Chris and Leah's Blog!

Well… that was an fun experience! We arrived about an hour before race time – just enough time to get registered, check all my gear to make sure everything was working as planned, and get warmed up. The guys from Vitess were there with their tent, and support for those of us participating in the race.

There were 75 guys in my race – many were clearly in a different, and superior, class than me. (After the race I found out that they truly were in a different class – Elite vs my Master class). This meant that the pace was wickedly fast – too fast for me to keep up. I held the lead group for much of the first lap before getting caught behind a major crash – one that saw fellow Vitess rider Mark Buckaway fracture his bike in two places and withdraw from the event.

After getting caught behind the crash I was separated from the main peloton and left to ride the rest of the race on my own – picking off slower riders, and joining up with the odd faster rider who caught me. This proved to be a lot more work than anticipated as many of the “faster” riders were unwilling to do their part and let me draft them – all they wanted to do was draft me and then take off when the time was right. Eventually I caught another rider who was happy to do his part, and together we rode three laps. As we hit the halfway point of lap 5 my energy was totally gone – and I needed some food. I fumbled for an Oreo I had in my pocket. Just as I got it to my mouth I hit a bump and dropped it. And I got dropped by the other rider.

I put my head down and pedalled hard but he was just far enough ahead that I couldn’t grab his draft. It was at this point, with the turnaround for lap 6 in view, that the lead marshal car honked – alerting me that the leaders were coming up fast. If I could make it to the turn before they passed me I’d stay in the race… but alas it was not to be. They blew by me with about 50 metres to go – ending my race for the day. Officially I was given a DNF but not because I couldn’t finish – just because the leaders were so fast.

Now that I’m home I’m thrilled that I participated. I would have like to finish the race but that’s how it goes. I certainly see that I need to work on my conditioning, and that to make the leap to the next level requires a degree of dedication that I’m no willing or able to give.

My Vitess performed exceptionally – and the new Mavic Ksyrium Elites and Continental Ultra Gatorskins were definitely the right choice for the event.

Next race is next Sunday – Paris To Ancaster!

Tomorrow is my first cycling race. Ever. In elementary, middle and high school I competed in a number of team and individual sports – but that was many moons ago. The adrenaline rushing through my system is making me a bit twitchy. In a good way. I’m really excited about this new challenge.

From the official site:

If the idea of bicycle road racing on narrow, winding roads in uncertain weather and historic settings makes you think of Europe, think again and get ready for the Tour of Bronte in Oakville.

Taking place in Bronte Creek Provincial Park in Oakville, Ontario, the race circuit is a mix of smooth and not so smooth paved and unpaved winding, narrow roads. It evokes the feel of the historic classic races in northern Europe and modern ProTour retro classics like the Monte Paschi Eroica in Tuscany.

What makes it unique? only 20 minutes from downtown Toronto • closed road circuit (no yellow line rule, ever) • half of the course is unpaved • $5000+ prize list • events for the bike racing neophyte all the way up to and including elite amateur and professional riders • a ton of family friendly activities to complete the day • children’s farm, playbarn, century farms and walking trails add to the family friendly atmosphere

On April 10, come ride, or watch, what is sure to be one of the most interesting races in Canada in 2011.

I’ve been chatting with some other riders on our team (any UCI/OCa folks who read this should note that we are not an official team for this race as the team has not yet been registered) about what bike to ride, and what wheels/tires. It sounds like many riders in this event ride their road bikes – much like they do in the famed Paris-Roubaix Hell Of The North race that is taking place on the same day in France. I’m not sure that I want to take my carbon fibre dream machine on these unpaved and gravel roads – especially as there is a chance of thundershowers! Unlike the pro teams I don’t have a sponsor ready to give me a new bike for every race! I’m going to ride my Litespeed CX with Continental 28mm Gatorskin tires on Zipp 404SE wheels. I just got 3T Ergonova bars (400mm) and a 3T stem installed so I’m ready to rock. This is the same setup I’ll ride next week for Paris To Ancaster, except I’ll swap the Gatorskins for 34mm Specialized Captain CX tires. (I’m documenting my plan here so I can make notes on how the gear performed, and determine any changes for future events.)

As for race strategy – ride faster than the other riders! This is my first race and I have no idea where my skill and fitness is compared to other riders. I’ve only been on the road twice with other riders this season – and although I was far and away the fastest in those groups, the other riders were out for their first rides of the season, with minimal off-season training…

Wish me luck – or better yet, come out and support cycling in Ontario!