Race Report: O-Cup #1, Mansfield

What. A. Weekend.

Athletes aren't the biggest fans of extra stress. We spend a lot of time preparing and planning to make sure that any distracting bullshit stays out of a race weekend. Alas, sometimes, it doesn't matter what kind of preparations you've made. Bullshit finds you anyway, and that's racing.

The "Pre-Ride"

Saturday morning, I got up, got some fuel for me and the van and headed out to pick up KK on the way to Mansfield for preriding. It was a perfect morning. Sun was shining, not too warm, but you could tell it would be turning into an amazing day on bikes. ... Or would it?

KK and were chit-chatting about how nuts things have been the past week — she's finishing her semester at school and all the accompanying exams and projects that go with it; I'm busy at work, and trying to stay on top of training while working on the Raw Food Book and packing up all my belongings for moving day May 1. "This is going to be such a great day" was the sentiment in the car. In fact, KK hadn't even had an opportunity to ride her mtb yet because she's been racing road with her new team, Nanoblur. But then ...

"What's that smell?" I asked. "Is it me?" Then we slipped back into more conversation about how stoked we were to get up to Mansfield, what a beautiful day it was etc etc, temporarily forgetting about the assault on our olfactory systems. But then sure enough, at the next light ...

"No really, I think that's me ... I better pull over."

And then our preride plans went up in smoke.

As soon as we came to a stop, I knew for sure we weren't going any further. Smoke was pouring out of my front wheel wells, (yep, both of 'em) and the smell was for sure coming from me. And so there on the side of Airport Road, our dreams for a perfect day of letting go of some stress and previewing the race course were over.

Long story short, we plunked ourselves down in a countryside-ditch then waited for a tow truck and a heroic friend of KK's to collect our gear and take KK home while I went for a ride with "Eric-the-tow-truck-driver" to the garage. About half way there, he told me the following joke:

Parental Advisory ...

Okay.

Q. What's the difference between a Ferrari and a freezer full of dead prostitutes?

A. I don't have a Ferrari.

*nervous chuckle*, Grrrrrreeeat. I'd like to get out now ...

Anyway ... so now what? No preride, that much is for certain. As for a ride to the race, KK came and got me later that evening and I spent the night up at her place (a little field trip back to my college days!) and then we took her car up to Mansfield on Sunday.

The Race



I had a great day. All the crap of the day before (the break-down, the "other" break-down, fighting with the garage [this is my THIRD time in for brakes in less than a month ... ahem], fretting over not seeing the course etc) turned into a big ball of hilarious and I bounced it to the very back of my mind, stopped taking myself so seriously and said hello to all the people I haven't seen all winter. Even Casey, of Kama Bay fame, was there supporting her beau who races in the 11:30 group. Oh, and as a little reprieve from the universe perhaps, the deluge the weather man had been calling for stayed away, as well as its accompanying low temperatures, making for near perfect racing conditions, all day long. You're welcome.

I headed out with KK for our warm up, and felt pretty good. I was excited to get out there, and mostly forgot about the fact that I'd never seen the course. Everyone was saying it was fast, soft, and fun with just a little bit of climbing at the start and half way through the lap.

The first lap was a little nerve wracking, but I stayed with the front of the race for most of it, jockeying for position between a few of my fellow mid-packers. I was a little tentative on the open sections because I wasn't sure when they'd close up again into single track. But that, and not knowing where the passing opportunities were for the riders overtaking me (from the men's categories that is) were the only limiters I found to not preriding. I found lines on everything the first try, at speed, and there was nary a dab to be had. So I guess I can stop fussing so much about preriding. Overrated!

The best part about my race was that even though it had definitely been a challenging weekend, I never once found myself in that place where I was wishing it was over, or praying for a flat tire. I was happy and cheerful the whole time, and I wasn't the only one. I got a ton of "hellos" as the guys' fields moved into ours, and Steve Neal was even kind enough to give me a wheel to draft for a little doubletrack-breather.

Although hilariously to me, I almost ended it early because my BRAKES failed in a fast loose corner, almost causing me to crash into the trees. Not sure how I kept it together, but I managed to stay upright. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a theme.

I managed to get around a couple girls and keep them behind me, with one more mark in sight coming into the last lap. I never caught her, but I WAS surprised to come around Devil's Drop on the heels of Helen Wyman, UK's national cyclo-cross champion and regular on the 'cross World Cup podium. She was in Ontario — I'm assuming — thanks to the Volcano keeping her here after P2A. The win went to Sue Stephens, with Heather Gray from Cycle Solutions in second and Sue Trimble (NORCO) back from "maternity leave" in third. I came 8th, and full results are up here. While I was hoping to be a little higher up the board, I knew coming into the season that I'd be using the early races to continue building fitness, so things are on track, and that's a great place to start. So I'm stoked.

As for KK, I'm sorry to report her derailleur decided to peace-out in the first lap, so her bad luck continued. I think something awesome must be coming her way this week. Her friend Ellen was along so I was happy to see her cheering at Devil's Drop, but a little taken aback that KK was standing beside her -- I hadn't realized she'd pulled out 'til then. Bummer.

