BCBR Recap Episode 5: Day 3, Earl's Cove to Sechelt + An Airplane Ride!

Ripping the feature trail. Photo by Margus Riga after I yelled, "hey Margus!" 

For Day 3, I got to fly in a float plane for the first time. It was the race’s longest day, and toughest logistically as well. We woke up in Powell River but then had to transfer to Earl’s Cove for the start of the stage. The majority of the BCBR took over a ferry for the trip, but a few of us were selected for alternate transportation with the race’s title sponsor: Harbour Air.


BCBR 2015 Day 3: Earl's Cove to Sechelt from BC Bike Race on Vimeo.

ExaminingAlex Deibold's
Olympic Ring

Our flight crew was awesome and included Olympian Alex Deibold and the newly engaged Sir Geoff Gulevich, and adventurer Tito Tomasi (check out his race report for Enduro Mountain Bike Magazine here!) as well as some other awesome characters savvy enough to wait for the last flight (or who like me, just listened to BCBR Med Team member-turned-racer, Jenn Thiel). Since there was no one waiting after us, we got to go the long way and our pilot Reggie skimmed the treetops before the earth fell away as a cliff, complete with waterfall; a sparkling mountain lake; over some cool tidal whirlpools and we were even joined by some other aircraft and flew in formation with them all the way into the dock. It was like being in--and watching--an air show all at once.

Up up and away with this crew

Regardless of how the race went, I felt like that was a good day.

However, taking the last plane ride, though extremely exciting, also left very little in the way of time for getting dressed, ready, and warmed up. So the start was a little more frantic than I would have liked – in fact, warming up was out of the question. Plus, it was a mass start, so before we were going anywhere you had to muscle your way into a good position on the line. Mine wasn’t great.

The start line, right at the ferry terminal

Luckily, the course began with a road section to get us off the ferry dock and into town/trails. With a large pack in front of me, I was able to get warm in the first few minutes of racing and was ready to rock by the time we hit the day’s first dirt climbing. Which was punchy to say the least. It would be easy to underestimate this stage if you judged it by its first 15-20km as there was plenty of double track, fireroad under power lines, and even a rude hike-a-bike so steep and hot it made my calves cramp. 

photo credit: BCBR

It was a long one, and I was beginning to get to know some of the competitors around me so it was also mentally taxing as I worked out some strategies for staying ahead of them. It was also becoming clear what each of us brought to the table in terms of strengths and weaknesses so it was hugely fun to try and use that knowledge to some advantage. Thank goodness for Eliel kits and chamois!! 

The day finished in grand fashion on a huge descent which also happened to be its feature trail section. It was fast, steep, loose, and littered with photographers and cheering sections. It was so fun, swoopy, with just enough chunk that you could easily forget baking in the exposed sections earlier in the day.

photo credit: BCBR

Day 3 was the longest, and in some ways the toughest of the week, so it was a wonderful feeling to put it behind me, again back in 5^th place on the day, and holding 5^th in the overall.

Day 3 was also dad’s OFFICIAL birthday – June 30 – so we hopped in the RV and headed out to a local brew pub to celebrate his 60^th. There were some other racers/support crews there as well, enjoying the great location by the water. Back at the campsite, we gave him his birthday gift of a new Garmin 810, and had delicious coconut ice cream because have I mentioned? It was hot.  

More photos from our flight: 

Back to BCBR

Q: How do you know if someone's doing the BC Bike Race? A: Just wait. They'll tell you.

It's hard not to bring up this thing that takes up so much of your time, money, and daily strategizing, so I can't dispute that punch line. But I've tried to keep it to a dull roar so as to be a little more respectful of my friends' and family's attention spans now that we're two years deep into project "Cross the Finish Line in Whistler."

Before I say anything else I want to say thank you to my coach Richard La China, my husband Gerhard, my mom and dad, Gerhard's mom and dad, my friends and riding buddies who hear about almost nothing but, and Dr. Tony Hagner who helped me over my last hurdle. Honestly, if you find yourself standing on the start line of BC Bike Race, with all the stars and luck having aligned to get you that far, pat yourself on the back. You've done a great job. The hardest part is over. The rest is just riding your bike.

BC Bike Race, here we come! 

I left SoCal on Monday, had a lovely dinner in Calgary with my friend Aoife who got me drunk on peach sangria and sirloin Alberta beef steak before putting me back on the plane. Next stop, Comox, to stay with Gerhard's parents for a few days and check out Cumberland, which is only a short ride away from their back yard.

