Grand Forks Cycle Race Weekend

To Grand Forks Gazette. Grand Event in Granby Valley.

Many thanks to the Grand Forks Cycling Club for the annual Granby valley July weekend cycle race festival for older riders – this year held 23rd to 25th July. Thanks also to the businesses who provided prizes and food donations. Riders ranged from mid-30s to age 76 including 5 women age 39 to 68. They came from as far afield as Victoria, Comox, Vancouver, Calgary, and Whitehorse. Many bring their partners to make a holiday of it in this scenic, peaceful region.

Olav Stana age 55, Vernon, a Norwegian Canadian and physiotherapist, was a breathtaking winner of the Friday evening hill climb up Hardy Mountain Rd. Olav also won the Saturday morning 40 k (25 mile) individual time trial on the North Fork Rd. in a world class time of 53 minutes 51 seconds. The winner on age standard was Mike McCann age 63 of Whitehorse with an actual time of 57 minutes 48 seconds. The Sunday morning road race however, up North Fork and down Granby and back, went to Derek Tripp age 60, a fish and wildlife biologist from Victoria. Riders in the road race start in 10 year age groups with the oldest going off first. A 60s quartet broke away from the others about half way and were never caught by the younger riders.

A glamourous touch to the road race was having a vintage police Harley Davidson as sweep up vehicle. Event hq and start/finish for all 3 races is Hutton School. For a colourful, exciting, healthy, athletic spectacle be sure to catch the Grand Forks Cycle Weekend next July. Hopes are that this Granby Valley race weekend will develop into a Pacific North West Masters/Seniors Championship.

The Grand Forks Cycle Weekend is cosponsored by the B.C. Masters Cycling Association whose president is Bill Yearwood age 58 Vancouver a high profile aviation safety investigator. Both the Grand Forks C.C. and the B.C.M.C.A. welcome riders of all ages and abilities. You don’t have to be a dedicated top racer to join in the fun.

Yours sincerely,
David Mercer age 67 Victoria. A.k.a. Dr. Velociraptor. Phone: (778) 430-0646

Circuit of Lake Quamichan (Maple Bay) Sunday May 2nd 2010

There is an English pub name which captures the flavour of Australian pursuit cycle road races – ‘The Hare and Hounds’. The thrill of the chase. Often there is more uncertainty, excitement, and drama in Australian pursuit than in regular road racing. Many races within the race. How many of the faster chasing groups will catch me? Will I be caught by just a few from the faster groups or by most of a group? Will voracious chasers get me in their sights with only 5 k to go? How long can I hold out or hold on?

In the Circuit of Lake Quamichan new sexagenarian Derek Tripp again set a lung bursting pace from the start, riding away from Ray Morrison and David Mercer, leaving them gasping, legs buckling, on the first lap main climb after about 10k. However, for the next 2 laps Morrison and Mercer had the incentive of seeing Derek in the distance until he vanished over the horizon like dreams of youthful vigour.

The fast men of the 30s, 40s, and 50s groups were holding together and pushing well but none could absorb the leaders of the group in front. Yet the lead five of the 50s were within 19 seconds of scooping up all but Derek Tripp at the finish. Also, powerful 40s duo Bob Cameron and Steve Bachop were only 30 seconds behind the 50s leaders. Another 5k and the race would have had quite a different ending.

The most exciting sub race was in the 50s. Martin Willock got a gap a few times in the closing kilometers before awing his fellows with an audacious jump on the last corner with 500 m still to go. As at Langley 50s riders had praise for Ray Wagner’s work in leading the chase – another fittingly Wagnerian performance.

Good to see track stalwarts Malcolm Faulkner and James Holtz adding colour to the road race taking on uncongenial terrain. Watch out when Jim breaks down and buys a carbon bike to replace his steel one to celebrate moving up to the 60s. Thanks to Dave Steen on the first corner for shouting out clear time checks.

Again gracious Duane Martindale, photo maestro, added pep to the 50s group before dropping out nonchalantly to assist better half Helen with the finish. The finish was also expertly handled by Lynda Bowden and Glenda Harling along with Nanaimo uber organizer and commissaire Peter McCaffery.

