L'Alpe de Grand Blanc - Big White

click to watch VIDEO recap of 2015 race

Cool first time local event starting in Kelowna, BC and travelling up some 5500' to the ski resort Big White 58-km away was held July 25th. Prior to this, the weather had been scorching hot.

Race day - unexpected rain!

From past experience if the rain was to continue, the first half of a hill climb event will have warmer temps and the second half will be survival temps. It was 18C and humid at the base.

I decided to go with unusual extras for a summer race - an undershirt, knee warmers, cold weather arm warmers, a goofy hat underneath my helmet to prevent rain from hitting my eyewear, bootie covers, with my lightweight rain jacket in my rear pocket. Not ideal setup for racing though I was taking the chance for a gnarly day as we were going up to 1800m.

all photos courtesy BigWhite.com

Small crowd of 60 eager riders lined up. Supposed neutral vehicle pulled away quick with 3 guys on its tail.

The rest of us sauntered not knowing where the neutral part ended. Still not sure, we all sort of went a little harder once on the main Hwy 33.

Even though the rain felt light, I was getting soaked by the rear wheel spray from the bike in front. Clothing choice so far, pretty good, as I was keeping warm while wet.

Legs were a little rigid from doing the Thursday night crit 36 hours ago. Jeff Innes from ERTC was hanging with me for awhile, though we wondered where Terra Manca, a fellow ERTC-er was.

Once my legs loosened up, I clung onto the wheel of a tall guy's bike at a good pace. We both drifted away on our own when I took a pull at one point up the first 12k climb section.

At the top near Goudie road, I said to my riding buddy that we either bridge to the group of 3 riders ahead or he was stuck with me for the flat section, as the next group was abit further back.

Both of us worked together and caught on to this group of three guys in the photo. Once we did, the pace of our group was a little slow. Whenever there was a longer climb, I took a pull up the climb hoping to get the pace going a little quicker.

The roads were rough when I noticed my rear tire was flat. New tire, so bummer. As I stopped to change it, a truck immediately stopped and two guys, Shaun and Caleb, helped me. I assumed they were with the race. I quickly shifted the rear derailleur to the small cog, and attempted to ignore the extra click that did not sound like a clean shift.

I was anxious to be losing time so was chirping for the guys to be quicker. Their help was appreciated so I hate when I lose perspective like that. The peloton with the next woman & Jeff just went by.

I put the rear wheel back on and was dismayed when I could not shift the rear cable to larger cogs. Doh, it was true the shifter had broken in the front. The gear choice of a 50/34 with an 11 cog would not be fun for long. I had to bail.

With my warm clothes bag already at the top, the guys suggested I jump in with them to get a ride. They were watching friends of theirs in the race.

As we drove past the racers, it was cool to see the little groups and the odd singled out person. This was a great race course!

On the turn to Big White, I noticed Terra and was confused to see her there. She mistaken the start time to be 1 hour later so managed to get into the half distance race which started at this turnoff.

Dean & Todd, the guys in 5th & 6th that my truck was following.

Cool scenery!

Roger Sherwood who solo-ed the whole race into 2nd place, an ERTC rider favourite!

ERTC Jeff incognito in a very large blue rain-cape that a volunteer lent him. Jeff said if it was not for the volunteer's help at the feed zones, that he likely would not have finished. The cold rain was an unexpected extra element.

It was 5C and close to sleeting at the top!!

Volunteers at Big White were excited to put on this 1st time event. The support at the top was great with warm blankets and hot packs, and food.

kids raced up the hardest last 2 km of the course!

The organizers are excited about the turn-out and have proclaimed their interest in putting on the event again in 2016, and possibly a series of hill climb events.

I'd like to give it another go!


Later in the week, Jeff & Terra joined me on my favourite route up to Crystal Mountain and back through Boucherie.

Marg & Terra on Boucherie Road

Jeff, Marg & Terra about to descend Gellatly road

Wildfires within 5 km where I stay at Mike's chalet circled in green - abit scary especially when we went through an evacuation one night

2-week Flurry - Skimo & Nordic

With 3 skimo races within a 2-week period and each venue about 6 hour drive away... it was easiest to just take off and hang around the mountains.

