Sad But Glad

The usual happy smiling face got sad this morning.

As I approached my trusty steed, rain and all – I wasn’t prepared for where my eyes would land.

She wasn't all in tact. 
Missing was her stem and seat.

“I loved that seat!” rolled through my mind instantaneously.

Me and that seat, we’ve gone a lot of places together. Through country roads. Busy highways. Urban centres. Sidewalks. Bike lanes. Over bridges, sometimes boulevards. Into all kinds of weather.
In Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria.

Carrying my son when he was a babe. Commuting.  
We’d spent many an hour together. Even training for BC Bike Race (road).

You see, me and my Rocky Mountain Fusion, well, we’ve been partners a long time. 
Two decades in fact.

Thankfully there were two Kryptonite locks keeping her safe. One for the front wheel, and the other the back.

I rode what I could to school this morning. Locked her up as usual. She’ll have to stay parked till I can make it to a bike store for the stem and seat replacement.

For the rest of the day I was twanged with sad but then I felt the glad.

At least I still have my two wheels. 

The stem and seat were stolen at Stamps Landing outside Monks in False Creek.

How the Internet Connects

My Pal Amy!

I know Amy. Even though I’ve never met her in person.

We’re pals. Some day we are going to ride together.

Until our time comes, we connect via email and Facebook.

She’s in Knoxville, Tennessee. I’m in Victoria, British Columbia.

We first met last year when I was doing the BC Bike Race.

Amy read my blog. It was so cool to hear how excited she was everyday to read my posts.

I absolutely loved receiving her comments. So much enthusiasm and support!

The BC Bike Race came and went and Amy continued to comment on my blog. We joined together on Facebook and started to enjoy long emails back and forth.

It was amazing to discover how much we have in common when it comes to life, drive, attitude and gratitude.

Ironically the very day I took my tumble off my road bike and fractured my pelvis and clavicle, Amy had sent me one her usual upbeat “checking in” emails.

I gave her the news.

Behind my Blackberry I could feel her sympathy and support in her every typed out word. It was wonderful.

She tagged me with the line, “It’s OK to have the pity party!”

Previous to my tumble, Amy had supported my efforts in my project with Uganda Wishes. I received the most thoughtful care package ever.

She put together post-its, small bulldog clips for paperwork, lip balm, a unique “Amy” designed t-shirt (I wore it today!), and an amazing pair of “Amy” earrings – bike style with chain links. So original!

As the weeks have followed my accident (May 22) I have asked for advise. She’s a Physical Therapist (had written her up originally as an Occupational Therapist sorry Amy!) so she’s dealt with people like me.

I’m so grateful for our friendship. Can hardly wait to ride my bike along side her. One day we hope to team up for the BC Bike Race.

How the Internet connects!

Train Not Strain

Heard another thing today, which set me straight.

“Let the body catch up to the brain.”

Anotherwards, to heal up an injury you have to work it out - slowly. Even while the brain speeds ahead saying, "You’re doing ok, work harder. Do more!”

Your body may not be ready.

Tough lessons for me. I learn things the hard way.

I’m good at working through pain.

I dream of doing a triathlon. Last year while training my Achilles injury got the better of me. I didn’t take care of it (two years of it) and I fizzled the Soleus muscle in my calf on a training run. I was toast.

Not giving either a chance to fully recover I leaped into cycling. The BC Bike Race.

Pacing the pain I recovered to head back into running. The Soleus was better I figured.

Ouch. More ouches.

Back to cycling I go.

Tonight I’m doing a core and strength workout. What I hear is to NOT push though muscle pain. To STOP! Different to fatigue or aerobic pain. Much different.

Later I’m getting my second bike fit tweak. Then the best advice I hear all week.

Train – NOT strain.

Gonna now train to gain!

Life Cycles – The Movie

The venue was plush. I wasn’t expecting too much when I sat down in the seat for two with a holder for my coffee cup. But I was relaxed.

Once the grandiose HD Life Cycles movie began I had to resort to blindly writing my notes. I couldn’t dare take my eyes off the screen.

The narrator’s words immediately clung to my soul. Married with the high definition artistic portrayals of the manufacturing of a bicycle to start things off - I was completely captivated.

It was unimaginable for me that I could go to a bike movie – a bazillion of which I’ve seen on my son’s computer over the years – and be brought to groundswell of tears. How so?
There was a mingling of intensity shed on the story of life, sidelined with the great outdoors and of course a bicycle.

Human power. Capable of greater good.