The gleaming, sculpted legal legs of Bob Cameron were on display to complement the prime exhibit of scenic Lake Quamichan in post-race Moose Rd. Lodge. 30s Shane Savage, Lois Watson, and Dan Larche looked like a trio of Titans yet could pull back only 1’ 22” on the scorching 40s twosome. Lone 70s lean but jovial John Smith fittingly teamed up with sole woman, charming Alix Reid who made a welcome return to racing only last year. Former hockey player John Guthrie 52 in only his second season of cycle racing has now moved up to elite class after excellent back to back 6th places.

Best performance went to Derek Tripp who riding in effect entirely alone gave up only 3’ 20’’ to a numerous and formidable 50s chasing group.

Photo pick: (Duane’s site) Page 4 50s sprint. Page 6 30s sprint.

Velociraptors Scratch Points.

1. Louis Watson 1 40’ 32’’ (actual time) 10 points
2. Shane Savage 1 40’ 32” 9 points
3.Dan Larche same time 8 points 4. Bob Cameron 1 41’ 54” 7
5. Steve Bachop same time 6
6. Jason Eagles 1 44’ 50” 5
7. Martin Willock 1 45’ 24” 4
8. Steve Crowley same time 3
9. John Guthrie same time 2
10. Mike Sevcov same time 1 point.

Velociraptors Age Standard Points
See Group Ride Age Standards blog for details.
Actual Time Age Standard Points
1. David Mercer 67 1-50-09 + 8-35 10
2. Mike Sevcov 57 1-45-24 + 8-12 9
3. Bill Yearwood 58 1-45-54 + 8-00 8
4. Martin Willock 56 1-45-24 + 7-54 7
5. Derek Tripp 60 1-48-44 + 7-26 6
6. Bob Cameron 45 1-41-54 + 7-06 5
7. Steve Bachop 45 1-41-54 + 7-06 4
8. John Guthrie 52 1-45-54 + 6-42 3
8. Michael Stoehr 55 1-46-18 + 6-42 3
10. Ray Morrison 61 1-50-05 + 6-27 1
11. Ray Wagner 51 1-45-24 + 6-24
12. Steve Crowley 50 1-45-24 + 6-06
13. Dan Larche 38 1-40-32 + 6-04
14. Steve Munro 50 1-45-41 + 5-49
15. Shane Savage 35 1-40-32 + 5-28
16. Louis Watson 33 1-40-32 + 5-10

Note: first 16 Australian Pursuit spread 3-48.
First 16 Velociraptors Age Standard spread 3-25

Velociraptors Regular/Non-Elite Points.

1. Lionel Gaudet 10 points
2. Ron Shick 9
3. James Holtz 8
4. Barton Bourassa 7
5. John Smith 6
6. Harry Balke 5 points
7. Ian Birch 4
8. Malcom Faulkner 3
9. Ian Harper 2
10. Wayne Shtybel 1

Womens Velociraptors Points

Alix Reid gets maximum 10 points in all three Velociraptors Points Competitions.

Please let me know of errors in times, age, etc. and if you think you are allocated to wrong Elite/Regular category. As a rough guide I am taking a 50 year old who does a 10 mile tt at over 40 kph to be Elite.

Courtney Arcadian Omnium Sat/Sun July 11 -12 2009

Comox Valley Cycling Club set an example of community oriented cycle racing. Racers ranged from age 11 to 71. A post-race meal together is an important part of promoting athletic fellowship and our noble sport. Thus the Saturday evening buffet dinner at the soccer clubhouse adjacent to Isfeld school was a good feature of the weekend omnium. Excellent conversation and food. Enjoyed chatting with May Jung (at the front in the B road race and hard on the wheel of Bill Yearwood in the hill climb) compact, powerful Ironwoman, North Vancouver Fitness trainer, and mother of 3 junior athletes.

In the pre-road race warm-up, Saturday morning, liked talking with tall Louis Watson (30s) Nanaimo, former UK Henley rower, and especially giving him a lead-out for a practice sprint. Louis discovered that 500 metres was too early to go. I like to think this preview aided his win in the A race. Pleasant discussion Sunday afternoon with Trevor Perkins (3rd A road race, 3rd A omnium) former pro downhill racer, Fort McMurray worker, in delightful Lewis riverside park Courtney – family swimming. Trevor confirmed Louis was the strong man in the As, often at the front.