Castle Mountain Skimo - Sun Jan 11
Drove down Sat morning in time for a couple of needed runs on my skimo skis. I had not been downhill skiing at all since the first COP race early Dec. I was leery of the stability of my knee that I hurt in a tumble last season.

Cool to have cyclists Shawna Donaldson and Katy Curtis join in with their big gear!

Temp was warm for the skimo start though I overdressed. Unsure how my knee would fare, I wanted to stay on the warmer side. Chilling at the start, I dropped into pace behind Kylie and Michelle with Martha just behind.

49 racers starting - photo from Castle Mtn website

The singletrack skin track was worse than I thought it would be when we scrambled over exposed alder bushes. Had to concentrate to not snag the skin on the alder, nor impale my body from alder poking out. A branch caught me in the eye so eyewear a good idea. I managed to clean the kick-turns without falling, yay!

racers heading for the single track - photo Castle Mtn website

Once out of the technical kick-turn section, I caught back up to Michelle where we both inched towards Kylie. Hitting the boot pack, I was doomed with the uneven terrain. Michelle was a mountain goat and leapt away. Pensive with my weak knee, I slid down crazy steep snowy descents. One of the ridges was an exposed cliff, so I kept looking at the path and was leery to look out.

At transition to downhill, Martha caught up to me. I left after her. Skied the ridge to Lonestar descent. Midway down the chattery snow, my quads ached. Stopped a few times to take a few breathers. Happy to get to the open road to the next ascent.

Fitness climb up the groomed Huckleberry run and then up the cat track road. Martha was in sight. She left the final DH transition by the time I made it there. Last descent in the cat skiing area started out deceivingly great floating through powdery snow. Midway, it got steeper and more chattery. Last 1/3 was so steep and chunky I just stopped wide-eyed for awhile before starting again.

Standing only 30m above the volunteer who said "you're almost there", I laughed as I still seemed at least 20 turns away. I side-slipped a lot of that last section as safety was on my mind. Whenever I did manage a turn, it was no problem so I really wonder what my fear was to connect a few turns together.

Marg Michelle Kylie Martha

Bombed down the last few km on the snowy road back to the finish. Very cool to have all the speedy skimo women waiting to give hugs! That was the most heinous descent ever!

Mon Jan 12
Stayed overnight in the Crowsnest Pass. Went nordic skiing at the awesome Alison Wonderland trails with adventure race friend Dave Whitten. Bummed to see the damage a snowmobiler did by driving on part of the nordic trail. 1 1/2 hour classic ski was plenty!

Tue Jan 13
Calgary based for a couple nights. I headed to Peter Lougheed Provincial Park to ski the Cookie Race course. Since the big floods in June 2013, the beginning 4 km of trail have been diverted. I did not recognize the trails as they were now super hilly. Skied 38 km, 3:15 hr. Weather was cooler than expected as it was balmy in town. Conditions were superb.

Wed Jan 14
Lots of skis to prep and food to get ready for the next three events in 4 days.

Nor Am 10 km Masters Classic -  Thur Jan 15
10k is a short fast race I do not prefer. Since I was in the area, I thought what the heck it'd be cool to go in this test race course for the 2016 Nor-Ams. Entry was the right price at $0 i.e. free.

Start was on the frozen Lake Louise heading out the rolly trails down Telemark double-pole descent. Racers started 30 seconds apart. I was one of the last racers. It was pretty cool to see my 30 sec and 1 min person ahead as I went along Moraine Lake road.

On the slight grade, single kick/double pole was way faster than diagonal stride. I passed a couple skiers before I turned onto the wicked climb into Fairview trail. The trail was in the most pristine condition I have ever skied on! Slowly inched up to racer Cori once we peaked the climb. Her double pole was strong. I stayed behind her as we rolled back along the lake. At the steep climb behind the Chateau, I jumped ahead and raced up the climb.  Crazy washed out hairy descent back down to the lake, then double poled to the line.

Marg just crossing the line on Lake Louise - photo Henry Yau

The results were cool to peruse as our time-trial times were recorded in three spots. My 2nd and 3rd sections were 1 sec quicker than Mary Young, though she had a wicked 1st section on the double-pole descent down Tramline. 3rd place was Sovereign Lake skier Mae Hooper who we raced with at Master Worlds in 2011.