The iconic pictures your mind dances with when the voice pitches in with “…mystery of what lay around the bend…” had me rattled. Honestly I got a rush.

“The bicycle our noblest of inventions…” okay.

I felt the rhythm. The visuals, the eye candy, the words, the music.

It all tugged at my heart strings. Truly a film with spirit.

Also purpose, flow, joy, interaction and instinct. It delivers balance. A bike and life. Intertwined with the sound of the chainsaw or the ching of a pedal to the medal. Take your pick. There’s the wheels of change. Construction, destruction then creation.

I loved the lines; “Bicycles are powered by the human motor,” and then the “Forces that aim to take it all away.”

What did I take away I think to myself as I amble out of the theatre with my son who claimed, “Awesome.”

It’s what I did today. I saw it, I felt it and I lived it.

Like the movie said - Life Cycles. It never ends.

N.B. Can hardly wait to own my own copy.

2010 Transformed

The Universe talks. I look back and smile. We humans continue to evolve. With age brings wisdom. In time change. Tomorrow will always be different to today. Once what was, may never be - ever again.

I started 2010 off right. I gained the opportunity to help with Right To Play during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. I saw, I learn - I was inspired.

Not long after I lit up. A guest post for MISS604 with Mission Emp-ossible. She’s a ladder of knowledge amidst the fray of the Social Media revolution. What a gift.

Never much to travel the same path twice, I take up an ambitious challenge to my psyche. The Challenge Course for BC Bike Race 2010. Truthfully more then a physical dare. A consumption of my senses. Can I maintain the three-hour training rides before work (varnishing old wooden boats) by getting up at 4:15 a.m.?

My son travels to Quebec and wins another Canada Cup downhill mountain bike race. Later relieving himself of the race pace. I acknowledge the bliss by observing him master rugby. Not quite as extreme.

At some point I confront the notion of time. It moves quickly. Never enough of it. Priorities set in. The kayak is sold.

I’m going to Uganda. It’d decided in May. Six weeks in the plan. Fear sets in. Multiple shots soon required.

Volunteerism runs amuck. With the NS Freeride Bike Park FUNdraiser. A James Bond event. Glowing with gambling amid food and delight – at an airport hanger venue no less.

At some point I create my first vision board. “If you could do anything what would you do?” runs the headline.

Number one son graduates. Same school as I. Twenty-eight years later.

Again I ponder the future.  A blog begins. Raincoaster hosts the first of many Skype broadcasts. I absorb. Like a sponge I squeeze it out into words.

Sometime during I develop a new addiction. Riding in a pack. I become a cardio junky. I savour sweet moments with my new found training partner C.C. AKA missy iron legs.

More inspiration sets in. My soul sister and I attend a workshop at Hollyhock on Cortes Island with best selling author, SARK.

Here I declare worthiness. Open-ness to receiving.   

Uganda Wishes erupts.

Soon after I visit the Museum of Flight in Seattle with dear Uncle Len. Historical planes. Preserved in their time.

Then I depart for more change. It’s Uganda. Africa. A chance to look outside myself. Away from the norm.

The weeks pass. Calamity provides. Love ensues. Emotions are tangled. There’s a gap between time. What is. What was.

Back to red lights, buzz of today, text messaging in tribes and recycled garbage.

I divulge 2010 was Facebooked, Tweeted and such. The learning’s were real, the takeaways were more.

Like Kelly said after returning home from Africa, “It’s not about what we can do for them, it’s what they can do for us.”

Humbly I confess, things look differently now.

Goals may change but life hangs on.

People and Purpose is talked.

I admit in the year 2010 I was rushed, addicted, squeezed, stretched, strayed, inspired and later loved but most importantly - I was transformed.

Here’s hoping for peace, love, stability with good health and meaning for all.

Happy 2011 everyone.

Sincerely,

Jane Victoria King

Love Love LOVE!

N.B. I have collected more items for the Uganda Wishes auction. It will be posted within the next few days. Please do check back!

What can you see that you love?

Right now in front of me I can see my fave coloured sharpies – green, red, orange, purple and yellow. I love my sharpies and the colours especially!

Nearby is my meditation timer. Set to 21 minutes. I love meditating. It brings a sense of calmness and peace to the day. Moments of solitude and self reflection. Awareness.

In front of my table where the computer is, hanging from a porthole is my second place medal for Day 6 of BC Bike Race Challenge Course. I love that I set a goal for myself, trained for it and achieved greatness! It felt so good for my first ever stage race getting on that podium!

