Crankworx and beyond...

Coming off my Kicking Horse victory and conquering the demons of technical trails, it was only fitting that our next SORCA race was down Grin N Holler. This trail has a very scary looking wooden roll down feature near the end that has no ride around and no graceful way down it if you aren't ON your bike. I had never been brave enough to attempt it and had just enough to time for one quick practice run to decide whether I could do it so.....

BAM! Nailed it! 

Crankworx was a "break" from racing as we had two weeks off from BC Cups. I love C-worx! I love the crowds, I love the racing, I love rubbing elbows with the world cup pros, I love the vibe and the weather was incredible! I raced one race, which was the Air DH and got my first ever Crankworx podium and awesome medal!

                         

Following Crankworx, we had the Provincial Championships at Mt. Washington. This was a very important race for me as it was the first time my parents have ever come watched me race! 

This course was a beast! It was unrelenting and technical the whole way through, no breaks. There was a bit of everything, shale, rocks, dust, lots of dust, roots, more rocks and of course more dust. Not overly steep or anything but to find flow was a challenge as there were endless line choices. I was happy to have my practice partner back (Jeremy), and we put in a solid 6 practice laps on Saturday. We had an amazing lasagna dinner with The Clan (thanks Bryson!!) that night and off to bed good and early! 

Race day I was more nervous than usual because I really wanted to do well in front of my parents! My race run was clean and according to plan until I got to the spot where my parents were watching and a blew out a corner and went down. I hadn't known until after that that's were they were watching but at least they got a good show! It was a quick fall and I recovered easily and still managed a second place. The margin was close enough that had I not fallen I would have had it though. Just missed out on the Provincials Jersey...

Number one fan or number one worrier?

I crashed shortly after this.

Heading up to spectate.

Thanks Mom and Dad for coming to watch!

Stay tuned for the season finals update....

Panorama and Kicking Horse

Extreme summer roadtrip! First destination....Panorama! It was gorgeous, and I just couldn't get enough of the amazing views!

Upper Pits and Pretty Views!

Little Rock Garden on Course.

The course was not one of my favorites, I never really found my flow and I was missing both of my riding/training partners so I was a tad disheartened. I managed to string a decent run together on race day and despite a minor altercation with a tree, I still pulled off a second place! The best thing about Panorama was that we were staying here:

Hot Pools, Cold Pools and Waterslides...oh my!

We left Pano, and headed East to Calgary for some family time. I always enjoy my Calgary visits, we get to do some pretty cool things. This time around we got to go to the amusement park, the zoo, the pool, the Costco liquor store! Awesomeness. My sister and her family are the best of hosts!

Walking on water in Kootenay National Park.

We headed to Golden to spend the next five days in Kicking Horse. Last year, this race scared me so badly, the course is so steep and gnarly that as we were pulling out I remember saying "I'm glad I don't have to do that for another 365 days!". Well, fast forward 365 (ish) and here we were. One of the reasons we came earlier was because there was a celebrity ride scheduled on Mount 7 down the ex-Psychosis course. Seriously, click that link and watch the video if you are unfamiliar with this event. It's pretty scary! Well much to my disappointment (relief?), it rained that day and the ride was cancelled. 

Friday was casual practice day, I was again bummed to be without my usual riding partners but was extremely lucky to get to practice all weekend with the amazing Smash and Shorty. First lap, we rolled to the top of the course, I was so nervous to see if this course would claim my confidence like it did last year....

NOPE!! I nailed that sh!t (pardon my french) and felt amazing. It just went to show how much I had improved over one year, I had won right there in my mind and didn't even care how I finished! So over the course of that day and the next, I dialed in some lines that I could never even have looked at last year and got more and more comfortable on course. We squeezed in some fun river time too! 

Happy Girlies!

