Hi Everyone,
I thought I'd give you an update of this past week-end's big event on the mountain bike scene. The "Test of Metal" bike race is a Canadian Classic; with 800 registrants allowed to compete. This event sells out within hours of registration opening. The bike race itself is a 67 km course through the trails of Squamish. Thirty-five kilometres are single track, and there is 1200 metres of climbing.
Saturday, June 14th saw at least 3 Team Coastal members compete in the "Test of Metal".
Devon McClelland finished with a time of 3:18. Devon is a 16 year old "up and comer". He has just been chosen to represent B.C. as a member of the U-17 mountain bike team. In Devon's second attempt at this epic ride he came 7th in his age category (U-20), as well shaved over 45 minutes off of his previous time from last year. After the race, I was reflecting on how many times Devon and I passed each other. I figure it was 6 or 7 times that we played "you first". I got a feeling, the way Devon is riding; that I won't even see him next year except at the start line.... Way to go Devon!
Darren McClelland, Devon's dad, was unable to compete this year, unfortunately due to contracting a nasty bug on race day.
Tim Cardinal competed for the first time in this race. He struggled a little with cramping issues; however managed to finish (which is an accomplishment in itself). Good Job, Tim - see you next year!
As for myself, this was my 8th or 9th time competing (it's all a blur). I did a personal best time of 3:11, shaving 15 minutes off of my previous best time. I came 4th overall in my category (45-49); narrowly missing 3rd by 26 seconds. (I knew I should have shaved my legs...). All in all I'm proud of my being in the top 50 overall for males.
I hope to see more of you mountain bikers (I know you're out there) compete in some of these classics. Chekaumus Challenge is coming up in Sept....
Thanks,
Kerry White
2008/06/01
