Thursday, April 10, 2008

Race decision

I've got a couple choices for racing this weekend.
First one being the Ottawa Valley Paris-Roubaix Cyclosportiff.
Winter is doing its best to make sure that the worst roads we could find in the Ottawa area will be suitably prepared for the annual Paris-Roubaix Cyclosportif. While we don't have Gord Fraser or the pavé pictured above, the 72 kilometre route emulates its namesake by mixing up long sections of smooth pavement with stretches of gravel, rocks, mud and sand. Snow is also a good possibility. Along the way there is one steep, switchback climb and a less than relaxing trip through a sugar bush.
This race is more of a cx oriented event - lots of skinny roadies on light cx machine. It's mostly ridden on dirt concession roads out in the country. Going to be cold, rainy and snowy this Saturday. Doesn't sound like a lot of fun.

The other being the Uxbridge Icebreaker, which I had originally scheduled to race. Last year's race was a doozie for me.

With the crazy amount of snow that we had this winter, and how much is still left, I'm not sure how badly I want to do this race. I'm guessing it's going to be more of a hike-a-bike than an actual mtn bike race. I don't much feel like driving five hours, humping through one foot, slushy snow, then jumping in the car and traveling back home for five hours.

What to do, what to do?

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't blame you at all for hesitating. I guess you have to decide how much you want to race vs how much you want to have fun. Be sure to keep us posted on what you decide! Mari

Matt Spak said...

They have updated the info on the Icebreaker course. Will be a bit shorter depending on how much snow melted. I'm hitting the Icebreaker.

Peter M said...

I'm going to make a Saturday noon-ish decision on the Almonte ride. I have a UCI licence already, they aren't cheap. I think it's $140 but you can call and find out I suppose.

Anonymous said...

Time to step up and try a CX race. Weather conditions should be good training for the BC race anyhow.

If hauling 30+ kph on slick ATV trails with skinny 32mm wide tires doesn't get your heart racing, then your pack of leg-shaving roadies dropping left and right (or in front!) of you will certainly keep things interesting. ;-)

fritZman