So race day finished with an uneventful drive home (thank god), a sushi dinner for three (delivered!) and a movie on the couch at my place. That Willow Ufgood is one brave little Peck ... err ... Nelwyn.

Thanks to Dan for saving us on Saturday, KK for the driving, Ellen for the cheering ... and to all the others I saw out there either on course or off who yelled my name. Thanks to Sue from Arrow Racing for helping KK and I out with our feeds and as always, thanks to Sweet Pete's for all your help, especially Derek for the use of his wheel again this race, and in advance for fixing my brake problem ;) Til next time!

round and round and round and round.

Winter WOW

This weekend is the annual Winter WOW: the race that has historically been the end of my season ... or the beginning of the next.

This year, since I have been a lazy, H1N1 afflicted couch potato, I guess we'll call it the kick-off to 2010.

If you're interested in lining up on Sunday, here are the details:

• Day of registration fee: $50 in cash or credit (no cheques!)
• Location: Mansfield, 40km of no-laps single track! Never the same trail twice, folks!
• Start time: 10am, in two waves
• Extra incentive: Chili feed included in your entry fee (with BROWNIE!)

Interesting observation I hesitate to make, lest I jinx the whole thing, but I only get to race this thing about every-other-year because every-other-year, I've sold my bike by the time the race comes around.

So let me paint you a picture ...

• 2004 - I raced, bare arms and knee warmers
• 2005 and 2006 - I didn't race but I think it was wet and cold
• 2007 - I raced, and it was more than ten degrees out and sunny
• 2008 - I sold my bike and didn't race ... it was a suffer fest pushing through unrideable fresh snow.
• 2009 - Planning on showing up (especially now that I've posted it) and the forecast is looking like a repeat of '07.

... things that make me go "hmmmm". I wish I had the same kind of luck for Ocups!

Hope lots of ladies come out (KK ... I'm talking to you!!)

Race Report: Ontario Cup #1, Mansfield

The Ontario Cup mountain-bike series kicked off today at Mansfield Outdoor Education Centre near Alliston. The weather man promised sun and warm temperatures, and that had most Ontarians stoked for the first nice weekend -- especially mountain bikers. It is a little tradition of mine that my first day in shorts (and my first sunburn of the year) occurs at the Mansfield race.

For as long as I have been racing, Mansfield has been the first stop of the provincial series. Because of the unpredictable nature of the weather and conditions this time of year its sandy, well-draining soil makes it an excellent early-season venue. No matter what mother nature throws at us (notwithstanding lightening or Armageddon), chances are the racing will be a-ok. Plus, it's a nice mix of flowy tight single track and climbing which makes it a little easier on racers getting out on their first course after a winter of accumulating cobwebs. The course caters more to riders' fitness than technical skills.

The weather was indeed unpredictable, and the forecaster was totally off-base. Instead of a 30 degree sunny sky, we were treated to a 6 degree deluge. The sunny, hot pre-ride from the day before was a distant memory as we scrambled to find yet another layer to keep warm and dry. We were early for the race to help out Tara, a fellow racer who's start time was a couple hours before ours. So we mostly just killed some time chilling in the minivan, trying to stay out of the weather.



Watching the rain come down I was oddly calm. It wasn't long ago the thought of slippery roots and muddly trails would have had me tense with nerves, but I really think my weekend in BC helped with my comfort in that department.

Soon enough, it was time to suit up, get the bike ready and head out for a warm up (which considering the pummeling the elements were throwing at us turned out to be not very warm at all!) Problem ... where the eff is my skewer? I looked everywhere and couldn't find it, then thanked myself profusely for being prepared enough to bring a spare. It didn't have a quick release, but at least my wheel would be attached!! After that bit of drama, I was off to the warm up, and then the start line.

The weather was cool enough to require arm and knee warmers. When I put my arm warmers on, they were still a bit damp from my sweat the day before -- the result of overheating on the balmy pre-ride. Sigh.

Off the start, KK sprang into action. She charged up the first climb and Mandy (of Paris to Ancaster podium fame) was right on her wheel. I was third wheel and well aware of it. At the crest of the hill, we were treated to a long fast descent and I pedalled up into the big ring -- the meat and potatoes -- and closed the gap. Just as the course pitched up into the first single track, I surged forward and jumped in first. "Holy shit, I'm in front" I thought and then did my best to gap them. I led the pack for the entire first lap, pulling away, then getting pulled back and getting away again. I was so excited I could hardly concentrate but I wanted it. Bad.

KK let me have my lap of glory (sadly at the wrong end of the race ...) and teammates cheered from the side of the course and the feedzone as I hammered through first. Then KK took her turn at the front and never looked back. She went by me like I was going the other direction. I gave chase, but knew I couldn't maintain the pace on the climb we were grinding. I hoped to see her again in similar fashion to the first lap, but she was long gone.

