Whistler gran fondo

[Andrew]

Anybody doing whistler?

[Chris Marshall]

I was suppose to be doing it but because of surgery, I have to pull out. If anyone is interested I have a registration.

[Sig Isaac]

I'm registered to do it. It's my first time doing Whistler Gran Fondo, so I'm not totally sure how hard it will be, but I am aiming to break 3:40.

[barton bourassa]

I did it a couple years ago in 3:48. Had a great deal of difficulty walking for a few hours! first half to Squamish is deceptive! Very fast. But then the fun really begins! Climbing, climbing and more climbing!! Good luck everyone!

Barton.

[Andrew]

Sig, if you ride the way you ride Vic2cow you should be good for 3:40.

[Sig Isaac]

Thanks, Andrew. Hope to see you out there, but if not have a great ride! I was going to ride back to Squamish afterwards if anyone is interested.

[Andrew]

So Kevin Ford and I did Whistler. The ride this year was fanstastic. The ride was really well run, great lanes, road clear. Everything went off without a hitch. It rained a bit at the start which seemed to make everybody calm down and ride conservatively. There were few sketchy moments on the upper levels hiway and up to Squamish. In the past the pack would land up accordioning which was scary. Weather got better up the road, generally dry. At times muggy but generally cool. The real suffering started after Squamish as usual. We were near the back of the lead group until the last 20 kms when our group fractured and we got gapped. It was nice as the deep seated pain in my legs started to ease considerably. We then ran a pace line with four other guys working and about 14 other guys hanging on as best they could, and taking occasional pulls. We finished around top 50, very satisfied. At Whistler there was a great vibe, warm sun came out, lots of nice food, complimentary bike washing from Cervelo, massage, beer and a bun, the memory of the registration cost long forgotten. After a few hours visiting with friends, we rolled back to Squamish, Kevin had the bit between his teeth (lived up to his reputation of being half man, half horse), as usual into a ferocious headwind, and I struggled to take my turns. We had the chance to look at the incredible scenery we missed on the way up. Fantastic day. We didn't see Sig, who smoked the ride, hit his 3:40 on the mark. Next year there will be an option to do a 152km loop with extra elevation, presumeably out and back up the Callaghan Valley. Founding riders can sign up now for $175 until Sept 14th or so. Every year I say it is my last WGF, but I think that I am signing up for either 122 or 152kms, hopefully we will have more of the TSC crew back for that ride.

[barton bourassa]

Congratulations guys. Sounds like a great ride for all of you. I'd love to do it again! Oct 2014 I'll be 60. What better way to celebrate! Although, I am sure my dear wife could think of more sane, safer, ways to celebrate!