The next thing I see that I love is my little Right To Play ball. It reminds me of the love and fun I had during the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, volunteering at the CBC studios for RTPtv. Amazing.

Next I see a picture of my son then nine years-old on the base of the largest Fir tree in North America. We’d ridden our bikes together to see it. I LOVED that bike camping holiday. Best holiday ever.

It’s everywhere love is. All we have to do is recognize it!

love love love love love love love love love love love love love love

Brain Games

Did the hills tonight. With my pal Iron Legs as I fondly refer to her. She’s strong. I had my heart in my throat on the first one. Up ahead of me she went. Full load conversation all the while. I’m spattering out words when I can. Literally. In between oxygen intakes.

Hills on a bike no problem. Haven’t been doing them much with my feet as of late. So around about the third one Missy Iron Legs blurts out her Brain Challenge. One foot at a time she says. She’s talking about the long steep tough one.

I muse to myself. It was Missy who Facebooked me before I rode the ride of fear. Day Day 5 Long Flowy RUN! of BC Bike Race. She wrote something to the affect of “One kilometer at a time, you’ll peel it off before you know it.”

What we tell our brains hey! It works. There is no question in my mind you can channel anything you want into that tub on the top of your shoulders and it will listen and manifest itself into what you want.

Now if I could only get it to tell my body that I don’t need that chocolate cake for dessert…

Hollyhock and SARK

I start my second professional vacation for the year tomorrow. The first was the living like a pro doing the BC Bike Race back at the end of June. Tomorrow I head to Hollyhock with my wonderful friend Sherry to attend a writer's workshop called Succulent Wild Wisdom with SARK
I'm loading up the felt markers, my sketch pad and pens along with my video and still cameras.
Expect to hear something on my writing sensations as SARK embarks us on a journey of creative energy, healing and inspirations!
I promise to share all!!

How Sponsorship Works

As I cross the finish line I’m greeted with hugs. The belt buckle goes around my neck. I’m asked my shirt size and I receive a ‘Finisher’ t-shirt. Then I get a bag of Kicking Horse Kick Ass coffee beans stuffed into my Camelbak. That was July 3. I’ve been drinking it ever since.

I did the BC Bike Race Challenge Course and Kicking Horse Coffee was one of the sponsors of the race.

Years ago I was told I had to quit the dark stuff. Something to do with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.  At that point in my life I was only a triple shot dark Italian Roast Americano lady a day. Couldn’t leave home without it. Camping trips even. The espresso maker came along. No more then one a day.

During the seven-day stage race I took to the coffee. Like a magnet on the fridge. First things first. A cup of Kick Ass. The flavour was strong and soulful. Lots of depth. My days were grand.

I’d picked myself up a fancy new boddum from NOOD not long ago. When I got home I started filling it up.
Mum came by one weekend for a coffee. She likes it black. I gave her the Kick Ass. She thought it kicked butt and went out and bought herself some. Stuart came by and had a cup. He took note.

Had some neighbours do me a favour. I asked them if they drank coffee. They got a bag.

Went to my local Country Grocer the other day and the Kick Ass was on sale and sold out. Wahhhhhhh. I picked another dark roast - the Grizzly Claw. I tweeted my take and heard from someone that she switches between Grizzly Claw and Kick Ass and that she figured I’d be fine. Later I got a tweet from Kicking Horse saying to try the 454 Horse Power (like to know the origin of that name) and to make sure my local grocery store keeps Kicking Horse Kick Ass in stock.

I reckon I’m getting through a bag a week. Not bad. I got to thinking, Kicking Horse Coffee made a smart move sponsoring BC Bike Race. 

That’s how sponsorship works!

Dressing Up for Uganda

Wasn’t allowed to wear pants in elementary school, until I reached the seventh grade. Then it was ok to wear the long ones only because I was heading to the barn for the weekend to ride my horse.

Mum was a stickler. Dad wore a suit and tie everyday. He had a suit rack beside his bed even.

Fairly certain the reason I don’t own many dresses or skirts today is because I had to during childhood. Not that I don’t like dressing up. Somehow with my lifestyle, I never found it practical or comfortable. Especially when riding a bike or walking fast.

Tonight I had some face to faces with some of the great folk who have been to the Mengo Hospital in Uganda where I’m going in November. This lovely lady sat next to me during the slide slow. She comfortably suggested some advice for clothing options during my six week stay. I’m sitting in my black and white checkered Bermuda length shorts with a black BC Bike Race t-shirt on and flip-flops. 