Whitefish Whiteout 2015 Skimo -  Sat Jan 17
With Katy Curtis intrigued with skimo after her first race at Castle Mtn, we drove Friday night to Whitefish. Gotta remember not to pick up registration too early in the morning as there is really nowhere to hang out indoors near the race start.

speedy start - photo Myke Hermsmeyer

Again, I overdressed a smidgeon. It was stifling racing up the first climb. I had a good start then a woman pulled ahead with a nice pace as I gave her cheers. Then, I heard cheers behind me from Katie French urging me to bridge the gap. I tried a couple times to get out of my pace though did not have enough drive.

crazy course description

Skiing a course the prior day helps me get the jitters out for these double-black descents. Didn't get that chance this time. I skied pretty sketchy on Cal's Country then balked many times on the Haskill Slide. It was harder with the lumpy snow conditions. Meanwhile, I saw Lizzy and Martha fly by smoothly.

At transition, I was unsure why Katie French showed up after me as I left to catch Martha. Katy had missed a turn. All the skinning was on groomed trail. Not technical at all, quite the fitness course. A couple years ago, I would have liked this. Now, I think groomed trails are boring and I wanted more technical climbing.

Excellent views from the top

Caught and passed Martha though urged her into the 2nd descent single track before me. Had a little tumble and made it out to the boot-pack. Held my own though did not seem to make up time to Martha. Next couple descents/ascents were new to me. Mostly bombing descents on blue runs. I did not know how much speed was safe with recreational skiers around. Last climb was a long gentle approach for the first 5 km. Could almost have skate-skied it. Too much false-flat distance.

Jen leads Lisa Currey up Bighorn - photo Myke Hermsmeyer

The last boot pack section was the best part as I did get one kick-turn in! At the top, slow meander to the finish. After retrieving my clothing from the short course finish, I was too cold after to enjoy anymore skiing so made the last run to the car. Katy made it through the whole long course with her adventure gear!

Multiple draw prizes given out at awards as there were so many to offer. It was great to have Katy make the drive back to Calgary. A little shuffling of gear and I had time for a few hours sleep before heading to Banff the next morning.

Lake Louise to Banff Loppet (shortened course) - Sun Jan 18
Made it out to Banff in time for the 7 a.m. shuttle bus to Lake Louise. The fresh soft snow was falling in the mild temps. Race started at 9 a.m. Course only 50 km with bridge still out due to 2013 flood.

With the fresh snow, no grip was to be had. It was slow going. Skiers raced in only one track making it tough to pass. Most skiers politely pulled aside to the snowy track to let a faster skier by. After a decent effort on Leg 1, the rest was a s-l-o-g to the finish.

ok, so this blog was sitting in draft for 6 months so this race writeup is slim…

Next week spent in the Okanagan with awesome nordic skiing at Telemark.

Kicking Horse Challenge - Sat Jan 24
Took the opportunity to pick up the race package early and get out skiing Friday afternoon. Bumped into California friend Catherine Talbot on a ski holiday. Super fun to ski with Catherine and her friends.

Cookie Parade racer Catherine Talbot and Marg - ahh memories!

Race is all a blur. Due to major snow the prior night, the course was altered to 2 loops missing out some tough double black diamond sections.

Lemans Start around the restaurant at the top - photo Mathew Hall

I bumbled along the lemans start. At the bottom of the first descent, I left just before Katy with her heavy AT gear. Had a good climb to Stairway to Heaven. Was super excited to get through the double black diamond descent safely, where a tumble last season hurt my knee wickedly (boot did not release from ski embedded in snow in an awkward position).

bootpack section - photo Mathew Hall

Found the 2nd loop much better than the 1st. Nice to be done! Season over.

Two Canadians enjoying the hot tub at Catherine's chalet rental on the hill - Marg holding Katy's beer!

Nordic skiing at Goldbar with Ann Yew

2014 Vert180 - First Skimo of Season

Into the 2nd climb of the Vert180 with heavy legs and high breath-rate, I determined that skimo racing is way tougher than any other endurance sport I've done!

