and stats...let's look forward to what 2019 has to bring.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2019 I will be getting back into racing. And if you enjoy winter/fatbike racing there are a few already going on...and coming up. Locally (mostly), there is Dan Marshall's SubtanceProjects (Dan's bike race promotion company...weird name, I know...but Dan is like that...) 45NRTH Ontario Fatbike race series going on. In face Race #2 of this series is happening very soon...January 12!! In Albion Hills. Dan's races are always a howling good time...and a worthy challenge. If you love hills, you will love Dan's races...Dan has a knack for finding the nastiest hills. He could make a hill out of an airport landing strip...but luckily his next race is at a flat sounding venue, like Albion Hills.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways check it out and sign up at <a href="http://www.substanceprojects.com/">www.substanceprojects.com</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you are a little deranged...and want an ultimate winter/fatbike challenge you really need to check out the Wendigo! 150 kms of fatbike ultra marathon (they also have shorter routes) out of Cobden, Ontario. The route takes you across the Quebec provincial border, in what is possibly -30 degree weather...or colder. Truly an extreme undertaking. <br />
<br />
Local racers JackP and AdamF (no, not AdamH...different fast Adam) have both kicked ass at this event in the past...so if you want to challenge them, go for it!! (What is with guys named Adam always having to be first??? Since the dawn of time, it seems...)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Check out the details here... <a href="https://wendigoultra.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> https://wendigoultra.blogspot.com</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And if you search enough, individual clubs and bike shops are holding fatbike events/races around the province.<br />
<br />
Then once winter ends (that is if it ever really gets here), the 'real' MTB race season will begin. And, as I mentioned, I plan to dedicate myself back into the race scene. Which means, getting back into training...and getting into race shape. I am not terribly out of cardio/fitness shape...but I am woefully overweight. I tipped the scales last week at 215lbs. That's all kinds of nasty...need to get down to at least 185...possibly as low as 165. Actually, other than 185 being a bit of a reference goal, as I told Lois, I don't really have a hard goal weight in mind. I told her I just want to be lean enough that you can see my pancreas beating. But pancreases don't really beat, I don't think...they just kinda sit there all squishy as a placemat for Islets of Langerhans...managing blood sugar and stuff...I think. (Ask KateMC...she's the doc on this stuff).<br />
<br />
Anyways...yeah...so I need to get back into training, getting in race shape...losing fat pounds. The big part of that is diet of course...getting the nutritional intake more disciplined, which includes turning off the booze tap. Yeah...right off...I'm not good at the moderation thing in any regard. All in, or all out. At least now there are legal, calorie free alternatives...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DAuI2QsoFvfWkBERnni5SfDoby050eQb0xCMTVtSZuZJ_pzrS8ZYdBE-P9gJEbnPMT56sJ7yCxHmJ2y84ZUlhtfue7ee3fLsX29OOs3_B-ZobZU7ULRYKGt7oGVGXLpe98A0LdGu5oWh/s640/blogger-image-1136935946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DAuI2QsoFvfWkBERnni5SfDoby050eQb0xCMTVtSZuZJ_pzrS8ZYdBE-P9gJEbnPMT56sJ7yCxHmJ2y84ZUlhtfue7ee3fLsX29OOs3_B-ZobZU7ULRYKGt7oGVGXLpe98A0LdGu5oWh/s400/blogger-image-1136935946.jpg" width="376" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So...currently working on training plans, and nutrition plans...and considering the value of coaching for both, or either. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPamEEx9p34Mce1DPO5yE39m-JT6TYEieAa2MYFoXrJwsi__wsQ_-E7SgW0Lzys-HboKxvi2KtQhmROqI3KLqleW8sFH7tSZM7pNIzhVuyzcPQ_R3fMDg8M8ZSWzlXpmxgqPSPtoU6Fjx/s640/blogger-image--736396352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPamEEx9p34Mce1DPO5yE39m-JT6TYEieAa2MYFoXrJwsi__wsQ_-E7SgW0Lzys-HboKxvi2KtQhmROqI3KLqleW8sFH7tSZM7pNIzhVuyzcPQ_R3fMDg8M8ZSWzlXpmxgqPSPtoU6Fjx/s400/blogger-image--736396352.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As far as races in 2019 go...there continue to be more options each year...which is awesome! There are the always popular Epic8Hour races...of which I hope to attend all. There is the always sold out (and it almost already is!!) 24 Hours Summer Solstice. I have signed up to solo this thing again. If you want an ultra endurance test...do it!! But do it soon, cuz as I mentioned it's almost already sold out. (You know you can do it as a team too, right?)<br />
<br />
The 24 Hour is actually my favourite race...a huge challenge in a fun atmosphere...wish there was at least one or two more locally. (There used to be.) Now I think the closest one is in Alberta...<br />
<br />
Anyways...tuff KarenD talked me into also signing up for the Quebec Single Track Experience. She actually got a group of us to go. 6 days of mountain bike stage race tortuous bliss. And Lois is coming along to make a vacation of it. Gonna be fun times!!!<br />
<br />
There is also the returning Crank the Shield...3 days of Stage racing north on Ontario's Canadian shield. I haven't signed up for this...but it's on my radar. (I have done them in the past but missed last year, so...)<br />
<br />
I have signed up for this new one! The BT 700!! A 700 km unsupported route in the style of a Ride the Divide bikepacking race/ride...right here in Ontario! Check out the details here at <a href="http://www.bt700.ca/">http://www.bt700.ca/</a><br />
<br />
Then there is Dan's SubstanceProjects MTB Marathon race series, which I hope to attend each one!<br />
<br />
And there are a host of other race options, including the O'cups (which are not my forte...I get my arse kicked at these!)<br />
<br />
Anyways...I guess I've bored you enough for one post. But it's been a long time...I'll be posting more frequently again...<br />
<br />
So...bring on 2019...let's get our MTB on!!<br />
<br />
Stay posted!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWFnibwgHd0IWUIbnqv5C_KVgV0pX-vwVlSVdMtSv-X1YEtVde-9gppe22ZA2a3rVaY9kHhMxAI2eaeQHnaUCT3bU-BeUwhSnX9n8hqsB4-PR0Xrog-qRin1kMlEnjUhm5iUUSYOvlmUn/s640/blogger-image--1554366953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWFnibwgHd0IWUIbnqv5C_KVgV0pX-vwVlSVdMtSv-X1YEtVde-9gppe22ZA2a3rVaY9kHhMxAI2eaeQHnaUCT3bU-BeUwhSnX9n8hqsB4-PR0Xrog-qRin1kMlEnjUhm5iUUSYOvlmUn/s400/blogger-image--1554366953.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-38774716803855554112018-10-25T07:57:00.000-04:002018-10-25T07:57:06.607-04:00The Howling Coyote - A Test of BonesOnce upon a time, in a land not so far away Linda found her prince Craig and 3 years ago they decided to move to Mono (Mow-Know), a land of fabled trails systems, and unending gravel roads. It is a veritable paradise to providing the pursuit of their mountain bike/gravel cycling passion. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It soon became their dream to share this paradise with others who were also infected with this passion. So a holey (yup that is spelled correctly) alliance was arranged; with DanOfSubstance and his mountain bike race promotions company Substance Projects. Dan already had a gravel race series (called the Stuporcross...his name, not mine...), so in collaboration with Linda and Craig the Howling Coyote was born. A new race in the Stuporcross series, through the trails and gravel roads of Mono, Ontario.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In planning, Linda and Craig wished to have sweeps. (Sweeps are folks who ride behind the racers, ensuring no one gets left behind, and assisting any racers in need). It's been 6 weeks since my crash breaking my collarbone and ribs. I still am not in condition to race, but I thought that sweeping would be a good test for my repairing bones....so I offered. SingleSpeedSarah had already offered to sweep the 80km version of the race (PeterF ended up joining her as sweep...both on fatbikes!), so I offered to sweep the 40km option. (And I am glad I didn't do the 80...Sarah and Peter were out there for 5.5 hours!!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpw7BkX5QP3tfNPeAo8457oZnDWoJDE7wTL8yuDp-8665qSHEQuW11EW8QEh4eTltdSKim9ecdg9yj0mD_6_398e_r9AY8I2UdIHh9lQNJvUhvqyKyCsfHZw9NQY3On-yiVptxne0M6Hql/s640/blogger-image-413860452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpw7BkX5QP3tfNPeAo8457oZnDWoJDE7wTL8yuDp-8665qSHEQuW11EW8QEh4eTltdSKim9ecdg9yj0mD_6_398e_r9AY8I2UdIHh9lQNJvUhvqyKyCsfHZw9NQY3On-yiVptxne0M6Hql/s400/blogger-image-413860452.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sarah and Peter sweeping the 80km Fat style...</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
So, Sunday morning Johnny (who was racing the 80km) and I packed up the truck and headed up to Mono. A very nasty, frosty cold windy morning....but it was great to see so many members of the mountain bike race community, after weeks of me being absent.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyW8Fuoz8t_pPvKwHtnoHg1adNms2bxZVle26tJ_Lf0cyMaSQEN_qEVJPAeDpxqzq_lQ-34ZQjXWHEPkhBXaHK_F57F4Y8bg2-FH0V0por2U7S80EnAlaKEIj-BsAOnooSvWRG8tnJIXnz/s640/blogger-image-486242297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyW8Fuoz8t_pPvKwHtnoHg1adNms2bxZVle26tJ_Lf0cyMaSQEN_qEVJPAeDpxqzq_lQ-34ZQjXWHEPkhBXaHK_F57F4Y8bg2-FH0V0por2U7S80EnAlaKEIj-BsAOnooSvWRG8tnJIXnz/s400/blogger-image-486242297.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Gratuitous shot of me, surviving the cold.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo by BarryC</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihES5Rmj95_nDDfjMbRgHvQwRkDvEOkofta-kOOAuCPzlTK8eaPzBvhDIMO_ONAsxHTs3q9u14I9hCJEwKMJYwmkFXa3bZedWTiaNnY9qAEEnl1yqIrJu26fHz3vdIN6G5BOGl6YFa65AH/s640/blogger-image-473586328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihES5Rmj95_nDDfjMbRgHvQwRkDvEOkofta-kOOAuCPzlTK8eaPzBvhDIMO_ONAsxHTs3q9u14I9hCJEwKMJYwmkFXa3bZedWTiaNnY9qAEEnl1yqIrJu26fHz3vdIN6G5BOGl6YFa65AH/s400/blogger-image-473586328.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
TeamColin schooling me on blog writing.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo by TedA ApexRacePhotography</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-oZMbSvfB9P4GLKGnNAPMqM_KmiCWxluiHoKiibX6khPVkTJajT-8bbQd8ar2z74n1GayVWfPxxDWVy-ud_CHy8ynL82_NJpjrsaWe6kp4MxEblHlR8Eo0BoQrkrzjkEffpJ2Y5DOTVq/s640/blogger-image-69788932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-oZMbSvfB9P4GLKGnNAPMqM_KmiCWxluiHoKiibX6khPVkTJajT-8bbQd8ar2z74n1GayVWfPxxDWVy-ud_CHy8ynL82_NJpjrsaWe6kp4MxEblHlR8Eo0BoQrkrzjkEffpJ2Y5DOTVq/s400/blogger-image-69788932.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
United Nations of blog writing. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
TeamColin, Steve of RideCycleSpin, moi.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1itQ7fULJYlqmr1z4TtAwFzOiFpUkLWyhpwX9IYmTAPKUjbcAXGDytZW9HQpE4CZAHHUKBe-TjQYgLB1EMlCtRfBWyYc4PeJjq95faB7wHB8tyoecK1pzJQWtcVLWnrz1YQLYWuD4DA3/s640/blogger-image-1477980519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1itQ7fULJYlqmr1z4TtAwFzOiFpUkLWyhpwX9IYmTAPKUjbcAXGDytZW9HQpE4CZAHHUKBe-TjQYgLB1EMlCtRfBWyYc4PeJjq95faB7wHB8tyoecK1pzJQWtcVLWnrz1YQLYWuD4DA3/s400/blogger-image-1477980519.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This guy always gets in there somehow...</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And from my perspective, the race was amazing. Now I realize, many if not most race reviewers are all rainbows and unicorns...all races are great, amazing, phenomenal. That's not me, at worst I will call it as I see it...at best I won't comment at all. So, as I saw it...this race was amazing! It was great to see the race from the sweep perspective. I could take it easy pace-wise...chat with folks, encourage struggling riders, converse with marshals, talk to volunteers. I could skip the hills.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
OK...as sweep I had to cover the entire course (the 40 km course). So, I couldn't skip the hills. The hills were brutal. Dan always seems to do this in his races...long, steep, long, never ending hills. Brutally sweet challenges. I can still feel my heart rate bursting though my forehead...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEyR7Kz4GT29XBpGP9cZEGTbk5b8XswK88iHgYpyqwl_PGEC4mhoauEvU9kfKDlVk-mMtwBezHrnuYhU-oHCMdI6JlO0K54-xd3tPBWoir-cNYrIH9ZAQePiGrMujrCEsGbXy1pIH9FJF/s640/blogger-image--743598700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEyR7Kz4GT29XBpGP9cZEGTbk5b8XswK88iHgYpyqwl_PGEC4mhoauEvU9kfKDlVk-mMtwBezHrnuYhU-oHCMdI6JlO0K54-xd3tPBWoir-cNYrIH9ZAQePiGrMujrCEsGbXy1pIH9FJF/s400/blogger-image--743598700.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This wasn't even the biggest one!</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo by Christina</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But the hills made for spectacular views...the fall colours beginning to burst from the greenery. And as sweep, I could take the time to enjoy them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarKHX3hl4eu7aUWUvVorCy5cvsCshHBGJMti2Ux7GGiDiZ-52QbJxEBLbbf_TEn8ReIjCRTtBxHr3PiRlWs6JaQsXUprgxodKm9_05t_EL8VpmhEYOcdfI39IotHeu4c32Qp4lNnhnAZe/s640/blogger-image--941759038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarKHX3hl4eu7aUWUvVorCy5cvsCshHBGJMti2Ux7GGiDiZ-52QbJxEBLbbf_TEn8ReIjCRTtBxHr3PiRlWs6JaQsXUprgxodKm9_05t_EL8VpmhEYOcdfI39IotHeu4c32Qp4lNnhnAZe/s400/blogger-image--941759038.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Still not the big one...</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo by SteveS</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The volunteers were all pleasant and engaging...encouraging racers to refuel, hydrate, and maintain the pace. Some volunteers were Dan's team/family, some like myself were racers who chose to volunteer support for various reasons, and some were locals providing community support for the event. The community support was evident and encouraging...in fact the mayor of Mono baked pies with local ingredients as prizes!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5FjIsv6ueqOviCYcZ-nGAl2JzT-QsNM00HLtP89fr1OnLIXqN9kbPaj-upnQ79NNADH_IuNPNbKCDoZg2IcqxeLq2GYTEiIQx56CqTl5MZV_MWSw7DpsUap4fBk66SAXJJ-iKdACpfIv/s640/blogger-image--1910227673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5FjIsv6ueqOviCYcZ-nGAl2JzT-QsNM00HLtP89fr1OnLIXqN9kbPaj-upnQ79NNADH_IuNPNbKCDoZg2IcqxeLq2GYTEiIQx56CqTl5MZV_MWSw7DpsUap4fBk66SAXJJ-iKdACpfIv/s400/blogger-image--1910227673.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is not a Howling Coyote, this is Bruno. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bruno and his mom and dad were volunteers.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZfzloRawzS-o9smNNca7rW-i2W1zqqTBBgRDgya4iNa97A58WBmID2k67BF4KldCm8H4rYH8FmOk3s0yl108gQLLxlo9jV3T7Moupt_ncrMUJvcUABLQX4dt45_3UK9_L_oTtTzfVHwd/s640/blogger-image-440686727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZfzloRawzS-o9smNNca7rW-i2W1zqqTBBgRDgya4iNa97A58WBmID2k67BF4KldCm8H4rYH8FmOk3s0yl108gQLLxlo9jV3T7Moupt_ncrMUJvcUABLQX4dt45_3UK9_L_oTtTzfVHwd/s400/blogger-image-440686727.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bruno drove them up in his Westie...</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo by BarryC</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The feed stations were minimally stocked, but the meal options at the finish were amazing. Hot and delicious, meat-eater and vegan options. I believe the finish meals were also prepared by locals. I think these people want us to come back!