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TransRockies Arrival

Posted by Patty Mon, 13 Aug 2007 21:36:00 GMT

“Bag your Barf”

That’s what someone wrote on the air sickness bag in the seat pocket in front of my seat. I’m not sure what meaning I should take from this: ride ‘til you puke maybe?

So back in May we heard at the shop that one of our good customers is in need of a partner for this event up in Canada called the Trans Rockies Challenge. It is a 7 day stage race, all point to point taking place in the Kootenay Rockies of British Columbia. The mileage is about 350 for the week and altitude gain of around 37,000’. I checked into a bit, looked at the calendar, saw I had a couple of months to train and figured, why not. I emailed Michael and got signed up.

There is a similar race in Europe known as the Trans Alps which the Transrockies is modeled after. The Transrockies has only been running since 2002 but the event is already gaining a reputation for being very well run and the support is top notch. The training for Michael started in the latter part of 2006 after the registration was confirmed in October. As soon as I got on board, we both got to work on doing lots of base miles. I also tried to get in as many long mtb rides when I could. We both got a good fitness check at the Downieville Classic on the XC course. We also had a long list of logistics to start pulling together. Breakfast and dinner are supplied during the stages, as well as showers and tents. One of the challenges for the participants is that each person is issued a “race duffel” that will be ferried to the end of each stage and all of your junk must fit in it. The race begins on August 12, so as the training winds down, the taper begins and then the real last minute scramble starts in earnest.

Anyway, a quick flight up to Calgary, and a very long shuttle up to Panorama and me, my partner Michael, 2 bikes, lots of gear (136lbs total in my case) are all in on place, finally: the start village. Michael arrived a day early to get the lay of the land. I assembled my Santa Cruz Blur LT, we did a quick training ride, and are both feeling good. We did the check-in process, got our race duffels and are now all packed for the race. We have been meeting so many people from all over the world, its hard to remember all the names but I’m sure we’ll all become old friends by weeks end.

The opening ceremony on Saturday night gave us some more information and review of information already out there. There has been a re-route of sorts that involves a 2.5k hike-a-bike soon after the start. Apparently this is not only a hike for some, but a definite hike for everyone (think scree & baby heads).

The parade lap of the resort here promises to be quite the spectacle however. The atmosphere is definitley charged with anticipation here. It seems everyone is checking each other out, who’s fast, who will crack who will simply survive. I thought it was a competitive thing at first, but now I realize that most folks here are in the same boat as Michael and myself: we have no idea how we’ll do but we know it will be a challenge. What I thought was a competitve vibe here is more nervous anticipation of what is to come.

Today’s stage is 33k, not too bad, just want to get through it and get in to the heart of the weeks racing. Had breakfast and now on to some last minute details and on the start line.

How will we do? We have no idea and I think that’s the best part of this adventure.

—John