70 K Paris to Ancaster Classic Cycling Race
The fridge is becoming empty....not the contents, but, the postcards that adorn the front of it. Well, until Cornel finds some new races that he is anxious to try and let me tell you, there is plenty. I get weekly emails with links and YouTube videos of races all over the world, with the majority being held in North America. I have to admit, I am pretty fortunate to have found an equal when it comes to his sense of adventure. 
So, our latest race, was the 23rd edition of the 70k Paris to Ancaster. The course takes you over a terrain of rough farm lanes, trails and gravel roads. I must say, I felt like a kid again, with the amount of dirt I ate that day. The route takes the riders down dirt corridors with trees on either side and rolling hills of grass amongst the dirt and rocks, but, the sun was on your face and the robin egg sky blended into the green horizon. It doesn't get any better. I almost forgot to mention the mud pits; the last being the worst of all. I took my honey's advise and walked down the Powerline portion, so I wouldn't have to clean my chain and derailleur after making it through. Not sure that I would have kept the momentum going anyways, so I spared myself some time, but, mostly the embarrassment of being covered head to toe in mud. The course nicely finishes with Martin's Road, which is a climb of 1.3 km. I will get to see this road again (8x) in about a month when I attempt my first 100 Miler at the Dundas Conservation area.
We had fabulous weather considering how unpredictable the Spring can be. I was checking reports daily to ensure I would be mentally ready for the chance of rain or snow. Thankfully, the day settled on mostly sun, fortunate for me with the gear I packed. Cornel and I were in Wave 3, which nicely starts at 10:15. I have to admit, I love races where you also get to sleep in, or relatively speaking. We decided prior that Cornel would race and I would chase and this worked out essentially well for us as we both hit the times we were aiming for; if you subtract the time that we were delayed due to the course sabotage. Its a shame that someone had decided to cut down mature trees to prove some sort of wayward point. It takes all kinds, doesn't it and I'll leave it at that.
This was also my first race on a CX bike, after just getting it in March. I have to admit I love the
responsiveness compared to my Mountain bike. It provides the ability for turning over the legs fast once you come out of a turn. Its got the power. Cornel felt it was appropriate for the race and as always he was right. I'm looking forward to our next undertaking, whatever that may be.
responsiveness compared to my Mountain bike. It provides the ability for turning over the legs fast once you come out of a turn. Its got the power. Cornel felt it was appropriate for the race and as always he was right. I'm looking forward to our next undertaking, whatever that may be.
Happy trails my friends!