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However...possibly the most memorable piece of the event was the proliferate gravel road options; quiet country roads rolling through the hills and forest of the county. And so often, within view of the gravel were obvious trails winding through greenery...nature's enticing call to the mountain biker. A place of dreams to the gravel rider/mountain biker. I will have to get up there simply to enjoy the riding sometime soon.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWnBaP5S5BVSz652CIJBbxSo-AbUBnnzlHXaPVPVf6KKyvOUXP3WG2-k3i2LvANPRfBC7FyQrYmZlF2sd7lgd7Mi91lSJN1NnhTEzPjYRfCcwPheWaJnYrfkSkZ-r9N7reKD_w4WFPDUi/s640/blogger-image--907705571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWnBaP5S5BVSz652CIJBbxSo-AbUBnnzlHXaPVPVf6KKyvOUXP3WG2-k3i2LvANPRfBC7FyQrYmZlF2sd7lgd7Mi91lSJN1NnhTEzPjYRfCcwPheWaJnYrfkSkZ-r9N7reKD_w4WFPDUi/s400/blogger-image--907705571.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkd4vy9N61U1_4Jx0rotObKNVlfWwk28_L_h77fD5PFcc92CBIzx6XPndU8xADVBdwPHze72PLEFX2WGuY523-y6Ymcwev8-HiqMCuBktVG2a4Dfhh6gjI9PUUKusL2IUoZJHYqacy9ULo/s640/blogger-image-592918150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkd4vy9N61U1_4Jx0rotObKNVlfWwk28_L_h77fD5PFcc92CBIzx6XPndU8xADVBdwPHze72PLEFX2WGuY523-y6Ymcwev8-HiqMCuBktVG2a4Dfhh6gjI9PUUKusL2IUoZJHYqacy9ULo/s400/blogger-image-592918150.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chatting of old times...or the last hill...</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsdg8AMq88BbySm4KU9ua_qMU0B52XhUPzkgyGkF8FhoVyWhSKFh1uugZCYWWrkitm1-NVcFNjNzafosjNoIRdGiW7tHvioV8n-nqDhHvUCit14kqKJfACfgYfbnB1fkHvHEFza0cq4Yq/s640/blogger-image-391687599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsdg8AMq88BbySm4KU9ua_qMU0B52XhUPzkgyGkF8FhoVyWhSKFh1uugZCYWWrkitm1-NVcFNjNzafosjNoIRdGiW7tHvioV8n-nqDhHvUCit14kqKJfACfgYfbnB1fkHvHEFza0cq4Yq/s400/blogger-image-391687599.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3cmWcploA8AK7aqs-mDRO-ogLksHD2UIrfnR-SxH7JEDQvJ_sM21yvE7jGbLc4QTTZ4Qo3gV957J8znffsnBxjf3Y9XHpalpX4HsaaAhaFJGXRgGfrN7_N7hXI7Gxf0rAQu0bAG3kJUK/s640/blogger-image--375133393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3cmWcploA8AK7aqs-mDRO-ogLksHD2UIrfnR-SxH7JEDQvJ_sM21yvE7jGbLc4QTTZ4Qo3gV957J8znffsnBxjf3Y9XHpalpX4HsaaAhaFJGXRgGfrN7_N7hXI7Gxf0rAQu0bAG3kJUK/s400/blogger-image--375133393.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by TedA ApexRacePhotography</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Lapdogs chose to ride together and finish together as a team in honour</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> of their fallen comrade Steve Hart. Steve passed unexpectedly, but </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>peacefully in the days prior to the event. I did not know Steve well...just the </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>occasional 'hello', but I feel like I do after hearing all the stories and anecdotes. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>By all accounts he was a special soul, which perhaps explains why he went </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>too soon. Quick with a smile, or laugh...a master of trash talk, a devoted</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> hardworking teammate, and a powerhouse on the bike. My sincere </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>condolences to all of Steve's family and friends.</i></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So there you have it. If you missed this race, you missed a great one. If you were there, you survived the cold, and the hills...and you loved it...good on ya!! I'm betting you'll be back.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOgHy5L1yxs_Ln4QmiQcVBUvdzMIX0_SZB_NC5NOMLTHA2gwe-gDAuPc-ECF_AJ2QK_XKM8TVKNlRu1zPhb87Oy3VXg_ssCEau6HCF0MZoUDnn0MbhgMyHwWR_sm3a5V9zvRoHIL8Qri_/s640/blogger-image-671799663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOgHy5L1yxs_Ln4QmiQcVBUvdzMIX0_SZB_NC5NOMLTHA2gwe-gDAuPc-ECF_AJ2QK_XKM8TVKNlRu1zPhb87Oy3VXg_ssCEau6HCF0MZoUDnn0MbhgMyHwWR_sm3a5V9zvRoHIL8Qri_/s400/blogger-image-671799663.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And some of the best swag ever at this event.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(I had to drink enough to see the logo on the glass)</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZ-Tmpw1lenoQHjEhwJvlgdwx3ylFz6uhXZ9emqyVFAsXYK5auJou32vTL81J35-vRYfpjvHoo1SdaXvOwc-lX1quxsuOBIuh0ozblwVpOMGGGfHPApY969BZ-f0tIFvqDjIuLk3yZCw0/s640/blogger-image-413841819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZ-Tmpw1lenoQHjEhwJvlgdwx3ylFz6uhXZ9emqyVFAsXYK5auJou32vTL81J35-vRYfpjvHoo1SdaXvOwc-lX1quxsuOBIuh0ozblwVpOMGGGfHPApY969BZ-f0tIFvqDjIuLk3yZCw0/s400/blogger-image-413841819.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finishing up...</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As for me and my injury recovery, I survived the experience fine. A little achey for a while after, but OK. And I have been able to get on proper mountain bike trails this week.</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcdfyH3RZQZJjkAgxk8Psym3GtCqppi2tyZugPEwqTMQ78edQA_CoYVOUoQ1255X28jKUgk1Oj97UOnMsPWQVPSzESAKAhTfl0lbAQLx6fDw3rKj64oW3HD_2GWdmwdJ1goobUU4mjh4i/s640/blogger-image-477170282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcdfyH3RZQZJjkAgxk8Psym3GtCqppi2tyZugPEwqTMQ78edQA_CoYVOUoQ1255X28jKUgk1Oj97UOnMsPWQVPSzESAKAhTfl0lbAQLx6fDw3rKj64oW3HD_2GWdmwdJ1goobUU4mjh4i/s400/blogger-image-477170282.jpg" width="361" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix45D-MX5y4654pJMCaRwHvhwDilAVOapsYvovGkKexqznZngr2LmnBKGxO1z_r6M-WFPpv01gMBQjm923h-Asr8IbyvkKt3uv49yzvrW1BANMK3mvxc7QoUDgEj9zdduITiiK3VSRlWq7/s640/blogger-image--2038818253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix45D-MX5y4654pJMCaRwHvhwDilAVOapsYvovGkKexqznZngr2LmnBKGxO1z_r6M-WFPpv01gMBQjm923h-Asr8IbyvkKt3uv49yzvrW1BANMK3mvxc7QoUDgEj9zdduITiiK3VSRlWq7/s400/blogger-image--2038818253.jpg" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
A happy sweep.</div>
</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Photo by BarryC</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">But how can I complain when there are so many friends in similar or worse circumstances. Barry with a recently separated shoulder, Valerie broken collarbone, SuzyQ shattered leg, and now Linda broken leg surviving getting hit by a truck!! Some tough ladies!! (Ya, you too Barry!). I wish you all the fastest healing possible!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">And now I have about 25 extra pounds to lose. Some beauty fall riding to get into. And Dan's fatbike series to look forward to!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Stay posted!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnYv3VKEjb4igRGKsNtFXhTPCXRVQDbMQtwb7CNnZ8yQMun3DqKZ_HI2fbxXjwXk1QchLUiGtOaYLa-oYMQcJq3dKc_Yx-BE4VfrkEV01oxwR_P0XQxbPdj9aXK15tDXGrYF0eAkwxYt5/s640/blogger-image-1561472719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnYv3VKEjb4igRGKsNtFXhTPCXRVQDbMQtwb7CNnZ8yQMun3DqKZ_HI2fbxXjwXk1QchLUiGtOaYLa-oYMQcJq3dKc_Yx-BE4VfrkEV01oxwR_P0XQxbPdj9aXK15tDXGrYF0eAkwxYt5/s400/blogger-image-1561472719.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Yup....that's a cat and a coyote...</div>
</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-74121063499220453612018-10-19T10:31:00.000-04:002018-10-19T12:05:15.457-04:00Four Non Blondes - YaYaYaYaSo just another brief update, what's goin on, with the situation.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The bones continue to heal...and the surrounding muscles are beginning to relax. So we are getting there...not as fast as I'd like, but ahead of schedule. However, still gaining weight.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So in order to keep the weight under control, and to try to maintain some element of 'bike shape', I have been getting out for a few easy paced rides...and a hike that possibly got out of hand (a road too far...).<br />
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50SEXhsb8WAlTPs30NfeVPrpHixIf79FBX-4f-BMS7PMFM8lOLZxBaBYHWjaMcig6ZRK2MukD61odhkLgI-EM3SU0N6QTVWDSAgnci0Q17IZ47k1-YVJqYrGVBdwmOncHsgX1F6BSDVH3/s640/blogger-image-322447630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50SEXhsb8WAlTPs30NfeVPrpHixIf79FBX-4f-BMS7PMFM8lOLZxBaBYHWjaMcig6ZRK2MukD61odhkLgI-EM3SU0N6QTVWDSAgnci0Q17IZ47k1-YVJqYrGVBdwmOncHsgX1F6BSDVH3/s400/blogger-image-322447630.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stolen from MykalP just this morning.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
However, apparently I have been doing too much under my current condition...and my body is letting me know it. Various chronic inflammations that I historically have fought off are recurring and hitting all at once (like plantar fasciitis, and a couple of other -itis's), and a head/chest cold is trying to take hold (I never get colds!!). This body seems to want to use its energy on healing. So I have taken a couple of full on rest/recovery days to try to get healing and health back on track. And things are looking better. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Getting older, trying to be more aware and careful...since I don't think I have 9 lives...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EsDnBpgNaOoO1xkOhMK926ZgutvKL78xCx-xjxzqzh6SgSO26Ju9TZdkDy_FyttJ5vbrgXMjUoZfmF-C9HFmhpQBjIWw5dJ7gCQH6u8tynAwoMp9WZPMcUlXE7YIP1FY79fRDAslkSBw/s640/blogger-image--1877280335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EsDnBpgNaOoO1xkOhMK926ZgutvKL78xCx-xjxzqzh6SgSO26Ju9TZdkDy_FyttJ5vbrgXMjUoZfmF-C9HFmhpQBjIWw5dJ7gCQH6u8tynAwoMp9WZPMcUlXE7YIP1FY79fRDAslkSBw/s400/blogger-image--1877280335.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stolen from VirgilC just this morning.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
So, healing and health seem to be back on track, and as such my Sunday ride will be me sweeping the 40km at DanOfSubstance's Howling Coyote. A casual 40km ride on either a 29er or 29plus bike to keep it safe and more comfortable. Will you be there??</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then hopefully next week or so, I can switch from healing mode, to getting back into race shape mode. Or maybe I should just let the weight go until I can compete as a Clyde??</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways, in order to not make this all about me, a couple of other friends have generously also managed to get dinged up this past week. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">TeamColin conked his noggin...and Unglued separated a shoulder. Well wishes to you guys! Get well fast!</span></div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, now how about some happy news!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
SingleSpeedSarah has a very well written blog that she does not post enough to. However, a recent post reveals a couple of exciting and positive events going on her way. Check out her blog <a href="https://sarahcaylor.blogspot.com/2018/10/from-ashes-of-our-past.html" target="_blank">Crash Caylor</a>, for her latest very interesting post.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So....that's What's Goin' On. So far.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
More to come...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Stay posted!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Staying Posted!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0ml6zE-rszSbZ-wRC_tR2gJoUT5AzXZCqxFx5jBxLyWvv7sl3BMqMzmJIL3JN3661rJjav9hoQeO34n9ek_6nwfmqXry1W3szgtvj6fF5c2PC8mZQbwz2KbjY24HWB9n68UXeAEl8wzk/s1600/staying+posted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0ml6zE-rszSbZ-wRC_tR2gJoUT5AzXZCqxFx5jBxLyWvv7sl3BMqMzmJIL3JN3661rJjav9hoQeO34n9ek_6nwfmqXry1W3szgtvj6fF5c2PC8mZQbwz2KbjY24HWB9n68UXeAEl8wzk/s1600/staying+posted.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
OK....relax!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-29567126064607447362018-10-11T13:02:00.002-04:002018-10-11T13:02:43.308-04:00Update on the DownLowOK...here I go posting again about a drab, mundane topic. Me. As I mentioned in my previous post, I prefer to post about topics other than myself. However, people have been asking (bikecurious??) about my injury recovery...and someone (Heather?) even suggested that they find my blog posts/strava inspirational. Who knew??<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlFkJ9BZizihPf8VMXnWdbrkB6LCUM0kQ37fni75EJyo8DjDTBMpeiKUk80xNGYJe3GWk86fsOtvRt_hyphenhyphenbe2jDnMty0YghZ4PXp-O7yZXUYr6b26461kDPuezW5v_b8K3QGgxKz_CGGbz/s1600/not+again+bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlFkJ9BZizihPf8VMXnWdbrkB6LCUM0kQ37fni75EJyo8DjDTBMpeiKUk80xNGYJe3GWk86fsOtvRt_hyphenhyphenbe2jDnMty0YghZ4PXp-O7yZXUYr6b26461kDPuezW5v_b8K3QGgxKz_CGGbz/s320/not+again+bear.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
Yeah, sorry...<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
So be it...here is my update. I am healing...slower than I would hope...but mostly as expected. Last Sunday was 4 weeks since the injury occurred. And this Tuesday I had my update with Dr. Smith...the fracture specialist. The collarbone and ribs are mending. The clavicle healing faster than the ribs. (ribs can take 10+ weeks!?). Mostly it is the muscles cramping/spasming around the injuries that I find most annoying, and debilitating.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Also, weeks of relative inactivity has my core weakened and is going to need a lot of work to get back up to bike fitness.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Also my wieght ballooned up to 208 lbs. (Yeah....fatter than I have been in almost 15 years...). Need to lose about 25 of that...or more. Now that I have put this out there...it kind of makes me accountable...I guess...dammit.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So....the good news...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I have had great friends come over to visit and keep my spirits up! And motivated to get back out </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">there!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OzL-NNDnPVzoIg7IZqCmGW4M46bC5-EAB4rrjuAfcPDRx-Z5EwBIe9g79UAuP_HCXzQWsc8tIutXLb7TMPxr4AziqOnJPqa8uJjztXbyxknPMmKvGK_37ENuVm9vfs4xaxpOzTsU0UHR/s640/blogger-image--1644453957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OzL-NNDnPVzoIg7IZqCmGW4M46bC5-EAB4rrjuAfcPDRx-Z5EwBIe9g79UAuP_HCXzQWsc8tIutXLb7TMPxr4AziqOnJPqa8uJjztXbyxknPMmKvGK_37ENuVm9vfs4xaxpOzTsU0UHR/s400/blogger-image--1644453957.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Friends keeping the Sunday Riot rides going...</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdCGHgvMX_eh4RqwlcsZiZuhsWb0BcmljYHXwmB9YhacWsSw3iKQoVCkg9HLBAkLB-svw-0lc_IiRjc6RFOYQ-wDQeAK3RBYQ5zp0F_5LZfPj1oDtGdrm8_G2fVNHANX_9K2D2UdSo6Oi/s640/blogger-image-1769059768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdCGHgvMX_eh4RqwlcsZiZuhsWb0BcmljYHXwmB9YhacWsSw3iKQoVCkg9HLBAkLB-svw-0lc_IiRjc6RFOYQ-wDQeAK3RBYQ5zp0F_5LZfPj1oDtGdrm8_G2fVNHANX_9K2D2UdSo6Oi/s400/blogger-image-1769059768.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Even though they could work on their Riot face trail pics...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG27buYq5nvLPq5lZniv6rtQ2wXWHe4LlulchCFGrJndQNSf0px9-aUp9E35aWezU7BKDHN5g-Y6HZFpsBs96VDvC4Wbs-9cQIqFinsG2nkQ3DMzUjNYRoHnGCZB5eqWgz2HK4kwZtuzI3/s640/blogger-image-1396334460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG27buYq5nvLPq5lZniv6rtQ2wXWHe4LlulchCFGrJndQNSf0px9-aUp9E35aWezU7BKDHN5g-Y6HZFpsBs96VDvC4Wbs-9cQIqFinsG2nkQ3DMzUjNYRoHnGCZB5eqWgz2HK4kwZtuzI3/s400/blogger-image-1396334460.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This guy has it down....almost...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ds8Op9LPOcctrwaCzh9QvghV_4OrOjXURSbwEbz_KBRKgE1VvXOtZVkdQdqx9DQj-pP4I-Lxu6A4h2FlMcD7A0GOiJ2nx85WSy6DgpJpasvMvNMJSQh3JBIBxn5zzvFU3kKoSknAhhqc/s640/blogger-image-1247397442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ds8Op9LPOcctrwaCzh9QvghV_4OrOjXURSbwEbz_KBRKgE1VvXOtZVkdQdqx9DQj-pP4I-Lxu6A4h2FlMcD7A0GOiJ2nx85WSy6DgpJpasvMvNMJSQh3JBIBxn5zzvFU3kKoSknAhhqc/s400/blogger-image-1247397442.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways...back on track... The last couple of weeks I have been stretching, and doing some light weight workouts to try to stimulate healing, and to maintain range of motion. So I currently have almost full range of motion...however huge lack of strength, and reduced capacity to move quickly without discomfort.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
