Canada/BC Cup - July 30 & 31
Panorama, BC
I was very excited for this race because I knew it was going to be low key compared to Nationals the weekend before, and because I was a lot more familiar with Quadzilla.
For a change it had been dry all week there so it was a very loose course - a condition I was not used to. So it was a nice change, but one I had to adjust to fast. Some of the corners took me out a few times forgetting that my tires didn't have much to grab onto. For me the course felt pretty long, maybe it was because of my pace and stamina, but I was tired after about 4 training runs. Even though I only got in 5 runs that day, I was pretty confident about racing the next day with nothing left to work on. There wasn't anything super challenging about the course, the only real tough section was the rock garden, but I had seen it the weekend before and had my lines picked already.
On race day I felt ready and did one practice run to get warmed up and to preserve energy. During my race I felt okay, a little slower than I would have liked but my time was a whole minute faster than my time at Nationals so I was super happy about that and got 4th place. I was also excited to only be 30 seconds behind Lindsey, who I've been trying to catch up to since the first few races.
NOS Gravity BikeFest - August 20 & 21
Fernie, BC
This race was just for fun, with the Hinton race being cancelled, I had the weekend free and what better way to spend it? They did a great job at keeping the people entertained with multiple events to watch: trials, dirt jumps, Enduro DH and a Classic DH.
While only participating in the Classic DH, I spent most of my afternoon learning the race course which was on Hollow Tree. It was such a fun course, so easy to go fast with it being wide and not a lot of corners. Very rooty though so my arms got a good work out by the end of the day. Feeling good I quit at 5 PM and went for dinner before heading down to the dirt jumps to watch the trick contest. Those guys put on quite a show, I am still so amazed at what they can do on bikes!
Sunday was lots fun, no pressure for me though, I was the only one in my class. I was still determined to go as fast as I could and got to take home some sweet money and prizes. It was also good to see all my friends do so well that weekend, Luke Stevens set the course record for both Enduro and Classic DH.
Alberta DH Provincials - Auguat 27 & 28
Canyon Ski Resort, Red Deer, Alberta
What a good weekend it was! Calgary Cycle did amazing with all 4 riders there making podium!
I was really impressed with the course in Red Deer, I wasn't expecting much, but they have great terrain to work with. I'd definitely go back if they could develop more biking terrain in the future. The course had a little bit of everything: a few steeps, stunts, tight trees, sprints and technical spots. It posed a few challenges at first but after the first few runs, my focus was to get smoother and faster.
Race day didn't have the best start, during training I was making mistakes where I wasn't the day before which made me a little nervous for my race run. I tried to forget about my runs that morning and focus on the ones the day before when I was smoother and more confident. It payed off, even though I still had a few troubles in my race run. My pedaling made all the difference and put me one second faster than Lindsey for first place. I couldn't believe I had actually caught up to her, and she was so happy for me as well. Jeremy, Rick and Daniel all made podium which made for a great showing for CC.
I've accomplished so much this summer, it's hard for me to believe. I have reached every goal I set for myself and much more. I have to give thanks to everyone who was patient with me and giving me endless tips that made me improve as much as I have. Summer is not over yet so I am planning on doing some more riding but I am sad to see the race season end. But I could not be more excited for next year! Also a BIG thanks to Calgary Cycle for all the support and help this summer too, it was a blast!
- Kristine
