Pumpkin cross

As what would prove to be true cross conditions, I was at the pumpkin cross yesterday in Maple Ridge. The usual suspects were all there and as usual, the master division was by far the biggest field. Although the downpour had stopped, the course was very muddy! Even more due to the fact that we are the last group with cat 1/2 to take the course. The number of laps always changes from race to race. This race Was 5 laps and by the end My bike was so covered in mud that I couldn't see any of it's components! If you are curious about the races, they usually are on utube. No race for me next weekend, I know it's shocking, there is actually a break in the cross season. I will be at the Haney to Harisson relay race in 2 weeks. Hope you all enjoyed the beautiful weather we have been having, I think the rain is here for a while. Happy trail!

Carpe Diem

Thriller cross

I woke this morning to the sun reflecting on the frost. I was heading to Bellingham for a cross border cyclo cross race with my friend Roy. Once in Bellingham, I found out that their master division was +40 which would mean that I would have to race Men A which is the equivalent of cat 1/2 here, meaning that I would be racing with the fast guys. The weather was great and the course long, and challenging. A lot of canadians came down for this race as there was a a break in the BC cup schedule. I try my best but as the lap were adding,I was caught by the leaders in my division meaning that would do 6 laps instead of 7. I'm pretty sure I finished last in this race but the experience and the weather made worth it. As for Roy, he finished second in master. I finally found out the results from the race last week, I finished 26/38 earning a few points in the BC cup ranking. Hope you enjoy your weekend and the weather. Il be back at it next week in the BC cup races at the pumpkin cross inn Maple Ridge. Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Escape velocity cyclocross

As I went to bed last night, I was hoping that the monsoon would stopped and that we would have somewhat of a decent day for today's race. As usual my buddy Roy was racing with the addition of Sean Clark, who reps for blue seventy amongst other things. We are in the same race division as as usual Roy was called up to the second line and suprisingly I was called on the third line. Sean wasn't called because it was his first race. This course was a maze with lots of turns and a fair amount of dismount. As we started racing I was hanging to the majority until I took a corner to quick, crashed and had to put my chain back in place. I tried to catch up again but to no avail. I was able to pass 4 guys in total. It was a challenging course but the weather hold up till the end of the race. Roy did great, finishing in the top ten and Sean was ahead of me as well. I wish you all happy thanks giving! Remember the turkey doesn't make you sleepy, it's an urban myth, we feel tired because we usually eat lots, so enjoy! I might be going to Bellingham for a cross race next weekend, stay tuned. Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

First week of cyclo cross!

Well I lined up saturday afternoon at new Brighton park for my first cyclo cross race. Me and 40 other master were lineup at the start. The start is very important in cyclo cross and usually the first three rows get called by name. As I was new I was relegated towards the back of the pack. As the race started, a mad pace was set and I was rally hoping that itbwould subside, alas that would not happen. This race would be a sprint for 45 min or so. The loop was about 3 km and had couple of sand trap, barrier and some hills. I would unfortunately get lap by the leader in my age group as the final lap or bell lap went off, signaling that my heart rate would resume normality one lap early. I would finish 30/40 and hope that sunday would get easier. Sunday was at Vanier park and although the loop seem a bit easier with only a set of stairs and an uphill barrier, it was longer. Again 45 of us were lined up for the start but this time my name was called on the third row. Another mad sprint ensued but my tired legs from the day before would start protesting after the second lap. The though part is you never know who's head of you and who's behind. I would not be lapped by the leader of my age group this time but I would finished 38/43, not a great finish. I hope to do better this weekend coming up where I will be in Forshore park in burnaby for my 1300 start. Hope to see you there! Happy trails

Carpe Diem

Cyclo races this weekend

Well this Saturday and Sunday I will make debut with cyclo cross. Saturday the race take place at New Brighton park in east Vancouver, Sunday will be at Vanier park closer to down town. Both of my races start at 1300 and it's a great spectator sport so come by if you feel like it to cheer me on, races only last 45 minutes. As usual I'll be wearing the shops colours red and white. Happy trails!

Carpe Diem