First off she says, “Take lots of skirts, dresses and t-shirts. At least two nighties because sometimes there’s a lot of moisture in the air and things take longer then a day to dry.”
No problem except for the skirts and dresses part. I racked my brain for what lived in my small locker. One dress suitable for that temperature, not likely for the daytime. No skirts.

Since I lost all the weight (30 pounds) I haven’t bothered to stock up. She sensed my stunned look. Then illustrated the look of the Ugandan women in the wards, the people you’ll see everyday. No matter where they came from, they dressed up.

I pondered my next visit to Chez VV (aka Value Village). Skirts and dresses. Skirts and dresses. Skirts and dresses. Doesn’t seem practical. Apparently the Bermudas are acceptable only when you’re going out.

Why I Blog

I wear my heart on my sleeve. I speak my mind. I’ve been known to show the Poker Face. I can say out loud what some people may think but are too afraid to. I dare to be different.
Writing is something I’ve always been passionate about. Many years ago I wrote for community papers and a business magazine. I loved it. Because of a grave family member’s illness I gave it up and in doing so lost my parking spot so to speak.
Years later I moved into television. Combining words, visuals and sound. Super fun. Loved it a lot. It was heart wrenching loosing that kind of job to lay-offs.
Some more years later I find myself here. Wanting to write. Hanging out with Social Media. The gist of journalism still in my blood. It never leaves. Soon I’ll be combining more visual and audio to my blog site. In the meantime, if you’re still reading I want to share with you a comment a woman made to me this morning which made my soul shine.
From June 26 – July 3 I did the BC Bike Race Challenge course. I blogged about it everyday after my ride. Had a blast doing it and writing about it. This lady told me she read my blog everyday and felt that what I wrote was inspiring and made anyone feel they could go about setting goals and achieving them like I did.
The smile on my face is still shining. For me, writing or blogging is telling a story in some way I hope that will inspire others to share, do or dare. Today, that’s why I blog.
Thank you for reading.

Exercise is Right

Got up at 4:45 am this morning so I could go meet a pal for hill repeats on our road bikes. It’s been a while. After the seven day BC Bike Race www.bcbikerace.com I took a breather to work 12 hour days in a boatyard with the summer cold.
Back at it this morning felt so good. Made me think about my goals for the future. I’ve heard other people say it. If they didn’t have to work all day they would train. One person I sided with on the multi-sport triathlon thing. Another a marathon. Yet another - fitness for fun.
What is it about the heart pumping beads of sweat rolling that gives us that ultimate satisfaction? The endorphin high. Clean skin. More energy for the day. Excuse to eat a chocolate brownie for dessert!
There’s simply no escaping the fact that are lifestyles are for the most part lazy. It’s built in. We don’t have to hand wash our laundry or walk a mile for a Mars bar. It’s four wheels and gasoline that gets us places. With household habits furnished with machines to do this and that.
It escapes me how we’ve allowed ourselves to become so docile. You have to want to book the time in your day to workout. Plain and simple. No time, no workout. Rather, can’t make the time, then you don’t work out.
I’m not good at getting out of bed early. Especially by myself. If I’m meeting someone or say I will meet someone for a ride or run, I’ll do it. Otherwise, there’s a lot of sleeping in that goes on. Except for when I dangled the thought of that belt buckle in my head for the BC Bike Race finish on Day 7. I wanted it. And I got it. And I got out of bed all by myself to ride with myself to get it.
Next up, the Xterra and a Half Marathon I’m thinking. Maybe Trans Rockies or Trans Alps next year. Whatever. Need to keep going. It feels good. It’s the right thing to do for me, my family, my health, my community and the world. Cause it keeps me healthy, strong and focused so I can do good each day. Exercise is simply right. Cause morally it's good for us.

