Tripleshot Cycling

Just wanted to know if anyone is doing the tour de Vic?

Yup. Perhaps a few more to join. We have been meeting really early (5:30-6:00am) on the day at the SB in James Bay. The topic was mentioned earlier this year, viewtopic.php?f=19&t=6523.

Yep, I'm in for a penny now.

Awesome thanks kenji.

If any Tripleshoter's want an alternative to the TdV bag check, I live two blocks from the Leg and have an easily accessible deck. PM me or talk to me during coffee at Sbux.

My 2 cents for those trying for a fast time...

The one year I did TdV, we met for coffee ahead of time, and headed over to the starting chutes pretty early. I couldn't get any closer than the starting position for those expecting to finish in 7 hours. So I spent the first hour battling forward past slower riders, without any chance of connecting with the fast riders. I doubt I could have significantly improved my time that year, but many of you are faster than I was then (and than I am now!) and you would suffer significantly from starting so far back.

So, my advice is get your coffee early, get it to go, and drink it next to your bike close to the starting line.

Good luck everyone! Hope to see you at the finish line (as a spectator).

Martin

Good point Martin. I remember that. I think we're planning on getting coffee pre-6am so we can get in the lineup well in advance. I think getting it to go may be the most reasonable way to go about it.

Great work to everyone who participated today. Steve, Garth and Claire kicked butt and won their respective age groups. Brad Z also rode very strong. My ride was fantastic for the first 70km until the lights went out and I had to limp to the line for the most part solo. The ride was also notable for the persistent 40km headwind for the final water front route. Good times all round. See you next year!

(edited)

I count 6 Tripleshot members among the top 20 finishers in the 145km ride. Claire was the second-fastest woman.

I also hear that TS riders were particularly good at taking pulls and working as a group.

Kevin Laidman got first place in the 85km ride.

Nice work all!

Martin

mfarnham wrote:(edited)

I count 6 Tripleshot members among the top 20 finishers in the 145km ride. Claire was the second-fastest woman.

I also hear that TS riders were particularly good at taking pulls and working as a group.

Kevin Laidman got first place in the 85km ride.

Nice work all!

Martin

This is all true. Although the distances are perhaps slightly inaccurate (but close enough). It is a beautiful thing to work together as a group - whether the goal is to catch the next group (perhaps too lofty a goal today) or just to feel the satisfaction that hard work and cooperation can bring. Too bad only a handful in our group of a dozen-ish appreciated that (you know who you are!). I am fully satisfied with my 2nd place (by 20 seconds) finish.

My TDV experience:

I signed up for the 90km event instead of the 140km in an effort to save my legs for a race I'm doing next week. You know, the kind that starts with a swim and ends with a run. My plan was to stay near the front until the pace got too high, then find a group and ride home comfortably. Little did I know the adventure I was getting myself into...

Now I know that caliber of riders in the 140km field is much stronger than that in the 90km field, and my 31.1 km/hr average doesn't come close to comparing to the speeds of riders in the longer ride, and I'm okay with that. It doesn't take away from the experience.

I started mid pack, and had to sprint down Government to catch the large lead group. Once caught, I had to sprint down Gorge to catch the 6-rider "breakaway." As we turned left onto Prospect Lake to start climbing Munns Rd, only 10km into the ride, we were already down to just 2 of us at the front. So much for taking it easy, I thought. The real fun started as we turned off of Willis Point Rd onto Wallace with 60km to go. We were picked up by our very own police escort! Two of us up there, leading the ride with the police clearing the way for us, it was fantastic.

After 10km behind the police, my riding companion fell off the pace. That meant I had 50km to go solo. Remember the part about wanting to take it easy? That's hard to do when I'm channeling my inner Tony Martin, egged on by cheering spectators, a police bike with lights and sirens going, and the chance to live out every amateur cyclist's dream. I had to empty the tank.

The headwind on the waterfront was brutal, as we all know. The motorbike stayed just far enough ahead that I couldn't catch a break, and there was no Friday morning group to share the work with and help shield me. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, I passed Ogden Pt and the winds changed, helping me to the finish line. I could finally afford to crack a huge smile and enjoy the last few minutes. I sat up at the finish line and straightened my Tripleshot jersey for the photo op to put an end to a memorable ride. What a day!

Great account Kevin. Like you say, every amateur rider's dream.

Awesome!

Nothing wrong with your pace--anything faster would have been a waste of energy!

Martin

p.s. You might want to post another copy of your race report under the Race Reports forum subheader. That will encourage others to put their reports there, which is where people will look for them in the future.

Amazing rides from Garth and Claire, just couldn't stop themselves from
Going to the front. Lots of TSC riders pulling hard in the headwind and having fun. It was such a fun route and a gorgeous view all along the way.

I hope I am in the count for TSC. Yes I race in ProCity kit but I have been a TSC member for many years.

Without a doubt Mr. Kevin Ford.... and I saw you coming in with the gang! I heard that you instigated the sprint at the end.... without that, Garth might not have gotten his 4 seconds to beat out his rival!
Louise

I was counting you Kevin!

Martin

Very impressive!! Congratulations all!