Crank The Shield - Day 0

So here we are in Bracebridge Ontario, the night before the first CTS. It's a 3 day mountain bike stage race starting in Buckwallow and ending in Haliburton. Where the hell we are in proximity to anything else, I have no idea. Somewhere near the Moskoka's (Toronto cottage country). Due to a scheduling conflict my wife and much of our riding group are spending the weekend at a B and B in Vermont in trail heaven; great riding, nice dining and relaxation. Meanwhile I'll race with strangers for 6 hours a day and sleep in a unheated bunkhouse with a dozen other farting guys.
Originally I secretedly signed up to race with my buddy Iain, on his singlespeed. When he pulled out due to their pregancy, I revealed that I'd entered. Fortunately Stew (of BCBR) recruited his friend Dan to enter. We loaded up the Xterra (just like the brochure with 3 mtbs on the roof) and drove up together. A 6 hour drive (with construction) but scenic and I just turned where told to, so no thinking involved. They'll be racing as a team while I entered solo.
Tonight we're staying a their friend's, (Ken's) place, who were nice enough provide us with comfortable accomadations. We met his lovely family and started organizing our gear. Somewhat uncertain as to what to fit into the one bag as the temperature could vary 20 degrees during the day.

Prep and goals...
Wasn't motivated to train so I spent the summer riding for fun then took a few days break to prepare. Will likely show in the results but I'm mostly interested in enjoying the ride, not on a top performance. Actually not nervous at all about the event which is kind of nice. Looking forward to ride same new trails, meet some new people and have a new experience on my bike.

When I return to the office on Monday I will have experienced something on the weekend that will last a lifetime.

Thanks for reading, please post your comments and I hope that you enjoy the posts.

Race starts at 10:00, so up at 7:00 and away we go!!!

Uncle Mike


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Day 7 - Final

After a Tim Horton's breakfast the 2 families loaded into the rental car and headedd to Whistler. The Sea to Sky highway was under construction preparing for the Olympics but delays weren't an issue.

A very unrestful night with congestion and sore throat left me feeling exhausted going into the final stage stage. After a week of being a bystander to injuries and illness, it appears that it was my turn. As we prepared our gear in the parking lot, there was Wally with Mathieu on his back. Final prep and wiring of my helmet cam and we were off to the start.
It started in the Village and quickly turned up the hill. Though it was to be a short day (49 km and 5 hours or so) I immediately realized that I was going to have to dig deep. We climbed, and climbed, and climbed...
Stew was up ahead and creating a large gap as I tried to keep churning my granny gear up the long access road towards the top of the mountain. Hoping to rejoin on the dh, being this far back would mean having to navigate through LOTS of riders with more lungs than skills. When we finally got into the woods, that was just how it was.
There was some nice singletrack, but lack of flow (due to traffic) and fatigue limited my enjoyment.

The trails were sweet. Segments of singletrack connected by some service roads, doubletrack and streets. The trails included smooth packed limestone zig zagging into the hillside, choppy and cross rooted trails tangled through the forest and rolling fast paths. There were also steep windy descents and the occassional ladder bridge to ride.

Wearing the helmet cam, I had to quickly reach for the switch when things seemed interesting. Unfortunately I couldn't always let go of the bars during some of the best stuff to start filming.

Finally while churning up a steep fireroad, I saw Stew awaiting above a switchback. My legs had nothing in them, so I spent the ride in auxilary power, just trying to finish it.

As we rode together down the mountain face to the first feed station, our families awaited shouting encouragement. Half way finished! More of the same (fortunately minmal sustained climbs). Saw several familiar riders which reassured me that we weren't in too bad of a position. Fatigue was demonstrated in other riders when they just toppled over for seemingly no reason. Similiarly I was impressed with how people were able to continue to stay on the bike as they struggled up steep and long hills, many of which I had to walk. At one point we saw a black bear in the bushes.

Volunteers were amazing during this race; providing info, encouragement and direction. In some cases, the remaining distance info was often inaccurate. In this case, we were told there were 12km left, 3 km later - 15 km left, then finally (w km later) another feed station. Feeling better, but still tired our families (and Wally's) were there too. A volunteer swore that there were only 5km left so we continue on. Knowing that little remained - found some more energy and after 5 actually kilometers - the finish!! We crossed the line with our hands held high to the applause of our families! Finisher medals were presented, t-shirts handed out, and some other swag.

