BC BIKE RACE
Reporting in from the 2009 BC BIKE RACE.
Did the first edition of this back in 07 with my teamate Kip Mikler from BIKE magazine. Our only goals then we’re to finish and still be friends after the seven days. This time around I’m racing solo, so in theory, it should be a little easier for me - right? We’ll, not so sure about that.
So I’ve made it through five stages and finally rolled into beautiful Squamish this afternoon where we’ll be for the next two nights. The 08 S-works Stumpy is running well, except for a blown rear shock on yesterdays stage. I milked it through today w/ mostly smooth steady seated climbing, but after checking in w/ bike tech this afternoon, I learned that for $30 I could get a brand spankin new one! Schwing! That’s easier than if I was back home in Moab. Hope it’s as easy as it sounds. Hmmm…
Today’s stage was 65K w/ let’s just say, thousands of feet of climbing. The singletrack today, and all week for that matter was truly world class. While the mileage may not be what LaRuta or TransRockies is, riding very technical singletrack for 4 hrs at race pace can certainly make you a little blury eyed. Currently I’ve managed to climb into 3rd place in the G.C. for my group (over 40 solo male). Some blistering fast guy name Roger from NorCal Bike Shop in Santa Rosa is kicking our arses. (Thanks Glen -he’s probably your shop ringer!). Everyone here is super casual though. No attitudes and just a great vibe around the camp and in the pits. The staff that Deane Payne has put together is unbelievable in every way and it really shows what a great promoter he is. Thanks Deane and thanks BCBR staff! Just one more big stage left here in Squamish tomorrow, then our finale in Whister on the 4th of July, then, well, you know what Americans do on the 4th - right?
heh heh heh