BCBR 2010 - Stage #6
July 2, 2010

Route: The Best of Squamish
Distance: approx. 60km

Day 6 was awesome as we were staying in Squamish and didn't have to pack up camp. It's funny how much of a relief it was knowing we'd be returning to where started from - definitely a relief. Our home is beautiful Brennan Park in Squamish and we've totally taken over. We awoke to sunny blue skies which was a nice reprieve from yesterday - I didn't mind it but a lot of people struggled in yesterday's conditions. Today I had a hard time getting moving as my ankle was quite swollen. Off I went to Dr. Colin Wilson to be thoroughly taped. It looks and feels like a cast but it was fine on the pedals. I warmed up a bit but my legs felt like sand bags so I just spun to get my body temp up and then off to the line up.

For some reason I lined up way back but didn't realize this until after the stage when people asked me what happened. It took me a while to get into a groove but once I was there I felt really good. We did a couple smaller trails to start and then hit a new trail in Squamish called "Full Nelson" - all I have to say is wow! It's like a 20% grade pump track on EPO! This trail was so fast and had so many rolling knolls I lost track. I bet I looked like Marmaduke with his head out of the window and tongue hanging out. This trail was great - check it out sometime if you're out here.

After a short climb we hit The Plunge followed by Hoods in the Woods. The Plunge on a rigid bike was a little rough. I still rode everything but I think with all the jarring I may have bruised a rib. I also got to ride with Barry Beck and Bill Mcmillan but that was short lived as they're a couple of machines.

The rest of the day was spent trying to make up time but with how far I was behind at the start this was a daunting proposition. I finished 37th on the day still holding on to 30th (I think). I'm not that stoked my day as I felt pretty good out there. I had some tire issues near the end so I'll have to run a tube for tomorrow which could be rough but I'll try to be smooth.

This evening at the awards ceremony they gave away four 2011 Shimano Dyna Sys Systems to lucky winners in the crowd. One more system is scheduled to be given away at the final awards banquet but you need to be there to win - so make sure you stick around, it looks sick!

This our final night sleeping in a tent then one more mountain bike ride before heading home. Its kinda sad but I'll be happy like most to be back in my bed on Sunday night.