Gear 2.0: Cyclo cross

There has been a new addition to stable Fortier this week, a cycle cross steed has been added to the lineup. What is cycle cross you ask? Well although this will be my first time doing cyclo races, I will try to explain what it entails. Let's start with the bike. Imagine a road bike, with beefier wheels, more aggressive tread and a canter leaver break system. Change the frame a bit so it's easier to shoulder the bike when you run with. Add an off road course with man made obstacle such as stairs, barrier and sand traps. Give a set amount of lap and make the race around 45 min in duration and voilà, that's cyclo cross in a nut shell. This sport is a true fall cycling one where rain, mud and sleet will not stop a race to take place. I always wanted to try it, starting next week I will! For the tech savvy my new bike is a Norco CCX outfitted with SRAM Rival grouping and mavic wheels. As usual Chris and the boys from Experience cycling build the bike and now I have to practice dismount, running with my bike and cornering. I will be competing in the UCI master +35 and I expect to have my butt kicked, as it is a very competitive division but it should be fun. As for the rest of the riding equipment needed, the standard helmet gloves applies and other apparel applies. Cyclo cross is a cheap sport compare to others, the bikes are relatively cheap, entry fees are reasonable and it's a good way to finish the season and is actually very spectator friendly. I will be taking part in 2 races next weekend so stay tuned. Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Cheakamus Challenge

Yesterday I was taking part in was is dubbed a fall classic. The cheakamus challenge is a 70 km mtb race from Squamish to Whistler. This was my third time and I was hoping to improve my previous time. Chris from the bike shop was there with couple of his friends, it was their pre stag festivies as Chris's friend is getting married soon. I had been debating using a camel back for the race as I didn't have anyone to feed me bottles along the way. I did end up to do bottle, bringing one extra to be dropped off by the organizers. As luck would have it, a friend of Chris was racing and her mom Jill offered to do bottles for me! Prior to the race I had a thought for one of my co worker who lost his battle with cancer a few years back around that time. Cancer touches everyone of us in one form or another so I felt grateful to be there and decided to give an extra effort for all people that couldn't be. At 10:00 sharp the race started. I seeded my self at front, wanting the benefit of the fast pace on the tar. At one point yours truly was leading the pack! I know it would be short live but I still enjoyed it. As we hit the gravel section, I was having a hard time keeping the 30 km/hrs + pace and lost the front pack. I settled into my race and kept forging on. The weather wasn't too bad but we had sections of rain. This race course is beautiful but there is a lot of climbing, and I mean a lot. I would cross the finish line in 3:46 quite pleased with my time. Good enough for 14th in my age group, 40 minutes behind the winner. No races for next weekend planned, but the week after that, cycle cross season is starting and I will be making my debut In this fall sport. Stay tuned for gear 2.0 as we will look at cyclo cross gear and yes, a different kind of bike. Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Whistler Gran Fondo

I was fortunate to score a last minute Whistler Gran Fondo who had been sold out for many months. What is the Gran Fondo? It's an organised road ride from Vancouver to Whistler with a total distance of 120 km. The ride was set to start at 7 am at the corner Burrard and Georgia. I arrived bright an early wondering what kind of temperature we would get, uncertain of what wear or not to wear. I opted for a vest, arm warmers and stuffed my light rain coat in my jersey. I was wearing the colors of the bike shop, Experence Cycling. As usual, Chris had look after my road steed and my Specialized Tarmac was ready to go. This ride was a self seeding process based on the time one thought they could book the 120 km. I decided to opt for the under 4 hours gate, which was directly behind the licence riders and celebrities. You can always tell you're in a big sporting event when you hear the buzz of helicopters over top. I never get tired of it, it actually bring a smile to my face. The licensed riders were off 10 min early and at 7 sharp, the gun went off. I had opted to be on the left side away from the curb. I was also eying team TNA as they looked like decent riders and figured I might be able to get in their draft. As the first kilometers went on, the field wad trying to sort itself out. There is a bit of an art when you ride in a group. If you ever watch the Tour the France, the field ride in a compact group, making full use of drafting principals. Once on the upper level, I saw a group in the distance, I figure this would be the guys I should be with a gave it all I could in order to catch up to them. I was able to catch up but I wad hopping I didn't burned my legs. The group was going at a pretty pace and the TNA boys that I had spotted earlier were in it. Funny enough, captain Canucks Trevor Linden was part of team TNA, so I would ride the entire race with him. I'm not one to bother people while they ride so I said hello and added a few biking comment along the way and sticked to make sure I was not to be dropped by my group, which meant no stopping at aid station. Although this wasn't a racing division everyone wanted a good finish and with about 5 km to go, the game of cat and mouse began, ridders trying to get the best position for sprint at the finish. With 1km to go, the pack was almost going full steam. I would end up crossing the line in 3:36:38 and I was quite happy with that. The overall winner came in 3:14 so i was not too far off. I would finished 14/390 in my age group, 58 overall in the Gran Fondo division and my speed average was a respectable 34 km/hrs I got to ride with Trevor Linden so it was a great day. What's in store for next week? The cheakamus challenge, a 70 km mountain bike race from Squamish to Whistler. As for the Gran Fondo, although they have some things to iron out, I will be there next year and highly recommend it, that you are a serious rider or that you just want to challenge yourself. Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Post Ironman blues

Well it's almost been a week since I was on the start line.  It is not uncommon for long distance and mutli sports competitors to experience post races blues.  I think I'm not immune to it.  The body is feeling good and it's now time to head back to training, I'll be heading to Squamish tomorrow for some much needed Mountain Biking.  I also have registered to the Whistler Gran Fondo.  A good friend of mine couldn't do it so I got his spot.  This event is a 120 km road ride from Vancouver to Whistler.  Although I won't be in the racing division, I will be seeding myself with the fast guys and see if I can keep up the tempo.  So next Saturday I will be up again, bright and early for a start from Granville and Burrard with 4000 people.  Enjoy the long weekend.  Happy Trails!

Carpe Diem