So I FINALLY upgraded my phone. (Yeay me!) Now, like most of the world, I can access the internet and post photos to Facebook. Lets hope this trial with a blog post from my new phone works. (It will make things a bit easier at TransRockies- assuming we get a data signal or WiFi.) Here we go… take a look at our essential drink mix. Ooh. Ahh. Fancy.
A race in review….
In our typical fashion, Jeff and I arrived to the registration table 30 minutes before they closed. I was so relieved we had made it on time. The plan is always to get somewhere early, but it seems that the farther we travel, the greater the chances for a delay. (Don’t worry mom, this is something we’ll have in mind for the entire TransRockies travel experience.)
“OH MY GOSH!!!” the lady a the registration table exclaimed. “You’re the two racing on a tandem! We’ve been waiting all afternoon to meet you two.”
Oh my gosh was right! What was she talking about?! “No,” I told her, “I had registered us as a two person team (each riding our own bike), but definitely NOT as a tandem.” The last thing Jeff and I would want to do is sit for 70 miles on the same bike. (Never mind the fact that we don’t even OWN a tandem bike.) She was so excited, poor lady; I hated to burst her bubble.
I had personally taken on the task of registering us on-line. Looking back, in that moment while we stood confused at the registration table, I remembered the process being the most complicated registration that I had ever experienced. (The light bulb went on.) Did I want to register one person or two? Well, two, of course. But when the time came for me to type in Jeff’s information… they didn’t even ask for it. I thought that was odd.
Woopsie. Five hours of driving, including a 30 minute ferry ride across Lake Champlain, and I had messed up the darn registration. Fortunately, the registration ladies were amazing. They took us from tandem status and gave each of us our own bib number. (Maybe it helped that I shared the same birthday with one of them!)
Regardless of our individual race status, Jeff and I raced together. More often than not, we ride together when we train. There may be a small gap from time to time, but we generally stay together. (And I try as hard as I can to keep up with Jeff so I don’t get lost.)
This was to be our training race most similar to TransRockies. With our matching Fresh Bikes kits, and rested legs, we took off on the 108 km course (and prepared for the 10,000 ft of elevation that we’d be climbing throughout the day). This would be a bit more extreme than a typical TransRockies day, but it would certainly give us a sense of what the climbing will look like in BC.
This is serious business!
The course was fast. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a lot of single track; it was mostly double track, dirt roads. The race started and ended at Whiteface Mountain and took us exploring around jeep roads near Jay and Saddleback Mountains before the final climb up the front side of Whiteface. (As you know, I love climbing!) This portion of the race was the highlight for me- a make or break moment. Jeff and I started the final accent in a good space. I had just revived from my “oh my God I have no water left, I’m gonna die” moment… and things were good. We peddled up most of the climb, passing a lot of people who were , at that point, walking uphill. Peddling was certainly faster, but challenging. The climb was loose gravel, and it was steep.
Just before the summit I passed the 5th place woman. We battled back and forth from this point, down the descent to the finish. I passed her on the climb, she passed me on the crest of the peak, and then entered the final single track portion just ahead of me. With Jeff in tow, egging me on to make the big move, we waited for an opportunity to jump ahead. With her one wide turn, Jeff and I took the lead by bypassing the go-around and taking the more technical jump over a large rock and back onto the trail. We pushed, giving everything we had left in the final 1/4 mile of the race. Crossing the finish line together was a great moment… as it always is.
Jeff might argue how great the race was or how good he felt about his riding that day. But I felt fantastic, and being there, I know that Jeff had a solid day too. With such a thrilling sprint to the finish, I felt pretty darn good about a podium position (and a 5th place overall result in such a strong women’s category). (Plus the good beer and great company after the race was over added to such an amazing day.)
When the first place woman in our catagory turned down the entry into Leadville, and they looked at me and asked, “Meghan, do you want to go to Leadville?” My hesitant response was, “… no thanks, not this year.” Leadville would be awesome but I have other prioritize.
As we all know… this year is all about TransRockies!
It’s looking good! Checking the weather forecast too far in advance can cause heartache and pain… as the old New England saying goes, “if you don’t like the weather, wait a minute”. Fortunately, Jeff and I aren’t traveling in New England. Let’s hope this forecast holds true.
Looks to me like we’re in for a few days of perfect temperatures and sunshine. And *what the heck* for good measure let’s throw in a 100% chance of bike riding fun.
We fly in on Wednesday. The race starts on Friday. YEAH!!!!!
The Fernie, BC forecast…
Fueling up before heading back out onto the course
Jeff and I raced together for the first time at Great Glen, an outdoor center at the base of Mount Washington, NH, in August 2010.
That year I had hoped to race either at Great Glen, or across the street at The Wildman (a run, bike, and hike up and around Wildcat ski area).
As a sponsor of Great Glen, Jeff knew he’d be racing. The only debate this season for him was, “do I race the 12-hours solo, or find a teammate for the 24-hour race.”
As chance would have it, we met at the Vermont Mountain Bike Festival a month before the race and agreed to be teammates. A perfect combination timing and chance.
Jeff and I didn’t really know each other at this point but we raced well as a team, placing 1st in the co-ed duo category.
A quick exchange of the team baton before jumping back on the bike
Our team name from this year has stuck with us for every other duo race that we’ve ridden since this time. It only seems appropriate that we’d continue with that name for TransRockies.
