Book of Chad

We’re in Victoria now for the latest installment of the Cross on the rock series. For the second year, we are in the Jordie Lunn mountain bike park. The course features a cement pump track, fire road climbs and a whole lot of single track. The course is probably the most technical of the season, with berms and rock rolls the roadies get a little more than they signed up for.

The course starts on a loose gravel path, when the siren went off and I hit my pedal I immediately spun out. When I regained traction I had only lost a few places as I am sure others had a similar issue. The first lap went just ok and I was in sight of other racers who I want to stick with. Then about two-thirds through the second lap, I get a rear puncture. I am able to ride the wheel thanks to cushcore however, it isn’t fast and has an effect on both my second and third lap times. I get a spare wheel and I’m chasing on.

Holly Henry from the lead of the Women’s race is just ahead, I make contact with her and we ride together for just over a lap and a half. We are working well together in some sections but in others, we are holding each other up. It all ends when we turn to the uphill section and I hit her back wheel causing me to have to hop off the bike and run a bit.

The middle part of the race goes off without any triumphs or tribulations, I make back up only one position during this phase of the race. Then on the 6th lap, I get a little out of position on the rock roll and hit a sharp rock. The sealant sprays out at a pretty good rate and the tire goes flat quickly. it’s a couple of minutes only to the spare bike and As I make my way there I am getting lapped. Onto the spare bike and Up the climb for the final time, I lose back that position I made in the middle phase. The end is near and the damage is done, just as I am about to cross the line Scott Mitchell comes flying up from behind after an earlier mechanical and pips me at the line.

Race: COTR #4
Time: 59:50 Laps: 7/8
Avg Heart Rate: 184
Max Heart Rate: 196
Place: 22nd