Shoes... 05/04/2012
I'm not usually someone who gets excited over a pair of shoes. These ones however are special. Shiny, new, no tape required and best of all they fit. Who knew that size 37 was considered small and hard to get. Thanks Norco and Shimano for getting me some shoes. Add Comment Dear Canmore, please stop snowing 05/02/2012
Elizabeth Parker Hut up at Lake O'Hara...
Calendars flipped and Canmore is still getting snow. Woke up to some decent snow falling this morning which resulted in some definite procrastination before heading out riding. But hey, now we have granola, muffins, apple sauce and a clean house. 
Apparently cooking boots is more important than dinner, I'm not sold.
Since Houfallize we've gotten in a couple of races, great rides and some skiing too. First off we headed up to Edmonton for a night of camping and a Spring Series race put on by United Cycle. The race was super fun and we really enjoyed ourselves. The great thing about smaller races is that I get to start with the guys and I took the hole shot off the start just to prove to Matt that I could. He then passed me as I suffered from my sprint but I got in a good group and had some fun riding with the guys ending up in 4th overall. The next day we mapped out a sweet loop around Morley and enjoyed our first and only day so far of shorts jersey riding. The following week was the Rundle Cycle Club hill climb event. Doing a race that starts at the bottom of the road you live on is pretty sweet. I got in a good warmup riding Soft Yogurt jump trail and then hit the start line. I was in the first wave with the faster guys starting 4mins back. They planned on catching me by the top of the 20ish, for them, minute climb, I had other plans... Matt came the closest but wasn't able to catch me so despite not having the fastest time, I claimed the hill climb. 
Matt has been enjoying lots of backcountry skiing and launching off cliffs. The snow isn't all bad!!
With winter still around we were able to take advantage of one more ski and headed up with a group of 7 to Elizabeth Parker Hut up near Lake O'Hara. We celebrated a birthday, built snowmen, dug tunnels and made snow slides. Basically we just played in the snow. We definitely all had a great time and enjoyed the skiing too. 
Avy shovels are great for playing in the snow.
Playing in the tunnel network
Lifting the Head... it was heavy
The finished Product
The weekend saw some solid riding around Canmore where the trails are actually mostly snow free and dry. Saturday afternoon being the first nice weather dry trail day there were almost traffic jams out there!! So nice to see so many people out enjoying the trails. This is my last week in Canmore for a while so lots of logistics to figure out and packing for a trip that involves going to Czech Republic, France, Ontario, Quebec, Ontario, Quebec, New York, and maybe BC before coming back to Canmore at some point, definitely in time for the Canada Cup in July! Houfallize 04/18/2012
Houfallize WC Start... off and running
Houfallize World Cup #2 was the first race of the season for me. Nothing like getting the season started by jumping straight into World Cup racing. This trip I was part of the National Team Project. A pretty small group of us headed over along with some great staff. Thanks to Canadian Cycling Association for the great support and opportunity to race this classic mountain bike race. 
Running away up the first climb... one day I dream of a front row call up
I had a couple days of riding on the course before the race and it was an amazing course. Some super steep climbs that weren't exactly fun, but some real mountain bike riding as well. Belgium spring we were treated to some cool weather and a bit of rain. I felt right at home when it started hailing. Race day came and as expected it was a pretty chaotic start. The start basically consisted of a max sprint along a road into a steep wall of a climb that turned into a mad scramble on foot. From there it was pin it and hold on. Overall, I really enjoyed the race and had a great time racing. In a World Cup there is always someone just ahead, unless you are Kika who crushed the competition and was in the lead, which makes the racing exciting as there is someone to work on catching and passing. Passing itself is another whole thing, with elbows flying and lots of blocking, but that just keeps the racing interesting. I am happy with how I raced on the day but not exactly satisfied with a 59th placing, luckily it is just the beginning and there are lots more opportunities this year to move up. 
Climbing aboard my trusty Norco
Thank you also goes out to Norco Bicycles for the awesome bike which I thought rode really well on the steep climbs and descents of the Houfallize course. After finishing all my books and a movie marathon aboard Air Canada I am back in snowy Canmore. Really, I don't mind if winter were to end. Matt however is loving the backcountry skiing so I guess I can put up with some snow if he still gets to enjoy the mountains on skis. For more photos and race reports check out www.canadiancyclist.com. 2012 Setup 04/06/2012
A huge thanks to Norco for getting me set up on my new 2012 Team Carbon Hardtail. 
