Season Re-Cap

We’ll since the end of the year was really busy I missed out on a few race reports so I figured I’d throw together a quick summary to wrap things up. First off thanks to Lee, the rest of the Poisonfrog crew and Cycle Solutions for all their support throughout the year. Lee did a great job at assembling the team this year which was recognized by our nomination for 2008 Team of the year at the DH Awards tomorrow for a combination of strong performance on race course and participation off the course.

The O-cup # 4 at Camp Fortune was on the Provincial Course with a few changes to the top sections and was my favorite O-cup course of the year. It wasn’t as technical as I expected after everyone’s comments about how tech Camp Fortune was, however the Dump and Couch’s Corner did claim a few casualties over the weekend. It didn’t turn out to be a great weekend for myself, at the top of my third practice run I put my pelvis out coming off the first table which sidelined me for the day and most likely the weekend. However about an hour before the race run I just couldn’t keep watching every come down after the long drive to Ottawa so I decided to suit up for one easy practice run and figured I might as well take an easy race run since I was there. We’ll I can’t say it turned out to be the best idea I ever had. Coming into the Race run without having done a fast run down yet resulted in a poor run, multiple mistake, and Couch’s Corner getting the best of me as I pogo’ed my front end, went over the bars, and landed hard into the rocks. But at least I can say I got the run in an

Next up was Blue Mountain with a fun fast wide open course without any tech sections to speak of. If you’ve followed my other post I have yet to have a smooth weekend getting in the practice runs I’ve was looking forward to tying in a good run. Practiced went as planned following down Andrew or Grant for most my runs come race time I was feeling pretty good with all my lines dialed and practice going well. And I came through the first section the best I had all weekend and I’m sure the first 1/3rd of the course I was on par with the leaders times, then I nailed the bottom the portion of the course as I wanted (however knowing I’d fall behind the front runners through this section) I was feeling good and ready for my best finish, and coming out of the last sections my chain came off, which led to tucking and pumping the last section losing a few seconds, but all in all it was my best finish with a time split that was where I needed to be to get the upgrades point for expert next season if I could put together 3 race that clean. Also I want to throw props out to Andrew who won his first DH Race that weekend before moving the Vancouver a few weeks later.

Finally to end the Season it was off to the provincials in Ottawa. With nothing really to gain or loose in regards to upgrade points there was no pressure and I was looking forward to a good fun weekend of riding and that’s what it provided. I was having a decent weekend, having had a couple clean practice runs Sunday with my lines selected and was aiming for a similar finish to Blue. Off the start I came into the first wooded section of my line which threw me off a little on the top third. After nailing the next third the best I had all weekend I made the mistake of pushing to hard to make up for the mistakes I made at the top and end up in rhubarb of my bike. But I still managed a mid-pack finish and had great weekend.

All in all my first season was a great learning experience and a lot fun, an now it’s to hit the trainer throughout the winter months to be in better shaper for next seasons with the goal of getting the upgrades points to step up to Expert.

Revival of Canadian Politics?

Is the Coalition Government what the Canadian Political system needs as a revival?

First I want to say it’s great to see a revived interest in Canadian politics! Through the last two elections I was quite disappointed and said multiple times I can’t wait for the day that one or multiple of our parties leaders are charismatic, intelligent and trustworthy Candidates. At my age I can’t say I remember a candidate that fit that bill. Before I voice my opinion I want to state that I do not have any political "denomination". Since I’ve reached the age to vote I’ve voted for all 3 major parties at some point based on what the Canadian situation is and who/what I thought the country need at time based on their platforms. On that note let’s get into the thick of this post.

First lets thing about two facts that have nothing to do with actually policy or the economic situation alone I think this is a great event.
1) It’s infusing a much needed interest into Canadian politics which been dropping in the recent elections which I feel is a result of a lack of any real solid front runners for our two main parties.
2) More importantly is anyone else flabbergasted that theirs some real cooperation going on between parties. After Multiple terms in the Martin/Dion, Harper, Layton Era that have seen our politics result in what seems more like school yard banter then people out to run a country I think it’s impressive to see relationships formed with the intent of governing the country based on team work not my stick is big then yours or you need me to get this through but your going to give me X to get it.