Health is Wealth

Last night I went to bed for a nap. Thought I’d wake up within 15 minutes so I could write my blog. Clearly I was sick. I didn’t wake up until a phone call at 6:20 a.m. this morning. Bummer.
Made me think about things though. Here I was rushing around to do the BC Bike Race www.bcbikerace.com where I maxed myself riding a mountain bike on the sweetest single track British Columbia has to offer. I don’t sleep much the final encore as I’m so wound I DID IT! All seven days of the Challenge Course. Then what do I do, I go straight home and back to work in the boatyard in 30 degree Celsius heat with not much sleep and thighs I know exist. So what happens… I get the summer cold. Haven’t had anything like that for I swear two years.
My famous anecdote rings in my head, time to slow down sit down and shut down. So I do, but then I don’t get up for ten hours.
Back to the headline. Health is wealth. No matter what we do in life, health is gold. Really, it’s our bread and butter. If we didn’t have it, there would be nothing.
My dad was 44 years old when he had his first stroke. I was nine years old and remember it like it was yesterday. One day he was dad, next day he was someone in a hospital bed with a bandage wrapped around his head and drool coming out the side of his mouth.
He survived paralyzed on his left side and lived a love filled life until his later seventies. But one thing always stuck with me. No matter how much money we had, it would never bring the feeling back in his left side. Or, get him out of that wheelchair in the latter years.
When I think about what I’m doing to survive because of financial pressures and the almighty buck, I need to remind myself about my dad. Like he used to say, your health is your wealth and without it you have nothing.
Time to rest up. Thanks, dad.

Dakine Bag Wazoo

BC Bike Race is a seven-day stage mountain bike race with a choice of two courses: Challenge or Epic. This was my first stage race. I did the Challenge.
For more information go to www.bcbikerace.com

“Take your pillow case, then at least you can fill it up with clothes and use it as a pillow,” said Peter as I scrambled to re-pack my luggage into my new BC Bike Race Dakine racer bag, discarding everything I wouldn't need until Day 7 elsewhere.
I had 15 minutes to get it loaded onto the truck. All of which I would not see until the end of Day 7.
It was a gallant attempt at downsizing from a backpack, gym bag and dry bag (with sleeping bag, pillow and throw blanket). Not everything made it.
By the end of Day 2 you pretty much have it figured as to how things will organize into your Dakine bag. What I missed most was my pillow. Luckily I’d managed to fit my three-season sleeping bag in, and my inflatable blow-up air mattress. That made for good sleeps. Too bad I didn’t make it to somewhere like Mountain Equipment Co-op to find some comfy type of blow-up pillow too.
It worked to pack the sleeping bag with the extra bike parts in the bottom of the top of the bag. I took an extra brake, pedals, tires and tubes.
In the middle all the clothes and as I was blogging, my computer with Telus stick and Blackberry charger. I didn’t have room for jeans and extra shoes. Only a light weight pair of track pants (anything that folds small) and thongs. In the front of the bag I packed my almonds, protein bars, vitamins, Traumeel (topical gel and tablets), a container of Witch Hazel (great for butt burn) and Chammy cream, Wild Oregano Oil (works great if you get the stomach flue - which I did), sunglasses, dates and apples when I had them.
Since I live on a boat, which is often cold I made sure I packed my wool socks and a fleece hat for the evenings. It did get cold and damp. One good long-sleeved thermal undershirt was a bonus too.
I took two raincoats so at least when it did rain, I had one to change into after riding.
Before I left I bought two extra pairs of cycling shorts, in case I didn’t have access to laundry. I also took a bandanna with me. For the hot rides. I would soak it up with water and put it around my neck. It kept me cool.
With my toiletries I did the zip-lock thing and put everything in super small containers. Shampoo, moisturizer and soap all got locked so no seepage.
The only thing I missed all week was my jeans and my pillow. Not bad for a first timer!

The Uni Challenger of BC Bike Race

Still can’t believe the Unicyclist, Kris Holm http://www.krisholm.com/khu/ did the entire seven days of the Challenge Course on one wheel. Man could he climb. He’d always get me on the climbing.
We’d often meet at the start. Reflecting on the nerves, getting ready to do the jive. He’s the coolest guy I’ve ever met. Especially after seeing the video. He actually rode the Burrard Street bridge in Vancouver. The outside rail part. The vid was incredible. I asked him if he was scared. He said it was all about being in the groove. Once you get in the rhythm, it’s all good.Then he tells me he made a promise to his wife he’d never do that again. We both laugh.
The guy is super fit. He’s got an incredible wheel to power. Some kind of hydraulic break. If he ever got a flat, it’s a nightmare to change as he has to take the break apart to do it. He’s open to people asking him questions about the mechanical aspects of his Uni. Apparently designed hub wise by himself. In collaboration with another guy.
His gear for protection includes wrist, leg and knee guards, besides the gloves and the helmet. Oh, and high tops. To preserve his ankles.
His seat looked pretty comfortable. When he’d wait on the race starts he’d use his wheel for the pad. I thought I was challenged enough riding two wheels, but to see what we did and what he did on one, I was pretty amazed.
Goes to show you, whatever you put your mind to, you can do.