The bike looks awesome, with a little more red than last year how can it not!! With sweet matching kits, that include different colour arm warmers, the team is not only fast, but looks fast too. 
I'm not sure I can pull off the high vis and pink glasses though...
With a brand new bike and fresh rubber I wasn’t letting it touch the snow of Canmore so off to Kamloops it was. With the vibe loaded up we drove from five meter snowbanks, through a couple avalanche chutes, and reached snow free, fresh dirt of Kamloops where we crashed in our old basement bedroom with Keith, Kika and the cats. Unfortunately we woke to a bit of rain but that gave me time to dial everything in on the new bike. After impatiently waiting a few hours it was ride time… I won’t lie, the beginning of the first ride I felt sketchy. The hardtail was rough, twitchy and just didn’t feel right. I guess that’s what happens after riding a dualie for the last six month and maybe the lack of mountain biking in general over the last couple months. Luckily it didn’t take long to get used to the different handling before I was feeling confident and ready to rip. Not only was I ready to rip but I now had all the advantages of the hardtail; super responsive, snappy and I love how it feels so great out of the saddle. Most of the set up is the same as last year. We’re running full shimano components; I’m still running the trail 26/38 cranks and love them. Riding with that sound of fresh shifting sure makes the first couple rides amazing. Up front is a Rock Shox Sid XX fork with hydraulic lock out – not only do I love the feel of the fork but I’ve also mastered how to bleed the lock out! Fsa provides some nice carbon bars and seatpost, of course with matching red and white lines. I’m enjoying the WTB Volcan saddle and Ergon grips. Not sure which way to go, white that looks pro or black that is easier to clean. I’m thinking maybe a mismatch of one white, and one black grip to match the arm warmers!! I was also pretty excited to try out some new Kenda tires. I had one called the 24/7 on the rear and was really happy with how it rode. I might venture from my favourite Kadre yet!! Karma and 24/7 seem pretty sweet too. There might not have been any photos taken while in Kamloops as we were too busy enjoying the rides, and Matt the usual photographer was focused on setting some Strava segments. Matt broke the all important 4:00 minute mark on MC (Matt and Catherine’s Trail). When you built the trail and it is named after you it is important to set the standard. For now we have the fastest male and female times but there is definitely some stiff competition. We had a great four days of riding in very spring like conditions, before driving home through another snow storm and very wintery road conditions. It continues to snow in Canmore but I’m happy to have gotten out and push the mountain biking a bit. Might sound crazy but there is nothing quite like getting beat up by the World Champ to get you ready for the world cup … next stop Belgium. Winter Summer Winter again 03/22/2012
Warm days and dry roads, I've been spoiled this year
After a couple weeks in the snow it was back down to the desert for me... Yup, I've gotten soft, this warm weather training thing is pretty nice. The National MTB team was back down in Palm Springs and we had a great time. A couple days were almost too hot,we did intervals up a climb in the desert with 39 degrees showing on my garmin. I was cooking, good thing I've been riding in the basement, I think it helped with my heat acclimatization. Riding with an awesome group of people sure makes the time fly and we all had a great time. Thanks to CCA for their organizing and to a great group of teammates for making it so much fun. The last ride of the camp started off as a super fun mtb ride. We're getting to know the trails pretty well and I was really enjoying them. Unfortunately on my favourite semi downhill trail someone decided that they didn't want cyclists riding the trail and placed large boulders in the middle of the trail, around blind corners and hidden under cover. I hit a boulder and went down hard. Rather annoying, someone doesn't want us on the trails is one thing but I wonder if they realize the consequences of what they did? I was pretty banged up, bruised, cut and off the bike for nearly a week. Luckily I wasn't more seriously hurt. Not impressed at all, but definitely a reminder to be ready for anything as you never know what is around the corner even when you know the trail well. Not only did I crash but I lost the strava segment too... As spring seems to hit some areas, yes I'm very jealous of the 20degree weather in Quebec and Ontario, Canmore has decided that it is time for Winter. We've had more snow in the last couple weeks than all winter. Looks like I'll be skiing and putting those studs to use for a while longer! I'll leave you with some pictures from my last couple weeks. Winter in the Desert 02/03/2012
Palm trees and blue skies...