Now I'm no political scince major but lets look at why this makes sense from a political side to me as well.
3) This coalition government would represent the majority of Canada’s vote.
4) Our current world economy needs some drastic measures to ensure we continue to stay ahead of this recession and the Conservatives missed this point apparently (anyone remember the Japanese’s oversight not to long ago.)
5) In a minority situation Harper is attempting to move a platform/budget that is strongly conservative by tradition when that doesn’t represent the majority of the Canadians beliefs. I’ve been baffled by Harpers arrogance and bullying in the past but I never expected he’d step it up to this level regardless of some speculation during his second term he was going to lean further towards his parties belief, but I didn’t think he’d follow through. Then trying to keep power by tearing Canada apart reviving an issue that barely existed anymore through the statement that this is just a Socialist and Seperatist power grab is a disgrace. I can’t believe he’s trying t to bully his way and not earn his way out instead of convincing us he is right.

I’m going to take a little side note here to state that I’m amazed I don’t here many people agree with me on the following. But I think a minority government is the political structure I want to see effectively running a country. It’s keeps the parties in Check. Ultimately from coast to coast Canada’s people and their needs are very diverse and I don’t expect to ever see one party equally addresses everyone’s desires. As a result a minority government where the Prime Minister has to convince one of the opposition parties which represents a significant % of Canadians views to get something through only seems to make sense to me. I think to only problem is our current party leaders can’t put aside their childhood banter, trying to win the next election by degrading the other parties instead of based on their own merit, to work together and run the country with a government that represents the divided views of our Canadian citizens. OK enough of that rant.

Regardless of the outcome this will lead to some interesting times indeed. I look forward to following how this all unfolds in the months to come. I’ll also be honest and say I look forward to what may be the end of Prime Minister Harpers leadership of the Conservative Party and hope to see a new leader that’s a less of an Arrogant Bully.

August Long Weekend - Bromont WC and Whiteface Mountain.

August Long weekend me and Drew planned a little intense weekend around the WC Bromont but what a weekend it was. Friday we started off making the 4 + hour drive to Kingston (damn cottage traffic had us arrive in Kingston a good 2 hours behind schedule.) But the beer was in the cooler with ice and Geoff and the girls where waiting to BBQ dinner and one thing led to another and no one got to bed till 4 or 5 AM. However, being the troopers we are me Drew weren’t going to let a little lack of sleep stop us from making it to the WC so we where up and off at 8AM to make the DH Finals. We arrived and promptly tracked down some people to see how the Ontario riders and they represented well with where doing and we found out Rob Fraser from the team finished 112th (no small feat at 17). His training partner for the weekend Marcelo from Columbia, qualified for the finals on his Banshee Legend, Sheila squeezed in to the women’s final (and ended up 19th), Dean Tenant and Drew Pautler from Primary Devinci also qualified for the main, and Justin Brown rounded out the Ontario showing in 110th.

So after our quick update we hiked the course to see what had changed from the Canada Cup we raced early in the year, and they defiantly made enough changes to make this a great WC course. I wish I could have road the course. The bottom section had a new drop added that was about 6 to 10ft and the landing was in corner going the other way, a couple nice gap jumps, the berm after the long rockface that saw a lot of injuries at the Canada Cup was built up, and then the rockface that you road down after you shot out of the opening single track had a pro line option with a 15 to 20ft rock drop.

We ended up at the new drop just in time to watch the pro women launch of it without any signs of fear. And Rachel Atherton continued her dominance wining the women’s category. We had hiked down to one of the more tech sections for the men and watched the top men make everything look so smooth and witness some awesome riding up close. Sam Hill was the man of the day with the seemingly regular top 4 standing atop the podium Hill, Peaty, Minnar, Gee. Then Marc Beaumont rounded up the top 5. Next up was the 4 X course which was awesome, and we saw some tight racing, huge bails, and stood beside the Santacruz Syndicate as they drank and funneled beers through air horns. After dinner and pint we where off to Whiteface New York, for a day of DH riding.

