by Diana
Here we are, finally,
at the cusp of finishing this 7-day race! Squamish was a ton of fun, but the 53
km., technical course left me tired and hurting somewhat from a fall on my
right side. As the race started, I was excited to finish, but somehow knew the
26-kilometre course would feel long. Little did I know!
Joanna and I had both
ridden the course before, so knew what to expect – a relatively mellow start up
a logging road, then up one side and down the other of Cheakamus Creek. From
there, an uphill traverse and short, but steep logging road to Tunnel Vision, a
fun downhill back to Whistler Village. Some road, up a technical trail, then
down through some roots and rolls to the finish line.
The congested start let
up on the logging road, but soon reverted to log-jams as the tired riders
balked at relatively easy up-hills or bridges. The steep logging road stymied
everyone but my Joanna, who earned applause as she was the only rider to stay
on her bike up the entire road. I was keen to get moving down Tunnel Vision, a
ride I had loved on the training run. Unfortunately, my sore ribs had me riding
very cautiously and what should have been a relatively easy roll down some
rocks ended with me splayed across the trail, landing on my sore ribs, with my
front brake lever snapped off.
I started my retreat
back up to the logging road, where I thought help might be found. A bike
patroller intercepted us, though, and gave me my options – go back to the
logging road and get a ride to the bottom, forfeiting my chance at a finish of
the BC Bike Race, or rely on my rear brakes to get me down the 2 kilometers to
the Aid Station, where the Shimano techs could help me out. There was no way I
was giving up now, with less than 10 kms. of this 300 km ride remaining!
Joanna led on, and I
gingerly made my way down the course, cursing my brakes as I walked down stuff
I knew full well I could easily ride. A little later, Joanna revealed that her
rear brakes were not working, getting worse as the ride went on. We were both
pretty keen to see that Aid Station!
The Shimano techs were
clear – neither of these bikes would make it to the finish line. My brakes were
irreparable and part of Joanna’s frame was cracked. They quickly whisked out a
couple of loaner Rocky Mountain bikes, switched pedals and sent us on our
way. Not before I stopped at the Medic
tent, though, and swallowed a hand full of pain killers.
Off we went, with just
one uphill and a downhill run between us and the finish line. Joanna gave me
regular updates: “Just 4 kilometers to go, Mom.” “Just one kilometre left of
uphill and we’re home free.” I could practically taste the finish line! Unused
to the loaner bike, Joanna slipped on a rock, badly twisting her ankl e with just
3.5 kms. to go. True to her nature, she wiped away the tears, grit her teeth
and told the medic, “Just give me some drugs and let me ride!”
At this point, we could
hear the cheering at the finish line. We manoeuvered the rooty downhill,
landing on the final, off-camber rocky section leading to the trail home. I
could hardly believe we were done, but yes, there was the finish line! There
were Don, Karen and Dave cheering us on! We raised our arms, crossing the line
(about an hour later than expected) with hands locked, huge smiles on our faces.
Volunteers placed the coveted BC Bike Race belt buckle over our necks, amid
smiles, hugs, tears and hoots of excitement. Our dear friends Peter and Anne,
Mickey and the unexpected appearance of Kia made for an amazing reception
committee.
We did it! What a week,
what an experience! Now for the celebrating!