Perhaps I went out too hard, but shortly after KK got by, Mandy appeared again. She passed on some of the more technical climbing on the course and got away. I kept her in sight, kept the pressure on and we battled for two laps giving and taking. At last, at the end of the third lap, I got by her for the last time. She commented, "not going to give it up this time are ya?" in reference to the Paris to Ancaster tilt from last weekend. "Not today!" I called over my shoulder and went in for my final lap.

I chased in vain for KK, while stressing out about another Mandy-coup, and then it was over. It seemed like I had been begging god for it to be over only five minutes before. But when I crossed the line, I had to check with other racers to make sure I got my lap count right. It felt like it flew by.

I grabbed my complimentary chocolate milk, high-fived KK and rode off smiling my head off to spin out my legs. Today was my first time up on the Elite podium. Oh what a feeling! Rounding it out were KK with the gold and Mandy with the bronze.




Hardware!
Last season's model of oak leaf ... nothing more to see here.

The Ocup Circus is in town!
KK and I chilled out (literally) trail-side
Liz, post Sport race, hiding from the downpour

Stay tuned for a more coverage from the OCA report and just for fun, check out Andrew's version of the 1:30 race from the Expert male cateogry.

Race Report: Paris to Ancaster

It took about 15 minutes for the sound of my alarm to penetrate my thick skull, but as I struggled to the surface, two long-missed words flashed across the insides of my eyelids. In neon. Race Day!

Behind schedule, and still not quite packed after the minivan mission, I sprang into action. I admit, my race day prep left something to be desired, but that's what the first race is for: practice.

I had a pretty modest breakfast -- just a bowl of cereal and a glass of water -- and then threw my gear into a bag and packed up the minivan. I promised myself a stop at Tim's for some caffeine and a bagel, but didn't realize I broke the promise until I picked up my race registration package in Ancaster. So much for that.

I handed over my baby to a man with a big truck and hoped for the best. He promised I'd see it again in Paris at the start line, so I took care of some final touches on my prep then got on the shuttle bus headed for the start line.

Wasn't long before I located KK. She peer-pressured me into doing the race, so in return we agreed we'd work together. Paris to Ancaster is a point-to-point race of varying terrain over 60km. It is billed as Ontario's Paris Roubaix, a spring European road classic. However, racers ride CX or XC bikes for our version -- it's not a road race.

The course includes some doubletrack, rail trail, farmers' roads and fields, paved roads, gravel roads and pretty much zero single track. Combined with today's near-constant headwind, it was a real winner out there. But at least it didn't snow!

P2A also boasts that they have the largest field of riders assembled in Canada. According to the results, more than 1,200 finished the race.

KK and I warmed up, then sidled up to the start line. We didn't have a terrible spot, but it wasn't awesome either. The race started and we didn't even really notice. It took another minute before the riders in front of us were moving and we were off, threading the needle over dusty roads trying to beat as many as possible onto the narrower rail trail.

I felt good right away. KK stayed on my wheel and expertly took her pulls too. In fact, I think I swallowed a rock her wheel kicked up. The two of us have been hacking up mudpies ever since we crossed the finish line.

The middle of the race was pretty much the same old boring P2A ... long stretches of straight roads, switching off pulls into the headwind. There were a few notable highlights: we passed some kids with a "sweet jump" built in their driveway, so I hit it and they cheered. There were some other kids in a farmers' field that wanted high fives and so of course we obliged. You'd think we were handing out gold bricks for how excited they were!

The end of the race had a good tilt. We successfully navigated the sloppy, muddy, sticky, clay-based mudslides (bike still caked -- too tired to care) and rounded that last corner onto the famous final climb. KK pointed out a mark for me and sent me on my way to chase her down. I was still feeling really good so I went for it. My legs didn't let me down and I passed her after a moderate effort and some mountain bike handling (she was on a CX bike which is basically a road bike but with knobby tires). I gapped her and started to focus on the ever-increasing pitch of the climb. I had my face almost right to the bar when I decided I ought to check back. I think that look over my shoulder added another couple logs to her fire because the next thing I knew she was passing me back. I battled with her for a bit, but not knowing her category or my ranking, made an oxygen-depraved decision to let her go. I finished right after her as the finish line was basically the crest of the hill.

I finished strong, felt like a champ and put to rest my insecurities about having worked alone (ie without a coach) this winter to prepare for the season. So if I'd just got into the car and come home straight after my cool down, I'd have been super stoked. But it turned out there was a bonus! All that work added up to a silver medal! So I got to take home some hardware along with my big grin. KK was right behind me and shared the podium too. Oh yeah, the girl on the hill won our category. I'm lazy and she deserved it :)


Women's 20-29 Podium: KK bronze, Me silver, Mandy gold

Overall Women's Podium: Alison Sydor, gold; Melissa Bunn, silver; Michelle Cordy, Bronze
Crowding around to check results

The first thing you see when you come into the arena ... priorities!

A little piece of history (belonging to a giant).