As with the As a lead group of 12 or so stayed together to the end in the B road race. David Mercer got a gap of about 150 metres on the hill on the 3rd and 4th laps but was absorbed again by the highway. Bill Captain Helijet Yearwood was doing powerful surges at the front on the downhill, and instructing younger riders on the etiquette of also doing a turn. In the sprint Stuart Lynne (55) Vancouver, prominent at the front throughout, led out at about 600m with Mercer on his wheel. Mighty Mike Sevcov (56) Duncan roared by, then Bill, and Bill just got it as Mike faded in the last 40 metres.

The 60s were unlucky with Ray Morrison (Kelowna) puncturing twice, gentleman coureur Charles Sinclair and Swiss Canadian Chris Hahlen (Vancouver) former Ottawa Parliament chef and dairy farmer also flatting.

Magnanimous Duane Martindale (see separate blog) dropped out of the Bs with 1 lap to go even though very comfortable in the lead group. This was to take photos and help with the placings.

An energizing aspect of the Bs road race was the mix of riders – fast juniors, women, 55-59s, together with stately 60s. A bonus of cycle racing is getting to indulge a liking for athletic pulchritude arrayed in brightly coloured, figure-enhancing clothing. Redolent of archetypes of Homeric adventures and Olympian festivals. Remember Keats’ ‘Ode on a Grecian Urn’. Good to see Icelandic Canadian Lisa Ingimunson returning to Masters after Maple Bay. Amazonian triathlete beauty Audrey Erlandson scorched the tt in 25’ 39’’ after graciously stopping in the B road race to give Ray Morrison a spare inner tube. Tall, lissome Amanda Wakeling 15 had one of the most stylish finishes in the mountain climb – hands on drops, photos # 81-3.

In the Sunday morning time trial David Mercer received a humbling shock when at 12 k he thought he heard a car approaching. It turned out to be Ray Wagner catching him for 2 minutes! Another appropriately operatic display by Ray to add to the saga. Super aero Don Gilmore (42) Shawnigan Lake hadn’t realized the tt start was moved up but fortunately was allowed to ride late. Don bolted round the 16 k loop in a breath taking 21’ 12’’ for course record (to add to his Nanaimo River Rd., and Old Lake Cowichan Rd. records). It would add interest and incentive to assemble overall and age group records for all Masters courses, circuits, and hill climbs.

There is something mythical, mystical, epic about bicycle mountain climbs. The symbolic ascent to Olympus; Mt.Everest. Riders ahead of you spread all over the mountain labouring as frozen in slow motion. Hugh Trenchard (Victoria, 40-44) went from the gun as though in a track pursuit. Ray Wagner and others quickly found this pace was suicidal for them. Many found it difficult to gauge their efforts, not saving something for the last 3 rises. Mike Sevcov looked to be overgeared. Some wished for a gear between 39 ´27 and 39 ´24.

Winner of the mountain climb and 2nd A omnium Peter Stevenson (Duncan, 40-4) again demonstrated his seemingly easy hill devouring form. Perhaps the best overall performance was by 15 year old Jordan Duncan (son of gourmet spinach lady Joanna) – 4th B road race, 24’32’’ tt, and 9th hill climb in 35’ 50”. Nevertheless Bill Yearwood’s (Vancouver, 57) victory in the B omnium was well-earned and deserved. In the mountain climb Bill alongside David Mercer helped both recover early lost ground. Mercer moved ahead on the later ascents with Bill pounding back on the brief descents (see Clafleur photo # 0826).

Gutsy rides from Thomas Andrew age 13 (3rd C road race), Jake van der Vliet also 13, and Kia van der Vliet 11 on very jazzy yellow bike - more budding Flying Dutchpersons! The racing contribution of hippy endurance man Ernie Klassen Black Creek was appreciated.

The hardest worker of the weekend was perhaps Linda Sinclair (ex- Western Washington University Bellingham teacher) who took on both registration and results coordinating for 3 races each embodying 3 separate categories. The lovely Susanna partner of Casey Ryder (Victoria, 40-4) versatile racer and jazz guitar maestro added charm to the medal ceremonies.