How I think I look weightlifting...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37mUHa0ih8R6o-d05SlVfSMZa2KQw6_uU_cxHcBxmNKyj-Db0bNT79VSCfFhyphenhyphen3ys16NMNG7UNtEUP9HIQ9PSJ6vnr-OYfAiWVXkq6iV9w_3uTxmi8QPYzK7sx14DhIbB-Dk_Xc03oeFG2/s640/blogger-image-2100226694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37mUHa0ih8R6o-d05SlVfSMZa2KQw6_uU_cxHcBxmNKyj-Db0bNT79VSCfFhyphenhyphen3ys16NMNG7UNtEUP9HIQ9PSJ6vnr-OYfAiWVXkq6iV9w_3uTxmi8QPYzK7sx14DhIbB-Dk_Xc03oeFG2/s400/blogger-image-2100226694.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
How I really look...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadrWPBzaLJko4Zt2eeS9OGe6Sp6qqZBqiZFoZlLivZChVmruHeH6Lm24NmmQjk0Lg4eXizT_BKfQk8rRrgA8B57jH4p5DpF8QASZW1uXOiLvGMFvQExTW1Rd4tV0MppbcH4QrplPC2Kp9/s640/blogger-image-237583307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadrWPBzaLJko4Zt2eeS9OGe6Sp6qqZBqiZFoZlLivZChVmruHeH6Lm24NmmQjk0Lg4eXizT_BKfQk8rRrgA8B57jH4p5DpF8QASZW1uXOiLvGMFvQExTW1Rd4tV0MppbcH4QrplPC2Kp9/s400/blogger-image-237583307.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And, a big one for me...after over 2 weeks of sleeping in a recliner, I am back to sleeping in bed (yes, my own bed...). Although, still in a semi-reclining position. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And the best news. I have been able to get back out on a bike this week. Sunday marked the 4wk anniversary of the crash...and so I got out for a short, easy ride. On the road, on a mountain bike. An hour...21 kms...slow. But it was the max the back muscles could endure before spasming.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then Monday, over 45 kms...still on a mountain bike...but threw in some rail trail...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWYXfRzswbUX7v0kCKfsGdcIZoPhTv-ONXd2Iypbnw6s-IBVWi_il5fZ4krUnMgux9VftRRtymqIBCajz4jBEa6HUsk3YcsTQfY5O4KDAZCiq9UUBOEGcntEhCQWsI86KyG-UJX0aZhYX/s640/blogger-image--645448665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWYXfRzswbUX7v0kCKfsGdcIZoPhTv-ONXd2Iypbnw6s-IBVWi_il5fZ4krUnMgux9VftRRtymqIBCajz4jBEa6HUsk3YcsTQfY5O4KDAZCiq9UUBOEGcntEhCQWsI86KyG-UJX0aZhYX/s400/blogger-image--645448665.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And Wednesday...over 55 kms...on a road-adventure bike (Ti Kona Rove) on road and gravel.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmBZyLphBouwNtobL0YZghY2QVJh70XNdr2PTQgaa93XHyRKfjC3c_gYRmgdYPeHRvcda1AeH8UaU4RBY8Qe-5QMLI_h2peSssNUc2c7dHjRT6ZIuZ83kp15tzdjzlwv6HTgM9C3Rwzqt/s640/blogger-image--551873983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmBZyLphBouwNtobL0YZghY2QVJh70XNdr2PTQgaa93XHyRKfjC3c_gYRmgdYPeHRvcda1AeH8UaU4RBY8Qe-5QMLI_h2peSssNUc2c7dHjRT6ZIuZ83kp15tzdjzlwv6HTgM9C3Rwzqt/s400/blogger-image--551873983.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
So far that is the farthest/longest the muscles and bones will tolerate. So far yet to go.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Still not fit enough to tolerate a bike ride, and weight workout in the same day...so have to mix it up for now. However, <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">my sights remain set on repairing and getting race fit over the winter for next season.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The short term goal, for now is to get healthy and fit enough to act as sweep for Substance Projects' 40km Howling Coyote race. Which is coming up very soon!! You registered yet?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So there you have it...that is where I am at. Enough about me...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There have been some very cool races/rides in the previous 4 weeks. Besides the Fall 8 Hour, there has been Christian's Invitational Dirty Nein, the Batty Cross, The Energy Crusher. By all accounts, all of them looked to have been amazing. So much cool stuff has been going on!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And to finish off...with some folks way more exciting than me. A video that Giant had posted on his page. I think this video is great...the XC MTB women promoting their sport.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MPOPDaYbOWU/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MPOPDaYbOWU?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To me the women's XC World Circuit is some of the most exciting bike racing to watch. Not only because we have local hero Emily in top competition...but it seems to be way more competetive than the guys.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So on that happy note...till next time...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Stay posted!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaLZWvOSStVtUljyvJpplEMVR4Ddgw0ricTtlExaotYJUKIoGiEj8iHi8CoqG6_z-zw8qmFXcRmnvp8BG_sbd0e7vl5EPOsxVJzWssIua9cMiyDmbtOtmcJGiIEhs9KW9wyPd5cfYQR1C/s640/blogger-image--1605637412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaLZWvOSStVtUljyvJpplEMVR4Ddgw0ricTtlExaotYJUKIoGiEj8iHi8CoqG6_z-zw8qmFXcRmnvp8BG_sbd0e7vl5EPOsxVJzWssIua9cMiyDmbtOtmcJGiIEhs9KW9wyPd5cfYQR1C/s400/blogger-image--1605637412.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-34365738339917745252018-09-25T12:33:00.000-04:002018-09-25T12:42:37.554-04:00Time for a BreakAs a matter of preference I try to avoid posting personal info on social media...or anywhere else for that matter. I also try to make my blog posts more about races, MTB activities, and other riders as much as possible. Not only because I rather value my privacy, and my family's privacy...but there is also the fact that I am rather mundane, boring even...and there are so many more worthy stories in our MTB community.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However...I have been increasingly questioned about my recent inactivity and recent absence from the trails. So...here it is...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBzulOkPQAeEAfFkFZ1ULky8IAdkO40f38N-NqF3ZJiQV9is9srhiwUwYlIKO1LHQ5LqpkFVMEWdC52Fe7Hx2yj7Gcw7MGVepB07bvcmjdx7sJHxi4YciEMxVtyCwhgXfrCJnkWO7FwEI/s640/blogger-image-1826273716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBzulOkPQAeEAfFkFZ1ULky8IAdkO40f38N-NqF3ZJiQV9is9srhiwUwYlIKO1LHQ5LqpkFVMEWdC52Fe7Hx2yj7Gcw7MGVepB07bvcmjdx7sJHxi4YciEMxVtyCwhgXfrCJnkWO7FwEI/s400/blogger-image-1826273716.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Man....I'm barely even started!!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways...here it is...On September 9ths Sunday Riot ride I crashed my mountain bike. It should have been a rather innocuous crash...over the bars...roll out of it...carry on. However, this time my bike persisted in occupying my landing area, and in an attempt to avoid landing on it I hit the hardpack ground hard...at speed, descending a hill. At least that is how I remember it...it happened so fast, in the blink of a flash...or flash of a blink...whatever. Anyways....maybe I did partially land on my bike. Like I said...it happened very fast, and I hit very hard on my right side and shoulder.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mostly at first...I was quite scared for my well being...seriously. I had heavily knocked the wind out of myself...and I had felt bones pop somewhere in my back. So, as Jonathan rushed to pull my bike off of me, I managed to choke out a request that he not touch me. I lay there on the ground for a couple of minutes, catching my breath back...and assessing my ability to feel and move my extremities, while the remainder of our group rolled up to the crash site.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiNsrcsg2si2Mn8ZbMCS4IVKFU3DixwyJPrbymE25X3d3RnFfGTrs8mHyYWBv-6nvlI2q2HPo_cMzoZxfo03BLV_NvRqFYLRrlQwIWB3lHlW72yVkXaRStkOwrYE2m-qw8-JF7gzKkbp_/s640/blogger-image--1587983383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiNsrcsg2si2Mn8ZbMCS4IVKFU3DixwyJPrbymE25X3d3RnFfGTrs8mHyYWBv-6nvlI2q2HPo_cMzoZxfo03BLV_NvRqFYLRrlQwIWB3lHlW72yVkXaRStkOwrYE2m-qw8-JF7gzKkbp_/s400/blogger-image--1587983383.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Seriously, I really was worried, I had parts that hurt more than I am used to. So, I can not properly express how much I appreciate the value of having such very good friends. Jonathan, Oggie, KarenD, NewfieSteve, and PowerPaul...all took care of me. The applicable word there is 'care'. So much THANK YOU to my friends. They assessed the situation, gave me time to gather myself...this was one time I knew I was injured enough that I couldn't ride my bike out. I knew I had broken some back bones, and my right arm wasn't working properly. So they helped walk me out from the trail. Mostly I was afraid to fall again...we had a couple of hills to negotiate to walk out. PowerPaul sped back to my house to get his truck to drive me home. After, convincing a very concerned Lois, that I was mostly OK...and a quick shower to clean up...it didn't take much convincing from my friends that I should go to emerge. Plus, Lois called our family doctors office (They have an after hours nurse on call)...and that was their strong recommendation. So off we went.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways....to make a long, boring story a shorter, boring story. A broken collarbone, and some broken ribs. (Yes....my bike is fine...a scuffed grip...but that is it!). And no concussion.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Nine days later...on September 18th, I went in to see Doctor Smith (that is actually his real name!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPza8_rBExPYA62gKroprmCgV9tbitM0gUxLZwQn0yQC1C1qsmbxenaRGmVL6gQ7EwLmPeHk1SQHjrdtvgCTVnVSxGEuo4n6YtFqgfiMLOorJhrOAVvwg8NP3k7VyEP0iGAQKcRDXTB0Zx/s640/blogger-image--801700416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPza8_rBExPYA62gKroprmCgV9tbitM0gUxLZwQn0yQC1C1qsmbxenaRGmVL6gQ7EwLmPeHk1SQHjrdtvgCTVnVSxGEuo4n6YtFqgfiMLOorJhrOAVvwg8NP3k7VyEP0iGAQKcRDXTB0Zx/s400/blogger-image--801700416.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nope...that's Agent Smith...different guy....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
maybe a brother or something...</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The bones are healing ahead of schedule...which is great. The photo below is the collarbone...the bottom image is the one taken on the day of the crash at emerge...the top image is 9 days later at DocSmiths fracture clinic. (I have to say if you are ever unlucky enough to need a fracture doc...DocSmith at JoeBrant is amazing!)<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkmArb9_KFQAjlYpkT6RBwwO9RgYHSqvKtdC1WJDcAutXkyClSGfgSFTB9_RaxIqr_xpSYG9qm8YDqCx_ZLp0tsBEAxtoml8ThoUwwi6BtAgzk1EXgkI2OIwjY1LpdWUzKdfkH-VFIisv/s640/blogger-image-968499261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkmArb9_KFQAjlYpkT6RBwwO9RgYHSqvKtdC1WJDcAutXkyClSGfgSFTB9_RaxIqr_xpSYG9qm8YDqCx_ZLp0tsBEAxtoml8ThoUwwi6BtAgzk1EXgkI2OIwjY1LpdWUzKdfkH-VFIisv/s1600/blogger-image-968499261.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The biggest problem for me is not the bones...it the back muscles spasming/cramping/knotting around the broken ribs. The ribs (and clavicle) are healing great...but the back muscles are most uncomfortable. I have been living life for the last two weeks in a reclining chair...and getting very, very antsy. Of course, there are no words great enough to express how much a truly loving, caring, understanding spouse is at times like these. Lois, has been willingly looking after my every need...at times forcing me to get the rest/recovery I need.</div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOx5NbAeFvucbuYmoZTpH3KZI4jPmNc4XcHSW28Fbi_j9-P-E2oxXit5FQeh_tVQjYhemG86Tm1OciTlWYkDKK1d1vxTu4hccMKN8iXxlOxp7_h5jYNmbSpeGfEg8OmclWJ5u6Pe-4vuu/s640/blogger-image-720405310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOx5NbAeFvucbuYmoZTpH3KZI4jPmNc4XcHSW28Fbi_j9-P-E2oxXit5FQeh_tVQjYhemG86Tm1OciTlWYkDKK1d1vxTu4hccMKN8iXxlOxp7_h5jYNmbSpeGfEg8OmclWJ5u6Pe-4vuu/s400/blogger-image-720405310.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I did manage to get into the bike shop for a couple of partial days...and I was able to get out and about a bit this last Saturday with family visiting from Saskatchewan, and MattyTee visiting from Windsor...and I am looking forward to gradually getting a little more active this week.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGxzrQOdQZNsWKi4TvziI7O9KJFZ2rBjcMKKMBO33eCMThzkvBrXZ5otSZR4tVaj4XVbjFbaZH9vNP0RDI6FjNeOzwqYM5hB5wAuqdh3lE0KyF3vLN283XBS722f4Qr7_Af8Opa0oFfPu/s640/blogger-image-300742149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGxzrQOdQZNsWKi4TvziI7O9KJFZ2rBjcMKKMBO33eCMThzkvBrXZ5otSZR4tVaj4XVbjFbaZH9vNP0RDI6FjNeOzwqYM5hB5wAuqdh3lE0KyF3vLN283XBS722f4Qr7_Af8Opa0oFfPu/s400/blogger-image-300742149.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's probably going to be at least a couple more weeks until I am back on a bike (maybe I will resort to a trainer earlier)...but it won't likely be until later fall that I am really able to ride. I have a second follow up visit with DocSmith on October 9th so will know more then.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways, I had planned to take most of this season off from racing, and just enjoy riding...but this was not in the plans. So...I will work to be back. And I plan on hitting as many endurance mountain bike races as possible next season.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So...that's the story. I'll have something a little more fun for next post...I hope.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Stay posted!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdGuT49q9BXox_iRZiEJgsvuhgOsOpYiBU0Nht7vNq9-mxZ5n412cMlXvk_05z5r3BuvXUipxAypdM72IvMRr3P3fBg15JKsliRaHHndVcvAvvMphgorY7kLHjbS_mJQxLAfuL9PvAq9I/s640/blogger-image--552383125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdGuT49q9BXox_iRZiEJgsvuhgOsOpYiBU0Nht7vNq9-mxZ5n412cMlXvk_05z5r3BuvXUipxAypdM72IvMRr3P3fBg15JKsliRaHHndVcvAvvMphgorY7kLHjbS_mJQxLAfuL9PvAq9I/s400/blogger-image--552383125.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-54389527484457518032018-08-12T05:58:00.001-04:002018-08-21T13:31:19.057-04:00Racing...We've Got our Local Heroes!So, as I have mentioned, I am not racing so much this season. But some of you are absolutely tearing up the MTB scene...<div><br></div><div><u>Karen - BC Bike Race</u></div><div>A little 7 day stage race in the rugged coastline/Rocky Mountains of British Columbia. Karen worried her arse off going into this that she would have trouble keeping pace with a very tough local field. We all knew she would kill it, and I reassured her of such several times. You don't earn the nickname ToughDuff for being a wimp. We were right...</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPT8s47OSlBtNmnqwSEJqrTR66Y4toqBIdPQq4alxIsEkJohpIwGZXcrvd0UEjsJOnNy_zctAFOVBINC9uGwheWcLMzLVVC3KiJA87T49RvGeIUz00JQ3JphLI2xwlsec6xjK4BVQ7k5-9/s640/blogger-image--1163161896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPT8s47OSlBtNmnqwSEJqrTR66Y4toqBIdPQq4alxIsEkJohpIwGZXcrvd0UEjsJOnNy_zctAFOVBINC9uGwheWcLMzLVVC3KiJA87T49RvGeIUz00JQ3JphLI2xwlsec6xjK4BVQ7k5-9/s640/blogger-image--1163161896.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>She consistently held 2nd place in her category throughout the 7 days...and pushed for 1st every day...even after crashing and losing some skin and blood in a later stage. To be anywhere near the podium on one of the toughest MTB races in the world...not to mention a solid 2nd place finish. That is just straight up awesome...an accomplishment this Specialized Ambasador should be proud of!