View From My Tent - BC Bike Race Moments

Nothing has changed at home. Except me. I feel dizzy. I’m not done yet. I have not cut off my BC Bike Race wristband. I’m still gulping down the fact that I rode the BC Bike Race Challenge Course. All seven days.
In all the training I got done in a week ahead of the race, the most hours I managed was 14 – only once. Over the past seven days I rode a total of 22 hours, 28 minutes and 21 seconds – mountain biking. I’m awaiting confirmation on the total kilometers. Pretty sure it’s just shy of 200.
The results have me posted as fifth overall for the Solo Women, out of 11. I’m pretty pleased with that. I podiumed on Day 6 in second place. I was stoked with that. I worked hard to get there. Definitely could of done with another year or more of training. But in the short time I had (three and half months) I think I did OK. I left room for improvement.
Family and friends want to hear all. I go through each day step by step. Relive the moments of the rides. Feel the pain again. It was hard work. Truly. When I drop my bike off to my son for a wash and grease he asks me will I be doing the long one (Epic) next year? I hesitate. Stalled for an answer. I ask him if he’ll ride with me in a team. That would be cool. There was a father/son team that did the Challenge. They were from the US.
I continue to reflect on the greatness of the last week. The exhilaration of the race start on Day 1. Leaving the Departure Bay ferry terminal in Nanaimo in a pack. All 500 of us.
Or, the coolness of the team of four that rolled by me on some gravel road in the middle of Day 2’s course in Cumberland. She at the back, drafting the three of them. Pretty sure they were the Australians.
Then I chuckle thinking of dude in the tighty blackies walking to the washroom trailer at the same time I was before dusk one morning. At least I wore my pyjamas.
Or the shower when all the shampoo was lathered in the hair and the water turned to ice. The day was already cold. I left refreshed.
Then there were the BCBR fans in the communities that during each race start cheered us on. Hooting and hollering. The bag pipers in Powell River as we all waltzed to our bikes readying for the race start. And the cool group of kids high fiveing us as we enter the incredible forests in Powell River. Maybe some of them will end up as Pros?
The wildlife seemed scarce, except for the black momma bear and baby in a field at Whistler. Although many a black bear’s presence was seen in the fields of salal we rolled through. We were in their turf.
Then there were the birds. They didn’t seem to mind us. Each forest we went through had their own song. And each had a fresh breath of air.
Logging scars were seen. But if it weren’t for the loggers I’m sure a lot of these trails wouldn’t be there for us to access and ride.
I reflect on the kindness and professionalism of each red shirt, the BCBR staff and volunteers. Mr. Michael Jacoby who diligently cared for my bag, knowing I was packing my computer so I could blog daily.
Never a grump on anyone’s face whenever a question was asked.
The days went by too fast. As I sat at the banquet dinner last night at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler flanked by South Africa and Austria I think to myself, my favourite part of being at the BC Bike Race is that fact that I got to share this experience with the World.

Registration is open now for BC Bike Race 2011 at Early Bird Registration rates. Don’t hesitate. Do it! You won’t regret it.
I recommend you start training tomorrow.
For more information go to www.bcbikerace.com

What Now?

