Lots and Lots of racing last week!!!!!

It's that time of year when people start adding some speed to their legs (or trying to at least!).  This year I've decided that although intervals are quite important, for me personally their is no substitute for racing!  Competition can help you push past your comfort level and sharpen your racing mind as well.  At this point I'm pretty confident that I can ride my bike all day or explore some mountains at endurance pace with some of my fittest peers, but I am lacking in the 6th gear department. 

Wednesday was a little race simulation on the road with some of the "locals".  Durham Region is actually quite rich with cycling talent.  Recognize. 

Thursday after some visits to the OCA and Norco I hit up the first Durham Forest Weekly Race.  Usually about 45min or "Masters Intensity" pace, it was a lot of fun!  Iceman always make a great course and despite it being my 3rd hard day in a row I was feeling pretty good.  Off the front from minute 2 I tried to keep it fairly easy in the singletrack (there was an abundance) but open it up a bit on the few shorter climbs.  The 29er was rocking and it really is the perfect Durham Forest bike!!!

Good Group

I also used this opportunity to test some tires that Barry gave me which I would describe as "all business".  Lets just say at 335g they are light and combined with my scandium Race X Lite Wheels (1692g) the combo was lighter than many 26" setups!!!!!

http://www.schwalbetires.com/furious_fred

Friday was racing of a different kind.  This year I'm trying my hand on the organizing side of racing and helping out Chico Racing with a few AWESOME events.  Friday was the Trek High School Series Race 1 of 4 also at Durham Forest.  My job was the timing and thanks to a sweet little spreadsheet and some secret macros, it all went off smoothly.  It's great to be on the other side of the finish line to see all that goes into an event and made me appreciate everything the Chico Racing crew goes through to put on even the smallest race.  If you're in elementary or high school and you're not attending these events you're missing out!!  


Sunday was the famous Paris to Ancaster.  Since I was in the top 100 last year (despite a 2nd wave start!!!) I was assured a spot in the 1st wave and was stoked to try and keep it competitive this year.

Unfortunately, I didn't really turn this into a great result, but it was a great workout and I did manage to burn 200 more calories then the previous weekend's road race in 10 minutes less time!  Respect to Watson for a solid ride and of course congrats to provincial coach, Mike G for getting the W.  

I'll let Andrew tell you about it....