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