Skinning up the slopes of COP - photo Kent Toth Stockflo

Just returning from my epic cycling trip in Taiwan, I just removed the storage wax off my skimo skis race day morning. I was going to be winging my transitions at the 6 pm event that night at Canada Olympic Park (COP)!

photo Stockflo

With a top-notch field of women on the start line, I went out at a fast though self-preserving pace for the 180 minutes we were to be out there.

Kept in pace with Michelle Katchur Roberts, fellow skimo teammate from last season. At the top, Michelle's transition was lightning speed and she was gone.

I doddled methodically with removing my skins, a little bit of a gong show to watch.

Former National team racer Kylie Toth Ohler just behind, passed me before beginning the descent. Good thing, as I had no idea where to go or how to take the descent. It was a great feeling to ski down hoping I did not forget how from last year (not my 2nd nature sport!).

Trail of skiers bootpacking up - photo Kent Toth Stockflo

2/3 way down, had a sharp hockey stop to the right for transition to bootpack up a short climb with kicked in steps. All went smooth on this transition to bootpack.

almost to the top - photo Kent Toth Stockflo

I found it easier to chip my boot toes into the untracked path and run up for parts of the climb, then use my poles on the steeper sections.

At the transition, it was a total gong show to clip into my bindings. Frustration did not help, as the calm volunteer pointed out. The descent was bombing fast straight downhill to complete a loop. Max speed on this section hit 65 kph!

I impressed myself with cleanly removing my skins with skis on, without toppling over! - photo Kent Toth Stockflo

Just as my transitions were finally getting better with removing and putting back on the skins, I had a scary incident on one of these speedy descents near the end of my 7th lap.

As I was in a tuck position bombing for the finish, midway down my right ski wobbled and completely took off with speed in front of me. I managed to balance on one ski, then took a fall to prevent further carnage with a bad crash. Hobble-skied down the hill with one ski all the way to the bottom to grab the lost ski. Skate-skied back up into the finish. Lucky to come out of that unscathed!

With the balmy temps, the air still felt cool. At the top of the hill, while the nightlight views were outstanding, the headwinds were cold coming from the west.

Within a few loops, my gloves were soaked from all the ski handling in the snow. I finally changed them after lap 6 to my super waterproof gloves.

The wicked music playing at the lower transition zone kept motivation going as it was heard most of the way up the climb. It was a small though hearty crowd.

Ended up with 12 laps, 1833m elevation gain in 180 minutes, 17.4 km distance. Max speed was 65 kph!

This is a great event to practice transitions early season and get a feel for skimo. Awesome training event as well.

Thanks to Kylee and Travis Brown and all others who helped out with putting on this event.

Canadian Skimo Women racing that night - Michelle Katchur Roberts, Tele-Martha Burley, Melanie Bernier, Marg Fedyna; missing in photo Kylee Toth Ohler, Jean Ann Berkenpas

The volunteers were super awesome at the transition points with their cheers and calmness!

The timing control crowd who cheered for every person who came in for a loop were amazing to hear all the way up the hill.

Exploring Taiwan as a Cycle Journalist

The Taiwan KOM Challenge event was brought to my attention by fellow ERTC club racer Greg Nicholson after the inaugural event in 2012. I finally got my toe in the door and was able to attend the event this year as a journalist with expenses covered by the Taiwan Tourist Board.

Jo Hogan and Marg Fedyna at a freebie photo booth at the Come! Bike Day event

Once I arrived to Taiwan, I figured I would need to figure out what to do on my own until the press conference mid-week for the event, and the actual race on the weekend.

Once all 8 of us journalists & photographers from Australia, New Zealand, UK, Malaysia and US were together, we were treated royally every moment with nice accom, a guide and luxury bus to show us amazing sites, and fed way too much at restaurant three times a day. Another 6 joined us from Malaysia, Singapore, Australia & Korea mid-week.

I will document my travels with this motley crew in the next while. So many photos to choose from! I had an amazing time.

To sum up... the hospitality of the Taiwanese is unlike any other culture I have experienced. This started before I even arrived... in the check-in line-up in LA airport, other than me being the average height of everyone in line (!)... it was a noticeable calmer demeanor of people. Exchanging money at the airport before even going thru customs, I was boggled and a woman in line made sure to help me. Could brush it off as just a nice person, though every person I came across thereafter was helpful like that!