We didn’t arrive till after midnight and after only a few hours of sleep over the last 40 hours I passed out as soon as my head hit the pillow. Sunday we where greeted with rain for our day at Whiteface, but that was going to ruin our spirits so geared and headed up the Gondola to the top and followed Mikes first run suggestion of the complete 26 where it intersects with 27 the second time to 4 (or something) for our first run and found out what whiteface is all about. Now I would have preferred have a warm up run before being thrown down the mountains toughest run (I’d suggest going 23 -24 – 25 as a good warm up). With the slick mud, rock, roots and rain 26 had to be the toughest trail I’ve had to navigate. Not steep but tough with lots of big rocks and some steep of camber stuff. I’d love to go back and rip through it in the dry. Or at least dry enough that my hands are slipping of the brakes and handlebars. So how do you sum up Whiteface, the hill with the most potential east of the Rockies? Lots vertical, Lots of potential for Growth, some awesome trails, and non existent line ups (we walked straight onto the lift every time). What’s missing? Well first off too many sections are tied together with fire roads and flat singletrack across the mountain (The fire roads wouldn’t be so bad if they where smoothed out a little) Some faster lest tech trails you can fly down, get some air with tables and berms, more Intermediate/Beginner Terrain I wouldn’t have wanted my first day on a DH bike to be there, and more riders. I wish Mike the best of luck, he was great, and is putting a lot of passion into the park and hopefully he can get the numbers he needs to continue growing the park till reaches it’s potential. For those of thinking of doing the 5K downhill race go for it.

After our ride we where headed back to Kingston for a DH ride in Kingston on J&J’s Farm trails which where a lot fun, just too bad I felt like S@#$ and couldn’t get a good ride in. Maybe I’ll be able to find time to head back in the fall before the snow falls.

Summer Update

I know, I know I’ve been terrible at keeping on top of this with new and interesting stories ( Well I guess if they are interesting is up to you guys, but at least new stuff) Luckily I have a lot on my mind to write about so I should keep regular updates coming for a while. But first I’ll try and give a quick rundown on some of the exciting things that happened through the next couple short post.

So what’s happened? We’ll lets give you a little re-cap from where I left of to bring you to speed. First, Canada Day saw a quick little tour of BC with my parents, from Calgary across to Revelstoke and then down to Kelowna and back along the southern route. I must say I’ve fallen in love with the Nelson/Rossland area and could easily call that area home someday. The trip also allowed for some mountain biking at Kicking Horse and my first big mountain riding experience has me stoked to move closer to the area in the New Year. The trip was a little fast as there was business on the agenda but it definitely further opened my eyes to the fact that I’ll never call Southern Ontario Home

This brought me to ask myself even more about why I’m living in the GTA. The traffic, the commute, the stress and pace of live, and the distance from outdoors and I question why a lot of people choose to call this area home. To add to the negatives mentioned above that surround a lot of large cities, you can add to fact the cost of living keeps climbing and in among canada’s highest, however the median/avg. income continues to drop. Toronto’s average household income has now dropped below the national average which says something about where the economy is going. The staple of Toronto’s employment Bay street is even moving a significant number jobs to Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. Leading towards a larger division and increase in Toronto’s wealthy and poor, as the middle class slowly disappears in this city. Toronto seems to be going the way of many US cities such as Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia in this respect.

Thankfully our social system and lower tolerance for Racism will ensure we never hit the extremes some of these cities see. However, I definitely do not see Toronto as one of the prosperous city and Canadian economic hub it once was. The city of Toronto is going to have to make some quick changes to keep it’s international reputation of a clean, green, with strong values, and being a melting pot of people, cultures and social status that all work together.