Recovery on the lawn, some food, then off to the hotel to get cleaned up for the final banquet.

It was quite the race: lots of complications and setbacks, but lots of great riding too. Seven days of doing the sport I love, surrounded by other enthusiasts, a great vibe, and a shared with a great race partner. Now for the more relaxed portion of my vacation.

First to get over this damn cold!!

Bye for now!

Mike
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Day 6

A little further back in the start gate than ideal, we worked our way through the pack in the first few kms of asphalt climbing as we left town. Then into the woods. Already in a reasonable position and going strong, there were minimal hold ups and we gained altitude on doubletrack and fast flowing trails. Then a boardwalk over a bog. You had to balance but no major log jams. Then back to some up and down climbing through mixed technival trails. We were amongst some good riders and I felt for one of the first times in the race, that we were where we belonged in the field. Steep sandy climbs would appear and you'd have to resist temptation to walk, encouraged by the peer pressure of the riders ahead and behind. As I paused to wait for Stew ( and take a leak), I recalled our team discussion the night before, and decided to take the opportunity to spread by wings on the technical terrain. Originally climbing, then flying through some very steep, sandy, and technical descents, I was amongst some very strong riders with whom we hadn't really ridden to this point. Most were all of similiar levels with the occassional person who was evidently more fit than technically competant. They would hold up the pack for a while but then you could eventually get by and hammer through some pretty rough and steep sections - with only feet between you. On one particularly steep and narrow descent, a thin person went down quite hard in front of me, but before I had time to yell "coming through" they'd partially clipped in and were bouncing through the next portion. When the trail turned to a fireroad descent they started to motor. At that point I realized it was a female team. The team immediately got into formation and picked up a very fast pace which I opted to draft versus trying to overtake. They meant business!!
As I commenced up a climb I could see the feed station so pulled over to eat, stretch and encourage passing riders while waiting for my partner. (Feed stations have a rider check-in and a separation of over 2 minutes gets you a 1 hour penalty.). I watched as riders which I'd overtaken worked there way by - some of whom seemed surprised to see me standing there in a relaxed manner. Everybody that went by seemed to be working hard and competing. Before too long Team Winded went by. They looked a little winded but determined. I did make it a point to mention the 6 minutes which I'd surrendered by waiting, (but who's counting...) And expected that it may provide some motivation for the major climb ahead.
When Stew joined me we went through the feed station and began the climb. My legs were now cold and I felt powerless. Stew climbed strong as I tried to go into reserve mode and just complete the 40 minute or so climb then would catch him on the DH. His pace didn't slow and eventually he was out of sight. As the top FINALLY approached, a final surge. "Snap!" My chain broke. Now my catching up and not costing the our team time was in question.
After a rather long and complicated chain repair (where a tonne of teams went by) I was back on the bike with a mission. Must catch Stew! First I hammer down the wooded trail which was about 6 feet wide and scattered with loose grapefruit and smaller-sized rocks and gravel. Rider by rider I overtook a multitude of teams. Next was steep, large rock, root, and drop scattered technical descending. I felt like a skier on a steep mogal run and I danced the bike over, between, and around the obstacles on my mission. Normally more cautious, it was thrown to the wind as I flew through the terrain faster than I probably ever have. When slower riders finally surrendered their position, I disappeared ahead and scampered through the next portions. YEEEHAWW!!! Then steep sandy descents with switchbacks, some cheering spectators on the hillside, and more wooden bridges. As I approached what I assumed was the end - it was STEW!! No time was lost. Then the feed station, more technical, and down towards the finish. A bit longer than expected the last few kms consisted of high speed bike paths and a few rd crossings. Stew elected to overtake a team and we powered into the finish. There were our families, waiting to greet us after a week apart.

A nice evening and dinner out, I thumb in the last few keys and rest for the final day tomorrow.

Thanks for reading.