One last shot of my long hair (read on!) ... and mounting the derailleur

Special shout out to the team at Thule who have made a bike bag that is an absolute joy to travel with. And extra thanks to WestJet who handled it with kid gloves apparently -- it emerged without a scratch, scuff, or even a spec of dust, and when it was time to build my bike, it was literally 15 minutes start to finish, thanks to a handy built-in work stand. The bike goes in vertically, rather than the traditional clam-shell style, with plenty of room for wheels on either side of the frame, neatly housed in their own special bags.

Step one ... remove all the foam! 

15 minutes later it's pretty much done!!

I will bring my bike everywhere now that I know it's that easy. Blaize at RIDE Cyclery did an awesome job checking that last tune and packing it up for me so all I had to do was unwrap some foam, throw on my pedals, reattach the derailleur, and re mount the handlebar (not even the stem!).

Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt 770 MSL - Just add wheels

I took a brief break to go get my hair cut because I figure I could knock off another couple of ounces by taming my unruly mane. I wouldn't normally mention my hair cut, but it was done by this fellow Jason, at Roots in Courtenay, who is amazing. He is a professional yo-yo-er, flies kites (in preparation for kite surfing lessons this year), dance instructor, dad, park rollerblader, mountain biker (hardtail ... in Cumberland ...) and some other stuff I can't remember now (there was so much!). But he pretty much 100% embodied the "NFG" attitude that makes people amazing, authentic humans.

Quick bathroom selfie
before I ruin my new haircut

After that experience, my mother-in-law Christine and I headed to Broken Spoke -- a coffee shop and bike shop in one! -- where we sipped lattes and slayed the crossword puzzle. Pretty sweet.

Then it was time to ride. I'd been putting it off to be honest. I was nervous because for the last month, I've been dealing with a SURPRISE injury to my left leg that has apparently been lurking for quite some time but reached full painful potential a month before the race. Because of course. Unable to pedal my bike for most of the last few weeks, I have been a little dark-of-spirit.

Fast forward through plenty of stretching, icing, warming, arnica-ing, painful therapy, whining, and finally, a gentle return to the bike, and you can imagine my trepidation, I'm sure. I'm very happy to report that Dr. Hagner is in fact some kind of wizard, and has seemingly brought my leg back to life. My ride was awesome.

The famous Syke's Bridge

Stopped at two more bike shops for the fun of it (Trail Bicycles in Courtenay ... one of my favorite shops in the world, and Dodge City Cycles in Cumberland, which is pretty much exactly as good and just as friendly). Then hit the trails. My ride was basically a preview of the second loop's downhill single track, but instead of preriding the fireroad, Chris at DCC helped me pick a more fun way up that included "Cimax" -- a new "up" trail that is meant to help keep people from climbing Thirsty Beaver (a "down" trail ... don't do that). It was the rowdiest climb ever and I loved it.

My most prized possession at the top of Climax

Once I'd maxed out Climax, I was on the course for BCBR so I followed that to Upper Thirsty Beaver, over to Blue Collar, then Railroad, Crafty Butcher, Double Pumper, 50:1--where I met my new friend Sean--and then we closed by exploring the new Josh's (very new ... very raw ... very awesome) and then out the rest of Josh's. So. Rad. Leg did great, bike did great, and I was grinning like an idiot as I rode past Riding Fool hostel on my way back to Courtenay. (Ohhh, now I get it.)

Gerhard's mom and dad took me out for dinner to this lovely little place called Kingfisher and I had an awesome meal of Ling Cod, Pork Belly, and some delicious veggies and then it was home to bed. A terrific first day!

The view from the Kingfisher: Powell River in the distance!

Race Report: Belgian Waffle Ride

It was so hard, my brain has blocked a lot of it from memory. But here are a few photos to help illustrate my 8 hours and 22 minutes on the 143 miles + 10K+ of climbing on road/trail/gravel, as well as the highlights that shine through. Sorry they're so late, but for the last week I think I've been trying to catch up the over 5,000 calories burned, and deep training hole I dug. I'm finally starting to feel myself again! Without further adieu: 

New kit day for me and Cynthia at
RIDE Cyclery with Eliel Cycling! 

