Paracycling: Thank You!

[BearPope Recruit]

A huge thank you for the support in going to Para-Nationals in Quebec next week. I am overwhelmed, and very appreciative of this assistance. Most of the winter warriors know that Carly and I teamed up last fall to ride a tandem, and a few spring chicks may have seen us out on a ride too. I’m learning a lot right now, and one thing I find is that entry to sport can be tricky, as most often the ones who get funding are already funded from other sources. Cost is just one of the many hurdles to overcome. Another very important factor is having a network of teammates, coaches, and friends to help you out along the way.

I just wanted to provide a short update on the paracycling front. The first week of June Carly and I spent in Calgary at CCA’s Western Development Camp. Peter, and several others from Victoria also attended, and it was great to have a west coast contingent east of the Rockies. It was a very inspiring group of people, with some very cool & creative bikes (including a butt brake off the back of the seat)! Oh yes, and Peter, as a coach, asked more questions at camp than the athletes… The first day was spent testing, next two days spent on the road, and then a day on the track. I’d have to say the most fun was probably had on the track - my favorite part was getting on the back of a tandem blindfolded to experience what it was like. I lost all spatial sense going around in circles. I couldn’t tell where I was on the track in any way – the only thing I could sense was when we dove from the rail down to the blue line. It was like being on a bad carnival ride. The finale was a road race in Pigeon Lake. I always thought Alberta was flat, but apparently not!

A photo from Pigeon Lake... http://kayphoto.smugmug.com/Sports/Road ... 3208_eKQYt

This upcoming weekend is Para-Nationals out in St. George de Beauce, Quebec. Roland, Carly, and I will be heading out to represent TripleShot in our baby blue & argyle! 20k time trial set for Saturday and a 70k road race Sunday. Peter has just told me that the hills are Newton like… will see how that goes on the tandem! I’ll use the TS financial support to offset race registration fees so at least while I’m out there killing myself & Carly up a hill, I can say “at least I didn’t pay for this…”, and then start cursing each of you individually for generously allowing me such pain…. Full race reports will be provided next week – I’ll see what the Quebec equivalent of Sooke liquid sunshine, a 40km flat tire, and a mad Bulldog is! Hopefully the post will be just as entertaining, as Wonger seems to have high expectations now...

Thanks again for your support in every way! Jen

[jeremy]

Good luck guys and gals, go kick some French Canadian butt

[Roland]

Update: We made it to Toronto. Waiting for our flight to Quebec City. Flying all night sucks.