I fled town just in time. As I escaped to the airport temperatures were -28 only to drop the following day with windshields in the -40’s. Arriving in Palm Springs I was shedding layers and soaking up the sun. Timing couldn’t have been better for this one. 
Dry roads, jersey and shorts, climbing up 74 with Emily and Amanda
I haven’t done many warm weather camps during the winter training months but now I know why so many people flee to the south. I honestly think it was the nicest two weeks of summer weather that I’ve seen in a long time, and that includes the past couple of summers. 
Matt taking advantage of the outdoor napping
My first week was spent with the National Team. I know I had a great time with a great group of people and some great rides. I think we hit most of the popular road rides and enjoyed some amazing trails in the desert. 2 hour road climbs, single track that just keeps going, challenging switchbacks and rocks… oh it was good. 70mph tail winds were pretty exciting too! Special thanks to Dan and Nicholas for all their support. 
Enjoying the awesome trails around PS
As the camp wrapped up Matt flew down and along with Kika we hung out for another week of fun in the sun. Our accommodations were massive and we enjoyed the pool and hottub. 
Yup, we were roughing it this week!!
Sandra was around town and the four of us four of us headed out for a wicked mountain bike ride. Felt like we railed the Art Smith trail, honestly, riding with friends on amazing trails is hard to beat. 
Sandra and I getting ready to roll.
We ventured out to Laguna Beach and checked out the ocean along with the Oakley headquarters which is an insane place with an incredible pump track. I did wear my ryders inside Oakley. Having a world champ friend has it’s benefits, we got a tour and helped pick the colours for her world champion edition jawbones as well as Mark Cavendish’s new glasses. 
Chilling at the ocean
Another highlight was meeting up with the Mann’s in Idylwild for a great ride. Having local tour guides was sweet and they made sure we hit up all the fun trails. 
Riding in Idylwild with the Mann's. Photo stolen from Allison
Riding some real dirt. Fun times.
Heading home we spent the most relaxing time ever at the airport. After security there is an outdoor area where you feel like you are at a park. Eating fresh grapefruit off a nearby tree, while sitting on the grass using wifi is a pretty nice way to travel. Now it is back to Canmore, luckily it isn’t -30 anymore. -10 this morning for my ride was cold enough, however Matt just finished up some studded tires that I wanted to test out. I seriously think I could ride up an ice wall with these things! 
A little bit of snow in these mountains.
My parents are out visiting this week. We’ve had a great time skiing, both the slow and fast kind. Lucky for them I have to work a bunch so they get some recovery during the day… though I have them doing a double ski today, hopefully I don’t wear them out too much we have a big weekend of playing in the snow planned. 
Family uniform red top, black bottom. Enjoying a great ski in Canmore.
Sunset in the mountains
Luckily, I'm Palm Springs bound tomorrow and I can't wait to ride some dry roads and actual dirt. The only dirt I've seen in the last month has been a couple close-ups under several centimetres of black ice. I've been testing out crash landings, ice is definitely harder than frozen ground but if you can clear the ice, the snow bank is the optimal landing and even provides immediate icing for the impact. 
Matt testing my snowbank theory
Optimal is when the snow bank holds you upright
Catching up, the last month has seen lots of good times in the snow. Christmas was pretty quiet but we did get out for some fun. We only had four days off so we made the most of it. Christmas Eve we hit up the downhill slopes, you sure can go fast on those things and they turn so much better than xc skis. We got in lots of runs without a single wait in line, my kind of skiing. Christmas day was a wicked snow ride before putting the turkey in. I ate more cranberry sauce than turkey, probably the only good thing of not being at home for Christmas I can have unlimited cranberry sauce, yes my mom limits my cranberry sauce when I'm at home to the same size as the turkey I am consuming. 
