Tripleshot Cycling

As you Tripleshoters did your great effort in the 140km , I was out for a mere 110km and as I rolled along our beautiful Sunday route I thought of Mark Ford,[son Kevin is also a Tripleshot member and races with Procity] and Victoria's ultimate Randonneur rider: Ken Bonner.

On Saturday , June 23 they started a 1200km ride,[not sure if they would call it a race, but the clock is ticking],in the Cascade Mountains area in Washington. As of Sunday at 10a.m. Mark had covered 403km in 28hrs, with an estimated finish sometime on Tuesday!! Although there are no Tim Horton's in the area , he does plan on sleeping a few hours. As of 1:20a.m ,Ken Bonner had done 403km in about 18hrs and as of 3:53p.m., Sunday had done 608 km . Ken had told me last Wednesday he hoped to complete the 1200 in about 60hrs. I know its hard to believe.

Oh yea, they will go up and down 37,000ft. As of Sunday p.m., no snow ,yet....you can find updates on Cascades1200.com and info. on twitter and facebook.

Next time someone whines about why does Tripleshot ride so early at 6a.m. or why would we ride to Sooke or Sidney for coffee ,mention this event to them. More information to follow,..... with a full report at coffee on Friday. cheers, pc

Just looked at the rider progress sheet and with about half the race completed there have already been nine DNFs (out of 78 riders). But I'm betting that Mark hangs in there!

Sadly John, you have lost your bet. Not sure of the all details but Dad has pulled out. I heard his arm was sore, likely due to the strain on his arm...he crash 3 or 4 years ago and with repeated pressure it bothers him. Knowing him that mean he can't shift or steer or pull the brakes so someone told him to stop. But he is fine. Cheers, Kevin.

Just for the record I completed 735ks of the 1200ks. The strong winds, lack of sleep and my weak left arm contributed to my DNF. I could not control the bike on the very steep hill sections. I developed a very pronounced lean to the left causing me constantly to ride into the busy traffic lane. This was obviously very dangerous move and caused great anxiety to my two colleagues following.

Mark