Race day, SICK. AS. A. DOG. I was beyond stuffed up and had zero energy. Had we not been on the other side of the province, I probably would have stayed in bed all day but we had come out this far and I was gonna race dammit! I tracked down a nasal strip to keep my sinuses open and went up for a practice run to prove to myself that I could in fact do a race run in my state. Other than my ears not equalizing, and coming down totally deaf, I was pretty alright. I kicked back and rested to preserve what energy I did have for the race run. I didn't even have it in me to be nervous before my run as I just didn't have it in me. I pulled it all out for my race run, it was clean, I nailed all my lines and I even pedaled my ass off. I came down number one! I even clocked the second fastest women's speed through the CCN speed trap, second only to World Cup racer Claire Buchar! Wow!

Congrats Masters Women!

It was a successful trip for sure and I am so excited for next year! Instead of dreading the Kicking Horse course, I am ready to improve even more. The organizer for this race puts on one of the best events of the year and it makes the trek out there so worth it! Oh and Chanel really enjoyed it too....

Smash and Lap dog!

Busy Is An Understatement.

I've been busy. Like really, really, busy. Every weekend is spent away at races right now, and every other waking hour is either spent working or playing in the sunshine. The sun is here and I MUST take advantage!

Two toonie races have gone by in Squamish and they have both been on LOOONG, technical, steep trails. I consider these great practice for "growing balls" since I have to attack every obstacle that comes my way instead of walking down it as I normally would.

Toonie race down Powersmart in Squamish. 

Two weekends ago we headed to Sun Peaks in Kamloops for BC Cup #3. We were prepared for some seriously hot weather but luckily it cooled down to a comfortable temperature for both days. The course was  super duper uper fast! So fast, that there were times that you just could not pedal any more...well at least I couldn't, my legs could not keep up. I loved it. Speed is my friend and with not many technical spots on course, there wasn't much to think about other than holding on for dear life! I did five practice laps on Saturday and really got a great feel for the track and could really anticipate what was coming up which is essential at high speeds. I felt good.  

My race run was a success, I nailed all my lines, got really brave in the high speed sections and felt alright in the tighter berms. The timing was live (which was a real treat), and I came down and stole the hot seat! However, with the fastest rider in our category coming directly behind me, I anticipated my time there would be limited. It was. I did hang on to second place and was stoked! 

Masters Women Podium

The following weekend we were off to Silver Star in Vernon. I would be the only one racing as Jeremy had a bit of an accident in the bike park and was nursing a suspected broken wrist. We were staying in Kelowna with a wonderful host and on our way into town decided to stop in at Manteo Resort and have dinner at Wild Apple Restaurant. I highly recommend eating here as not only is the Exec Chef my old boss Chef B but the food is amazing, fresh and local. Incredible!

We headed up the mountain bright and early Saturday for practice. I rolled through the course a few times and examined the many line choices with T-Mo. The options were endless through the jagged rock rolls and bermy, rooty trees. We studied the fastest options and practiced them until we had them nailed down. In the evening there was a whip-off on the big table top at the bottom of the course, we kicked back with some beers and enjoyed the show! 

Sunday I managed a couple of practice runs and changed up a few lines. I was ready to get the race run over with as the nerves were consuming me. I had decided that since this wasn't my ideal course that I wouldn't put too much pressure on myself and just ride my bike. Despite telling myself this, I was still so shaky coming out of the start gate that I thought I was going to fall over. I had a great run, stayed on my lines and felt pretty solid. I got to the bottom and was in the hot seat! Again, I decided to enjoy it as I didn't anticipate it to last. Turned out, it did last and I won! My first BC Cup win!  

All winners get hugs from Tippie!

Super loose, off-camber corner coming into the finish.

I got to play with bubbly in a rainstorm! 

I also have to give a huge congratulations to T-Mo for winning her first Pro Race! Success! 

Like I said earlier, I am busy, and next up is a bike vacation to Panorama and Kicking Horse and all places in between for 10 days! I can't wait!

Un-Fair Weather

If you know me, you know that I am a fair weather rider. It's almost a religion of mine. Now, as we all know, some religions MAY be off the mark but who are we to judge? I was fortunate enough to enjoy a 7 week stay-cation through the month of May and into June...stoked! Well to put it briefly, the weather SUCKED...not stoked. Despite the poor (understatement) weather, I managed to get a lot of riding in including some all-mountain, some shuttling, and bike park. Life is tough!