One day when we heard a horn honk as we were riding in the busy city streets, we all commented that was the first horn honk we had heard! Amazing with 23 million people on an Island the size of Vancouver Island.

Update to come....

Great Reports from Taiwan KOM Challenge 2014

The scenery is outstanding!!

Awesome recap video of the race in action… well, mostly the men's race… exciting to see eventual winner John Ebsen make his move on the 27% grade! 

Link to my post-race CBCradio interview with Doug Dirks, where I bumbled through and forgot to mention "raw food"!! and green juice...   

My race report in Pedalmag

Press Conference with Lee Rodgers - photo Changmin Park

First race report out by Lee Rodgers, Director of Communications for the event

Aaron tasting his 1st Persimmons I bought from a street vendor

Articles: by Eurosport-Australia writer Aaron S. Lee:

Cdn Marg Fedyna Wins Taiwan KOM, Will Routley Finishes 15^th
Awesome article focusing on the women:
Queens Rule Atop Taiwan KOM Challenge

Chris bravely trying "stinky tofu" in the streets of Shuishe

Descriptive account from 14th spot by Velonews journalist Chris Case: Case Suffering Taiwan

Dave & Marg could not resist hugging the Bear at Press Conference

Coverage (report and video) from Cycle Tips journalist Dave Everett: The Definition of  Epic Tackling a Rain Soaked Taiwan KOM Challenge

Pre-race Video by Dave Everett

I enjoy Dave’s humour... comment to Nicole Cooke (World/Olympic Road Champ) and Tiffany Cromwell (5^th Road Worlds this year)... "both of you got not bad results"! Love Nicole’s response at the end talking about compact crank.

Live Video during the race by Dave Everett

The coverage Dave shows while racing is cool, to see how wet and cold, and steep it was. How Tiffany talks about the crash is admirable. Seeing Jo riding was great! I'm bug-eyed in the video, learning not to do next time!

Jo waiting at a light with the many scooters

Peloton Pillow Talk video with Jo with Dave Everett

- 2 min in, shows the wicked Taiwan scenery on a ride the first day we were there… and my climbing style which I have never seen on video. It feels smoother than it looks. 

- 3:40 Pre-race, Jo mentions my raw food and being a dark horse... so very cool coming from a competitor friend!

 

The crash about to happen... photo Danial Hakim/Taiwan Cyclist Federation

Jo and Tiff are directly behind the fallen rider. The men's winner Ebsen is right in front of the crash. Front of peloton is usually considered safest!

Day after the race, we all went riding in the countryside by Taipei

One of my favourite photos of the "engaging conversations" eight cycle jounalists and photographers had during dinners!

My Pedalmag Article: Taiwan KOM Challenge 2014

Taiwan KOM Challenge Report, Photos – Canada’s Fedyna Wins, Routley 15th

by Marg Fedyna    

 

November 20, 2014 (Taiwan) – Working with a few racers on the 7% graded highway at a hard though comfortable effort, I glanced down at my GPS. It registered 42km in distance of the 105km event, though only 450 metres for elevation! After starting at sea level in the eastern coastal village of Hualien, it was hard to comprehend the elevation gain left to finish at Wuling, Mt. Hehuan at 3,275 metres.

 

Sub-tropical vegetation early on. ©Taiwan Cyclist Federation

The wet weather was playing havoc with the GPS readings though I took heed. With the pounding rain keeping me soaked, I was quick to note that I needed to gauge my effort, food intake and warmth level to get to the top.

After the inaugural Taiwan KOM race in 2012, fellow ERTC club racer Greg Nicholson sent me a link to the personal account of Daniel Carruthers’ race with this message “Bucket list! Never knew this climb existed. Outstanding! Marg, I think this one has your name written on it.”

I was definitely intrigued by this event and was excited to be a part of it this year.

The rains began the night before. The racers staying at the Parkview Hotel were huddled under the hotel loading zone roof waiting for the last moment to ride the 8km to the beach location for the 6:30 a.m. start.

Forecast was 16°C, to cool to 13°C by the top of Hehuan. Since the air was humid and warm, most racers wore basic jersey and shorts.

I was contemplating clothing options with Nicole Cooke (GBR) who was here as a journalist. She was the only Olympic and Road Worlds winner in the same year. Will Routley (Optum/Kelly Benefit Strategies) from Abbotsford, BC offered his feedback that whatever he wears… he’d be too warm at one point and too cold at another.

