Day 6 Shattered

Day 6 Shattered
Originally uploaded by Steed Cycles

TransRockies 2008 Day 6
August 15, 2008
Elkford to Crowsnest Pass
102.4 km/2998 climbing

Well there is now no question about it, this year’s version of the TR is definitely one of the toughest ever. This day revolved around the first climb right off the start. The climb covers 250m in about 4 km as you climb toward the Fording Mine. It is all paved and I had hoped that Trevor and I could hang with the front group because at the top you immediately dive into about 5 km of technical single track. This is then followed by about 20 km of slightly downhill road work into the first aid station. Getting into the single track ahead of the majority of riders allows you to gap out on the majority of the field, and this then allows you to ride conservatively during the middle of the day, saving energy for the last few big climbs.

The cards did not fall our way and when we hit the single track we were behind a number of riders unable to manage the single track riding. The leaders were gone, and we were forced to push the pace over the next 20 to 30 km in an attempt to limit our losses. We soldiered on, viewing some fantastic scenery as we crested Racehorse Pass and flew down the other side surfing over several scree falls that push their way over the trail.

The last aid station led to the beginning of several steep walls that unfortunately were essentially unrideable after 6 days in the saddle and in the 35C heat. This was one of the few times during this week that I questioned the course design. Usually suffering up climbs like this will result in some sweet downhill riding on the other side, but on this occasion what we received was very dangerous quad track that was covered with cross ruts and water eroded ditches. We even found deep mud; personally I was not very impressed with eating cow dung in 35C heat. At the best of times I would call it ridiculous; at this time of the day and week it was particularly annoying. Our thoughts were mostly with the vast majority of riders behind us who would be negotiating this in far worse shape than we were in. We really thought that this part of the day was a recipe for disaster.

The finish required a short run against traffic on Hwy. 3 into a really annoying head wind before we turned under a bridge and headed for home. As usual our support crew was waiting with recovery drinks in hand, but I really think that this time we really scared them with how shattered we were at the finish. We both had the “thousand mile stare” going on. Trevor’s dad was particularly concerned that I was about to keel over. As usual, it only takes about 15 minutes of recovery and everyone looks entirely different.

Trevor’s dad has a reputation for exceptional BarBQ skills on prime Albert beef. He brought along his own BarBQ and our treat later was to reveled in one awesome dinner at the cabin. The results show that there is now less than 5 minutes separating 6th from 11th in our division after 6 days. We are currently in 9th. If we want to finish top ten, I do not think that there can be any sight seeing tomorrow.

Last day is tomorrow. Fernie here we come.