</div><div><br></div><div><u>Sarah - Hardcore 24 Hour MTB Relay Race</u></div><div>Sarah normally races her Single Speed at the Summer Solstice 24 hour MTB relay race, solo, in Albion Hills Ontario...and 'normally' destroys the solo female category, and most of the male solo riders. Sadly, this year the solo field at this race sold out in the blink of an eye...almost literally, and Sarah did not get in in time. (It really was not proper SS24 without Sarah there!!)</div><div><br></div><div>So, Sarah, on a whim...decides to head to NY to take part in the Hardcore24 (New York State's only 24 Hour MTB relay race). A demanding course of shale, rock, and roots with 275m of climbing per lap...not a race most would do on a whim. But Sarah is as tough and strong of a rider as you will find anywhere...seriously. So, off she heads to NY and pummels the course and the entire field of solo competitors into submission in true Sarah style. Her goal was 20 laps, she hit that at 10:30am with still an hour and a half to go in the race! She took the OVERALL win...and set a new ladies distance record!! Unbelievable...unless you know Sarah and have ever ridden with her! An example of hardcore!</div><div><br></div><div><u>Bevin - Quebec SingleTrack Experience</u></div><div>One of the most mild-mannered, happiest, unassuming folks you might ever meet...until you get him on a mountain bike. Then he kind of 'borrows' Bruce Banner's alter ego and goes all kinds of hardcore...almost angry even. Able to push crazy wattages for extended periods...all with a smile of glee on his face (don't let that smile fool you!!)...he is a monster MTB nemesis. And don't even think of cutting his hair...that will only make him 'angrier'!</div><div><br></div><div>Bevin headed up to the QSE to prove that 7 days of MTB racing on harsh northern Canadian Shield singletrack was no match for all of his preparation. And he was right. Day after day of consistent push, through rock, roots, and forest singletrack....to come in 2nd in his category...and 7th overall out of the entire field!! (Uncompetetive folks don't do these races). Truly Incredible!! (Get the reference??). If you see Bevin shake his hand in congratulations...but do it carefully...</div><div><br></div><div><u>Ian - Leadville</u></div><div>You'll be hard pressed to find a harder working competetive mountain biker anywhere. Ian takes the sport seriously...but has so much fun doing it. Always a boisterous laugh...while he drops you. (Well, drops me...every race...). Just to prove it...Ian chooses the toughest races to test himself.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20qvczUEH6SKoAoHfiBwE5YxOw2U0JzmL9WVBKKAdgV53r8ZJE04Tyg9Cc7AYCLyg-w69Z6Qa1XNGKtPjY-4YklRCMVT9Ksd3kpjQpH5yF_LnPqXRrSrNXVwg38gd2KOdh6Nvwg8V5YXy/s640/blogger-image--1158351990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20qvczUEH6SKoAoHfiBwE5YxOw2U0JzmL9WVBKKAdgV53r8ZJE04Tyg9Cc7AYCLyg-w69Z6Qa1XNGKtPjY-4YklRCMVT9Ksd3kpjQpH5yF_LnPqXRrSrNXVwg38gd2KOdh6Nvwg8V5YXy/s640/blogger-image--1158351990.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Bring on the iconic Leadville. 100 miles, with 4000m of climbing....already starting at extreme elevation. Ian set out this year to better his previous year's conquering of Leadville, where he earned himself the legendary belt buckle. He pummelled his previous performance!! The 100 miles in 8hrs4mins!! Fastest Canadian!! 60th place overall out of 1500 competitors!! The big belt buckle...well earned! Just a huge 'WOW'!!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqXom9JUQq0nRlRIHwx32uZFzWQljqkkJLpfQQpGZPkeLNIME2yt9pSUPyD3YmB0vlTZEB7mvNyLWVIwHb7e6fG_ObE3gPLHyMTgEW2B7wAgD_xFDD8pwt6P_4XH1GK2lZvo9S7cxJl9q/s640/blogger-image-148191194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqXom9JUQq0nRlRIHwx32uZFzWQljqkkJLpfQQpGZPkeLNIME2yt9pSUPyD3YmB0vlTZEB7mvNyLWVIwHb7e6fG_ObE3gPLHyMTgEW2B7wAgD_xFDD8pwt6P_4XH1GK2lZvo9S7cxJl9q/s640/blogger-image-148191194.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><u>Jonathan - Eager Beaver 2.0</u></div><div>A relative newcomer to the MTB scene. One 8 hour solo under his belt...and taking charge of my pit area for the 24 hour Summer Solstice solo event may have him hooked on MTB endurance events. Look for him to solo 2019 24hr Summer Solstice. Never one to call for an endurance ride to end and head home...(seriously....never....yet...).</div><div><br></div><div>Jonathan signed up for Substance Projects Stupercross series and completed the ElBandito unscathed. So when the 160 km Eager Beaver approached, I dared him to do it on my single speed gravel bike. 100 miles of varied terrain...mostly gravel...but it's the almost 2000m of climbing in the first half of the race that makes this challenge almost traumatic!! But Jonny took my dare....in fact he jumped at it!! And then he made the race challenge look ordinary. 160 kms, 2000m of climbing, on gravel, sand, some road, some trail...on a single speed...in 6 hours 37 minutes. Taking the win in the single speed category...in his first single speed race. Watch out for this cat in the future...no more hiding, Jonathan!! We will be watching for ya now!!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wWZBbvUICmx_ziwpqsLl0mOmpUzpiYkPDZQ4hfqZnYpWaz9bCwDFx1t4CklSWhr8o8oH2at5-1Ppa93WmCI95XR0gdXuvEykPRAu3SqMooNC0SNSI7GfXLDBu_uB183BWs-08Xcx0aqc/s640/blogger-image--1439812171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wWZBbvUICmx_ziwpqsLl0mOmpUzpiYkPDZQ4hfqZnYpWaz9bCwDFx1t4CklSWhr8o8oH2at5-1Ppa93WmCI95XR0gdXuvEykPRAu3SqMooNC0SNSI7GfXLDBu_uB183BWs-08Xcx0aqc/s640/blogger-image--1439812171.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>So there ya, have it....some of you are kicking some MTB racing course arse!! (Is that a thing???). And there are more of you making MTB race mayhem. Crank the Shield just finished so there will be stories from there that I look forward to hearing/reading. </div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, I have been enjoying a lazy year...not competitive....riding for fun. Actually on vacation in Saskatchewan as I write this...getting fatter every word typed. But writing this has been motivational. The year 'off' has been thoroughly enjoyable, but perhaps it is time to get my race mojo back in gear. (Is that a thing??). The competetive thing is telling me it's time to wake up. Get some proper diet going (got a few - a lot - of pounds to lose!), and some training plan planned. Come back ready to race for next spring...or at least keep some of you in sight on the trails.</div><div><br></div><div>For now...I have a couple more days in Saskatchewan...</div><div><br></div><div>Stay posted!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdLePqUNS5GF_f3U_MB8RDOkM_b97W7F4REq4BE_dl55JMp0G7K2buk5Dfqq98Yfkspmuksi8cCUZfMxkDYrhpdvNXuu2i_9_PJnz7YoDW37hW3AmdR1bt9tkpL0zfBz_TEHCl23uYqrI/s640/blogger-image-1654888946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdLePqUNS5GF_f3U_MB8RDOkM_b97W7F4REq4BE_dl55JMp0G7K2buk5Dfqq98Yfkspmuksi8cCUZfMxkDYrhpdvNXuu2i_9_PJnz7YoDW37hW3AmdR1bt9tkpL0zfBz_TEHCl23uYqrI/s640/blogger-image-1654888946.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRzBLPkGDo1GJHwiKaMYCuhjxgs8inDjt6nBAF1L335lORnuM3Qt76KNs1YOQx6GzGEk7Od63GHbR2pTBYpV0R_BNw5a-yQx0RSo6fBNfsqrwQz418PpgPEKAJMu0pGUqJvrMLYgIKjN4/s640/blogger-image--1727577673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRzBLPkGDo1GJHwiKaMYCuhjxgs8inDjt6nBAF1L335lORnuM3Qt76KNs1YOQx6GzGEk7Od63GHbR2pTBYpV0R_BNw5a-yQx0RSo6fBNfsqrwQz418PpgPEKAJMu0pGUqJvrMLYgIKjN4/s640/blogger-image--1727577673.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><br></div></div>Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-61917286838198415102018-07-26T08:40:00.000-04:002018-07-26T09:11:47.137-04:00An Update, Late, and much to EncapsulateSo ya...I guess I haven't posted for quite a while. And no really good reasons. Just spending as much free time riding a bike...and life...so posting has fallen more to the back burner. I've been posting rather regularly, but I really like writing this thing too....so just gotta find that balance, I guess. I suppose that is really life's eternal endgame??<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways...you deserve an update, so here it be...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The obvious truth is I haven't really been racing so much this season. I did the Spring 8 Hour...which I did post about on my last post. And I did the 24 Hours of Summer Solstice....which I have not posted a review or update. The 24 Hour did not really work out the way I had planned. No 'A' team, "I love it when a plan comes together" for me on this one. (OK...I know...you have to be rather old to get that reference...but...I am.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
By my third lap I was burning up. I didn't realize at the time I was feverish...just thought I wasn't dealing with the heat well (I usually deal with the heat just fine). By lap 4 I was starting to feel nauseous. By lap 5 I was full on hugely ill. Spent an hour in the port o' potty vomiting violently, repeatedly. So much that Jonny came to check on me to make sure I was OK. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have to say, Jonny was an amazing pit boss. He took care of me, and my bike, like a pro...and a friend. It was my honour to have him on my team.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUTlh0prFIRJ5bEQBWpFqY5VrfIyxImtAkyBWFuFd6DRIdbpah6KaYjax8oA4EjFNFXVQOHghQAsKNBDAeAIZKW1bvOnPSa88VHQMDQVApYYa4qy2R2OjyOeVTSfxQ4fz_aNPRrQ5fi2L/s640/blogger-image-702991577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUTlh0prFIRJ5bEQBWpFqY5VrfIyxImtAkyBWFuFd6DRIdbpah6KaYjax8oA4EjFNFXVQOHghQAsKNBDAeAIZKW1bvOnPSa88VHQMDQVApYYa4qy2R2OjyOeVTSfxQ4fz_aNPRrQ5fi2L/s640/blogger-image-702991577.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was actually so sick, I was seriously considering calling an ambulance, it was seeming to never end. It eventually let up enough, that I was able to make it back to our camp and collapse. Holing up in my tent, sleeping like a dead man for many hours. The race was secondary at this point...getting to feeling sub-human was the priority.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After 11 or more hours....the nausea started to pass, and I almost began to feel human again. Enough that I determined to get back on my bike and make a go of it. And I did, for a couple of more laps...then the race organizers called the race. The steadily increasing rain was making the course very slick and dangerous. It was the right call. However, I had only managed a measly 6 laps. My goal was to win this thing (my age category), with somewhere between 15 and 20 laps.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(The real question, for me, is what happened to dskunk, DavidS??? He is The Danger Man, the Toughest Male SS Solo around!! But it seems he stopped after 11 laps. What's the story here, Dave??)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I will look to next year to get my revenge on Summer Solstice. And it seems that Jonny will be with me there again....this time as a competitor. I beleive the experience got him hooked!! (It happens...this sport is more addictive than meth!!). Stay tuned on this one!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHLz3uJm_1hi-9XbfX4KK7AoiYg2zdyh9e9zcgTJ55VYE4ssAvgWgcaJGikejLa8yYTKKkI8Ufs8xfYPxUAGbsEuzWphUI6_ioJ96ZaGej_SHhzbV5A93qgYoKZzmO1Rg8B6zOvRaKa-D/s640/blogger-image--1485194716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHLz3uJm_1hi-9XbfX4KK7AoiYg2zdyh9e9zcgTJ55VYE4ssAvgWgcaJGikejLa8yYTKKkI8Ufs8xfYPxUAGbsEuzWphUI6_ioJ96ZaGej_SHhzbV5A93qgYoKZzmO1Rg8B6zOvRaKa-D/s400/blogger-image--1485194716.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtwztJZOGIrDWEo24htBWCcQdVwZcNM9Tq278iT7G7G7TrxEoXeoEpuIjbTpOv5SUBu4GfWHk1OSNkUa9C54bwPfhznlZWOZI42l5mSChpHQ7IQmu1Jfh-YiRl0RCyoxugRxpeIsvo9jV/s640/blogger-image-459607799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtwztJZOGIrDWEo24htBWCcQdVwZcNM9Tq278iT7G7G7TrxEoXeoEpuIjbTpOv5SUBu4GfWHk1OSNkUa9C54bwPfhznlZWOZI42l5mSChpHQ7IQmu1Jfh-YiRl0RCyoxugRxpeIsvo9jV/s640/blogger-image-459607799.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuk-kpLIuBUn8DkzCl_wkl8t1BAwEf610S_4JbnNmKFAsAWfuAoDlU1_ywympOhsM3NDzTzFWzPSnRhCFGZQ4tpYQGew2pK5oEWkz9v_LRmx4dIvi2WrtehZgNAFc4c71tcHITKTJGAipA/s640/blogger-image-1995171807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuk-kpLIuBUn8DkzCl_wkl8t1BAwEf610S_4JbnNmKFAsAWfuAoDlU1_ywympOhsM3NDzTzFWzPSnRhCFGZQ4tpYQGew2pK5oEWkz9v_LRmx4dIvi2WrtehZgNAFc4c71tcHITKTJGAipA/s640/blogger-image-1995171807.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As I mentioned, I have not been racing so much this season. No O'cups at all....that style of racing is not my style. I missed the summer 8 hour...and I missed the first of Dan's (SubstanceProjects) gravel race of his Stuporcross series. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some of it has to do with my Saturdays being booked but the real truth is I have just been enjoying riding my bikes in a less formal atmosphere. Get on and go whenever I wish wherever I want. Sometimes solo, sometimes with friends. Always better with company...almost.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPASLCapp8TzHYUQL-UD0CmHgmksm0jvqIYolv_lNBWwYD7YmdaxaJGxXtmGnbNGsDUVKpga29COd3V09fatzCX2UioYnmYnPUPNvdiE_MpoT3syGWdCS76pGrwUSdL54_3z3wX3eBdz-/s640/blogger-image-1680690354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPASLCapp8TzHYUQL-UD0CmHgmksm0jvqIYolv_lNBWwYD7YmdaxaJGxXtmGnbNGsDUVKpga29COd3V09fatzCX2UioYnmYnPUPNvdiE_MpoT3syGWdCS76pGrwUSdL54_3z3wX3eBdz-/s400/blogger-image-1680690354.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