1) So awesome to line up with Cynthia, my RIDE Cyclery partner in crime, totally kitted up in our matchy matchy Eliel kits and twinned accessories, right down to socks, shoe color and helmets. Since all "the Gents" were in different start waves, and us girls got our own, I was super happy to have a teammate in the mix.

2) The Expo was awesome!! So great to see everyone there -- it felt like you couldn't take two steps without saying hello to another [crazy] member of our tribe. Plus the food was excellent!

3) Our friends. The Belgian Waffle Ride is more than just a single day event -- I feel like it's come to inform a great deal of the riding we do together for fun and Strava most of the year. This one event thus carries with it so much energy and excitement as well as goodwill to see each of the buddies reach their goals, and celebrate together at the finish line. And/Or begin plotting for next year's.

The CHP were winners! Jake Orness photo.

4) The route was amazing, and protected by California's Highway Patrol with perfection. These guys were awesome, waving us through stop lights and intersections, making sure we stayed on course, and letting us have our fun for a day so it really felt like we ruled the road everywhere we went. That in itself is a treat worthy of the cramps and sun burn.

5) The Belgian Waffle Ride participants who weren't on bikes. I knew a lot of people riding it, but I think I knew an equal number of people who put up with long days of training for the whole year, and then came out to cheer, support, set up aid stations, write our names in chalk on double peak, give a push, ring a bell, and drive tired battered bodies home again. These people are heroes. Especially Shelly who had water ... and carrots ... at the precise moment(s) I needed it and fought off other thirsty riders to save me that bottle. Priceless.

And to close this out, here's a brief sketch of my day:

We met up with all the awesome riders of North County and were beyond stoked to get this thing rolling. The boys got a detailed call up in Wave One, but we didn't waste any time doing formalities in wave two for the women, despite being a well-stocked field of pros, former pros, and champions. *ahem.* So before we knew it we were off.

Cynthia and I hung around the front mugging for the camera and also for me, as a mountain biker not super used to pack riding, I get a bit nervous when I can't see the road (and potholes) in front of me. By the time we finally got to the first dirt section of San Dieguito road, I was feeling ready to go. Neutral roll out was pretty easy going, but I wanted to start turning the screws.

First Dirt by Kristy Morrow 

The dirt separated the pack, and Cynthia and I found ourselves in the lead group. From here until the top of the first QOM we were together and it was my favorite part of the day. We were ripping in a group of about six, sharing the work, rotating through, and still chatting a little.

The first climb however seemed to take my legs by surprise. Rhonda Quick - eventual winner, and three time BWR Champion - is a gifted sufferer and surged ahead powering up the first moderate part of the ascent, and then she got really impressive as it pitched steeply up. I think I hung on in third or fourth wheel and with Cynthia cresting shortly behind me, the two of use were able to work together to reconnect with the lead group, minus Rhonda who I think from this point on must have been gone off the front. She certainly never looked back.

Sandy Bandy was next and again, we got through the technical dirt section with good momentum, and no bad luck. About this time, the next wave had caught up, so traffic increased bringing with it some added challenges, but also opportunities to grab more wheels and let others do the work of pulling us into the wind.

#SaltedCaramel aboard, of COURSE! #GUCrew

Somewhere in here, we missed a turn and added a couple miles to the already very long day. That was not a great feeling, but on the other hand, it's such a long day I figured we could work it back with a little focus.

At the next QOM, Cynthia let me know I was "cleared for take off." The BWR was a last-minute decision for her, so she thought better to stick to the 70-mile Wafer length since she didn't have so many miles in the saddle. I was sad to lose my buddy, but pretty far gone into the pain cave myself, so I understood. I hammered up the dirt QOM Cougar Pass in hopes of making a mark on that competition and felt a second wind.

I latched onto groups where possible and put my head down for solo efforts while alone until we made it all the way back to the Lost Abbey to close out loop one. I did not let myself dilly dally there, knowing that the temptation to just stop would be great. Indeed for many, it was too great. In and out again, I was back on the road with a case of deja vu for loop two.

Photo by the lovely Leah Crane, proof I was up there.
Because it seems impossible I made it.

By now the racers were very spaced out literally and figuratively. I was alone except for a couple of guys I scooped up in my travails. The best part of loop two was Del Dios both ways in a trio that included Ben Jones before Lemon Twistenberg. I had caught a glimpse of the top five women, and it felt like it was going to be possible to close if I could just get into a group. They had groups, and I think that was a huge stroke of luck for them, because I was definitely feeling like I had the legs at this point.