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sent by Blackberry

Day 5 - part 2

So after lots of work and varied terrain the "ultimate singletrack experience" begins. Technical chop climbs us up along a ridge which becomes more packed and flowing. Lots of man-made bridges. These are typically well constructed of slats of split wood and usually range from 1-4 feet wide and from 4-20 feet long. They can just go accross a boggy section or cross a massive gorge where falling could result in death. In some instances they are just large logs with the tips flattened. While riding them close to the ground is no big deal, it gets trickier when you're high in the air. After working my way through several teams - found myself alone flying through a roller coaster of singletrack. You could hammer and flow, hammer up shoots, weave between trees, nail sharp switchbacks and dance the bike through rooty sections. At one point banks had been built up on the corners so you can lean your bike way down as the centrafugal force would allow you to rise and shoot out to the next corner. It was like being on a louge. After a very long descent it was some high speed paths which lead into the finish area. Wow - that was fun!

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sent by Blackberry

Day 5 - Singletrack at last

That's right, after only singletrack teasers, today we hit the motherload.

The day started with us hitchhiking to the base camp (no sign of the shuttle). A nice lady, who happened to be the sister of one of the racers, gave us a lift in her pickup on the way to work. Breakfast in the arena then into the gates.
We literally stood on the side of the street in out bike gear and with duffle bags, with our thumbs out.
No problem, arrived with time to spare.

As previously mentioned, a neat aspect of this race is that it has everyday weekend warriors alongside some of the world's top racers. This morning I had a good chat with Shamus McGrath, on the race, the past TR, his plans for the Olympics, competitors and riding in general. Yesterday Andreas Hestler and I chatted about a variety of topics, then tonight Chris Eatough and I had a good conversation in the hotel laundry room. Funny because Wally lent me a video of Chris' training for his 4 world solo 24 hour championships which I watching while doing some indoor riding this Winter. Then when I arrived back in the room and opened an mtb magazine, there was a full page of him holding a Bobtrager wheelset. I mentioned the video and Wally to him and suggested an introduction in Whistler.

The race. Stew wasn't feeling well this morning, but that quickly burnt off as we rolled out of town. traffic is stopped at intersections, cones set up, cars pulled over and other people are on the street cheering you on. Most towns are very warm in this regard and recognize the economic benefits of hosting/supporting these types of events.

While it was only today, so much has been covered that it's actually hard to remember what we rode, other than the highlights. Distinguishing one day from the other is also hard.

Some pavement, gravel rodes, then up and down the doubletrack under powerlines.

More very long doubletrack and Fsr (fire service road) riding with pieces od technical thrown in the sonnect them. I felt fine, but the legs were feeling tired. Then some trails in the woods including a long climbs with switchbacks and a few bridges.

We finished, showered, washed and loaded the bikes, then awaiting the ferry crossing to Horseshoe Bay

More later. Falling asleep.
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sent by Blackberry

Day 4 - Happy Canada Day!

4:00 AM and the alarm starts to ring. We have 30 minutes to be ready to catch the shuttle which will eventually get us to the BC Ferry (a title sponsor) to get us to the mainland.
A few logistic hiccups, but we get there. Breakfast on the ferry and great views of ocean and mountains all the way. More conversations with fellow riders then a short bus ride to a second ferry. People prep on the short ride and the race starts from the dock.
From the start my legs felt tired, but hoped to work it away. Started at a good pace and passed a lot of people on the hills leaving the town. 10 minutes in and a flat... Took way longer than it should have, but spinning the Stans fluid around the sides, an inspection and a quick CO2 inflate solved the problem. Team winded rode by as we did the repair along with several other familiar teams. Back on and our passing resumed.
Many other teams were beside the trail dealing with issues as well. Then one of them yelling for duck tape. It was the team that outsprinted us the night before. I pulled over and provided mine along with some other supplies to help then try to solve the 3" slash in the tire. Both stops cost us about 7 minutes. Not sure the fate of that team.
A good day but the toughest for me thus far. Stew was solid all day and while we exchanged positions with teams all day, for the most part we did the passing. Again it's surprising at the variety of people that you meet. 2 tall thin riders with matching jerseys and that aero cycling look, then further ahead a woman's team one of which did not have a cyclist's physique... Solid pacing, more new choppy singletrack which FINALLY turned to sweet singletrack. We hammered solid for the last 3km and finished our fourth day. A quick shower and bike wash and then the shuttle to the hotel. Upon arrival I find out that there was a screw up in our booking. A call to the VP at the travel agent and wound up with separate rooms.