More folks are coming out to take part in my Sunday Riot rides...surprisingly. These rides are not for the faint of heart. I have had riders come out and react, "Holy shite! This is rediculous! When can we go back??" The rides are not blazing fast, cuz I am not blazing fast. But they are epically long...and on the varied terrain of our local trails...of which there are many kilometers worth, literally right out my front door. Fast flowy bermed singletrack, doubletrack, rocks, roots, short punchy climbs, long extended climbs. As much elevation as you can dream (nightmare??) of, here on the escarpment. It's all here...and I can't get enough of it. A ride less than three hours is hardly worth putting the gear on for. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JqxYAq32LyRKsUyJMvue2aIt-a-sYJSD5OrPtaldjPES35g-0oNmpKjhgTQ36FuMk-6vmuwC0HYMAwRnsRTg7u-tH-Go2FBS8zUPWM0xsdqrHxOlchKfKmM3MWgCeAWXUSDAYB-ULPby/s640/blogger-image-2092976276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JqxYAq32LyRKsUyJMvue2aIt-a-sYJSD5OrPtaldjPES35g-0oNmpKjhgTQ36FuMk-6vmuwC0HYMAwRnsRTg7u-tH-Go2FBS8zUPWM0xsdqrHxOlchKfKmM3MWgCeAWXUSDAYB-ULPby/s400/blogger-image-2092976276.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2aicR-kidWzZTzC84kMmA6bTdLBdAKhzclkMexjprpLyB5LJu8ijtZvZ1SPOL4DyukAnY6n3rMsX2rSOOIHpTo411kcvaZcUKsUGLR8Kwqke-xABU7FTeICC1F2IBIFZvCJph_ww2sPF/s640/blogger-image--676328591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2aicR-kidWzZTzC84kMmA6bTdLBdAKhzclkMexjprpLyB5LJu8ijtZvZ1SPOL4DyukAnY6n3rMsX2rSOOIHpTo411kcvaZcUKsUGLR8Kwqke-xABU7FTeICC1F2IBIFZvCJph_ww2sPF/s400/blogger-image--676328591.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So the Sunday Riot rides are usually 5+ hours. And almost always finish with a feast (including beverages) provided by Lois...as she sits and listens (and almost believes) the stories of that days ride, and whatever else may be going on. (Always interesting when Oggie attends!).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUDfgvhXyOCm1B1BkKi598ATTv-L0BjGHfSuY1Chb0x-u-QZe1XK77EEOjZ57zUWRvgv12p8N_aud9PgtqNfI5dT-xfQ8EeEpVx5KqkIpyTgYvSPYsVNiTs5peztEjri0R6XUw0TBgQoz/s640/blogger-image-1258721046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUDfgvhXyOCm1B1BkKi598ATTv-L0BjGHfSuY1Chb0x-u-QZe1XK77EEOjZ57zUWRvgv12p8N_aud9PgtqNfI5dT-xfQ8EeEpVx5KqkIpyTgYvSPYsVNiTs5peztEjri0R6XUw0TBgQoz/s400/blogger-image-1258721046.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2o3rr9myQFml-B5oTQqKB-7BN-RzIKlWX8VByScV5H_nMFm9De2GP32zi3ZqZNu9M8KazurQ3BwZrJyapkgD8L3ljBQMsF-MUAt8rElYLh5l40AT2PXfBW0vSMiMgtJcwCWQ9uXqByYJ/s640/blogger-image-726637629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2o3rr9myQFml-B5oTQqKB-7BN-RzIKlWX8VByScV5H_nMFm9De2GP32zi3ZqZNu9M8KazurQ3BwZrJyapkgD8L3ljBQMsF-MUAt8rElYLh5l40AT2PXfBW0vSMiMgtJcwCWQ9uXqByYJ/s400/blogger-image-726637629.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This Sunday's ride will be a double shot of epic. (8 hours?? 2000m elevation???). Why? Well why not??? Besides, we have to make up for the ride where Al tried to do his best PhilGil impression! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAuhtfgjaqLb8djM5_0fQoqiyPyMNcvP03nXmQgcQyFwnVR2XCSE2ackelfOVHr4Aec8pMTxy9XYSTf5Zite-2-yoEf0zwhTakKWy9T4u7zm_pWuea5DNicUHPYaxDSqXIqpybE65fDFi/s640/blogger-image--1326081049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAuhtfgjaqLb8djM5_0fQoqiyPyMNcvP03nXmQgcQyFwnVR2XCSE2ackelfOVHr4Aec8pMTxy9XYSTf5Zite-2-yoEf0zwhTakKWy9T4u7zm_pWuea5DNicUHPYaxDSqXIqpybE65fDFi/s400/blogger-image--1326081049.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Looked nasty!! But nothing actually broken, or torn. Al will be back at it in no time!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> actually think it was the Sunday Riot rides that got Jonny hooked onto the marathon mountain bike scene. Open to everyone....if you dare. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With the growing popularity of the gravel grinder, Jonny has also instituted the Jonny (yeah we make the most creative ride names...) Gravel ride. Usually Friday evenings after 6pm. Throw in some rail trail, gravel roads, some mountain bike trails, bike paths, and pavement, some waterfront, some country roads...for more epic variety. Long enough to require lights to return...and a great excuse to finish off the Friday night with a cold one! Sometimes it's just Jonny and me...sometimes it's a group who dares to come out and see what we are up to. You??</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkh7k5DL_ePdrq1W-tGWOiMgbRypRY82GGq1WXZ1pP0ys3kreBgARSw1T4fxylq_IpzN5KRlBEuJFce5bNWmgm8QP0L2K2Yujj9DwYU6F6DNEUY1b9kNEB9eILeNjf-IJM6d7nJ8fuQ4y/s640/blogger-image--161862569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkh7k5DL_ePdrq1W-tGWOiMgbRypRY82GGq1WXZ1pP0ys3kreBgARSw1T4fxylq_IpzN5KRlBEuJFce5bNWmgm8QP0L2K2Yujj9DwYU6F6DNEUY1b9kNEB9eILeNjf-IJM6d7nJ8fuQ4y/s400/blogger-image--161862569.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I even occasionally do a ride with gears. Who knew!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways that's what I have been up to. I expect to take part in the fall 8 hour...and at least one of Dan's gravel crossers. And I plan to do some bike packing.... And fit in whatever else I can.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And I will endeavour to keep y'all more informed (sorry!!) to add to the flavour that is out there. TeamColin's blogs are getting super popular, Steve's RideCycleSpin posts are always a great read. And heck, even BarryC is staying almost glued and posting race reports!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Stay posted!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKKwnLSq077SShGun1I4E6ZB-qcKRMsvzZlf0ybxkJNudP0Rgs1yXJjimFaC8VR8R0cDvll_rH3Ey7A3K-gQl2OId74Zf4WtWpdapuYSdjjNMLbcMft7Mz6L3GJNLN0BY6KcKFHEzux92/s640/blogger-image-1499334377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKKwnLSq077SShGun1I4E6ZB-qcKRMsvzZlf0ybxkJNudP0Rgs1yXJjimFaC8VR8R0cDvll_rH3Ey7A3K-gQl2OId74Zf4WtWpdapuYSdjjNMLbcMft7Mz6L3GJNLN0BY6KcKFHEzux92/s400/blogger-image-1499334377.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-57032357091927222292018-05-15T10:51:00.000-04:002018-05-15T10:52:29.859-04:00Spring Epic 8 MTB Relay Race Mansfield by Chico RacingSpiffy title there, eh? Well thought out, dramatic, original...<br />
<br />
Anyways...<br />
<br />
Said race happened this weekend...Saturday. And within minutes folks had their race reviews up in facebook. What??? Did they post the review at the finish line?? I don't know...my brain is so mush after a race I can barely find my way back to pit afterwards. If it wasn't for the smell of beer in the cooler...I don't know.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevlX_3ijph6BRMPqbWOG3erRUqCQN8YRkhHCKWRqXjqvvQtT6O9N_qhpN_PqHugnw1MoeJOkw0yvW4PT2iBEiN-8W170CfU2ywhFSqROSeIY9iqBgqQVnszl4zK6rtrEeRojbHLgSTp4G/s1600/the+dumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevlX_3ijph6BRMPqbWOG3erRUqCQN8YRkhHCKWRqXjqvvQtT6O9N_qhpN_PqHugnw1MoeJOkw0yvW4PT2iBEiN-8W170CfU2ywhFSqROSeIY9iqBgqQVnszl4zK6rtrEeRojbHLgSTp4G/s1600/the+dumb.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Yup...that's me, post race...(well...let's say just post race...)<br />
<br />
Anyways...<br />
<br />
Then within 14.2 minutes (OK...maybe a little longer than that...) ApexTed had his Apex Race Photography pics indexed and ready!! Ted, you must have pulled a 24 hour solo indexing!! As I'm sure you know, Ted and ApexRacePhotography are the premiere mountain bike race photogs in the known universe.<br />
<br />
If they can make this chunky, dirty, mtb Metis appear almost legit...well, it's near magic...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDti9ZRz_AkXhnUl134K1ZKfSIk4bKKGo6i95DOTB1jbjYRS-6MBKCqRa0z7hRZoE3amxIZJfcc2h3L8aJWdhqtCM5nJYdMBah1zdt3hT0qDdtB11cwZH2ZfifCLFvkzttqgVKYr71YPRF/s640/blogger-image-1776526955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDti9ZRz_AkXhnUl134K1ZKfSIk4bKKGo6i95DOTB1jbjYRS-6MBKCqRa0z7hRZoE3amxIZJfcc2h3L8aJWdhqtCM5nJYdMBah1zdt3hT0qDdtB11cwZH2ZfifCLFvkzttqgVKYr71YPRF/s640/blogger-image-1776526955.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's supposed to be a smile....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Qx064m5Ui-odXUXZpTWR3Z1srFrTx2u1LanuZEcnC_L8kG-YJ0I2MJnHtjQzoUdaby1fw6Qe0tXQ7qBw7lztDKIiCFUpWF5ejy4Vp8CozO5EGLgjzI5ur_MOvWWbTaPQu-yQkxZ8pFdn/s640/blogger-image-41493108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Qx064m5Ui-odXUXZpTWR3Z1srFrTx2u1LanuZEcnC_L8kG-YJ0I2MJnHtjQzoUdaby1fw6Qe0tXQ7qBw7lztDKIiCFUpWF5ejy4Vp8CozO5EGLgjzI5ur_MOvWWbTaPQu-yQkxZ8pFdn/s640/blogger-image-41493108.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Huge air (almost a full foot!), at the start of Exit Wound.</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqniRrEeP41Fhdo9aMfYHayX5C-os19Kji3fL0hzy1kbXB2KS-KkxZjdgAhxXON7m2XM5L8H3YoOUbQBZjbqn9cAFTt2oZKr81jmiIO3qL-1e6BJIRSplmaHzKyqoojlpxdAs_IXDPex9/s640/blogger-image--228678536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqniRrEeP41Fhdo9aMfYHayX5C-os19Kji3fL0hzy1kbXB2KS-KkxZjdgAhxXON7m2XM5L8H3YoOUbQBZjbqn9cAFTt2oZKr81jmiIO3qL-1e6BJIRSplmaHzKyqoojlpxdAs_IXDPex9/s640/blogger-image--228678536.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Zoom!!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Check out their pics of the event at <a href="http://www.apexracephotography.com/f264840453" target="_blank">ApexRacePhotography</a>. And feel free to buy some pics...even if they are not of racer number 86...<br />
<br />
And then, like, within 24 hours TeamColin get's his race review/blog post posted!! What the?? And it's well written, detailed, well thought out, dramatic, original, purty, intriguing... Seriously....check it out at <a href="https://teamcolinblog.wordpress.com/2018/05/14/66-spring-epic-8-hour/" target="_blank">TeamColinBlog</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiarKyxEj7KZl2cgzdoV9hs2hoiRvT5SOKGgyPUNHRibKHrfkbJLxCEwjWNWJyMP4AbDX1NqUspD7IOtU9iFRRDjn_9lm2BDl5gZvlU2fKM8saVxf8JBfAw_k-ncNX_c8u2alOmRcVz0Mj/s640/blogger-image--276163928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiarKyxEj7KZl2cgzdoV9hs2hoiRvT5SOKGgyPUNHRibKHrfkbJLxCEwjWNWJyMP4AbDX1NqUspD7IOtU9iFRRDjn_9lm2BDl5gZvlU2fKM8saVxf8JBfAw_k-ncNX_c8u2alOmRcVz0Mj/s400/blogger-image--276163928.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sorry Colin, I totally stole this pic...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
So, here I am...feeling the pressure to perform...and get a review/post out on this race...its really challenging my very strong procrastination skills...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxDSC-E33yD7FtOqI3gE_iO31NFryXgv71FUExwveuzdMlwpZDQ6thl7Yk9UXepnxaoXrN9hzCMfAz6cO6Zcwx3FOkVgcBmsRo_sU0i8m93pPAT2_QynJf5osrXKTK6jTh9B5EcFrrCIz/s1600/procrastinate+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="500" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxDSC-E33yD7FtOqI3gE_iO31NFryXgv71FUExwveuzdMlwpZDQ6thl7Yk9UXepnxaoXrN9hzCMfAz6cO6Zcwx3FOkVgcBmsRo_sU0i8m93pPAT2_QynJf5osrXKTK6jTh9B5EcFrrCIz/s320/procrastinate+cat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
OK...well...let's make an attempt...a short one...<br />
<br />
So, I actually wasn't sure I would be able to do this race. A recently broken thumb kept me off (mostly) bikes for 3 weeks, and off a mountain bike for almost the entire time. I have managed to get some road rides in (easier on a broken thumb than mtb), first a mountain bike on the road, then an actual road bike....and just over the last week to 10 days dared to attempt trails on the mountain bike.<br />
<br />
Other than being terribly out of shape (about 15 lbs overweight), from lack of riding...and more lack of culinary discipline, the thumb seemed to fare ok. So, waiting till the last minute (that procrastination thing...), seeing that the race was nearly sold out, I signed up.<br />
<br />
Solo single speed...I would ride single speed anyways...just wasn't sure if would enter solo single speed, or solo 50+....but solo single speed won the coin toss. (It's always a gamble which way to go...the 50+ category is a tough mix of experienced, fast folks...single speed is open aged, so many fast younger folks...).<br />
<br />
Anyways...single speed because I love single speed...plus no need for a thumb to shift. I chose to ride my Kona Honzo, although it is more of a trail bike geometry, it has front suspension which would be easier on the thumb than my rigid XC setup Kona Raijin.<br />
<br />
And I also convinced my friend/mtb cohort JonathanC to sign up. For his very first mountain bike race...ever. Ya...solo an 8 hour. Jonathan has been kicking my arse all winter and spring on my regular Sunday Riot rides...usually more endurance style rides. Mountain bike (or Fatbike) when the trails are rideable....road if the trails are out. So I knew he had the stamina to do it...after that its all a mental game...mostly. Plus...solo, you don't answer to anyone but yourself...go at your pace...as long or short as you want. Well, except for that competitive drive thing we all have...<br />
<br />
So....Saturday early (EARLY) we loaded up the truck and went to Beverly...Mansfield that is. (OK, if you don't get that reference, you are too short to be reading this blog...). Staked out at great spot at the solo pits...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIidItnHb_pIfeVzU0XbMHueXqT4MEMKO7IPemiiUQPTZhNyiFGQJ3_THh5h7J0eU-YcY8yim-qZhyphenhyphenIKrAXesOohaN4JA1p-3HJSuqlHmckR8CKXRmHNolEoEPuMmqrSVw4QjyVE5einy/s640/blogger-image-480850889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIidItnHb_pIfeVzU0XbMHueXqT4MEMKO7IPemiiUQPTZhNyiFGQJ3_THh5h7J0eU-YcY8yim-qZhyphenhyphenIKrAXesOohaN4JA1p-3HJSuqlHmckR8CKXRmHNolEoEPuMmqrSVw4QjyVE5einy/s640/blogger-image-480850889.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jonathan and GrantSonOfSeth strategizing...(must've worked, Grant ended up on the podium!!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdbYOVguHBg47k3gRRGPOM5zkypI2CqX78rZxfhaQJYU23Frxs_qnzA6vZW3E0iHbqSZ0AU2P1ewCkROgSviq5YV96jcuUKOom8_DrDxr-JTlLuXGHnAeaOarn8E13qvTUDJ1OVlFIcWA/s640/blogger-image--1333413238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdbYOVguHBg47k3gRRGPOM5zkypI2CqX78rZxfhaQJYU23Frxs_qnzA6vZW3E0iHbqSZ0AU2P1ewCkROgSviq5YV96jcuUKOom8_DrDxr-JTlLuXGHnAeaOarn8E13qvTUDJ1OVlFIcWA/s640/blogger-image--1333413238.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were next to serious (TomB), keeping close to the good SS mojo!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FRZQCI_izY7cC9k7HaN-bwl4NWjpWjMkaDjZoa-IFSkKpejBtF3v0besnBy-l4TYvR2oYFzP1hp1xFgctBXNYca115SLS-NYd7uduMMW9bJUaiiVQ5vvZ9oUHoXV1Ax73lQNQaaFr1vX/s640/blogger-image--241202617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FRZQCI_izY7cC9k7HaN-bwl4NWjpWjMkaDjZoa-IFSkKpejBtF3v0besnBy-l4TYvR2oYFzP1hp1xFgctBXNYca115SLS-NYd7uduMMW9bJUaiiVQ5vvZ9oUHoXV1Ax73lQNQaaFr1vX/s640/blogger-image--241202617.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who was next to AdamH close to that magic super speed mojo!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx99fifXhhyphenhyphen3gSD3ecC84jTflc8PyUb7p99M2DpA_GstMMM_7VjXR3YNr7TwALZFQPDNc_W58d5oNTIW2pnmm3x0YcviGmRYUM2G0RxE0cuM36ygEbuDcET9M3oCr__uLDygn97Mwpf4UU/s640/blogger-image--1392681250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx99fifXhhyphenhyphen3gSD3ecC84jTflc8PyUb7p99M2DpA_GstMMM_7VjXR3YNr7TwALZFQPDNc_W58d5oNTIW2pnmm3x0YcviGmRYUM2G0RxE0cuM36ygEbuDcET9M3oCr__uLDygn97Mwpf4UU/s640/blogger-image--1392681250.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And the True Grit solo pit on the other side...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcL483om_WqtiRhszKheX8BgWt7VXuFzuwjMG9yYk4u-5gWLoC2xtPeJ5k4L39Z7U_o6M1f0JrlkghpZ6C0a1CH-NOFfAcrjirRFIwboCd183zb9Q9v4ZsmmBU016X0dh7OIq8x9j2b_qj/s640/blogger-image-387763242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcL483om_WqtiRhszKheX8BgWt7VXuFzuwjMG9yYk4u-5gWLoC2xtPeJ5k4L39Z7U_o6M1f0JrlkghpZ6C0a1CH-NOFfAcrjirRFIwboCd183zb9Q9v4ZsmmBU016X0dh7OIq8x9j2b_qj/s640/blogger-image-387763242.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
True Grit Support Crew...</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYk0KnslPmVUBtyrbspVWtYv3orwMNY0deRJ3wU6Kz3nVim7L6fN4yIGv7Zu-TAiu0OO1LTEcVwiWqIveYEZ_EINbGTtQU88z5niSeXiEIniQE9DgyxAsC40lZebKuw70Xv-rjOdFbcpyw/s1600/Jonathan+8+hr+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYk0KnslPmVUBtyrbspVWtYv3orwMNY0deRJ3wU6Kz3nVim7L6fN4yIGv7Zu-TAiu0OO1LTEcVwiWqIveYEZ_EINbGTtQU88z5niSeXiEIniQE9DgyxAsC40lZebKuw70Xv-rjOdFbcpyw/s320/Jonathan+8+hr+bike.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jonathan's race setup...Rocky Mountain Growler...27.5</div>
<br />
<br />
Then we headed to the start corral and picked a spot near the back of the pack to start. I did not want to get caught in the heat of the front of the pack start. I knew I didn't have the training in me to go full bore...so forcing myself to pace right off the start would give me a better chance of not falling daid (ya....daid) 5 hours in....<br />
<br />
So....first lap...sold out race...the course was PACKED with traffic...so mostly settled in with True Grit duo (actually they were soloing, together...figure that one out...), JennR and KarenD, with Jonathan along for most of the lap. Until I stopped at the solo pit to get ride of the vest and arm warmers I started with...<br />
<br />
Lap 2...still packed...but kept me paced.<br />
<br />
Lap 3-4....the thumb started aching...but never got worse than that...so kept going. Also...by this time I starting walking the wall climb at the end of the false flat coming out of the solo pit...and I walked the steep loose left switchback over the root on the single track climb. Riding those two jaunts were sucking the single speed life out of me on the first 3 laps. I also tripodded the loose right switchback decent out of exit wound all day for fear of falling off the edge of the earth...<br />
<br />