I participated as an assistant with the Trek Dirt Series Camps, which was lots of fun! Most of these camps are ladies only, which is a wonderful learning environment for many girls (no offence boys). It's so rewarding to be able to help riders overcome fears and challenges and awesome to be there when they have their "ah-ha!" moment! I highly recommend these camps to anyone starting out!

The SORCA toonie races have continued and I am super happy to report that I have had a couple more wins! I'm having such a good time getting to know Squamish trails a bit better and all the amazing riders that come out. Having been a park-rat for a number of years, I really took Squamish for granted but this year my eyes have been opened.

Last week I raced BC Cup #2, Bear Mt. in Mission. I had been keeping a close eye on the weather coming up to the race because I did not want a repeat of last years slop-fest. No such luck. Rain, rain and more rain.
Imagine a 5-6 minute sprint through thick mud where if you stop pedaling you stop moving! Not really my idea of downhill racing but you gotta do what you gotta do.
I had a not so great race run which included pedaling my face off, falling into a hole on the side of the course, slipping out in a corner and hoping with all my might that my arms weren't gonna fall off at the bottom. I ended up 4th. I was pretty disappointed that I didn't stay on my bike as that was one thing I wanted to focus on. Alas, this is only race 2 of 8 and as poorly as I felt about my run, I took away some valuable lessons and know what I need to work on (ahem...fitness!!!).

Upcoming this week is a totally epic toonie race in Squamish down 19th hole and BC Cup #3 in Kamloops. I am pretty excited!

I will leave you with some lovely photos from last weekend:

We were camping but in some serious style! Thanks Andy and Kristin!

Tantalus tent keeping us dry and represented!

Photo Credit: Stephen Exley

Photo Credit: Jon Anthony

Sunny days in May

Alrighty then, time to play some catch up on what's been happening in my world.

Another couple of Squamish Toonie Races under my belt and top finishes in both of them (Yay!). One was down Crouching Squirrel to Kiki (a new, loamy, glorious, LOAMY trail) which was fast and fun and the other was down Cougar Ridge (the opposite of loamy). I had only hiked Cougar Ridge and had never actually ridden it, so I pretty much raced it blind. My run was anything but fast and flowy but I think that was the general consensus among the girls and we were all happy to have made it down in one piece.

Another epic and exciting event that has passed was the Sunshine Coaster. This is by far one of my favorite events for a multitude of reasons:
1. My first year attending I met pretty much the best biking crew ever! BIKE CLUB!
2. My first year attending I won my category in both biking and shotgunning beer on the podium.
3. I love the Sunshine Coast, the weather always rocks!
4. The trails are in a league of their own out there.
5. My second year attending I met Jeremy.
6. The camping is always a HUGE party!
7. Must I go on?

This year did not disappoint as the sun was shining and our camping crew was vast once again. We rolled in on Friday morning and after setting up camp, we were off for some shuttles and training laps. Saturday we took our training a bit more seriously but also had some great laps on the other trails nearby.

Me and Jeremy having fun training!

 After a delicious dinner at the Old Boot, some bike movie screenings at the campground (we camp in electronic style) around the fire and good times with friends, I was beat.
Sunday, race day.
Let me talk about the race course for a minute here; it is the most fun on a bike one can have. Berms and jumps in the open clearcut to some more berms and jumps in a forest with just the right amount of roots and rocks thrown in for good measure and a crowd-pleasing drop near the bottom to keep you on your toes. Perfection.
So since this was an exhibition race and I love the course I decided to just relax, have fun and pin it. I was mostly excited that there was nothing on this course to scare the pants off me so I could just enjoy the day!
Well, my strategy paid off and I came out on top!

Lisa, Myself and Cheryl on the podium. Congrats ladies!

Shredding the course!

So another fun and memorable Sunshine Coaster has come and gone and I just look forward to next year!