The last seven days breezed by. When I crossed the finish line of Day 7 of the Challenge Course for BC Bike Race at the base of Blackcomb in Whistler, Dean Payne the Founder and President asked me to take my helmet off. He then dawned me with the BCBR belt buckle. The thing that dangled in my head on those 4:15 a.m. wake-ups to get that three-hour ride in before work.
I couldn’t help get emotional. I DID IT! I rode all seven days. And I’ve got at least two or three bruises or cuts from each day to prove it.
As I move through the finish shoot I’m asked for my t-shirt size. Next I receive the official Finisher shirt. I call my son.
While I climbed through Whistler today I thought to myself, what now? I’m going to wake up tomorrow morning and not have to worry about getting in the breakfast line early. I’ll have to make my own coffee, find my own breakfast. I won’t have Christian from Austria (pictured above) to talk to about today’s course. We were both Challengers. (He Googled mountain biking sightseeing and found the BC Bike Race.)
This morning as we were packing up in Squamish I could hear Australia talking about their plans for a Walkabout in BC. Another claimed Alaska. Then I heard from the Belgium’s, a canoe trip. A few of the folks from Calgary unfortunately had to bolt back home and to work.
Tourism BC must love the BC Bike Race. I heard 21 countries. Many with support crew travelling with them. Most staying longer in BC and elsewhere. Some support crews volunteer with the BCBR crew along the way. We’ve all become a family. I feel sad to leave it.
During last night’s dinner we had the Squamish logger chainsaw demonstration. Everyone thought stool when he did his cuts out of a piece of firewood. Instead he made a ‘B’ out of the wood and then pulled out the rest for BCBR. I got quite emotional.
It takes a team to make this happen. Yet a leader with a vision and charisma to pave the way. Constant reminders of areas for improvement, suggestions or ideas to make it even better were always announced.
I can’t say today’s course was my favourite. I’m not a downhiller, even though my son is the current Junior National Champion. The skate through the Whistler Bike Park was a three-bike pile-up for me. The inverted lip of a pump found me in high gear with no oomph to get over it. Bailing but my clips wouldn’t let me. Crash. Then Australia piled into me and US I think it was after that. We managed to grab our bikes and shake off the bruises enough. I keep going. Next it’s the Lost Lake Trails. Pure single track. Good challenges. Then a big hill climb. I take to the downhill trail this time knowing we’re almost done. Today’s course being a mere 20 km. The same for the Epics. The least, besides the Prologue on Day 0 that we’ve had week.
So to ask the question what could possibly be improved upon for the BC Bike Race? Not sure, at the moment, that I know how to answer that.
I’ll be heading to the Banquet shortly. To say goodbye to everyone. To yack with South Africa a bit. And Calgary, the US, Belgium, Australia, maybe New Zealand, Switzerland and Boston and so on. We’ll find each other on the BC Bike Race Fan Page I’m sure. Or on the trails somewhere, some time. What a week.
As I walk back from the finish arch I see someone running and think to myself, maybe the half marathon next?

For more information on the BC Bike Race Challenge and Epic courses go to www.bcbikerace.com

The Glow Day!

Melanie McQuaid on the left (Leader of the Epic Course Solo Women), myself on the right. BEFORE I found out I'd podiumed!

The crowd near the results must of thought me a freak. I did one big happy dance when I took a glance at the postings. I so didn’t know what to expect.
The day started beautifully in Squamish. Us Challengers were to follow the Red Bull car up, up, up, and way up.
When my head popped up over the Red Bull to the sky I saw the forest range looming in the distance. Pretty high.
Challengers were told there was an Aid Station soon in on the course. It was about 30 minutes in. I popped off for a banana. Thinking I could pack it in my Bento Box, it was small enough. Grabbed some water and a few oranges and off I went.
In Victoria at Hartland aka the ‘Dump’ there is a new trail called Torpedo. Real pumpish. Super flowy for the dh’ers. Once we did a mash of climbing we entered into a longer Squamish version called the Half Nelson. Hootin’ and hollering it was a banger. Until the Epics rolled up. It was honking. Staying tight to one side I let them giver.
Felt a little out of control I have to say.
Once down we, you guessed it, did some more climbing then hit combos of rock gardens and gashin’ freakin’ switchbacks. Goal today, steady, have fun and remain tight.
We were told 30 kilometres for us today. Epics were doing 60.
Had the pleasure of being passed twice by the Epics. The likes of Wendy Simms, Melanie McQuaid, Andreas Hestler. I would roll to the side if it was a grinder so I didn’t slow them down.
Aid Station two, which I didn’t think there was one for us Challengers saw me quaffing a banana. Somewhere on the Half Nelson I’m sure I lost the one I’d picked up at the first stop. No surprise.
Surprisingly I felt really good. I’d taken some Wild Oregano Oil with me luckily as I’d been fighting the stomach flue for three days. Seemed to be back on track today. The climbing was fine. I didn’t beat myself up. My legs felt good. I went as steady as I could.
As usual I challenge myself (no pun intended) at the finish to gun it. I rolled over the line and once again thanked my bike. My new 2008 Devinci Moonracer. She took a lot of pounding out there. Tons of rock jumps. Once again, she got me home safe.
I take a shower then go and get her all cleaned up. Looking at the chain I do my best to clean it off. I’m technically challenged with anything mechanical on bikes, so ask around if what I’m doing is right. Everyone is super helpful. Especially the Obsession Bikes’ guys. I did a last minute pedal change this morning as I’d broken one of my Crank Brother clips. Riding 45 km with one clip sucked yesterday. Didn’t want to go there today.
Once I got the dirty work done and loaded her on the truck I went on the search for power. Sitting at the Mash tent my eyes caught the results postings up. I went to check. OMG. SECOND! SECOND! I podiumed!!!! I couldn’t believe it. I asked Dr. Wilson to go double check for me. He came back with a picture. Sitting fifth overall, with a second place finish in Day 6 of BC Bike Race Solo Women's Challenge course. I have to say, I’ve got a bit of a glow on right now!!!
Day 7 is at Whistler. This has been so much fun. Living like a Pro. It has gone so fast. On Day 0 President and Founder of BC Bike Race, Dean Payne said something to the effect, “Enjoy your biking camp.”
One gal from Australia claimed it was her holiday. We both agreed, we are a bit looney in the head to be doing what we’re doing and calling it a holiday.
Honestly I am loving every minute of it.