Best viewing spots : Road race and tt – top of Piercy Rd. climb before decline to highway. Mtn. Climb – top of penultimate rise looking down on hairpin bend; take binoculars.

Photo Pick. RR. #14 Louis Watson in superb tt position leading Ray Wagner.
B sprint. From East side: #18 –36, especially # 22 – 29. Excellent study of Bill Yearwood hurtling himself across the line. From West side: #38 –41.
A sprint. From W. side: #58 –73. Note Louis Watson head and shoulders down in beginning. Fine aggressive aero form from 4th place Jeff Natell. From E. side: #74 –81. Note #77 good low back, elbows out, and line lunge by 3rd place Trevor Perkins.
Hill climb finish. #7 winner Peter Stevenson on drops out of saddle for finishing burst. Best power finish – Bill Yearwood on drops out of saddle # 49 – 51.
Best finishing smile – Mike Sevcov # 46.
Clafleur RR # 0746 Louis Watson tt position leading at lap end.
B sprint. # 0751. Also other beautiful dramatic shots during mountain climb.

Mill Bay and Shawnigan Hill Climbs 2009

Saturday 6th June. Noon, and 2pm.

The Comox Valley Cycling Club trio of Ray Wagner, Chuck Sinclair, and Peter Schwirtlich swooped south to scoop team titles in the South Island Masters Hill Climbs. Swift, athletic Peter Stevenson (Duncan) made it look easy winning both climbs dancing on the pedals with a distinctive loping almost prancing style.

Stevenson’s second win at Shawnigan was dramatic. David Mercer had leaped from the “go” on his own 2 minutes after the 70s. Derek Tripp and Ray Wagner left their 50s group (starting 1’30” after the 60s) almost immediately, catching Mercer just after the turn onto Goldstream Heights at c. 6k. David clung on at his limit until about 80m before the false summit, then the thread broke, and 40m later Peter Stevenson rushed by. Peter caught Ray and flagging Derek only in the last 150 metres. That last 200m was very arduous taking lesser riders than Stevenson and Wagner more than 35 seconds.

The short Mill Bay hill climb, an individual time trial, directed by nonchalant Tony Hoar was reminiscent of UK track bike style climbs, except for the tricky descent in the middle. The South Shawnigan hill climb, Australian pursuit ably conducted by Dave Steen (Thetis Island) was a contrast. On the long bare exposed slope of Goldstream Heights it is easy to imagine oneself in a Mont Ventoux epic.

Most encouraging was the return, in the Shawnigan race, of Alix Reid (Duncan) whose daughter and friend were amusing at the sign on and finish. Glamorous Conny Strub (Vancouver) always a welcome female presence didn’t let either climb deter her.

Since we have age standards for the Mill Bay climb why not let it too count towards the overall? This might help to get more entries. Let us establish age standards or appropriately reduced Australian pusuit starting gaps for all hill climbs.

Debonair bon vivant skier Rino di Biasio (SE interior BC), age 76, chortled up both ascents with the zest of a Rossini overture and the magnanimity of Dante en route to Beatrice. Art connoisseur David Emery, a sprightly 71, savoured the sensuous curves and swells of the stinging slopes to the siren call of grimpeurs of old. Youth, beauty, sagacity, ardour all manifest in the endless saga of Odyssean realm that is cycle racing – poetry on wheels.

Nanaimo River Rd. Team Time Trial 2009

Sunday noon 14th June. 68k out and home twice. 12 teams 46 riders.

Greater female presence of riders, supporters, officials, and hosts gave added charm, balance, and completeness to the Tripleshot team time trial. Nature goddesses of river, trees, and flowers elicited by the sun and colour of the event protected and boosted the racers as they confronted the biting, sapping hills. The integrated team of Kim and Joe Gard and Rhonda Callender and Chris Paul invested domestic harmony. The all-female Chicks (Vancouver) were vivid resplendent as parrots or tropical fish. Thanks to the little girl in the Tour de France hat.