Gingerbread house 2011
Right after Christmas Matt and I took an Avalanche Safety course. We definitely learned lots and like having some knowledge of what we are getting ourselves into out there in the mountains. Since then we've had some great backcountry skis. Kind of like interval training, 45mins uphill then 8minutes down and repeat from dawn until dusk. I'm getting the hang of turning in powder and we are definitely enjoying the backcountry. My brother is coming out later this winter, so I have to be able to keep up when he's here and show off my ability to actually turn! 
mountains...
New Years we loaded up the Vibe with everything we could fit in and headed up into Kananaskis Country where 6 of us snow-shoed in and camped overnight. It was -18 but with 8 layers of clothing on including two down layers there was no way the cold was penetrating to me. Randomly 6 others were out camping as well, see I'm not the only one who would go winter camping. Ended up being a pretty big group and I actually stayed awake all the way to midnight!! After breakfast over the fire and snow-shoeing out Matt and I hit up Chester Lake for a nice backcountry ski. Skiing was definitely some good times. We lasted until dark and then switched back to the snowshoes for a little more fun jumping down snow cliffs. 
Skining up near the top of bow summit
Matt heading up to Rummel Lake
This week was my birthday and I'm now the owner of a guitar; learn to play guitar book; and Christmas carol music. Despite my lack of musical ability, tune, or rhythm I plan on learning how to play. If nothing else it gives me an excuse to spend some time recovering on the couch. I'll apologize now to anyone that has to put up with my music. Work has been keeping me busy, my other work partners have been off at ski races so I've been holding down the fort a little more than I would like... but I've been working on all sorts of skills. I passed salad making, serving is good but I really need to work on my bread cutting ability so the slice doesn't get squished. Who knew that working at a training center involved catering, the leftovers are pretty sweet though. 
Matt putting some extra features on my Hockey/Bike bag... no wonder the needles always break
My bikes are packed, and since they pretty much take up my entire baggage allowance the rest is pretty easy; shorts and a t-shirt, it better be warm!! Norco Factory Team 2012 01/13/2012
The official team announcement came out this week and I'm happy to be back with Norco Bicycles for 2012. The Norco Team is a pretty diverse group of riders and it is always neat to hear about so many different types or riding. Maybe some of the freeride/jumping will wear off on me and I'll be doing backflips and bar-spins soon, or maybe I'll settle for clearing a gap jump this year. Check out the 2012 Promo video below. Winter time 12/10/2011
A fresh dump of snow in the backyard
Canmore is full on winter and has been for a quite a while now. Riding in the snow has been pretty fun, but unfortunately there is a bunch of ice on some trails now so that makes things pretty sketchy. Oh well, I figure it is good for mud riding skills, just hurts more when you crash. With winter comes lots of other fun activities. We have been cross country skiing at the nordic centre since October and now have enough natural snow that pretty much all of the trails are open. 
'Frozen thunder' in October - great skiing conditions just don't ski off track
We've gotten out for some great snowshoes and with that some extreme crazy carpeting. For some reason Matt carries crazy carpets with him. We lucked out and were able to find an almost 15minute crazy carpet descent with only a couple breaks to pull ourselves out of the snow bank after missing corners. When you are pretty much right on the snow 32km/hr feels fast. 
Snowshoeing up above Chester Lake
Matt seeing how steep a hill he can crazy carpet down
The beginning of the downhill, then we switched to skeleton style.
The backcountry now has enough snow too so staying on the xc ski trails is getting tough. Definitely a fun way to get into the mountains! 
Testing out the skis
Real snow
I haven't only been playing in the snow. Last week I was at a bike camp in Victoria. We had absolutely amazing weather, I saw the sun everyday. Too bad it wasn't like that last year! I really enjoyed the camp and getting back on the trails that I rode so much. I think we were actually training for future X-terra racing as along with the riding we had a swimming session, a hike/run up a mountain, some strength work and even some hot yoga. The hot yoga might have been the toughest workout of the week if you base it on sweat rate. Overall it was a super week with great people and some solid training. Now back in Canmore it is time to dust off the rollers for some indoor fun and find the warmest hand wear possible for the outdoor rides. 
Moose like to lie behind cars in Canmore. He even sticks his tongue out.
Thoughts On My Bike 11/11/2011
Matt and I went to a local Bike Fest Film showing the other day and this is one of the videos that we thought was pretty cool. I found it on YouTube check it out below. |