With only a slight predicted decrease in temperature I decided to add arm warmers, and wore a lightweight Sugoi rain jacket to keep me dry for the start.

On-route riding to the race start, the spray from the roads and cyclists’ rear wheels already made my clothing damp.

Pre-race performance by the Taroko drummers. © Taiwan Cyclist Federation

I missed out on truly enjoying the powerful beat of the Taroko dummers as I was concerned how to keep my damp body warm before the start. Valuable energy was already burning to do so.

Despite the drizzling weather, the atmosphere was quite relaxed at the start line. I took a place near the front of the field for the neutral start.

Neutral start from 0m elevation at the coast ©Taiwan Cyclist Federation

Once the event began, the large peloton of 473 racers rode out the main road at a pace controlled by the commissaire vehicles and motorcycles. The constant bike wheel spray was tough to avoid.

Even though Cooke is retired from cycling, she instinctively was at the front of the peloton. Jo Hogan (Rapha Ambassador) and Tiffany Cromwell (Specialized-lululemon), both Pro racers from Australia, were hovering near the front as well.

Crossing the bridge before the turn to Taroko Gorge ©Taiwan Cyclist Federation

The pace quickened before the turnoff 18-km in. Once on the Central Cross-Island Highway, we rode over the official timing mat. Though damp, the humid air was warm. I wondered when best to remove my rain jacket to not overheat.

I hovered within the top 30 of the field. As the peloton squeezed onto the narrow road, the riders began to string out. The road gently snaked its way beside a tall rocky ledge. The slight grade of 3% allowed the high pace of the peloton to continue.

Marg Fedyna amidst the peloton. ©Taiwan Cyclist Federation

On the first gentle descent, I was spooked by my lack of braking power to scrub off a little speed. With the wet roads and closeness of the riders, I relaxed my pace dropping further back from the front group.

The marble walls in Taroko Gorge. ©Taiwan Cyclist Federation

Within kilometres on this narrow highway, the marble walls in the Taroko Gorge towered hundreds of feet above us. I tilted my head back to take the full view in! Outstanding!! The height of the walls surpassed any photos I had previously seen and was eye-widening. The media described it as out of Jurassic Park.

Even while racing and with my raindrop-spotted eyewear, I was able to take in the magnificent views.

Tunnels built into the mountain. ©Taiwan Cyclist Federation

The road was narrow and occasionally undercut into the rock. Wherever a section was impassable, a tunnel had been built through the mountain. The highway is an engineering wonder that was completed in 1960 with enormous effort and at the cost of 212 lives.

Riding through the tunnels gave relief from the pelting rain. With no wind, there seemed little need to draft other than for moral support to be together.

Rock slide that occurred with the evenings rain. ©Taiwan Cyclist Federation

The road surface was pleasantly smooth. With the recent rain, loose rocks had fallen in places with a human-sized one in the middle of the road.

On a tight left hand turn 25 km in, a few riders had collided just ahead. The group I was with managed to ease around safely. This reinforced for me to be cautious.

Soon after I heard “hello” from Nicole just before the first big increase in grade. The rain seemed to let up and I was considering removing my rain jacket.

Slowly, I moved up in the field and came by Tony, Will Routley’s dad, riding well. A few racers passed by which had Tiffany pulling strongly.

I figured the top women were up ahead with the lead peloton so I was surprised to see both Tiffany and Nicole.

Tiffany Cromwell pulling strongly after an early crash. ©Taiwan Cyclist Federation

My rain-spotted eyewear gave limited visibility though I wanted to keep my eyes protected from grit as long as possible. I then noted that Tiffany had ripped shorts and it wasn’t just a rain spot on my glasses.

A few km later when Tiffany eased her pace, I asked if she needed anything. Her reply was “new legs”! The grade was steepening as I continued at my pace.

Tunnel reminiscent from an amusement ride. ©Taiwan Cyclist Federation

Countless number of long tunnel sections through the mountain also kept me wary of other racers riding skills. Fortunately, there was sufficient lighting in the tunnel to make out the road and riders.