I returned to a weekend of leisurely racing with a fun team at Chico’s 24hrs of Summer Solstice (yes you can read fun as drinking team). This event should be added to as a must do for any mountain biker in Ontario. It’s a great event that really encompasses the mountain bike scene or vibe, with a mix of Pros and weekend warriors competing in categories from Solo (i.e. ride your bike in a 15 – 20KM loop for 24 hrs straight and see how many times you can get around, yes these guys are crazy), and then a variety of competitive and non-competitive teams in the 2, 4, 5, and 10 man team taking turns doing laps. There really is no reason to be intimidated by these events as 99.9% of the riders are courteous and just there for a good time. After racing multiple 24hr events on Competitive team aiming for the podium, this year we entered a 5 man team with no expectations other then to have fun. We did well considering we where a couple DH Riders, and guys who had not put in many KM’s this summer, with the exception Josh who ripped it up all weekend, we finished 15th out of 45ish team in our category and where short of a top ten by 2 mechanicals that weren’t fixed trailside. So not to shabby and ultimately we had a lot laughs, beers and fun.

Check back soon for a mountain bike season re-cap and a the results of my Nfld. adventure.

2008 Mountain Bike Season Update # 7 - Kelso DH # 2

Well it’s been a few weeks since the last update after the two Quebec races. I must say I miss the bigger hills and technical terrain coming back to Ontario. Quickly bringing you up to date the last two weeks still saw me as involved as ever in the MTB scene, even without the racing. I completed the NCCP Level 1 Technical program (now I have to do the Theory so I can get certified), participation in the Kelso build day, and a weekend with some social rides as a little break from racing with the next few weeks going to be jammed with Racing. As we just finished Kelso DH # 2, next weekend is the 24 Hrs Summer Solstice, followed by the Horseshoe DH Race before the little mid-summer 2 week lull in my race season hits.

Last weekend the Ontario Cup Downhill racing returned to Kelso for race # 2 over the weekend on a brand new course, and the consensus is it was the best Kelso DH course yet, with a great mix of a flowing top section, into a wide open section with a nice step down, and then a small gap, into a fun tight section that some last minute rain as the race runs started made an interesting area with a lot carnage going on. As always A great job was done by Pete and his crew once again. Now if we can only find a way to double Kelso’s vertical we’d be golden. Maybe we could do a new all mountain race, starting at the top of the extreme trail ending with that new DH run step down and all. It would be a lot of fun to compete in an race format that would let Ontario’s DH and XC riders go head to head. Hhmm or cmaybe a collaboration between Pete and Chico and we could throw a challenge out to find the best overall mountain biker with a 20ish KM XC race on Saturday followed by a DH race Sunday, and the winner could be determined by a scoring system based on points assigned on your time spread from the first place rider in both races to find out who’s Ontario’s best overall mountain biker. I personally think a few DH Riders may just come out on top.

Enough with all that how was the racing? Well Great! Practice saw some great weather, not to much trail congestion and a lot of fun riding. For myself some good practice runs and things where looking good. I couldn’t wait to get going down the course on my race run hoping for an improvement on the last race. But a little twist was thrown in as Mother Nature dropped a 15 minute Thunderstorm down on us, to make things a little more interesting. My race run was a little disappointing however. After the start I came into the first berm funny ending up with my feet backwards, not a big time killer but awkward, the rest of the top section went smooth, the fire road and gaps golden, then coming into the tight wood sections still solid a little dab as I sciked myself out worrying it maybe be slippery from the rain, then coming into the next section I unclipped a pedal somehow dogging the trees at the top and did the steep and the drop with one foot unclipped, resulting in a little bobble at the bottom, slipping out a little. Determined to keep a good run tried to clip back in on time while getting and get in a couple pedal strokes as I commited to try and clear the double over the log in hopes of salvaging my run, but no luck clipping in under pressure forcing me to roll threw the sections terribly with no flow coming essentially to a stop and totally losing it mentally threw till the end. If I only took the time to clip in instead of scramble after the drop and I easily would have shaved 5 + seconds off my time. The up side is I know if I tie together a good run I can hit the top ten. I still finished 18 out of a field of 35 riders and it was a fun weekend regardless. The rest of the poisonfrog boys did well with a few personal best and almost everyone else finishing in the top 10.