Keep an eye our for us; we’re the two cyclists on Cannondale bikes, riding under the name:
C-Dale Bike
Rafter 6 Ranch to Canmore, BC
As quoted on the TransRockies website, “our final stage takes us up the beautiful Bow Valley to the town of Canmore, just outside Banff National Park. This stage features the TransCanada Trail, fun singletrack riding leading to the town of Canmore. Once in the town, the route will explore some of the Quarry Lake trail network, and then into the Canmore Nordic Centre, host venue of the 1988 Winter Olympics and UCI Mountain Bike World Cup racing from 1998-2000. Finally, the route will descend into the Town of Canmore and the cheers of the assembled crowd on Canmore’s Main Street.”
The thought of a cheering crowd along the streets of Canmore, reminds me of the bittersweet end of The Ultimate XC back in June, 2011- our door to the TransRockies adventure…
Stage 7: Distance, 45.6 km (28.3 miles). Climbing, 1250 m (4,101 feet)
Little Elbow Campground to Rafter Six Ranch
As quoted from the TransRockies website, “our “Queen Stage” will be one of the funnest days [riders] will have on a mountain bike. Our longest stage with significant climbing, stage 6 will also be the most rewarding, with dozens of kilometers of marquee mountain trails that will challenge your stamina and riding skills, and reward with fantastic ridgeline views and incredibly fun descents. Locals will surely recognize Powderface Creek Trail, Prairie Creek Trail, Jumpingpound Ridge Trail, Coxhill Ridge Trail, and Lusk Pass Trails as some of the best rides in the area.”
If I finish this stage saying that it was the “funnest” thing I’ve ever done, someone please hit me with a bike pump. Riding 71.5 km and climbing over 2,200 meters sounds like another LONG day. BUT, I anticipate the experience of TransRockies to be unlike anything that Jeff and I have ever done… a once in a lifetime race and certainly, one of the most gratifying adventures that we’ve ever embarked on.
OK, this isn’t me in the photo… but it will be!
If you visit the TransRockies website, you’ll see some of the most picturesque photos- cyclist riding ridge lines with the Rocky Mountains jutting out from the horizon. I can’t wait for a photo like that! We haven’t figured out how we’ll be able to take pictures and post to the blog while we’re in BC, but we’ll try.
Distance, 71.5 kn (44.4 miles). Climbing, 2200 m (7218 feet)
Little Elbow to Moose Mountain
Did they say Moose Mountain?!
(I suppose that’s better than Cougar Mountain.)
As described on the TransRockies website, “stage 5 features an incredible loop of mountain bike trails. The stage combines classic area rides like Prairie Creek, Sulphur Springs and Moose Packers Trail with newly developed purpose-built mountain biking trails like Pnuema and Ridgemont to put together the ultimate combination of trails in the Moose Mountain area.”
This description means nothing to us… yet. Soon enough, we’ll know exactly what the Moose Mountain area looks like.
Distance, 65.8 km (41 miles). Climbing, 2100 meters (6890 feet).
(EEKS! Another long day.)
North Fork Recreation Area to Little Elbow Campground
As described on the TransRockies website, “stage 4 starts with a bus transfer from Etherington Creek Campground. This strategically placed transfer puts [riders] at the start of the best riding in the Rockies, and skips over the areas most prone to difficult mud in wet conditions. From North Fork [riders] head south on the Gorge Creek Road, which is closed and reclaimed after 7 km. This brings [riders] quickly to the base of the biggest climb of the day to the top of Volcano Ridge. This newly re-built climb is a grunt but all rideable by top riders, and mostly rideable by mid-pack folks. A rolling descent on trails brings you to the spectacular Black Rock Canyon. Then it’s onto the last climb of the day on Wildhorse trail, and a blast down one of the funnest descents of the week.”
Lets hope that Jeff and I can hang in there with the top riders and make it to the top of Volcano Ridge on our bikes. (Did I mention that I LOVE climbing! … I really do.) I’m sure there will be amazing views from the top of this climb. We’ll be thinking of everyone- family & friends- as we ride along the ridge line and make our decent toward the end of stage 4.
This is the first day of our ride north towards Canmore. After this stage, we’ll arrive at camp an settle into our TransRockies tent. (Let’s hope that the tent is big enough for the two of us!) In addition to the tent, which was included in registration, Jeff and I decided to splurge for the TransRockies food plan. This is all about a good race experience. We want to roll into camp and not have to think about anything but bike maintenance, rest, and recovery. The TransRockies volunteers will set up our tent and have our duffle bags ready to go.
I don’t know about anyone else, but part of my motivation up that hill will be to get back to camp and into a hot shower! (Helmet head is not a good look on me; ask Duds, she’s been on a few training rides, she knows!)
Stage 4: Distance 47.3 km (29.4 miles). Climbing, 1300 m (4265 feet).
Fernie to Island Lake Lodge
As described on the TransRockies website, “when it comes to Fernie singletrack, Stage 1 and 2 are just scratching the surface. [Riders] told us [they] wanted more of the incredible buff Fernie singletrack and less road. We listened. The new stage will be a classic TR mass start under the arch at Fernie Alpine Resort. This day will feature relentless but rideable climbs and rewarding fun descents, before finishing at the spectacular Island Lake Lodge. A portion of entry fees will be going to the Fernie Trails Alliance.”
Distance, 31.1 km (19.3 miles). Climbing, 1800 m (5905 feet)
Another day with lots of climbing and awesome singletrack. I’m sure Jeff and I will be feeling the elevation by day three. Think of us and wish us luck! … THIS is what we’ve been training for and why we’ve spent HOURS on the indoor trainer.
PS- don’t tell my mom where her dishtowel went.
Fernie to Fernie Airport Resort
As described on the TransRockies website, “stage 2 features a traditional downtown Fernie mass start before heading for the Slopes of Mt. Fernie. Featuring some of the best Fernie Singletrack, you’ll be treated to some of the most fun descents anywhere, including Slunt, Brokeback, and Hedonism.
UnSpoken Adventures 