With Us In Spirit

Trolling Sonthofen (TransAlps 2011 start town) yesterday as we acclimated. Saw the 2011 TransAlps poster featuring none other than Mikey Ryan, my partner from 2010. You'll notice two women in pink "Leaders" jerseys three riders up on Mike. We called them "the chicks" as we found ourselves riding with them often. They were pro riders who ended up winning the damen (womens') field.

Not sure where I was. If day 1 to 4, likely close by. If day 5 to 7, off the back somewhere.

Travel Day

Departed YVR Wednesday afternoon with Haas, Wilf, GM and Rumon. Good flight (note red roses adorning the seats) and all of us able to catch a partial night's sleep prior to landing in Germany. After a bunch of hours waiting for delayed race-mates and luggage we departed from Munich with Joerg, our guide for the week.

Last year I did not enjoy the food found during our initial days in Germany (it improved as we headed south into Italy). Having better luck thus far and was able to find a good meal near Munich last (Thursday) night.

Based on last year's experience, we opted not to overnight in Halbergmoos (Munich's equivalent of Richmond) and were driven directly to Sonthofen, our Day 1 start town. Race plan was to stay awake until late evening arrival in Sonthofen. Rumon is already off plan.

Eventful Taper

Last Thursday morning was my last hard training ride pre-TransAlps. Fast up Cypress. Felt great. One of my better times in the 32mins.

Then it all came undone.

Got to ride in this.

But it's this that hurt the most.

End result is fractured rib, painful back and new German race wheels waiting at the start line. The show goes on.

TransAlps 2011 Version

New course.

We get to ride the Stelvio this year (famous climb in Italy). Over the 7-days, race is a little longer but not quite as steep as last year. All Alps in 2011. No Dolomites for this year's version.

New partner.

GM. Marty. Graeme. 135lbs, wet. He's fast going up. This pic was taken after the 1st day of our biggest training block that took place at the end of May. Here's to hoping we see this smile on both of our faces at the end of day 7 in Riva.

2011 Westside Classic

Our club sponsors and my employer underwrite the TNA Westside Classic presented by Shape Properties and Mosaic Homes. Fun race around Point Grey. Two years ago this was my first ever bike race.

I bumped up a weight class in 2011 and tried to hang on with the Cat 1/2s. Serious challenge and in the end, felt positive about the result. Next year will be better.

TransAlps 2010: Day 7

Day 7: Trento to Arco

Haas and Wilf pre-start line looking "tip-top" as per usual. These guys had great energy each day of this event - both are a solid 12 out of 10.

Here's Mike. He killed Day 7. Finished with the pros. If he came back and rode with a partner his vintage, Mike would podium the Grand Masters category.

The final pre-race stage.

Very fitting background tunes to start the day.

Net result for TransAlps 2010: 25th in Masters (78th within entire field).

Great experience. Lots learned. Home on Monday.

TransAlps 2010: Day 5, 6

Day 5: Alleghe to Kaltern

As the pain increases, the photos are slowing down. Here's the start.

I felt great when this image was taken at the start of Day 5. Not sure I'll feel that way again until after I've returned home and have taken a good break from the bike.

This is Tutti post clearing his name with the race organizer. He was falsely accused of some irreverent behavior towards another rider.

The day started well. In theory, was supposed to be one the easier days with 3 climbs. My wheels feel off on the third climb. At the finish line I was achy all over and a bit shaky. Couldn't eat or drink anything of substance that evening or the following morning. My blow up caused a drop in our placing.

Net result was 36th for the stage and 14th overall in Masters Category (58th overall within entire field).

Day 6: Kaltern to Trento

No photos. Hardest day on the bike. Hit the start line dehydrated and with an empty stomach. Was woozy and losing balance in the start staging area. Had to get through the 2nd hardest stage of the race.

Knowing a tough day was ahead, I unleashed my race partner, Mike. He rode like a total champ today and finished top 20 overall. At 56, Mike is a beast. He's gained strength each day of this race.

Two massive climbs out of the gate. I hung in on the first. Bonked bad on the second. Emptied what was left in my stomach at the top of the second climb. Still had 65Km to go. Nursed my way to the finish line. Was 1 hour behind Mike.

Here's to a better day tomorrow. Really want to finish strong.

Net result was 72nd for the stage and 23rd overall in Masters Category (78th overall within entire field).