The other sport class riders Grant and Trevor finished top 5 and top 10 respectively putting Grant in # 1 overall in Senior Sport with a 4th and 5th places (while fighting through a shoulder injury), look for him on a few podiums in the near future. Ben ripped it up in Junior Sport with his best finish ever at 5th. JP bailed and still only finished about a second out of 1st taking second place. Watch for JP and Rob to be chasing each other for the top spot on the rest of the Jr. Ex. podiums this year. Jeremy ripped it up, with a time of 1:17 getting a solid third in Masters discovering bronze medals serve as good beer bottle openers, Kristen was one step off the podium, Chad ripped a good run, and Moose well?? Whatever did happen to mosse no one saw him after his run as he disappeared quickly? Well, that’s it for now and I’m looking forward to Horseshoe!

Once again thanks to Intense from Dropmachine.com, Rick Loftus, and JuanTV from ubiketv.com for the awesome pics.

User Groups and Sustainability?

The topic of trail users damaging the ecosystem seems to keep coming up in discussions around me lately. Some discussions positive and some negative. Groups like Sirbikealot Racing, Kelso, the Ontario Fereration of Snowmobile Clubs, and IMBA - Internation Mountain Bike Association (I'm still not convinced that all their re-routes are necessary but they are doing the right thing as a whole) etc. have been putting in a lot of effort into sustainable low impact trails over recent years. However, our public image isn’t necessary improving by leaps and bounds. After being asked the other day how can you call yourself environmentally responsible while participating in hobbies such as Motorcycling, Snowmobiling, Quading and Mountain Biking without feeling guilty? I figured I should say something. ?????? How do you address this question! Lets look at it through two points.

Firstly I'd ask what is the true impact of these groups. Our core environmental problem do not result from the recreational users. I’d be surprised if recreational activities even make up 1% of the overall environmental problem/impact after you take into consideration the footprint left by corporations miss-use of our resources such as non-sustainable logging practices, oil extraction and processing, mining, steel production, etc., then add the environmental impacts of transporting goods in our current global economy by boat, planes and trucks, wait now don’t forget all the commuters. I think you’ll find the recreational impact becomes a minute point. Ultimately I think their interest in protecting these areas benifit the protection of the environement which is where I'll go with point#2.

Most recreational users implement practices such as bring out what you bring in (many bring out more then they bring in, and sustainable trail usage i.e. not to mountain bike in a sensitive area after rain for example). Many also argue that simply using the land damages the natural habitats and vegetation. I also think this is often blown out of proportion. Find a mountain bike trail that has seen 10 years of traffic but has been closed for about 2 or 3 seasons and you will most likely see that the vegitation has taken over the trail in most cases. However, we do realize that sensitive ares need to be protected and the trends in trail building are towards building “sustainable” trails that minimize the environmental impacts. Involvement from Environental Scientist or Biologist in reviewing plans and evaluating areas for new trails is quickly becoming the norm. Many leaders in trail building now even come from an environmental background. I believe both of Ontario’s principle race promoter come with educational backgrounds in environmental science for example. The majority of those large beaten paths through the woods you find unsightly and damaging are generally from old logging operations, farming and back roads traveled by heavy vehicles. Also agruments are often heard that motorized recreational products simply cause polution with no real need. However, this is being minimized with motor sports users making purchases based on cleaner product with this trend being reflected in the sales of Yamaha Canada’s nearly exclusive use of cleaner running 4 Strokes and BRP/Envinrudes Ecotec 2 Strokes engines running cleaner, quiter and more efficiently.

Secondly I actually think recreational users may be part of the solution. We have a vested interested in protecting green areas and the environment because without them our hobbies would no longer be accessible. Quite often you will find that the majority of people who participate in these types of activities are the primary advocate groups for environmental protection and are often leading the clean up initiatives, protection and lobying. I don't think many will argue that the majority of the spring cleanup in Toronto’s Don Valley due to the garbage from the surrounding apartments are done by the mountain bikers who use the area. To expand on being a primary advocate group when it comes to protecting these areas. We have a strong interest in protecting the areas we use as escapes into mother natures heart because we’d all mostly be admit into insane asylums if we where all left living in the hustle and bustles of North America’s cities without our escapes.

