PEDS 334 in a nutshell:

No wait, it's October, it's still two months away.  But it is the 25th and I did get my Dugast's in the mail today... very exciting! 

 

I didn't post anything about Canmore as I am kind of bitter about my performance and the way I felt, so I just don't care.  But I do have some pics!  Enjoy!

 

SA

 

 

Hey,

 

Just wanted to throw in an update and show that I'm in the process of moving... just down the hall, though, don't worry.  My sister's room is now empty and a little bigger, so I'm taking over, in style... check it out!

 

And I also wanted to mention that it is freezing out (literally, 0 degrees).  And last night it was wet, so here you go.... cyclo-cross!

 

SA

Well that was fun!  Another great course from Brys Francis. 

 

This time I didn't go for the hole shot from the gun and I was sitting pretty in about 5th.  This was a good spot riding with the guys I wanted to be riding with.  I don't even remember Tim being there, he must have got a gap so early that I didn't even notice.  There was a lot of jostling and a lot of gaps opening and closing.  In my group was Per, Peter, Mark, me, Robin, Dave, Cody, Mike... I think... with Tim, Ryan, and Nick F up ahead.  Nick ended up breaking his front derailleur off and was unable to finish.  We caught him and Per, Mark, Peter, and I were working well together for the most part.  Per and I opened gaps a couple times, but it would always come back together.  Ryan popped and we caught him and then Peter got a gap.  Then there were three, again working pretty well together.  We had dropped Ryan, and then Per knew exactly where he was going to drop me... and he did.  But then Mark dropped Per and almost caught Peter at the end.  I had the motivation of trying to catch Per and hold off Ryan for 5th place.  I ended up doing just that, fine and dandy!  I ended up in the last money spot for my biggest bike racing paycheque to date!  $150!  Sweet!

 

Pics still to follow...

 

I also saw the Broinlaw's pics from Saturday's Juventus race... sweet... they should be up soon.... Thanks Mike!

 

Red Deer next week and hopefully another good ride!

 

SA

Another day, another race.  It was a little cooler today, but once the race got going, the sun came out and it turned out to be pretty nice.  We had a big group of 29 people!  And the start was pretty good, and I got lucky with another hole shot.  This time it was a little more important as I wanted to lead through all the technical stuff and the first two runups.  I just kept the gap for the whole lap, then as Tim and Per came around me I crashed.  I took me a bit, but I caught back up to the third place group with Nick F, Webster, and Peter.  I worked in this group for a while, but it wasn't very cohesive and I really wanted to catch those guys.  I was also trying to pace myself, but I still ended up kind of blowing up and I crashed at the bottom of the S turn before the last runup.  I wasn't going to close the gaps ahead and I was having some serious stomach pains.  I just kept telling myself to SUFFER!!!  I got my second wind with a few laps to go and Bruce was gaining on me, but the gaps in front had opened up way too much, and I really tried to catch Peter.  I ended up 7th, a one place improvement, if it keeps coming like that I think that means I win provincials??!!! 

 

Anyways, rest up and we'll see y'all at the United race tomorrow!!!  Another good 'Euro course!! Woohoo!

 

SA

Well, two rides after the first cross race of the year, I got sick for the first time since March or something...  I took a few days off, slept a ton! and tried to do the well-organized "fun" race (Thanks Bruce!!!!) but my lungs held me to 2/9 laps.  I was able to start riding again yesterday and felt pretty good physically.  And today I managed to even feel fast. "There's still a lot of candy left in this pinata!"  -Elaine

 

But man have I lost it completely technically.  My brakes felt like poo and I crashed twice on Sunday, hit the barriers twice on Tuesday, and crashed once more!  Man!  I just don't feel right!

 

And in all that I had a big presentation and my first midterm today.  That was a stress-case!  I forgot to send myself the latest update, had to call Mr. Chase to come over and email it to me, with a few complications of course.  Then there were complications with my rental computer, then we got cut short, then I ran to my first midterm, which actually went ok despite a lack of studying.  I went from sitting in class and just riding my bike to everything all at once!

 

But, there is a double-header this weekend and my bicycle equipment is dialed, my brake setup is still a little weak, but I'll get it.  And check out the big prize money for Sunday!  $350!  Here I come Tim!

 

Have a good'un!

SA