BC Bike Race Update- We're in the home stretch

Day 3 - Powell River

Day three was in Powell River. We arrived to what can only be described as a hero's welcome. It was as if the whole town had come out to welcome us. Very moving.

Our campsite was on the beach and the gorgeous views were definitely enjoyed by all over the next few days.

It was an especially nice venue to kick off our Canada day ride, which was done by Tahnee Juryn singing the national anthem at the start line; another near tear jerker.

I had low expectations for Powell River because everyone just kept saying it was "pedally". What they should have have said was that it was flowing singletrack goodness.  In the end it was a great day on the bike and a great Canada Day.

Day 4- Earl's Cove to Sechelt

Day four started with a seaplane ride for me, which was super exciting.

That said, day four is a long hard day. Probably the toughest day of the race. Not only is it hump day, it's the longest day in terms of kilometers and it's mostly on wide open fire road and doubletrack. I knew I just had to get through this day and I would be back on the trails I know and love. In fact, the day wasn't as bad as I expected. It was long and hot as hell, but my legs cooperated and the enduro was probably the funnest one so far. At the end of the day, I was barely able to hold myself together, but with a little help from my friends, I got my recovery drink, made it to dinner, and got to my much needed massage appointment on time. Pivotal Health was a life safer on day 3 and 4 for sure.


Day 5- Sechelt to Langdale

I picked my bike up from the awesome guys at Obsession before starting day five and was stoked to ride my steed after it had gotten a little extra love. Day five was super fun as I expected. These are like the trails that I know and love on the Sunshine Coast. It wasn't as hot as the day before and we were shaded most of the day. Unfortunately, my Garmin battery died part way through day four and then it wouldn't work on day five. I was bummed to say the least. That said, it was kinda nice just going by feeling and i was on the 9 km descent before I knew it. Swoopy fun downhill all the way to the ferry.

Day 6 is in Squamish and I've ridden most of the course. I'm excited to ride on what's essentially home turf, but I know that this day shouldn't be underestimated. It's our biggest day of climbing and we all know what Squamish kilometers feel like.

Kelowna Enduro Race Recap

Last weekend was stop #3 for the BC Enduro Series in Kelowna. It was my first time riding there so I was excited to check out some new terrain! We got in on Thursday, so we had a whole day to pre-ride and scope out the trails.

Checking out the fast lines.

The area we were in, Crawford, was both beautiful and odd:

Burnt out and beautiful.

Teddy Bear Junction is a bit odd and creepy.

 Race day was a bit warm but nothing like Okanagan weather can be so we lucked out there. The climbs were all very mellow and manageable and the stages were all so different and super fun in their own way.

Climbing in a tank top to keep cool!

TDP! Thanks Iz for waiting for me all day:)

In the start gate for stage 3.

I've been working on my mental game lately. After flat-fest at round 1 in Penticton, I've been putting less pressure on myself and toning down the competitiveness a bit. It's enduro, whatever will happen, will happen. Roll with it. I try not to constantly compare myself to other racers and wonder how I stack up. I just ride for the joy of riding. I also ride slow. On the uphills I am very slow. I'm working on getting faster but for now, I am literally one of the last people to finish. It's cool though cause in enduro, you aren't timed on ups, just downs:

Second place ain't bad!

I'm super happy with my result, I had a blast on the trails and the whole event was done wonderfully. Congrats and shout out to Isabelle for a 4th place finish!! Yeah pony! 

On Sunday, we got to ride for fun in Smith Creek. This is such a fun spot!! I highly recommend it to anyone. It's a super fun rip for beginners and experienced riders alike. 

Beauty views on the way up!

Riding through cars on the way up and using the doors as jumps on the way down!!