Laps 5, 6, 7....then somewhere around the 4 or 5 hour mark, I always hit that wall (often earlier at Mansfield with all the elevation), where I just have to make sure I keep properly hydrated and keep the nutrition plan going. Gotta eat even though my stomach wants nothing to do with food...especially most commercial 'race' food, which is why I always bring real food to accompany the 'race' food. And, otherwise just focus on keeping the pedals turning...<br />
<br />
And the encouragement along the way by so many people was an amazing boost much needed throughout the day...<br />
<br />
The fellow solo pits cheering, cow bells, offers of food...<br />
<br />
HeatherD telling me I was doing awesome while her AdamH was about 24 miles ahead of me...<br />
<br />
JennKenn cheering all the way through the transition zone...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllJ-YCXHnKa_AMmt8eMdooaLLolfVUCDc7U7SG_e7JN_Z_RzxBs1toyBZktsC6IeuDwp3LiD7-JAK_IpdD7YDBaHMx0V60l7WMxwKpdtmYQLFU1tfHRqM_rEawyqTK5tSPwc6nu7qgOWI/s640/blogger-image--1659732910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllJ-YCXHnKa_AMmt8eMdooaLLolfVUCDc7U7SG_e7JN_Z_RzxBs1toyBZktsC6IeuDwp3LiD7-JAK_IpdD7YDBaHMx0V60l7WMxwKpdtmYQLFU1tfHRqM_rEawyqTK5tSPwc6nu7qgOWI/s400/blogger-image--1659732910.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
JennKenn and her hot MikeO!</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Lapdogs, and other friends in the transition zone...<br />
<br />
The Shikaze ladies in their pit didn't know me at all but I know them and who they were supporting and I found encouragement in that...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7PsQsQd0rFEdpUUJKG-prDrMBuEUzIz4j920bOC8eP7Zlij9ZDw9GSxSfy1Z3SKDRFPACnwGj4c6ytFhg8Yc_s1CT6svbacJIBG1Rfa3Bn-miCJB3VWbuXSN0BWYSqgds7zj0Fz0QDLA/s640/blogger-image-1730542474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7PsQsQd0rFEdpUUJKG-prDrMBuEUzIz4j920bOC8eP7Zlij9ZDw9GSxSfy1Z3SKDRFPACnwGj4c6ytFhg8Yc_s1CT6svbacJIBG1Rfa3Bn-miCJB3VWbuXSN0BWYSqgds7zj0Fz0QDLA/s400/blogger-image-1730542474.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another stolen pic....of two tough dudes!!</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The group of kids on the rooty, zippy,single track climb cheering their butts off for us....<br />
And the regular encouragement from fellow riders who passed me along the course...<br />
<br />
All helped keep me going...<br />
<br />
Eventually I stopped to look at the leader board in the transition zone...and despite lugging around the equivalent of an extra bag of potatoes around my fat arse...I was doing OK. I was maintaining a 4th place out of the 10 solo single speeders in this race. Hmmmm...what would it take to get to third...alot...but...<br />
<br />
Laps 8-11...stop to pee somewhere in there. And stopping at the solo pit every lap now, to feed, refill water bottles, and stretch out the kinks...then just keep going. I was now solidly in 4th place...pulled away from the 5th place rider...and third was almost 15 minutes ahead of me...out of reach.<br />
<br />
So, at 5:23 I headed out for lap 12. After 6pm you are not allowed to go for another lap...before 6pm you can go for another lap, but you must finish by 6:30 for it to count. So...I settled in knowing this would be my last lap...every climb, would be the last time I had to do that climb...every root would be the last time I had to navigate that root...the last time I had to worry about falling off the edge of the earth...then into the transition zone and swipe my chip for the last time...<br />
<br />
"You have 44 minutes to complete your final lap!!"<br />
<br />
Wait?? What??? NOOOOO!!!<br />
<br />
They had extended the deadline...we must have started a few minutes late...<br />
<br />
I crawled over to check the leader board...my last lap was 37 minutes...so I likely had time to complete another lap...but I was 13 minutes out of third place...I couldn't make that up...I was physically and mentally done...I threw my chip in the box...<br />
<br />
(No, I do not have the mental fortitude of TeamColin...if you haven't read his report....read it...dude is a BEAST!!)<br />
<br />
My thumb had fared OK...but my quads, calves, lower back, and shoulders were crushed by the single speed elevation that Mansfield throws at you. I need to drop some chunky parts....<br />
<br />
But so many other stories I could write full posts on...<br />
<br />
Fellow BicycleWorks rider AllanM had a great race going...until mechanical...<br />
<br />
Fellow BicycleWorks rider GaryS coming in 4th to fellow BicycleWorks rider MartinM by 10 SECONDS!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziVilV79UMSPjpnVCSUt7izHrVHoT3u8RQQMKbcE7AikWDD9YVRD-BWXyE33Kaj_74ScGeL11dNGvxEMOiYdh_R-9ey6dWEktfpXHsr1OcA-zDgIzRmUz6wbAAbrfbKvjqETP-in-jgfH/s640/blogger-image--1211791283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziVilV79UMSPjpnVCSUt7izHrVHoT3u8RQQMKbcE7AikWDD9YVRD-BWXyE33Kaj_74ScGeL11dNGvxEMOiYdh_R-9ey6dWEktfpXHsr1OcA-zDgIzRmUz6wbAAbrfbKvjqETP-in-jgfH/s400/blogger-image--1211791283.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well done Martin....and JeffS!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Yes, that is JeffS making his solo comeback....and winning!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
TomB, serious(ly) sneaking into solo single speed second place. Nice work Tom!!! What in the world do I have to do to catch you?? I must work much harder...or something...</div>
<div>
<br />
SethS making his solo debut and coming in second!! Amazing job Seth!!<br />
<br />
AdamH...killing the solo field with 17 laps!! Unbelievable. Oh....then he went and did an 'easy' 50km ride on Sunday....<br />
<br />
JennR...gettin lead out by KarenD on her first solo 8 hour....and is now addicted. Look out ladies...JennR is a powerhouse!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIRIC-EdkgBdHADNiXbaN2NsX-WtKRek_hw_nk9EEDxfTLqKgg8EoBAyX0l7Y26kK_APdKwNx2OXMQafc-dBJHlaciWq38S45klzP7luWhW2B7escvDGeYX0vjDc4CIb_yLqmDVBJIxbI/s640/blogger-image--1336937871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIRIC-EdkgBdHADNiXbaN2NsX-WtKRek_hw_nk9EEDxfTLqKgg8EoBAyX0l7Y26kK_APdKwNx2OXMQafc-dBJHlaciWq38S45klzP7luWhW2B7escvDGeYX0vjDc4CIb_yLqmDVBJIxbI/s400/blogger-image--1336937871.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNb5Xi83OKwM98p7ZjeV3x_dUkcO8k8Sv27ZwybpKxmfF76pVClJdPwc_D10QWyabaQHk1Bc8disltQ8G-HIDbJqLSCDgi5MWXmPWWb6nBulnbQN_gLh9E9lb1hMeS0gYXupLlBUJFQj66/s640/blogger-image-186875651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNb5Xi83OKwM98p7ZjeV3x_dUkcO8k8Sv27ZwybpKxmfF76pVClJdPwc_D10QWyabaQHk1Bc8disltQ8G-HIDbJqLSCDgi5MWXmPWWb6nBulnbQN_gLh9E9lb1hMeS0gYXupLlBUJFQj66/s320/blogger-image-186875651.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you didn't look this good after the race, you weren't trying...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
JonathanC...him and I came into the transition zone for our 12 laps together...but when he heard there was 44 minutes remaining, he headed out for another lap...while I withered and died. 13 laps on his first ever mountain bike race...not to mention soloing an 8 hour. On a gnarly trail bike. Look out for him if he is in your category!! Dude is gonna mix it up!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DvD-EQM_Njn5hPY6REtPX-C5UEyTHIhyphenhyphendsZFFy6E4tSWomIZfOfeiRxSfRWss6B0eKf8EDTS_A0cc9ohHDXIsiAsddchoCkkGMBv4vbpTOQHgXVsPM45SP9tiK1_S-bLHNuysgp6Irw5/s640/blogger-image-2131524689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DvD-EQM_Njn5hPY6REtPX-C5UEyTHIhyphenhyphendsZFFy6E4tSWomIZfOfeiRxSfRWss6B0eKf8EDTS_A0cc9ohHDXIsiAsddchoCkkGMBv4vbpTOQHgXVsPM45SP9tiK1_S-bLHNuysgp6Irw5/s400/blogger-image-2131524689.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jonathan in this mix of .... Something...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The legendary Knucking Futts changing teammates but staying legendary....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMB7nA8lKE2DpAZKVWqBjui2sy5lNMGdfbPbxbzZhTDEwpoKp5HPGnXaHcOdE51zj4CChYgskZt_20wA5JPNIkqKpFws1QUA8UdGUijqspkXoImffjd3RzyJ8p0QRIQLUWTuad8ShFd5l/s640/blogger-image-201313043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMB7nA8lKE2DpAZKVWqBjui2sy5lNMGdfbPbxbzZhTDEwpoKp5HPGnXaHcOdE51zj4CChYgskZt_20wA5JPNIkqKpFws1QUA8UdGUijqspkXoImffjd3RzyJ8p0QRIQLUWTuad8ShFd5l/s400/blogger-image-201313043.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Knucking Futts??</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
Hey...where were the Pinoy Pedal Pushers out there?? Did I miss them???<br />
<br />
And many other stories....many folks who toughed it through though scrapes (SueM, hope you are doing OK!), amazing accomplishments, and many laughs...but...<br />
<br />
This short review got waaay too long didn't it...<br />
<br />
Another great event by <b>Chico Racing</b>...as always!!! And huge thanks to all the volunteers!!<br />
<br />
Thank you to BicycleWorks, the best bike shop in Waterdown, for the support!!<br />
<br />
If you are looking for another MTB event...wait no longer than this weekend for Substance Projects Long Sock Classic....get in there!! Register at <a href="https://www.webscorer.com/1762?pg=register" target="_blank">XC Marathon Long Sock Classic</a>.<br />
<br />
And then....<br />
<br />
Stay posted!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hSM3RxCY0Etb5h5bGAZjuZsAeUuTuXe5XuZjKGAhF3_rVK97sqnVEJ_ZOKbEettQ7unBODyC9Hz3lB_vSyXfR-_bnJQDyfrvFG1_hNhdjmXovLm0QUTGydIM_CU9Vk24qYi1qB6AdyaB/s1600/after-my-cat-nap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="625" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hSM3RxCY0Etb5h5bGAZjuZsAeUuTuXe5XuZjKGAhF3_rVK97sqnVEJ_ZOKbEettQ7unBODyC9Hz3lB_vSyXfR-_bnJQDyfrvFG1_hNhdjmXovLm0QUTGydIM_CU9Vk24qYi1qB6AdyaB/s320/after-my-cat-nap.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-91458273500932923222018-04-18T07:41:00.000-04:002018-04-18T07:41:20.259-04:00A Few UpdatesSo...a few updates. Lets start with the obvious...<br />
<br />
Update - The Freedomburn (Alternate Tilsonburn):<br />
<br />
So...the totals are in. You all managed to raise enough to provide bikes, helmets, and locks for two young folks!!! So many huge thank you's to all who took part and contributed!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyy75CFt8BfGNNnjgxuFvHgLwyO-c_1QdqjHe5wCJBiCjhBlSAlbiC72dzM6zzYN1kDpaaq7k17JrcmeBlbq_Y-z0TJzohH_EK7X2csGJyEnqjbra3-Im2mJui_ggOd7qwHafGG_jr31-/s1600/thank+you+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyy75CFt8BfGNNnjgxuFvHgLwyO-c_1QdqjHe5wCJBiCjhBlSAlbiC72dzM6zzYN1kDpaaq7k17JrcmeBlbq_Y-z0TJzohH_EK7X2csGJyEnqjbra3-Im2mJui_ggOd7qwHafGG_jr31-/s1600/thank+you+cat.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Wardy is now on the search for the two deserving young people. We will keep you posted. Thank you again...this was so much more than I expected. Your generosity will bring joy to two young lives...and it is so appreciated!!<br />
<br />
And word is JeffS is now almost fully recovered and ready for another 200km ride on his fatbike. The weather is actually supposed to turn almost nice this weekend. Waddaya think Jeff?? Besides, have to do that part of the FreedomBurn that Oggie and Al talked us all into skipping on Good Friday...about 600m of elevation over a couple of kilometres....<br />
<br />
Anyways...speaking of the weather...another update...<br />
<br />
Update - O'Cup #1 is postponed:<br />
<br />
Due to this nasty crap weather...seriously, O'Cup #1 scheduled for this weekend in Mansfield has been postponed (twice actually, but whose counting?), rescheduled, and revamped. You best check out all the details <a href="http://www.ontariocycling.org/scott-ontario-cup-1-presented-plastiglas-postponed/?platform=hootsuite" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JsLFX7OoHFbJrFSjc2QvPcLB3WxPgxovrGB7lIMqwkdLiBjzi7pQtf-ajie2b2AhsSPPCnkWemIZvA7wwGrjLPkmo5B5xUUT7XBjjqcdvYUHHmKZzcNNGydN_0RTZhwqI7Yei6SfcWzc/s1600/spring+my+ass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="903" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JsLFX7OoHFbJrFSjc2QvPcLB3WxPgxovrGB7lIMqwkdLiBjzi7pQtf-ajie2b2AhsSPPCnkWemIZvA7wwGrjLPkmo5B5xUUT7XBjjqcdvYUHHmKZzcNNGydN_0RTZhwqI7Yei6SfcWzc/s320/spring+my+ass.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Speaking of the weather...another update...<br />
<br />
If spring/summer ever does show up...there is a new gravel grinder race/ride to enjoy...if gravel is your thing. The Steaming Nostril has successfully happened, the P2A is coming up, as are SubstanceProjects gravel series...and they now have a complimentary compatriot. This...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lhsf.ca/event/outspokin-gravel-growler" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="621" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHjtaAz2Fg1V6D8NjcbhmY8pC_wtruZF7yOnoNSIiIoFSZG4yopCRotDKzeyEAilYdawYuklSAwVLN2AqcKCoeV4Isft47SUXAsMb6NU5ypaVZpI8XpP_ViqIZMlXKCUbpZjUwldl7oba/s320/gravel+growler.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Click on the pic/poster to link to more details. Hopefully the slush is gone by June...<br />
<br />
Speaking of the weather...another update...<br />
<br />
Update - My thumb:<br />
<br />
Busted thumb...healing nicely...the bone is knitting crooked...but its knitting (it doesn't crochet...), and although crooked it will be functional (according to the osteoplastic surgeon...). The giant plaster cast/splint has been replaced with a sleek thermoplastic one.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-b4Li9gq2xWlq7aU-xgcUPVdSgwo02BLvMSHJ13ZLG6anuDG0Zm4eE4XZFLc4KBiqD3LG-w3Y5T1vIJtGzzkIPEMiNFo3uALKRWuChMqOlD1JGOMJ8ne1b1pvnpil7SS3Kp_Pj1ic758/s1600/thermoplastic+cast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-b4Li9gq2xWlq7aU-xgcUPVdSgwo02BLvMSHJ13ZLG6anuDG0Zm4eE4XZFLc4KBiqD3LG-w3Y5T1vIJtGzzkIPEMiNFo3uALKRWuChMqOlD1JGOMJ8ne1b1pvnpil7SS3Kp_Pj1ic758/s320/thermoplastic+cast.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This with a few bike modifications has allowed me to ride...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3X0-rtzJn6lS2CBWYMNmKr1-_4Rp4E2bjj4KcCex72cUCJQTcqDhHvXo-C89r-TY-46hAUcWqtY-UjwdaF9VcuiptZs-TAJcEDONCmpwLtn_GUOtoR7xN7kdZ8h-2JCAf5sxmK6jDTw2/s1600/bike+mod+for+thumb....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3X0-rtzJn6lS2CBWYMNmKr1-_4Rp4E2bjj4KcCex72cUCJQTcqDhHvXo-C89r-TY-46hAUcWqtY-UjwdaF9VcuiptZs-TAJcEDONCmpwLtn_GUOtoR7xN7kdZ8h-2JCAf5sxmK6jDTw2/s320/bike+mod+for+thumb....jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
...although so far it has been MTB on the road. MTB to minimize road 'clatter' from jarring the thumb. Besides....it makes for a great workout. May try a roadbike soon...well if the weather smartens the heff up!! And trail riding is a couple of weeks away regardless of the weather.<br />
<br />
Have to give a shout out to JonathanTheMechanic. He has been making sure I continue to get out, and he kicks my ass, in all conditions...day and night. Ya...we got out for an unintentional night ride (I got carried away with distance), and besides...it was the nicest part of that day. Damned weather!!<br />
<br />
And, yes...Jonathan is a mechanic...auto. His shop, just outside of Waterdown, near the Picards Peanuts on Hwy 5.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.budgetexhaust.ca/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1214" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrynI0uMc7rJwosd0VMavBcOhY1t3duAdpWh9IVSs2aEMtZwqu9t1sWV8BTFmThu3h7t6Vwp50Eq68LspvO_4n62P7gNMd-MZZ1j5CxAZTErZKxRzGErbulZddd5Se8-L_QOtD74SR2VPq/s320/jonathan%2527s.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So...if you need work done...call/go there!! Very professional, and more than fair pricing (especially if you throw him post ride meals and beer...).<br />
<br />
OK...enough non-self promotion.<br />
<br />
Anyways....that's about it for updates...so now that there is no O'Cup this weekend...and the weather forecast is almost normal...hope you get out for some bike joy!!<br />