A lot of work later, and I was alone again on Modest Mule, alone on Saint Lusardi, alone through Fortuna and alone at the base of Questhaven. Til this point, I had held my goal of 17.5 miles/avg but Questhaven undid me.

This whimpering began and I wondered what was making that sound, and I realized, it was ME. I coaxed my legs up while it felt like my quads were melting into my calves. I felt sun screen stinging my eyes and was shocked I even had any left up there. Stabbing pain accompanied every pedal stroke and getting off the bike to step over the horse bar was insult to injury. But then I saw a familiar face at the top of "the wall" - Laurie! A couple more watts. Then some more volunteers and people cheering from the street. A couple more watts. Then the base of double peak and knowing it was not "so far" to the top. A few more watts. Catching back on to some guys that had dropped me earlier. More watts. Seeing my NAME written in chalk on the steepest section, right when I thought I might have to walk: a TON more watts!! I heard my name being called from the side of the road, too, and barely recognized it but that was some more watts as well.

Couldn't have done it without this amazing sight!!
Thank you Julie Kelly and kids!!

At last, I wobbled to the top and began the final descent back into the finish. I connected with another group and they talked about cheeseburgers and beer and the other things they wanted immediately when they crossed the line. For once, cheeseburgers were not on my mind. The only thing I wanted was to lie down on cold grass and close my eyes.

In the end, my tired body clattered over the cobble stones constructed just for the occasion, and crossed the finish line in 6th place. Even despite the calamity that was that final climb, I managed a third place finish in the QOM competition. I hung around the expo until I figured I'd better get home before I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. So for the second time this year, I missed a podium moment due to acute misery, and general unawareness of anything except immediate need for calories and salty things. Maybe I'll try again next year. Though the amnesia hasn't completely worn off. Yet.

Scroll for photos from the amazing, talented people on course, of the amazing talented people on course:

Women's podium by Jake Orness

1. RHONDA QUICK
2. AMANDA NAUMAN
3. CHRISTI PATRICK
4. MARY DANNELLEY
5. JILL CEDERHOLM

Pre Race Bike Prep with RinseKit, Feedback Sports, and WD40 Bike

The kits we made with Eliel were sponsored by some amazing local businesses, including this one ... mine :) Check out truenorthcommunications.com!

Bikes of the BWR by Jake Orness

Faces of the BWR by Jake Orness. I spy some of my favorite riding buddies: Steve and Tom. Missing are Chris, Rich, Steve, Johnny, Marc, Greg, Eric, Richard, and Steve S.

We're off!  Kristy Morrow photo (see Morrow's photos from the women's race here)

JensonUSA photo, at the start

The BWR begins.  Kristy Morrow photo

Another face of the BWR by Kristy Morrow (and I helped ... what the.)

Amazing Eliel kits in action at the front of the women's field, by Kristy Morrow

 Kristy Morrow photo

"oh, picture?" Kristy Morrow photo

The women's field looks awesome next to the bougainvillaea.  Kristy Morrow photo

Eliel up front again.  Kristy Morrow photo

The long stretch through Hodges.  Todd Gunther photo. 

A portrait by Jake Orness, the day before. #facesofthebwr

Race Report: Sea Otter

Hunting. Photo by Jake Orness (JPoV)

There was no way I was going to do well at this race. Covering Sea Otter for MTBR meant that from the beginning of the week, it was go go go. Not a lot of sleep, a ton of standing and walking, countless missed meals, a few added wobbly pops, and a serious case of scatter brain. But going fast on bikes is fun no matter what the outcome on the results sheet, so I was still excited to line up with the amazing women of the pro field.

#TrailVision: PreRiding the course on Friday 

I love warming up at Laguna Seca. And I love having so many friends around, thanks to the expo. Morning of, I did a quick lap of some booths, including sponsors' Rocky Mountain and GU, to get good luck high fives and then hit the track for my warm up. 

Everyone was up there doing the same thing but the energy was a little more relaxed. Sea Otter is such a different event. There is a lot going on besides the racing, and the course itself is better with an ally or two. 

The start had another level of excitement as the "Little Bellas" young ladies' mountain bike club cheered like maniacs for us, the "Big Bellas." It is so amazing to see all those girls stoked on bikes and the perfect note to head out on. 