Early on there were plenty of racers around. As the gradient slowly rose, I mostly rode my pace jumping in to follow another rider’s quicker pace every so often.

To help conserve energy, I backed off my effort when sporadic 12% grades popped up. Then I rode harder on the lesser grades suitable to my riding style.

Periodically, I ate some of the chopped up pieces of dates I had in the side pockets on my shorts. The humidity unexpectedly softened the dates to goo. I had to squeeze them out of the plastic bag like a gel.

Passing the first feed-zone offering food, only bananas were available. I hollered ahead “banana, peeled” as I wanted to grab the banana as I rode by.

Banana hand-offs at the feed-zone. ©Taiwan Cyclist Federation

The first couple of volunteers were caught by surprise with the request as I passed by. Soon, I had five feed-zone volunteers running to hand me a peeled banana! Big thank you for their effort, as I grabbed one.

The climb went on and on. In no way was I bored!

Tranquil scenery. ©Taiwan Cyclist Federation

The guard railings painted red and yellow made a nice contrast with the green lush foliage brightening the limited rainy view. Though the scenery in the distance was hidden on this rainy day, the amazing road with its constant change in grade, twists and turns offered sneak peeks of the twisty road below on a switchback.

As the rain pelted down harder, I was glad to have kept my jacket on. Now, I was concerned for my finger dexterity. Over the years of endurance racing, especially 24-hour mountain bike racing and adventure racing, my fingers and wrists have taken their toll with overuse under extreme conditions.

My fingers were becoming numb. As I rode, I began to shake one hand at a time and do one-arm windmills. I even tried sitting on a hand while riding or warming my fingers under my armpit.

Fortunately, my body core was warm.

With my finger dexterity limited, it was more difficult to grab my food from my pockets. Passing the next feed-zone, I made the effort to slowly eat the whole banana welcoming the energy.

I had taped the distance and elevation points onto my top tube to appease the analyst side of me during the race. In the rain, I found I barely glanced at it.

At that time, I did notice 3 hours of duration completed from the start-line on my GPS. I guessed I had at least another 2 hours – two more hours to ride with frozen fingers!

Would my fingers keep mobile that long? I was also concerned with how much body heat would be zapped on the upcoming descent section. I was smart enough to not look at the temperature reading! I did not want to know.

I began playing distance games thinking once I had 35 km to go that this would be just like the climb leaving Penticton on Green Mountain Road going all the way up to the end of the pavement at the Apex Ski Resort.

Occasional kiosks of fruit vendors. ©Taiwan Cyclist Federation

I managed to grab a Vega gel from my rear pocket and wished I had a few more.

At the 85 km mark, the few km of descent began. I passed a couple of riders braking to a crawling speed. Only one guy zoomed by being brave enough to go fast.

My dexterity was diminishing. It was scary to gain too much speed on the narrow roads with limited braking power. I hoped my hands and wrists would not fail me.

The descent was over before I knew it. I welcomed a nicely graded climb to relax my grip and warm up. My pace picked up with new-found energy. At this time, a motorbike hovered behind me with a helmet cam. No smiles were to be had.

Within a few km, I was 95 km into the climb reaching Dayuling at 2,565m elevation. I was relieved to make it to this point with the “real climb” up next.

Even though the course so far was interspersed with short increases in grade, the 7% average grade for the first 95 km was quite enjoyable to ride. I was happy to be riding in my big chain ring of a compact crankset wondering why I even switched my cassette to an 11-28 for the race.

When I looked up ahead, I immediately knew the 11-28 cassette was a necessity. The road just rose steeply. It was time for the small chain ring! The way the road snaked up with steep pitches around corners was wowing with the exclamation each time “not again”.

Last 10km. ©Taiwan KOM Challenge

The last 8-km was an average 17% grade with a short pitch of 27.3%! I passed a couple of riders traversing the road zigzagging. And a few walking, already.

The grades were very inconsistent. The minute time in between allowed for a brief rest. Each time the grade ramped up, I hoped I was in the proper small gear.

With 8 km left, my hands were still an issue. I was furiously shaking them to bring back feeling.

The rainy weather was playing games with the GPS gradient reading so I did not get to see the unbelievable 27.3% grade show up! It reminded me of a road going up a steep driveway to a house on a hill with a plateau, before it rises again.