That's all for my thinking aloud (I'll have to re-read this later, I doubt this article will stand on its on two feet with the little thought or research I put in, but hopefully it may make you think a little). However, next time you think of trying to ban a user group or attack them because of your perception that they are the cause of our environmental problems, or deterioration of your favourite park or conservation area why not try working with them and hopefully you will find 1) they are on the same side you are and 2) the extra impact you have due to the increased number of supporters will fast track your efforts to stop the true villains.

Oh and a quick thanks Dave Stone as I stole the pictures from him (sshhh don't tell him)

Kiss the Flag

Bellow you'll find the lyrics to Kiss the Flag by Evans Blue which I think does a great job at capturing the situation many soldiers and their families are going through. I thought I'd share them with you after reading an article in the Toronto Sun about approximately 200 US Iraq war registers who have fled to Canada to avoid being sent to the War in Iraq. I generally keep my thoughts on the war fairly quiet because I'm slightly embarrassed to say I feel that I'm not educated enough on the subject to really make an informed decisions on what's necessarily right or wrong, true or false. I definitely have a lot of respect for our troops in Afghanistan who are oversees trying to help rebuild and provide stability to an area that most of them had never been too, did not know anyone from, and ultimately addressing problems that did not directly affect them, their friends or their families. On the other hand of the Iraq war, I can say I did not approve of Saddam Hussein and his regime. I'll ultimately admit they scared me a little. However I don't think any of us can argue the against the fact the US had some ulterior motives to go into Iraq that they weren’t up front about, and should have waited for a mission approved by the United Nations if their weren't any other motives.

The article in the Sun definitely brings an interesting topic for debate. They use the example of Phil McDowell who after 9/11 enrolled in the military to defend his country. However, after serving in Iraq from March 2004 to March 2005 says "I trusted my government that we were going to enter a justified war". ... "I felt betrayed". After being ordered back for a second tour of Duty he sought asylum in Canada, similar to nearly 50,000 US citizens during the vietnam war. Now with a motion in parliament which has the support of the three opposition parties’ to stop the removal orders of those who have refused or left military service related to a war not sanctioned by the United Nations a decision will be made if they have to return to the US or not. I think this definitely puts Canada in an interesting position as a country who’s citizens on average do not support the war in Iraq would lend to the majority of Canadians supporting their residency in Canada. However, from an international relations point of view it is difficult for us as a nation to not support the US. (http://www.resisters.ca/inthenews.html for some more info on the issue)

Anyways enough of that finally I'll mention the other reason I chose to post this, which is to support a great Canadian group that has a lot of talent with a vocalist who does an amazing job at capturing emotion in his lyrics and singing. I highlighted a few of the lines I think are more powerful. You can listen to the song here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6W7runJ8qU (a video the singer put together.)

Don't shoot, until you see
The red and white
And blue in my eyes
They say were straddling fences
And it's not so comfortable

He thinks he grew up to be boring
And so he goes to change his life
I saw you get up on your toes
But don't step back too fast
Or you'll cut yourself in half

I wanted,
All I wanted was to find
Something here inside of me they couldn't keep
They woke up to hear me screaming

Just shoot until you see

The red on white
And blue in my sky
The proof is in the pictures
And it's not so comforting

He knows that one day they'll ignore him

And push him to the side
He said he kissed the flag before he died
He took one for his country
She said i'd do anything to have him back

I wanted,

All I wanted was to find
Something here inside of me they couldn't keep
They woke up to hear me screaming

God help us Can we really win this fight
Cause no one knows which side you're on
Anymore, anymore
I'm lost and by myself

When this ends

Will freedom be the casualty
Or will it only
Will it be, only me
Will it be, only me
Will it be, only me

I wanted,

All I wanted was to find
Something here inside of me they couldn't keep
They woke up to hear me screaming

