Nov 6 - Riverbend Cross Madness, Red Deer
The last Alberta cyclocross race was on a fast-paced open course, with a few twisty sections in the scenic river valley.
The last Alberta cyclocross race was on a fast-paced open course, with a few twisty sections in the scenic river valley.
photos - Central Alberta Bicycle Club
With cyclocross Nationals on the same day in Toronto, the three women that showed up in Red Deer raced with the Expert men. Fun start in the mass, dodging racers that had overshot a few corners off the twisty start, getting through the rideable sandpit in a drunken path. I was positioned well. Once we hit the open sections, the strong guys quickly passed by.
Held my own with not getting lapped and duked it out with a couple guys. I was adamant to climb the insanely steep climb. Was getting more fatigued each time though made it without walking! The cheering section there helped!
Finally, mastered the barriers taking the bike speed into the run. Check out the height, especially on a slight uphill!
Jumping the barriers to me, feels like this!photo - Aaron Falkenberg
Totally proud of the Albertan women that made the trip to Cross Nationals - Elite and Master women. Was hoping to see both Pepper and Katy on podium. Glad superwoman 4-time National cyclocross champ Wendy Simms had strong Alberta racers to challenge her! Pepper and Katy mostly raced in the Expert men category back home. Paid off with 2nd place for Katy and 4th for Pepper!
Canadian Cross Nationals - Katy hopping the barriers with Wendy
photo - Canadiancyclist.com
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Oct 30 - Brian Kullman Memorial Cross, Calgary
Race course set in the schoolyard beneath the Children's hospital on a super balmy summer-like day. More twists and turns than the prior year made it challenging fun. Many new faces with the thanks to the organizers for reduced entry for women. World ranked road racer Julie Beveridge showed up. I knew she would be speedy, wasn't sure about technical.
photos - R. Haskell .
Off the start, the many ability level field broke up quick. Bridget took the lead, with Sonya, Shantel, Julie and Marg close behind. Bridget lead strongly though washed out on the tricky descent corner to a swooping steep ascent. We avoided her and quickly passed by.
Shantel grabbing the cash prime at the first run-up the stairs
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In the open sections it was awesome to hang onto Julie's wheel drafting making good ground.
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Marg hovering behind Julie.
Passed Julie on the stairs run-up and stormed on any technical section to get away. Not overly thrilled to race solo on an open course to wind.
Approaching the barriers... .
I'm always excited to clear the barriers without tripping!.
tricky sharp left turn after the barriers .
small person technique up the steep climb.
Bridget with her eye on Marg
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Marg working it, though tuckered 
photos - Bill Quinney .
Meanwhile, Bridget was strongly chasing her way back. I held the lead for a few laps, though energy was flailing. Ended up washing out on the same spot as Bridget earlier, now having to run up a normally rideable climb. Lost alot of the precious lead.
Bridget with her eye on Marg.
Marg working it, though tuckered .
Within the lap, Bridget came by Marg strongly
Within the lap, Bridget came by Marg strongly.
Super exciting women's field racing this season!
Oct 31 - Beans 'n Barley Cross, Calgary
Oct 31 - Beans 'n Barley Cross, Calgary
Next day, back to Shaganappi Park for the Halloween race. I dressed up with a costume minimally with black ears and black tail. The racers that dressed up were outstanding.
photos - Bill Quinney .Had a super start with the course catered to my compact chainrings 50/34 in the straightaway sections. Felt strong today.
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