Biking

It was my first summer of committing time and energy into biking, ended up in 11 mountain and road races this summer. Being the rookie, started in Novice and moved up to Sport after a few races. The 6 HR Salty Dog race in Salmon Arm was a beauty course of uphill single track with a 10 minute super fun decent. With a May 3rd date, it was a great start to the seaosn. The Giver 8'er on June 1st in Calgary was another blast. I was happy with results at both these races. The Iron Lung and Canada Cup races at the Nordic Center were epic- great to have the coal chutes back. Summer Solstice in Bragg Creek was a blast with the climbs and lengthy descents. The Bow 80 Sept 14th was one of the most epic mtn bike races out there. Snow and mud greated us at the top of j -pound. Then without warning, my right shoe cleat was gone. All of a sudden I look down and no cleat! Hairy descent down j pound then killer climb up cox and even sketchier descent down cox. Doing all of this with 1 shoe clipped in was entertaining..so lucky no bails on the descents, tough climbs . 30 minute slug through calf deep mud on the tom snow trail topped it off. Just a mission to finish..frustrating about the cleat but all part of the fun...or something. Too bad as I was riding well, top 15 at j-pound. -. Road Started in Cat 5 - Stampede Race Masters A- 120km's beautiful day with rolling hills. Chain popped off with 100 feet to go as I sprinted away..5th spot. Bearspaw Race was a learning experience - be more patient. Provincials - patience paid off as I won Cat 5. Moved up to Cat 4. Too bad Norquay hill climb was same days as Bow 80, but Bow 80 was epic!!