God help us

Can we really win this fight
Cause no one knows which side you're on
Anymore, anymore
You're not lost or by yourself

If you like this song a couple more you can check out

Beg - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82k6n1EjOf8
Pin Up - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBi2lsFDnDQ&feature=related
Quote - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9AgYM5urZQ

2008 Mountain Bike Season Update # 6 - Mont Tremblant Canada Cup/Quebec Cup DH

Tremblant Canada Cup? Interesting weekend to say the least! The course definately won't fall on one of my Top Ten places to ride lists. The flow is minimal, the majority of the tech sections aren't traditinal DH in my opinion, lots of rocky pedally sections (kind of like riding XC on big bike to handle the rocks, which may sound like an odd complaint comming from someone who races some XC as well), fast sections are mostly just long wide open fire roads, minimal berms, jumps or drops? I was actually quite suprised because the hill has so much potential with the terrain and vertical that this was the course layout they choose for the Canada Cup. You'd think after apparently running the identical course years they'd build something a little more flowy, with more steep section, and do something with all the open sestions (some berms, some jumps or maybe drop vs. just hammer across a field). However, Will I be back next year? Most likely. Did I have a great time? Definately. Was the racing great, tight and filled with excitement and suprises? Without a doubt! It was a great place to hone some skills where you can't use momentum to just plow over stuff, a great environement around Tremblant and DH scene as always, and ultimately resulting in a weekend of fun riding and racing.

So what hapened? The story of this weekend was Rob comming back from his 15th place at Bromont, where he knew a mistake cost him the placing he wanted determined to show what he could do. He spent the weekend dialing in runs and lines with determination and all the hard work paid off. A time of 4:43:050, killing the Jr. Ex field and finishing 11th in Pro! I think he made his statement. Can't wait to see what this step up in confidence will do for his riding and focus over the next couple of sesaons. For myself and the rest of the poisonfrog.ca crew can't say the runs went as well. After strugling a little in most of the practice runs my last runs Saturday and Sundays went well and I thought my chances of meeting my goal of finishing about mid-pack in my class should have materialized, but the stars wheren't going to line up for me. The first singletrack sections was the smoothest I'd felt all weekend, stoked and in the zone I come out to hammer into the two berms and heard the sound of metal breaking. Thinking I just blew my dearailler I pulled over in utter disapointment, realized it was just my chain but decide to DNF instead of run the entire course chainless and risk holding up the riders behind me. Plus with so many tech sections that you needed to be torquing the pedals to get through I can't imagine the hike a bike through the rock gardens would have been any fun. As for the other riders on the team simialar runs where had. JP had bike issues off the start, and had a dissapointing run. (However I must say he was one of the fastest riders going through section just above the off camber wet rock, all the while yelling out to us "this is a shit run".), Ben blew his chain a little further down the course then I did, and Chad had a decent finish with a 6th place but he caught up to the rider ahead of him who wouldn't move and he lost a lot of time making his run quite frustrating as well. But that's racings.



All in all I was quite bummed at the end of my run and watching people run through the course. Seeing how many sport riders where bailing everywhere didn't help because I was pretty sure I could tie together a relatively clean run without bailling at least. However looking back on things today the weekend as a whole was a blast with a lot of good riding which I'm sure improved my skills riding through muddy rocks on Saturday. Some good times where had over beers with a bunch of the Ontario riders, as well as Andrew and Laura who came up for the XC Race. And Steph managed to somehow keep me entertained over the 12+ hours of driving over the weekend. Leaving me wishing the next race was comming up sooner then it was to try and forget about that snapped chain.

Last note huge thanks goes out to Kevin and guys from the Norco Factory Support team for helping us out (me and Rob) before our race runs with some tech issues. With the limited resources we had available in Quebec and lack of a shop in Tremblant (Rob busted a derailler hanger and I needed a brake bleed) neither of us would have had the opportunity get in race runs to our fullest potential without the help. It's great to see the support of the sport and sportmanship between the Ontario riders and teams.

The Blog should be quiet for a few weeks with no exciting plans over the next few weekends. See you on the trails.