In other news, I am very pleased to announce a sponsorship with Tantalus Bike Shop. I am beyond excited to be representing this great Squamish shop! Check em out!

Loeka also just launched their 2012 website, get on there and shop for some hot bike clothes for women! Check out my bio and "like" their Facebook Page as well for great info on the Loeka Girls!

On a slightly less awesome note I am giving a shout out to my good friend Jon Anthony who recently broke his back doing what he loves (biking) and is enduring some serious pain and recovery in the hospital! Jon just had surgery to fuse 7 vertebrae 5 days ago and is already "strolling" about the halls of VGH. He is so positive and an inspiration to everyone! Go get em Jon!!

Whistler Bike Park opened this past weekend and I was lucky enough to get two days of riding in. The trails are in great shape, the weather was drizzly at worst and the crowds were non-existent. Siiiiick!

This upcoming weekend I am really excited to be helping out with the Trek Dirt Series camp in Whistler. I am volunteering as an assistant in hopes of getting my foot in the door for some coaching opportunities. I did one of these camps when I first started riding and I had a blast!

That's all for now.

There's no crying in DH!

Alright, lots has been happening!

Two weeks ago, SORCA (Squamish Off Road Cycling Association) held the first race in the Toonie series down upper Pseudo Tsuga, a blue trail full of bermy corners and rollers and jumpy bits (equals fun!). I decided that since it's a bit flat with some serious pedaling sections, that I would race on my small bike. It was the perfect trail to practice corners which we had been working on with Cory at C4 as well! Long story short, all things came together nicely and I won by 15 sec! Yay! Good momentum going into the weekend for Race the Ranch!

Kamloops was next on the agenda! I love the feeling of setting off on a road trip! As soon as we rolled into Lillooet it was was all sunshine and smiles!

We got into Kamloops early enough to do a thorough course walk and check out what was in store. We walked up the dry and dusty desert-scape and things on course were looking decent until I looked at the only technical section of the track. It was a man-made rock garden, steep corner-type affair and I could feel my chest tightening as I looked at it. Not my forte. I tried to put it in the back of my mind until I could ride it and get a feel for it.
In the morning during practice, I could not for the life of me muster up the courage to ride the corner. It was a total mental block! Tears were shed as frustration mounted and I thought that I'd have to pull out of the race. T-Mo came to my rescue and offered up some much needed support and advice and I went back up, sucked it up and rode the line! I continued to have no problems with it in practice, so to me, the battle was won! To celebrate a good practice day we did a couple of shuttle laps on Rio which is a Kamloops staple and SO MUCH FUN!
On race day, I was as nervous as always and due to timing issues, we were delayed up at the top of the course for over 40 minutes! The camaraderie between the ladies is always so amazing and helped the time pass and soothed the nerves a bit.
My race run was clean, I got past the scary part and focused on the fun, flowyness of the rest of the course. I was very happy that it was over as this was one of the most nerve racking races I've ever had.

Last drop coming into home stretch.

I had overcome my personal battle the day before so anything else was just icing on the cake. My icing came in the form of a 3rd place finish:

Masters 30+ Women's Podium

Congrats to Jeremy on his 2nd place finish and congrats to T-Mo for getting 3rd place in her first race as a pro! 

And it begins...

Bike racing season is a week and a half away and I know all of you are dying to know what I get up to so here you go.

Clearly I've been training really hard.


Seriously though, riding season never really ends here in Squamish so I've been on my bike pretty much all winter. Mostly pedaling the all-mountain bike up hills (who knew!?). But, as we all know, what goes up must come down!

I am really happy to be on board with Loeka Clothing this season. They are a woman-specific bike clothing company and do a great job supporting female riders.
Within the past week, I have been working with Cory at C4 Rider Training to get better and go faster. I look forward to more coaching as I have a lot to work on! 

The upcoming race season is looking really good with eight races on the BC Cup circuit and a few other fun events such as Crankworkx to look forward to. So much road trip fun coming up this summer. I cannot wait!

Next up, SORCA toonie race this Sunday...wish me luck!