Day 3

The day started off with a great breakfast, some camaraderie with cabin mates and then the bag drop.
We rode about 10km to the starting area at Sir Sam's ski resort and assembled at the starting gate. The ride was good to work out the stiff legs and prep the new brake pads for another day of racing.
The announcers tried to work the crowd with banter as music played . Again, the top finishers were able to position at the front while the rest of the field selected a place in the line-up. Iain had 23 seconds to make up to achieve first, while there was no real pressure on our team. As mid-packers the objective was just to stay strong and finish the day.
Though there had been some rain the evening before, we were told that this would finally be a dry day - that news was extremely welcomed.
It was cool but warming up as people peeled of the extra layer and awaiting the start.

So we were off and the climb up some gravel doubletrack began. As always, everybody blast out of the gate until finally settling into their proper position. The problem can be that unless you do the same, it's easy to find yourself stuck behind less technically proficient riders when you hit the singletrack. I began picking my way through the crowd as I settled into a comfortable heart rate. The trail turned back down then we re-climbed the hill via a series of well designed switchbacks which made the vertical gain quite comfortable. Trevor was a few places back and I could hear him talking to a rider near him - his voice was not particularly belaboured by the effort. What surprised me a little was the physique of the some of the people around me - particularly the woman right in front. Though I'm large for a cyclist at nearly 200 lbs, most of the that body mass has a practical application in sport. OK, we'll leave it at that...
After what turned out to be a very pleasant climb, the swooping, bermed singletrack (apparently DH) descent began. Many of the same people that held strong on the climb were now past their comfort zone and some log-jamming started. Once passing a few people, I played as much as possible on the course by taking as many jumps as I could and going high on every berm. At the bottom a pavement section followed and continued until around the 18km mark.
An interesting situation happened when I passed the 3rd place solo women with whom we'd had breakfast. As I was cruising on the road, I almost took the opportunity to pull her for a while. What stopped me was the realization that if I did, it would be to the detriment of my friend Tanya (Vegan Vagabond) who was working to hold on to the second place position.

Soon the hydro-line trails began which consisted of gravel, rock-strewn ups and downs. These can be quite challenging but I noted that many of the people around seemed somewhat comfortable on this, based on their speed. I assumed that this must be the more typical type of trails for most. Soon Trevor and I regrouped and eventually hit the first aid station. There was no need to refill my Camelbak but I took the time to chat with 2 time Olympian Shamus McGrath who was part of a ride with contestant winner program. I had seen and chatted with him at prior BC Bike Race and Transrockies events, so it was cool to chat. What was cooler still was that we then followed him and his teammate for the next 30 minutes or so, watching how he rode sections and listening the advice that he was giving. Something that should be considered in these conditions is the quick deterioration of the state of the trails. What is simply wet trails to the front of the field quickly turns into a hike-a-bike mud slog for most others. This must have been really apparent to Shamus who would usually be at the very front.

Then we were back into singletrack trail. While this is usually a good thing, this was not the case. It started with muddy unridable steep climbs and most of the next several hours consisted of repeat "cattle-yard" stretches that had us on and off of our bikes. Trevor and I stayed close, taking turns leading the march. Most of the riders around us shared the same sentiment.
Near the end we encountered the Woodbury's who were completing their day on the short course. I'm very impressed with this husband and wife team who have done an amazing number of these events throughout the years and still have the drive to keep doing them (and the fortitude in their marriage to stay together).

Finally about a km of gravel road and we rode into the finish. Thank God it is over!
I quickly loaded my bike and gear in the van and proceeded to have a beer and excellent bbq feast that awaited. Then the awards ceremony and prizes. BurnE and Stew pulled off a first place in the 100+ category, Iain retained his same time of 23 seconds back - earning him a second, and Tanya also received a second place in the Solo Women's category.

What of Trevor and I you ask? Well, we didn't stand on the podium but we did finish this challenging event as a team that had no issues with equipment, nutrition, injury and most importantly - each other.
We met lots of great people, had great food and finally got to be a team in an mountain bike stage race.

I'd be dishonest if I claimed that I wasn't a little bothered that our team result wasn't at all representative of my current level of fitness nor our potential, but it is what it is. We worked successfully as a team and I have absolutely no regrets in completing this event as such.

I hope that you enjoyed following the event and I look forward to reading your comments.
Some photos will be added soon.

UM - Team Inflatables