The whistle went, and we LAUNCHED into action. It was an exciting start as we powered through the first straight away and then settled into "track speed" (there is no point charging on the asphalt) for a lap of the raceway. Just before the dirt, something happened (tire rub? brake check?) and the pack scattered in squealing tires and sharp intakes of breath. I watched Catharine Pendrel sway violently before riding away clean in just a couple pedal strokes. A close call, and the nerves now ruled. 

RinseKit + WD40 Bike = Race Ready at Laguna Seca

As soon as we left the track, the attacks began, and we all jockeyed for position, taking up both lanes of the road out, much to the surprise of oncoming Gran Fondo riders. They surely didn't expect to be faced with the World Champion and her friends, National Champions and Olympians. Heck, it's still a shock to me every race. 

And speaking of me, my start was as expected: legs were flat, I was slow to respond, and my brain was in about three other places. Once tires finally hit the dirt, I was able to bring back the focus and come up with some kind of strategy (get to the front, get to the front, and get to the front) and even my legs were beginning to wise up. But then, CRASH. 

The loosest, finest sand of the day is on a moderately steep descent down to the final asphalt section of the lap. The gal in the front of our four-woman train went over then bars, causing a chain reaction through our group, ending with me. 

So here is my Ninja Mountain Bike Skills approved, step-by-step guide to crashing: 

1) Try to ride out ... 

2) But if you can't, crash sooner rather than later. 

3) Dust yourself off and check you, the bike, and that you have all your bits (Garmin, bottle), in that order. 

4) Get back on the bike!

Riding out was quickly ruled out as my options became lay down the bike or run over a racer. So I just put it down in the gravel and carried on with steps three and four. A couple raspberries on my elbow and knee, but otherwise, everything seemed to be fine. 

And to be honest, I think crashing was the best thing that could have happened in this race. 

Sometimes after a crash, I get timid, but in a race, usually the opposite happens and Saturday was no exception. The adrenaline flooded in, and my brain was instantly back from its daydreamy tour of new bikes, parts and apparel found at the expo and screaming just one thing: Get back on the group!! I rode that "fight" response for a good 1.5 hours. 

Through the feed zone I had the pleasure to be assisted by Scott from Rocky Mountain Bicycles who I'd Shanghai'd into the gig just that morning once I realized, wow, this is going to be a long race. So thank you to Scott, I heard about racers who missed their feed or lost their bottle and they suffered a much different second lap, so I am hugely appreciative I didn't have to cut any hydration corners.

Lap two was tough. I'd burned out all of the adrenaline from the crash, I was tired of sucking wind on the open sections, and my legs were pretty much over climbing. No amount of beautiful scenery could convince me I wasn't ready to be off the bike. I was still racing, chasing down girls and passing, but I also got caught once or twice, and my mind was back to writing stories for MTBR. 

We got to the final long climb on the way back up to the track, and its punky little sister, that final left turn, and my quads felt like they were melting but the the finish line was in sight, and the next girl back didn't have a chance to catch me. Is there a better feeling than cruising into the finish on a race car track, with your nobby tires screaming down the asphalt? Not after almost three hours of racing, there isn't. 

Results: Made the top 31 ;) 

When all was said and done, I pulled out a 31st place finish, and was feeling like I'd had an unexpectedly great race! 

I have lots of people to thank for that, including Drew, Chris, and Julie for fielding pre-race nerves.

Rocky Mountain Bicycles not only for an amazing rig but also for being a super fun group of Canucks to visit with all weekend--not to mention for adding my bottles to the pile in the feed zone.

GU for much-needed energy in the form of delicious Roctane and of course my go-to Salted Caramel -- so great to finally meet the rest of the #GUCrew and our fearless leader, Yuri. 

Eliel Cycling for making the most head-turningest kits out there, which are also apparently pretty tough! Survived the crash no problem.

Thanks to Team Ninja, especially Shelly, Paula and Regina for appearing at the start line for high fives, and Coach Richard for helping me with last minute tweaks. He definitely unlocked at least another 10 watts--amazing to feel the difference, thank you!

RIDE Cyclery and the crew there -- thanks for all the support, always.

ZOIC, thanks so much for your energy all weekend ... your booth was the best one there, who else has JENGA?!

Sea Otter is done for another year, and once again, it was the best weekend ever. So much more to share about it but for starters, be sure to check out what I was up to with MTBR here. I'll have more articles to share all week. Thanks Ocean Weasel!