Just got an email from Stew who went do do some laundry... "Went to town and all the mats were closed. Now I'm at a camp site waiting because another prick from BCBR felt he needed three washers and wasn't willing to put his stuff in two. What do you say we let air out of his truck tire tonight! "

I brought a video and helmet cam but no camera. Here are a few things that I would have liked to take a picture of. Visualize these...

- a woman in the pharmacey with about 5 containers of various zinc oxide/diaper rash products. (Consecutive hot days resulted in saddle sores en masse)
- a large pile of bear crap with a mtb tire thread going through the middle of it. (We're biking through bear country and regularly see there droppings on the trails)

Hope you had a great Canada Day!

Mike
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Day 3 part II

As the race progressed we worked our way through the field, again meeting a lot of familiar faces and riders that we'd met previously. In many cases there is a team member feeling stronger than the other, so conversations start up while they wait for or try to catch their partner. We talked to lots of people from Colorado, Calgary, ...
Conversation usually starts with "how you doing?". "First race", "where are you from" and related small talk. After meeting repeatedly, you learn about them and expand the conversation. I can't seem to remember any names, so typically refer to them by city. "How ya doing Seattle?"
Those that don't talk are usually suffering and can't spare the energy. Unlike some shorter races or other sports, people are very supportive of one another. When a rider goes down (wipes out), is keeled over, looks to be in pain, or is standing beside the trail; passing riders almost always offer help.

One woman's team from Ottawa who we seem to encounter every day is always cheery and upbeat, and I never would have guessed that one of them was on an IV shortly after she had inquired about Stew's state (prior back injury and dehydration issues) and offered encouragement.

Lots of gradual climbing which was a good way to gain altitude, which I was mindful of. Also some very high speed loose gravel downhills, which can give an adreneline shot as you try to round corners which could result in dire consequences.

Stewart put in a solid ride but was experiencing some knee issues which penalized his attempts at working harder.
I felt extremely strong for the first 60/80 km, but began to feel the pinch as the day wore on and looked forward to the singletrack. Also has a knot in my trap that hurt pretty bad.
Then it came, but not as expected. It was great terrain that zig-zagged along the steep enbankments. It was obvious that someone had put a lot of work into it, but it was new unpacked dirt that was extremely choppy and hard to ride. Not particularly challenging, a stark reminder that you can't underestimate the terrain when we passed a rider with a freshly broken wrist, being attended to by the motorbike medic. Then, finally, some packed singletrack with high speed flow. At one point I saw a junction but noted the trail flag over a ladder bridge to the right, which I took. It started off with a wide ramp, but then it turned into just a log. Maybe it was less, but I remember it being about 6" off of the ground with various logs and debris underneath. Falling would have meant getting hurt. I was getting nervous as I tried to maintain a line in the centre until it rejoined a ramp on the far side. (This is about 5 hours into the ride and my trap was hurting!). As I got my wheels back on the wood slats, "Wack" my bar hit a tree and snapped my wheel sideways. Fortunately I caught by balance avoiding what could have been a race-ending fall. Phew! Seems that could have been marked better.
As I counted down the km's remaining we saw Peter and Anthony, another team from Ottawa who passed us. Unfortunately we weren't able to stick with them.
Finally we popped out on a fianl flat stretch and sprinted to the finish with another team.

We crossed the line and began the post ride process.

Something that you note when looking at the participants is just how fit everyone looks. While the average age seems to be mid to late thirties, there are people who are absolutely ripped and in their fifties. Middle-aged women with veins in their calves and biceps are normal. Interesting too, is that physical appearance seems to have very little with actual performance.

Opting to get to the hotel, we skipped the evening ceremonies and grabbed a steak at the hotel restaurant.

Tomorrow promising some great singletrack.

UM
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