<br />
And...again...thank you to all the FreedomBurners!!<br />
<br />
Stay posted!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEBgJocOx-OhFn6b4aVKw79L84KPHP_RaTkbQxOgzLzessD57fY9Tzr1TUpVWteYwQX81ba0a-ctYRl1Kl6MLlJ9gUcKJ0DbArGZTk6j8xFn3doWEF67wWp9cSO-ErDW-SK-KsS-r60sr/s1600/awesome+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="625" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEBgJocOx-OhFn6b4aVKw79L84KPHP_RaTkbQxOgzLzessD57fY9Tzr1TUpVWteYwQX81ba0a-ctYRl1Kl6MLlJ9gUcKJ0DbArGZTk6j8xFn3doWEF67wWp9cSO-ErDW-SK-KsS-r60sr/s320/awesome+cat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-86114875559445008122018-04-04T11:21:00.001-04:002018-04-04T18:46:56.820-04:00FreedomBurn Post OpSo the FreedomBurn (Tilsonburn), is over and done....and apparently it appears to be a great success!! There are a couple of tweeks that could be done to make it even better if we ever do it again...but overall, it was a great day!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7Oc56ei2_Dt6ppdxTPVPMMhJ3uGyN7ipfddizgOh_EESYwXxN_GQ8b8zc34mZX0X1-AQAbIgb7HEeMhC45JpwiSh7XIFiZdL9qdUbbj-5H302OdQCUpAR3MlhyphenhyphenqDgoD4iXIWtobWlW_y/s640/blogger-image--131101725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7Oc56ei2_Dt6ppdxTPVPMMhJ3uGyN7ipfddizgOh_EESYwXxN_GQ8b8zc34mZX0X1-AQAbIgb7HEeMhC45JpwiSh7XIFiZdL9qdUbbj-5H302OdQCUpAR3MlhyphenhyphenqDgoD4iXIWtobWlW_y/s400/blogger-image--131101725.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lois directs the 100km group out...</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_ovtjwgHSfmVZUcWaSNP-We4-rd2VKybWuw-aHH2zwK64Arkh_iilRQilYEaxErTm4Le_6pJGpnh1aPt7rSfXE8S8Ye9n1bwToOx6EBL7_nBzcHuA1qZ40Tve3ehmIxYrg68Rfrt2iPJ/s640/blogger-image--1947002162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_ovtjwgHSfmVZUcWaSNP-We4-rd2VKybWuw-aHH2zwK64Arkh_iilRQilYEaxErTm4Le_6pJGpnh1aPt7rSfXE8S8Ye9n1bwToOx6EBL7_nBzcHuA1qZ40Tve3ehmIxYrg68Rfrt2iPJ/s400/blogger-image--1947002162.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So first things first....so, so many thanks to give....but the greatest thanks have got to be to all of you who came out to participate and donate to Freedom Bike. A deserving young person will get to experience the joy of owning and riding a bicycle because of your generosity. In fact, preliminary totals show that we may even be able to squeeze two bikes and bring more happiness to two young lives!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! We will keep you up to date!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Other thanks:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- To RobT, and Unglued for leading out the 50km and 100km groups. They did a great job of dealing with last minute re-routes due to trail conditions and herding a large group of wild mountain bikers of varying abilities.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oj3fgC1hWN3iezjGV3baqMt4GLgxi8uD7pGyAGJrjy0sch_hxJa3Nrs96vbNHyXhK5Tz4-TCpyW87VDgIHB7C8XMiI4icSY6m9xfw6qjCL9uaHiS-jiWVAyktH-Bu3_jym8e3KkUstSS/s640/blogger-image--1733435967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oj3fgC1hWN3iezjGV3baqMt4GLgxi8uD7pGyAGJrjy0sch_hxJa3Nrs96vbNHyXhK5Tz4-TCpyW87VDgIHB7C8XMiI4icSY6m9xfw6qjCL9uaHiS-jiWVAyktH-Bu3_jym8e3KkUstSS/s640/blogger-image--1733435967.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Unglued....still glued at this point...</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHw9jMokT9WFr-q7tomgJrzXNzW3wyj2ZdxTmIq82yVuAhVnOt6E6fmgTSkvQCvcUCvBL6LTlGbTYyCmViSPA9UHrfY-8tS4N_kjmeT9LNqpjd39ZMBTQHZTY4sKKxsZKxoMln0eQaJ8g/s640/blogger-image--74877837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHw9jMokT9WFr-q7tomgJrzXNzW3wyj2ZdxTmIq82yVuAhVnOt6E6fmgTSkvQCvcUCvBL6LTlGbTYyCmViSPA9UHrfY-8tS4N_kjmeT9LNqpjd39ZMBTQHZTY4sKKxsZKxoMln0eQaJ8g/s400/blogger-image--74877837.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
RobT discussing proper water bottle placement...</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkG39xBtcw1SZlWsT5lFKcVaLFe1Nk4WVxwBi4dtLnhpGIqUNq0pZaECoqXSNB9FZOsaaZeJm5SnUd80w1de4g83A_ZOnnE1TWnhGc33v3bvR3BttS1_H61nWxd5V2tSbBYiWv8tAt1U_R/s640/blogger-image--1186821525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkG39xBtcw1SZlWsT5lFKcVaLFe1Nk4WVxwBi4dtLnhpGIqUNq0pZaECoqXSNB9FZOsaaZeJm5SnUd80w1de4g83A_ZOnnE1TWnhGc33v3bvR3BttS1_H61nWxd5V2tSbBYiWv8tAt1U_R/s400/blogger-image--1186821525.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pinoy's crew joined the 50km and 100km fun!</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DMMYSzAFsiteTFjhgh2KCf-UMGytFou6Zsu94uNNxU0x-fSX7s4dRZeaMqmqLVjJynXbrMdqX4vkFIOFzE837NN9s5qTkODCQe8KBN3y_DX5u6Yhh9BjArVBCpUPjOBAR7WCMGzhRSHl/s640/blogger-image-1631927131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DMMYSzAFsiteTFjhgh2KCf-UMGytFou6Zsu94uNNxU0x-fSX7s4dRZeaMqmqLVjJynXbrMdqX4vkFIOFzE837NN9s5qTkODCQe8KBN3y_DX5u6Yhh9BjArVBCpUPjOBAR7WCMGzhRSHl/s400/blogger-image-1631927131.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The BW logo on display! (But not impressing the ladies?)</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1V1BXFBXWnycyA0qby1WUDUS2WA0Fqueez9x7_1RpcgTtIPIbcYSJBs7bUAGX5ppsI6Ymd7Hjoac3_NDXxpmWy_dtCx9cyHWmg-ahTsnoKXec8AxqE2AvNlKlJ4DOtAXzOhSw83SN2KO7/s640/blogger-image-1534384124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1V1BXFBXWnycyA0qby1WUDUS2WA0Fqueez9x7_1RpcgTtIPIbcYSJBs7bUAGX5ppsI6Ymd7Hjoac3_NDXxpmWy_dtCx9cyHWmg-ahTsnoKXec8AxqE2AvNlKlJ4DOtAXzOhSw83SN2KO7/s400/blogger-image-1534384124.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
An iconic spot in this area this time of year!</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
- To BicycleWorks Waterdown for hosting the first aide stop for the 160km route, supplying water, electrolytes, and nutrition....much needed after 2.5 hours of energy draining gravel and wind conditions. Additional thanks to BicycleWorks owner Paul Schnepf for leading us over 30+km of his local gravel in the Brantford area. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14gVfWG0vOseytMjuDQPL6LjtgM-gHQ85CAl7AbCGj4ADiHFUE5CrGU1fkm8yiHQrgclmu2Ih8XmlIcKM7sG3uTileZilhEXknjw01W7O96kUQHLplD_yjk-Ice2wBpX_GltF4KlRl0SX/s640/blogger-image-1148311200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14gVfWG0vOseytMjuDQPL6LjtgM-gHQ85CAl7AbCGj4ADiHFUE5CrGU1fkm8yiHQrgclmu2Ih8XmlIcKM7sG3uTileZilhEXknjw01W7O96kUQHLplD_yjk-Ice2wBpX_GltF4KlRl0SX/s400/blogger-image-1148311200.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aid station 1....Paul's Place...</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIX3kno9j2cD6DM7cVoMHhORTOdquZTp_f-kk3XmSGzbaDHrhzI55_gSkaU1KEsZPrFwWLaCZpajR-2ppb-lj7bLKhL-Z99odBwNhsp1xXlaX7k93SJl6-rom99MIrYsZnm82Ljybpb1II/s640/blogger-image--839832623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIX3kno9j2cD6DM7cVoMHhORTOdquZTp_f-kk3XmSGzbaDHrhzI55_gSkaU1KEsZPrFwWLaCZpajR-2ppb-lj7bLKhL-Z99odBwNhsp1xXlaX7k93SJl6-rom99MIrYsZnm82Ljybpb1II/s400/blogger-image--839832623.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwQ5QxINpmqtSpi30RmguxN72eY2fa3oBqeEK1josNmfiT-M2FY-0E85vSZU2cRPahk0evDc1QzONKwY_mfD9CJ1_GMz-_dtxwnHOleULaTsSK9DCdQqMmIpnqFroL4OK1TUEIw-RvF7U/s640/blogger-image-1126424979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwQ5QxINpmqtSpi30RmguxN72eY2fa3oBqeEK1josNmfiT-M2FY-0E85vSZU2cRPahk0evDc1QzONKwY_mfD9CJ1_GMz-_dtxwnHOleULaTsSK9DCdQqMmIpnqFroL4OK1TUEIw-RvF7U/s400/blogger-image-1126424979.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Paul leads us on part of the journey.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Thank you to 97 General store on 97 Road near Valens Conservation area for dealing with 30+ dirty, sweaty, hungry, thirsty cyclists...and having a healthy(??) supply of famous Dee's buttertarts; and ice cream for Oggie!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9fiWIWWz17CMm2btS_-45NxGFulycWBFWwIeqMXJ81k43VF4335webkcaLdNaz1VGD7jbAFNIW7W0-2ob23EFQ5ORDHruoM7Xd-1oW4b2goWOvfZyHI0SJAigIxZ25RXJ16DybLIKSbP/s640/blogger-image--892514939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9fiWIWWz17CMm2btS_-45NxGFulycWBFWwIeqMXJ81k43VF4335webkcaLdNaz1VGD7jbAFNIW7W0-2ob23EFQ5ORDHruoM7Xd-1oW4b2goWOvfZyHI0SJAigIxZ25RXJ16DybLIKSbP/s400/blogger-image--892514939.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Gotta give gratitude to Mother Nature for giving us a beauty day amidst a couple of trashy weather weeks.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And so many stories, could fill months worth of blog posts. Don't worry...I won't do that to you.</div>
<div>
However...some highlights:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Fatbikes. Ya, a number of folks on fatbikes....that had to be incredibly tough! Especially the dude on the 160km route!! JeffS...awe and respect!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMwu995pIDETMu7NVAt2nXOd4Z-rhJasWy4fRX6PynxMMfHMLhS6gVY1IsyCBDill7WVV0_614VCsB0GhxwzMDT67YyMz4TPXa3DcKx_ewBjijt5FwHnPAVjalxjXx2bt93Y1kURJU0jy/s640/blogger-image-1929662455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMwu995pIDETMu7NVAt2nXOd4Z-rhJasWy4fRX6PynxMMfHMLhS6gVY1IsyCBDill7WVV0_614VCsB0GhxwzMDT67YyMz4TPXa3DcKx_ewBjijt5FwHnPAVjalxjXx2bt93Y1kURJU0jy/s1600/blogger-image-1929662455.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kinda like this 6000 yr old tree?</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
- What would have made it tougher for fatbikes was re-routing required due to wet trail conditions. We didn't want to be responsible for damaging trails...plus some of the local trails are rooty, and rocky, and come dangerously close (centimetres close) to the sharp edge of the escarpment. I didn't think losing someone to a 1000 foot fall off a rock wall would be a good thing. The result was more road/pavement than planned...but this may have been a bit of a blessing given wet gravel and hefty winds.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- As mentioned now a couple of times...the life sucking railtrail and gravel. Still frozen enough to be rough and bone jarring...but soft enough on the top to act like glue to skinny CX tires. And after making up a good portion of the first 100kms of the 160km route....some solid pavement felt civilized!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG80FudLqxDBFV5yXbvMpUhMQh1kCjRKD8FXoYH5AIeyXSeVB4Uokz68dxmxnZWOqWiIFFBr9yuZcEHwn-p_XkTzQLs7Gk0dQuVieNmkG4LjDTxXmNNK8jyBs1wgSXl7bW-Owz1LUOetR0/s640/blogger-image--1808130719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG80FudLqxDBFV5yXbvMpUhMQh1kCjRKD8FXoYH5AIeyXSeVB4Uokz68dxmxnZWOqWiIFFBr9yuZcEHwn-p_XkTzQLs7Gk0dQuVieNmkG4LjDTxXmNNK8jyBs1wgSXl7bW-Owz1LUOetR0/s400/blogger-image--1808130719.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- At the 97 General store stop (at about 120km into the 160km route, and 55km into the 100km route) I faced a bit of a mutiny. The remainder of the route included 25kms of fire road that made for 700ms of climbing. The overwhelming consensus was that this was too much after what we had just been through (there had already been plenty of swearing at Riot...)...so we opted for a flat, direct, paved route home. In hindsight...this was likely the right call; this time....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBoETM-6zYto9bx95_57q6yRAAKpQ4fy0bvbJZOg0ywD53hM0HmoTfpbUIZBQsYbA41QNa0lkftaLfDp-JpT-KuvXAvB3CBn72_bmOEnJcXiIja-XNqEwhWoLsWaom9EPboqK1YpPno4v/s640/blogger-image--1174795954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBoETM-6zYto9bx95_57q6yRAAKpQ4fy0bvbJZOg0ywD53hM0HmoTfpbUIZBQsYbA41QNa0lkftaLfDp-JpT-KuvXAvB3CBn72_bmOEnJcXiIja-XNqEwhWoLsWaom9EPboqK1YpPno4v/s400/blogger-image--1174795954.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There were threats...</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
And I didn't want to be seen as this guy....so I reneged...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81xP6VJElkZShULU0y6Ho1aOGwF2G2u774ypXV24tKfw1NKGuYqgv7D_2i9NLnCKe-QNMtxGNxzPssfT3qKTwOBApW5oI4XKJr9vzOo0EhB6RmSN2MyuBQFSO9_3LGPdCqpPmy1H3FDqO/s640/blogger-image-1980209469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81xP6VJElkZShULU0y6Ho1aOGwF2G2u774ypXV24tKfw1NKGuYqgv7D_2i9NLnCKe-QNMtxGNxzPssfT3qKTwOBApW5oI4XKJr9vzOo0EhB6RmSN2MyuBQFSO9_3LGPdCqpPmy1H3FDqO/s1600/blogger-image-1980209469.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Death to the rebels, meow!</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
- 15kms from home...one of the route leaders became violently ill...having to pull over and passionately dispatch all gastro contents...then limp home concentrating on preventing further dumpage. According to Dr.Kate (who was in on the 100km route), an apparent reaction to too much Advil gel capsules (3 X daily max) on an empty stomach. Thank you to Oggie for dragging my sorry carcass home...and to JennR for coming back to check on me. Got home just in time to release all further contents...but in the civilized comfort of a modern washroom...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc76AeapLuvKwH-GI-ooccNcb-9k6uCLdkx3xzA9kG_m7xQ4F1s7y7JC0s6OrDgK7Gm0wqMBiTSbuIx3W9sTlTA-BI6dgUpxthui4H03TggD6wiPA0y0w_Uw4X976SKDHhVe1tcDQCeuSF/s640/blogger-image-576453353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc76AeapLuvKwH-GI-ooccNcb-9k6uCLdkx3xzA9kG_m7xQ4F1s7y7JC0s6OrDgK7Gm0wqMBiTSbuIx3W9sTlTA-BI6dgUpxthui4H03TggD6wiPA0y0w_Uw4X976SKDHhVe1tcDQCeuSF/s400/blogger-image-576453353.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Still smiling...</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
Finally...so very thankful to the universe for a day with 50 fellow mountain bikers...with no significant mechanicals or crashes over 7+ hours of riding. Amazing!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then there was the after... Thank you Lois for directing the massive amount of food and beverage for the post party as folks came and went...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtc7ugMNQHy5ApDv3pzw6qYsoAYO5enYnx_96QP5gB6HhrruEVwBOp3uCA9g00sO5zWUW3CAn7ddjlAepBn88ftjAMyoKX5NimRcUVWnSHE67rrJVrRtzJ6CqoKa2t5ZyIybv7wJLO5n0L/s640/blogger-image-1681468508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtc7ugMNQHy5ApDv3pzw6qYsoAYO5enYnx_96QP5gB6HhrruEVwBOp3uCA9g00sO5zWUW3CAn7ddjlAepBn88ftjAMyoKX5NimRcUVWnSHE67rrJVrRtzJ6CqoKa2t5ZyIybv7wJLO5n0L/s400/blogger-image-1681468508.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUK9xBcGCjqe4ByBr47QwrRqI5pifWq70s5HZslYHYvReXF8Ugi3pPFhlBUGu2tiZ3vD-Y0V3dzvxXePmaMGiBoAzbjc8Dt7xylov4ubiTh0B1cgMzpVbhfZ4HxJZ6jm0YrLqZb91U8Cm/s640/blogger-image-1885529459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUK9xBcGCjqe4ByBr47QwrRqI5pifWq70s5HZslYHYvReXF8Ugi3pPFhlBUGu2tiZ3vD-Y0V3dzvxXePmaMGiBoAzbjc8Dt7xylov4ubiTh0B1cgMzpVbhfZ4HxJZ6jm0YrLqZb91U8Cm/s400/blogger-image-1885529459.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And again...massive thanks to everyone who participated, and supported this day and the cause. Jeff Ward founder of the Tilsonburn and Freedom Bikes passes on his unending gratitude to each and everyone of you! Deserving teens will enjoy life a little bit more because of you. A totally amazing day spent with such great folks...it was an honour spending it with you all!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now we can look forward to the proper Tilsonburn in 2019! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also...there are so many kilometres of local challenging trails just metres from my home...so a plan for an endurance all trail ride is in the works for later this season...stay tuned!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimguMsgryA-cn_JU3LTXdVWd8sleHZP3bISAp75eFEmvEe91MV2_pc2u-F5NUM-kANM9XqJTihBzKFCIcYYtXWXDvHbfIYOIOQvGiSTjCVcF5l_jUJOHXfOZKgDoh4cOipdB2_DCJxv6Wt/s1600/broke+thumb+again.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="352" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimguMsgryA-cn_JU3LTXdVWd8sleHZP3bISAp75eFEmvEe91MV2_pc2u-F5NUM-kANM9XqJTihBzKFCIcYYtXWXDvHbfIYOIOQvGiSTjCVcF5l_jUJOHXfOZKgDoh4cOipdB2_DCJxv6Wt/s320/broke+thumb+again.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the meantime, I have a freshly broken thumb metacarpal bone I need to let heal properly (this ride didn't seem to help much). Which means I am going to miss out on early season events. The first one is coming up this weekend...the Steaming Nostril. If you are not registered yet....get on it <a href="https://cyclewaterloo.ca/events/steaming-nostril/" target="_blank">HERE</a>!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then Substance Projects (DanOfSubstance) has events coming up the following week. The first race of their XC MTB Marathon series....the Homage to Ice...check it out <a href="http://substanceprojects.com/portfolio-item/xcmarathon-1-h2i" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So much going one...here comes mtb season!!! Finally!!! </div>