For more information on the BC Bike Race Epic and Challenge courses go to www.bcbikerace.com

Long Flowy FUN!

“Please don’t make me stand up yet,” went through my head
as I sat under the Shimano tent waiting to be herded down to the Langdale ferry. I spent over five hours in the saddle today. It was truly Epic. Epic course, epic that I did it!
Got a chuckle this morning at breakfast when one of the Epic riders commented he was thinking maybe he’d move down to Challenge today. Problem was both of us were doing the same course. A knotty 45 kilometers of the gnarly Sunshine Coast. Vertical gain 5300 feet.
Happy Canada Day!
The clouds opened up before race start. I’d dawned my raincoat. At the last minute I thought I’d put in my Hot Shot toe warmers. It was cold. Worked great till we got to the creek crossing. No choice. Feet got wet.
I have to say, reflecting now, I enjoyed today’s course more then yesterday’s. Even with the increased vertical. The length though had me banging on the wall. I kept ‘er going. Kept thinking what my pal, Catherine had Facebooked me with last night, “One kilometer at a time, you’ll peel it off before you know it.”
I was also grateful for the two Aid Stations. Enough time to fuel up on bananas and top up water and off we go. At the second Aid Station, Rod the Course Designer assured us only two more kilometers of climbing and then it was all downhill.
You had to be on to do this course. Thankfully I felt better then I did yesterday as far as focus. Gassed, yes definitely. But somehow always in control.
Until the downhill ditch dig. Don’t know what I did but I ended up on my shoulder, bike along with me. Race plate scrunched. I got up, no major damage and thought, man I gotta get this done.
Pretty pleased I managed this amount of “K” on Day 5. Can’t believe we’re already heading into Day 6.
As I sat down at dinner talking up the day I got the racer’s thirst on. Please don’t make me stand up yet, rang in my head again. Young Paramedic and pal, Megan Thompson sensed my need. Energetically volunteering to stand up for me and get more water.
What a day. I have to say. What a day. Day 6 here we come.

Digging Deep

The BC Bike Race Challenge course leader's jersey holders: Kelli Sherbinin and Darren Butler (both from Vancouver). For all the deets on BC Bike Race go to www.bcbikerace.com


Today was tough. Legs are steel. I’m in the groove. But to be frank, the course was a grunt. Lots of climbing, but with sweet single track.
We awoke to pinkish skies in Powell River. The usual scurry to hit the baggage truck and the lovely forest trail walk up to the Powell River Arena for breaky. Sat with a bunch from Calgary this morning. Lots of them guys made it out for the BC Bike Race.
It’s bus time now to the Saltery Bay ferry. Us Challengers get loaded together. This is cool. I sit beside Chris from Fort McMurry. He’s dropped down from Epic to Challenge.
“I’m so glad they have the Challenge,” he says, “The Epic was too long and too hard.”
He wasn’t the only one. The option, available for the first time this year, allows you to keep riding if you’re feeling the Epic isn’t working for you.
Day 0 Racer Briefing words of Marketing Director and Olympian, Andreas Hestler ring in my head. Nurse your body and your bike.
Once on the Sunshine Coast we head past Halfmoon Bay to our start line. We’re told it’s a hill climb.
That it was. Then some switchbacky super burmy cut single track. Epic, but we’re Challengers. No matter. Climbing was climbing. Legs felt tired to start off. Got in the mode. Glad I took the other half of the bagel and banana with me. Bonk bonk!
I wasn’t feeling on till I got past the two hours. Had to stop and take pictures along the way. Spectacular views. Waterfalls, lakes, mountains, the works. As soon as I have enough time I'll upgrade my Flikr account so I can post all my daily pics.
It truly was another Ultimate Single Track Experience.
Thank you BC Bike Race. Hump day done. Three more days to groove!



I'm with him!