Masterly surges by Stuart Lynne (Vancouver) propelled Bill Yearwood’s Team of Elderly Helijets to 1st on age standard (and 3rd on actual). Sleek Stephen Baird teamed with aristocratic Emile de Rosnay, world track man Don Gilmore, and powerhouse chunky Chuck Dethridge to establish a formidable gold mark of 1’ 31’ 34” - 44.6 kph - an upper level 1st cat time on such a course. Although 12th and last to start this elite quartet were first on the road by about 29k passing the fancied Derek Tripp ensemble (off #10) just before the first turn.

Most teams found themselves disintegrating on the hills. But the heavier members would recoup, regroup and inflict their greater momentum on their lighter brethren on the downhill stretches.

The team time trial is the most ballet/artistic-like event in the cycle race repertoire. The streamlined machines (sensitive as thoroughbreds), aero helmets, skin suits give the contestants an aspect of mediaeval knights with crossbows or lances and Star Wars warriors. A combination of high tech, athleticism, and coordination. The ttt encourages the sense of comradeship and fraternity. Let’s have more of them.

The (short-handed) Impromptu Team of Mike Lawless, Malcom Faulkner, and Ryan Calbick delivered a meritorious 5th on age standard (6th actual – only seconds away from 4th place!) giving hope to those who find themselves at the last minute without a team.

Deep Cove Road Race 31st May 2009

Deep Cove Road Race 31st May 2009.
58 k. 9 laps. 49 riders. 2 DNF.

Beautiful weather. 20 degrees, no wind. Gorgeous scenery. Good to see Micheline Ouimet (Victoria) racing again and partner Brock Russell doing another sterling job at the finish line. Most welcome was encouragement from Murray Drew (Victoria) strategically placed halfway up the killer hill. Uplifting to have shouts of support and clapping from the many stalwart, highly visible marshals and some spectators.

Ray Wagner (Courtney) time-trialled away from his 50’s group seemingly without much effort to team up with David Mercer (60s) with about 2 and ¼ laps to go. David was no match for Ray in the finishing burst. 15 seconds down on Mercer was compact, hammering Mike Korb followed 4 seconds later by race companion Steve Bachop. The 40s duo had left their age group behind early on.

An impressive performance from chic Rhonda Callender (Victoria) 10th overall and only 1’ 28’’ down on the winner. Unluckiest rider : Ray Morrison (Kelowna) who broke his chain when he had been relaying nicely with Mercer. This pair had shot away from their 60s group from the gun.

Mightiest sprint of the day : Bill Yearwood (Vancouver) taking 7th place in front of John Guthrie. As striking as any pro- Classic elbow to elbow finish. Check out that flat back and powerful shoulders style in Duane Martindale photos #120 – 124. Most festive photos : Roland Buehler #178 – 180. Guitars Plus proprietor and former Edmonton track star Roland is beginning to reactivate his racing legs with encouragement from jazz musician Casey Ryder and hack guitarist/vocalist David Mercer. This trio might put some up beat tempo into the race scene. Also worth a look : the sprint for 11th place between Aaron Dusseault, Steve Munro, and Larry Wilson – photos # 131 – 135.

Great to see lawyer Gerry Loster pounding up the hill making up for lost track time. Also glad to find Wayne Walker and Vaughn Marshall out as cycling supporters – but next time we’ll rope you into the race! Oldest rider, in the 75 – 79 category, Robert Dumalanede lent Continental flair to the event.

An attractive feature of this short circuit with strenuous hill is that after a few laps there are colourful riders all over the course. So there is always someone to ride with. A pity so many riders left before the end of the awards. Personally I find the post-race socializing the best part. Maybe we need a post-race barbecue/beer/coffee meeting place with large draw prize (must be there to claim) to encourage riders to stick around and get to know one another and families more.

Another suggestion : special prize/recognition/incentive (own table?) for non-elite riders in each age category – those who are over 26 minutes for a 10 mile tt say.

Reduced starting gaps (so that the fast 60s would not get mingled with the 30s) worked very well though perhaps 8 laps might have been fairer than 9 had some of the fast 40s and 50s not been absent. But still you can’t please everyone and age standards and handicaps can never be precise.

A discordant note in the event was one community member getting steamed up because his parking at the Deep Cove Store was inconvenienced. Perhaps we could enlist the support of the store by renting their picturesque garden patio for a post-race party. Once again thanks to Sidney Velo and especially Larry Pommen for keeping vibrant this noble, multifaceted, challenging sport.