Day 3 Kamloops-Race The Ranch

So today was race day. Since we are staying so close to the course and we didn't start until 11:30 we had a good night sleep and a relaxing morning. Arrived at the course, sun was blazing, got ready, warmed up and away we went.
The start was an uphill double track for a bit then it narrowed for the final climb to the table top. On the top there was no shade so no escape from the heat. At the start I picked the wrong guy to line up behind and had to do a little zig zaging to get into the top 4. Once we we on the top the group thinned out, Steve was in third and I was in fourth. The rest of the lap continued this way but on the second lap we both moved up a spot. The Guy in first was ahead by about a minute thirty.

We were both riding well and I did not want to over do it in the heat( it was about 32 )so I keep a steady pace. Laps 3 and 4 were the same but each one felt a bit better as I got used to the course a bit more, the sand was like flour in some spots and the downhill parts had become really rutted.

On the last lap about 3/4 of the way through I saw a guy off the trail looking in rough shape. He had paramedics tending to him and as I got closer I realized that it was the guy who had been leading the whole race. Now we were one and two. Once I rolled across the finish line I headed for the tent and proceeded to dump 2 bottles of water on my noodle, which at this point was al dente.

I have to give a huge thanks to Tracy and Pepper who gave us bottles twice a lap and kept us cool. I will never forget the words "Do you want a dump?"

All in all a good day. Tomorrow we head to Rossalnd, with a few lake stops on the way.

Day 2-Kamloops

Saturday in Kamloops. I got up early this am, still on the school clock. We had breakfast at Hello Toast http://www.crucibleinteractive.com/archive/toast/index.htm It's a good spot and I recommend it if you visit the Tournament capital.

After a pre-ride of the race course I have an idea that the race is going to be hot. As for the course itself it is not that technical. As for the conditions let's just say it was dry, sandy, no wait not sand more like flour and there is no shade.

Next priorities for the day

1.Clean off the bike
2.Eat Lunch
3.Stay out of heat

School's out for SUMMER!-XC Road Trip DAY 1

That's right folks school is out and we(Steve and myself) wasted no time and were clear of Edmonton by noon!
A long drive ahead to Kamloops was made enjoyable by a beautiful day and some stunning views. Arrived in Kamloops to Stay at Uncle Bob and Aunt Sally's place( thanks again :) )

Tomorrow a pre-ride temp is set to be 37!