The scary wet metal grates. ©Taiwan Cyclist Federation

On the steep pitches, I was spooked each time my rear wheel spun in one spot over the intermittent metal grates across the road. It was hard enough to focus on keeping momentum going let alone to give an extra pedal stroke to get over the grate without toppling over as I was climbing out of the saddle.

Finally seeing the 5km to go sign, I was mentally confident I would be able to gut it out with ice block fingers to the end. Physically, I was feeling fine. The grade lessened for a couple of km until the last vicious km.

Maybe it was a good thing the top was not visible with the rainy clouds.

With 500m to go, the course was marked with a sign every 100m. Time ticked in between each sign as the road rolled through more open rocky terrain.

Winner John Ebsen visible metres before the finish. ©Taiwan Cyclist Federation

The finish line popped out of nowhere. As I approached the finish, I was told I was the first woman!

That did not register quickly with me as I had pictured Jo working with the peloton ahead and wondered how far back I was.

Early on, both Jo and Tiffany had been directly behind a rider that fell. It was inevitable for both of them to crash. Both women courageously finished which is a statement of perseverance. Jo made her way back to 4^th place.

Nicole was riding as a journalist and successfully finished. She stated she would rather attempt such a challenge with the appropriate training.

Women’s Podium. ©Taiwan Cyclist Federation

Next women to finish were from Taiwan with Qin Xin (ECT-Specialized) just over three minutes back and Guo Nian Wen (YCCAA Yilan Cycling Team) another 12 minutes back. Cool to have ridden my best and bonus to come out on top!

Five Canadians finished the event with just over half the field making the time cut off of 6.5 hours.

Top Canadian male was Will Routley in a competitive field including the previous winner from 2012, John Ebsen (Atlas/Black Inc.) from Denmark. Ebsen also won the 2014 event breaking away on the challenging 27.3% grade to the finish.

Will came to this race already settled into his off-season, though gave it his best effort. Battling the altitude was a factor for him. He stated “it would certainly be nice to show up with better form, and with the experience of having done it once. All in all it was a great off-season adventure I got to share with my father.”

A recovered Will Routley greeting his father Tony Routley at the finish © Daniel Simms Photography

Tony Routley, Will’s dad placed 6^th in the 50-59 category. Knowing Tony had previously ridden the road up Haleakala in Maui, a 52 km climb from sea level to 3,037m, I asked how it compared. Tony stated, “Haleakala is a consistent and gradual climb”. Taiwan KOM Challenge “is definitely more difficult”. Tony also mentioned “the altitude and cold combo absolutely killed me in the last 5km.”

Dylan Cunningham (Russ Hays’ Accent Inns Cycling Team) from Victoria who finished 31^st at the men’s National Road Race Championships in Lac Megantic, QC this year, placed amongst the top of the field in 19^th.

Fraser Young, originally from Victoria now living in Taiwan, who raced for his 3^rd time placed 28^th worked his way to a higher placing and time in the more inclement weather.

Gearing choice is a major factor for this event. While standard gearing is possible at a deathly effort, compact gearing reduces the effort. The choice of cassette matters as well. My selection was limited with the rear derailleur. I was quite happy with using an 11-28 as I climbed mostly out of the saddle.

Prior to the race, I noticed the large cassette on Tony Routley’s bike. After the race he said “the 32-tooth cog was perfect. I was really happy with that choice.” Even with his perfect gearing choice, Tony found the altitude and cold combination haunted him within the last 5 km.

The 2014 poster for the race came to reality ©Taiwan Cyclist Federation

This mountain climb needs a strategy to conquer.

After the 95km “warmup”, the last 10 km of the course is the toughest part. That final section is unique in its steep undulations to create the average 17% grade. No other climb I have done compares to it. I definitely want to ride this course again in dry conditions.

The scenery alone puts Taroko Gorge on the Top 10 Best Things to see in Taiwan.

Taiwan KOM Challenge is at the top of the list for Top 10 Epic Hill Climbs in the world!

Special thanks to the Taiwan Tourism Bureau and Taiwan Cyclist Federation, as well as Race Organizer Gary Shu and Director of Communications Lee Rodgers for the opportunity to experience the hospitality and beauty of Taiwan.