Race Report from the road: BC Cup Finals

[Roland]

Last weekend of cyclocross racing until 2010! I had to go, so Katie dropped me off at the 7:00am ferry. I had one backpack, my bike and an extra set of wheels in a wheel bag. I met Drew and Joele (IRC) on the ferry and they gave me a loft to the race.

It was at the South Surrey Athletic Park. The weather was cold, windy and rainy. The course wound its way around some soccer fields and baseball diamonds, using ever piece of off camber piece of grass available. The course was a good mix, pavement, grass, gravel, no single track. A true cross course. Apparently BC Cup does callup by signup order, so I got myself a font row callup in the finals, even though it was my first BC Cup race.

From the gun (yes, there was a real starting gun) I lost a few positions, it was cold. My hands were numb, I could shift or brake. On the first lap I dropped my chain, crashed one or twice. After a lap or two, my hands warmed up and found my rhythm. I was in a good battle with 2 other riders, I'd gain on them in the technical sections, then they'd pull away again on the road sections. With 2 laps to go I managed to distance myself from them, but the leaders were out of sight. I finished 4th, which I was happy with for my first BC Cup race.

After the race I hopped back on my bike and headed for the sky train. 15km in the rain no fenders. Loaded my muddy wet bike on to the sky train. I had a nice chat with a homeless looking guy about gambling. Apparently he can make $5000 a day playing blackjack and yet can barely afford to ride the skytrain.

Now I'm at the Howard Johnson downtown Vancouver, drying all my cycling gear on a tiny space heater. I washed my shoes and clothes in the tub. I have plastic bags on the floor, as I'm trying not to get too much mud on the carpet.

Tomorrow is BC Provincial Cyclocross Champs in North Van. I'm racing Master 30-39.

[BearPope Recruit]

Way to go Roland! Nice finish today & good luck tomorrow!

[Rolf]

Nice one, Roland! Fourth sounds damn fine to me. Hopefully some of that blackjack wizard's luck rubbed off on you for tomorrow's race. Err, on second thought...

Break a leg! [Sh!t - disregard that too...]

Have a great race.

[BearPope Recruit]

Roland, you forgot one important detail... what costume did you race in??? the banana suit? or easter egg? Dr. Walker, Kona, Pro City, BearPope, Slacker???

[wonger]

Way to go Roland. Good luck tomorrow - next year I hope to be there with you. And remind me to look into a Triple Shot discount at Accent Inns. They have washing machines!

[Roland]

Tripleshot top, slacker bottoms, had to save full tripleshot for provincials.

[Roland]

And remind me to look into a Triple Shot discount at Accent Inns. They have washing machines!

That would be great, anything to make a weekend of racing a little cheaper.

[Plawless]

Kudos Roland. you are a 'cross animal!!!