<div>
And finally....the end of this post!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Stay posted!</div>
<div>
(Thank you to all the unofficial photogs who supplied me with photos of this event!)<br />
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmjHuzbo6dHC_uVa7ZPOvCU73xQn20mQdf-A3GjYdetysJgMUcfP6p77tq478jN8gOLHJkItk9BcUbgahjBuMQhCr1x4vGl8ER4zGCEOzi5ZC5Of77Q14NIHuZ1AV9ER885W2ESH6jH7u/s640/blogger-image-125074541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmjHuzbo6dHC_uVa7ZPOvCU73xQn20mQdf-A3GjYdetysJgMUcfP6p77tq478jN8gOLHJkItk9BcUbgahjBuMQhCr1x4vGl8ER4zGCEOzi5ZC5Of77Q14NIHuZ1AV9ER885W2ESH6jH7u/s400/blogger-image-125074541.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-78429858894233748582018-03-27T05:41:00.001-04:002018-03-28T14:26:48.851-04:00Bring A Chair!!Lois says to remind everyone to bring a chair!! So there....now that's done. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lois always has much to say. I had a beer Sunday after the Riot ride (trying to keep Oggie in sight), I stood up from the couch and said, "Whew, that beer went right to my head!"</div>
<div>
Lois said, "You're staggering!"</div>
<div>
I said, "You're pretty attractive, too dear..."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways, (sorry about that bad joke) the chair thing pertains to the FreedomBurn ride this Friday. If you are attending, please bring yourself a chair. There will be opportunity to socialize post ride....and sitting on the ground may not be ideal.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Post ride there will be a firepit. Lois is frantically trying to determine what manner of food to prepare (heads up; we don't eat meat, so food options will not involve meats). JennR is said to be preparing cookies... </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Other reminders (again):</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Please be on time...ride will start sharply at start times. (7am for 160...9am for 50 and 100s)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are parking options down the road from our home. (see previous posts for details).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The routes posted in previous posts may vary depending on conditions. Some trails may have to be bypassed...but the planned stops will still be in place.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Bring a chair. (Not on the ride...but for after)... OK, I won't mention it again...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There is a poll on the event page </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/545879285797862??ti=ia" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">https://www.facebook.com/events/545879285797862??ti=ia</a> to let us know which distance you are doing. If you haven't answered it please do.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This won't be a speed-fest. This will be more of a group ride style of ride. However, you are responsible for you...come prepared to take care of yourself as you would for a solo ride.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUl7KSq7VResyEc_QGxfkBDQ1i-KGWTuPEEQFM22_A5FSmWmCe6EZl5s7sTk8XSVdzN3OAgokC5jWlTE7r75mIr127aDY5TOZEWKGrycysz9-8iYgvU-Sd9QWe1WEwZNAY4aF6gbwvROF/s640/blogger-image-541911222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUl7KSq7VResyEc_QGxfkBDQ1i-KGWTuPEEQFM22_A5FSmWmCe6EZl5s7sTk8XSVdzN3OAgokC5jWlTE7r75mIr127aDY5TOZEWKGrycysz9-8iYgvU-Sd9QWe1WEwZNAY4aF6gbwvROF/s640/blogger-image-541911222.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There will be 2 water stops for the 160km group, and one for the 100km group as in a previous post. Otherwise bring enough nutrition and hydration for your needs.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Finally, the whole lawyer talk, you are doing this at your own risk. This is a ride you are choosing to do as your choice your discretion. As said, you are responsible for you.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhtO4Rd02-DPNbuTcUgC0H-xbbBqtpOIhMmdJFRY0w1sN8PAicBFkRQiZViS-0UzCQdlX9i9T5VwoNoDdNk18U1an4GTdUhYycRbi7xXwYr9VJnohE07Jv7kr73oIl3haLV2ts-HVq4GU/s640/blogger-image--1304713686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhtO4Rd02-DPNbuTcUgC0H-xbbBqtpOIhMmdJFRY0w1sN8PAicBFkRQiZViS-0UzCQdlX9i9T5VwoNoDdNk18U1an4GTdUhYycRbi7xXwYr9VJnohE07Jv7kr73oIl3haLV2ts-HVq4GU/s640/blogger-image--1304713686.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Just being up front. Especially after spending 11 hours yesterday in a medical facility, I will be riding with a bit of an injury (hence no speed fest).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then get home and this happens...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tXBJTXa4IDDYp1_WEJHLWmAJGgH2Rf6nO6DVf6wmdpQIgao8gnHzDyH75IITEl4-JnfRVl_YTobOitUNukAoTpTAgjCeA_uSJamrHXg1TIi7jl-m6AAIHC3BRKDJp6L4jSqA9wG3-FuL/s640/blogger-image-311456605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tXBJTXa4IDDYp1_WEJHLWmAJGgH2Rf6nO6DVf6wmdpQIgao8gnHzDyH75IITEl4-JnfRVl_YTobOitUNukAoTpTAgjCeA_uSJamrHXg1TIi7jl-m6AAIHC3BRKDJp6L4jSqA9wG3-FuL/s640/blogger-image-311456605.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then I find out my neighbour is stalking me. She's been googling my name on her computer. I know, cuz I saw it with my telescope last night.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then my therapist tells me I'm too preoccupied with vengeance. We will see about that...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVUAzINWsN8w3NwV-Hcq_6FNsdhz2VUXZS9UqzMyrYYj6KpNPFsiIXXHT11BitJ1bySzpC3tp96gO5RSvCHPB-KdJ9FypZMpU-x7kOb6mpy6rIX3pLT1YGreipCvCwMUNnGP2riT9aK1h/s640/blogger-image-1114591389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVUAzINWsN8w3NwV-Hcq_6FNsdhz2VUXZS9UqzMyrYYj6KpNPFsiIXXHT11BitJ1bySzpC3tp96gO5RSvCHPB-KdJ9FypZMpU-x7kOb6mpy6rIX3pLT1YGreipCvCwMUNnGP2riT9aK1h/s640/blogger-image-1114591389.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
OK all joking aside...you are liable and responsible for you. So let's ride, have fun, love the burn and keep going...while supporting a great cause.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Remember, the intent of this is to help support Jeff Ward's very worthy cause. Freedom Bike...to help a deserving teen, who might not otherwise have the opportunity, to enjoy a bike and experience the love of cycling.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To donate send an e-transfer to <b>drwardy@hotmail.com</b> with the security question 'What cause are we supporting?' And the answer <b>FreedomBike2018</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
OK...lets hope for great weather...see you Friday...and...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Stay posted!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0IZT89neca4xOiV3cqqB8EFixAiU_9RcHIB5hHUtOmx6m5sBOEyz2zTROoV66qg_bWlDBN5iHb1jDrJNJ8uJqhNFTXdgfMlC_5RdAbL5rKzOzd3eCRbnVLNsIzCmkx_hYA_OdaJRKytef/s640/blogger-image--2115387004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0IZT89neca4xOiV3cqqB8EFixAiU_9RcHIB5hHUtOmx6m5sBOEyz2zTROoV66qg_bWlDBN5iHb1jDrJNJ8uJqhNFTXdgfMlC_5RdAbL5rKzOzd3eCRbnVLNsIzCmkx_hYA_OdaJRKytef/s640/blogger-image--2115387004.jpg" /></a></div>
Get your own chair!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277690534203568087.post-1388236213494266762018-03-19T19:47:00.000-04:002018-03-19T19:56:09.247-04:00FreedomBurn Update <div>
So hopefully everyone survived St. Patrick's day weekend...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHVsPlNUTqCBAX1Eg9Z1jV-WyaoHaRiQGT7AxONbzir6aQN2kAU2_2AXlGNiIfMbBemrGP9pfecP7Bfd_OpAOzzjur3GApkSMsP_Utv6yGiigJA8JFI5fh4N2yA-pvcHYXX-mpKIBDwQu/s640/blogger-image--417153657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHVsPlNUTqCBAX1Eg9Z1jV-WyaoHaRiQGT7AxONbzir6aQN2kAU2_2AXlGNiIfMbBemrGP9pfecP7Bfd_OpAOzzjur3GApkSMsP_Utv6yGiigJA8JFI5fh4N2yA-pvcHYXX-mpKIBDwQu/s640/blogger-image--417153657.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anyways...I guess it's bad to get off track before the blog post even starts??<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So...FreedomBurn update...</div>
<div>
So it looks like all the route leaders are in place for this little ride...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thank you very much to RobT who will be leading out the 50km group...and to Unglued who will be leading out the 100km group. Both of these groups will be leaving at 9am.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will be leading out the 160km group at 7am.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For more details see the previous posts on this blog (all of the 2018 posts actually...there's not that many...I've been rather lazy...); and, hey I actually learned some technology stuffs and created an events page for FreedomBurn on Facebook!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/545879285797862??ti=ia">https://www.facebook.com/events/545879285797862??ti=ia</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So...if I may ask, even if you have already let me know by message or email, if you would still go to the event page and indicate your intention to attend I would appreciate it. It will give me a running total of how many will be showing up. And it will let Lois know how many to plan grub for...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFxK9nUXzVESlu7ILFozw7QSif8lsWuHbGGjlPvAFScEtYyqego3FFjeOtMvoAm3RYjQbFDvQFcEzJ5wPQBNvrw5pq57zBDMgNZnA5vaCHqbPx8oIRwJSbGp-e4cTl1wQlfFWfQej3brA/s640/blogger-image-83484305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFxK9nUXzVESlu7ILFozw7QSif8lsWuHbGGjlPvAFScEtYyqego3FFjeOtMvoAm3RYjQbFDvQFcEzJ5wPQBNvrw5pq57zBDMgNZnA5vaCHqbPx8oIRwJSbGp-e4cTl1wQlfFWfQej3brA/s640/blogger-image-83484305.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PEz6R2mvNbKZI4Hjzs2B2kEupVd2K_3gta-xzG7ynGYeioTcboSuw9qHkPzngUXRZEQAA1fHbdndgPPdb2LVhwnJosL8K_BFdhQm6c6y2reUkOJT473Tc7b-fZYM2tMikw3rChXxSD7c/s640/blogger-image-218931455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PEz6R2mvNbKZI4Hjzs2B2kEupVd2K_3gta-xzG7ynGYeioTcboSuw9qHkPzngUXRZEQAA1fHbdndgPPdb2LVhwnJosL8K_BFdhQm6c6y2reUkOJT473Tc7b-fZYM2tMikw3rChXxSD7c/s640/blogger-image-218931455.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways...sorry...getting off track...again...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A couple of reminders:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The routes will not be marked, as I do not have the resources for such...so this will happen more as group rides. It won't be slow, all of the leaders are experienced riders...but it won't be race pace...so if you want to go faster than your group (or for some reason lose track of your group), make sure you know your route (routes posted on a previous post).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bcvaaOhH7NOOytQtQMQ_st2i5Hfw6IBiAn2opNAIzKV_enS7fmp9eQo-uRsX3C2ql4i9FsYc6FsUqsPypq75-i8bYux9iXvOn9ESh7m25JVnukmoGfSRg3RfH1axyjd9SRC0IC_UjcrK/s640/blogger-image-430951230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bcvaaOhH7NOOytQtQMQ_st2i5Hfw6IBiAn2opNAIzKV_enS7fmp9eQo-uRsX3C2ql4i9FsYc6FsUqsPypq75-i8bYux9iXvOn9ESh7m25JVnukmoGfSRg3RfH1axyjd9SRC0IC_UjcrK/s640/blogger-image-430951230.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not this map...</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is intended to be a fun (but long) day on the bike with fun folks, with the intention to support Jeff Ward's worthy cause Freedom Bike, since Jeff is unable to do the Tilsonburn this year. To donate to Freedom Bike send an e-transfer to Jeff at drwardy@hotmail.com with the security answer FreedomBike2018.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is an unsupported ride (with planned stops for the 160 and 100km routes for water and...), so come prepared to take care of yourself.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is not parking at my home but there is plenty of parking down the road at Valley Community Centre Park at 287 Old Guelph Road...and there is a washroom, of sorts, there...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
287 Old Guelph Rd, Dundas, ON L9H 5W8</div>
<div>
<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/auMTpPCK56S2">https://goo.gl/maps/auMTpPCK56S2</a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And there is also a small parking area at the top of Old Gueph Road...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
398 Old Guelph Rd, Hamilton, ON L0R</div>
<div>
<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/LtCJd63AjbF2">https://goo.gl/maps/LtCJd63AjbF2</a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Bring a lawnchair!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And there are other reminders that I cannot remember right now...I am actually surprised I remembered as many of the remembery things as I have. I tend to lose track easily...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIk7KiLw7TJIuDzhzkAjWZvBqKCCFc8RK18d18E1q70VDk-8qJl6mem02_JACynOFVu_t4HYNLTw1-hWiOVNCv4EaxfzUqD7270HdGmv3QPd_cjwIGDDHLmBlfJnuRcXGH5AAaDXpoVhw/s640/blogger-image--1043273835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIk7KiLw7TJIuDzhzkAjWZvBqKCCFc8RK18d18E1q70VDk-8qJl6mem02_JACynOFVu_t4HYNLTw1-hWiOVNCv4EaxfzUqD7270HdGmv3QPd_cjwIGDDHLmBlfJnuRcXGH5AAaDXpoVhw/s640/blogger-image--1043273835.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yeah....kind of like that...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Which is also why I always get Lois to proofread these posts...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAKZlUQYWTgr_WBGMKN5nLvSGN64BnRbrPI2l2wpAN5Exbj3IW_BVilmBPMacgEUnlmMUh6Z2AnTWnB-vKx3t9qXtpJVX4KV4-7gCGuTU4YmVK5KfNTjhmPVKczwQR2KLrNMzMkrX_DVc/s640/blogger-image-1675276920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAKZlUQYWTgr_WBGMKN5nLvSGN64BnRbrPI2l2wpAN5Exbj3IW_BVilmBPMacgEUnlmMUh6Z2AnTWnB-vKx3t9qXtpJVX4KV4-7gCGuTU4YmVK5KfNTjhmPVKczwQR2KLrNMzMkrX_DVc/s640/blogger-image-1675276920.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also...I may be a little distracted as I have re-injured (broken?) my thumb on a mtb ride last Saturday. Tested it on a (little?) road ride on Sunday, it is painful and swollen but survived the road ride....but it may be mostly road for the next couple (6?) weeks. So...still good to go...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So...maybe more of an update than you possibly expected...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There will be more...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Stay posted!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH99DdlTFcjmwihfPUdxMzPPmBybtzVIR2_AVDcVD6HCALObbol-SLiTrEWSuv6BiW_6cG_xFqleOMnZPryzDYRo_xYbSb1rmRVydAaetWZHfaehp96HZPi12nQuQ0io60v5CCyIqOMgX9/s640/blogger-image--1726442573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH99DdlTFcjmwihfPUdxMzPPmBybtzVIR2_AVDcVD6HCALObbol-SLiTrEWSuv6BiW_6cG_xFqleOMnZPryzDYRo_xYbSb1rmRVydAaetWZHfaehp96HZPi12nQuQ0io60v5CCyIqOMgX9/s640/blogger-image--1726442573.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Riothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09828751740046388022noreply@blogger.com0