Made it to Mont Tremblant without any drama.
Stopped off at the Big Apple on the way, but was disappointed by the rabbit level in the parking lot. Last time I was here, the drive into the parking lot could've turned into a sad day for rabbit lovers everywhere with a sea of bunnies on the tarmac. This time we had to settle for a couple llamas and a vocal goat with attachment issues.
Spent Thursday night at a relative's house halfway between Montreal and Mont-Tremblant. Dinner included pasta with Skeeball-sized meatballs. I compete on the national Skeeball circuit when the cycling season winds down so I know what I'm talking about. Tasty stuff.
Being so close to the mountain allowed us to get things done early on Friday. Picked up some supplies at a grocery store on the main highway and dodged the inflated prices and 2-3% 'Tremblant Tax'. Wandered the village for a bit to get our bearings and were enlightened by a moustached man who spoke of hay and gravel. His relatively clean legs were confidence inspiring.
Set out to see the course for ourselves and were met with a familiar circuit that was mainly dry. Gravel and hay were set down in some sections, but from my recollection of last year's course, the organizer put it in spots that didn't need it as much as more eroded sections that were left untouched. Not a big deal, as the course is a good one. Some fun, short singletrack bits, a rocky climb and a long downhill with an assortment of wooden bridges/ramps to spice it up.
Riding was all done by noon and that left the rest of the day for working on having fun.
Saturday morning was pretty laid back with the race not starting until noon. Popped out of bed, procured a coffee and pastry and did a reasonably good job of being me. Suited up and eventually ended up at the start line. I've grown quite fond of the seeding system that is being used for the Canada Cups since last year because almost everyone gets a reserved spot. Makes the pre-race stuff a tad more civilized as one doesn't have to fight for a spot, or show up half an hour early to get up front.
I might watch Spinal Tap before the next race so I can take advantage of my call up. My start this week was somewhere in the vicinity of 6.5 . Turning it up to 11 might be worthwhile so I don't get stuck in a bottleneck off the start again. Once I got moving again I put in some efforts to move up and had some moments of greatness. