Jean Ann's Cross Report

It has been a busy few weeks, with the double header BC Cup on the 3rd and 4th of October, followed by Cross Nationals and the Jim Horner GP of Cross in Edmonton last weekend.

The BC Cup double header was a beautiful weekend. Blue skies, sunshine, and the full Local Ride Racing team out to play on the grassy courses of New Brighton and Vanier Park. The team had great success, with Mike breaking the top 10 in the A's, Junior riders Maggie and Pete finishing 1st and 2nd respectively on both days, and me 2nd on both days.

Last weekend Mike and I made the trip up to Edmonton, to race in the National Championships and the Jim Horner Grand Prix, hosted by Juventus Cycling Club. It was a bit of a shock to the system arriving in Edmonton to sub zero temperatures and snow. I had to re-learn how to dress for the cold. I placed 6th on both days, while Mike was 25th at Nationals, also his first time racing cross outside of BC.

Thanks to Les, Laurie, Hannah, Duncan and Mcayla for standing in the cold to cheer us on, and the Kruschke family for the amazing hospitality and Thanksgiving feast. One highlight of the weekend was seeing Les and Duncan wearing shorts and down jackets during the races on Saturday. They seemed comfortable, but everyone else was freezing! Unfortunately the cold proved a bit much for us, and we brought an unwelcome traveller home with us: the flu. Thankfully, that visitor has been sent on his way, and we are both beginning to feel normal again.

It is now time to start getting the costume ready for Pumpkin Cross, Local Ride's own BC Cup Halloween themed event. The only thing better than winning the race, is winning it in costume.

Here are a couple of photos of the recent activities with Local Ride Racing.

There were a couple of steep icy sections at Nationals. Photo by Patrick Graham.

Paul and Sue show off their new custom Xprezo cross bikes. Paul is loving the disc brakes, and will love them even more come rain and mud!

Training in Golden Ears Park with Andrew and Mike.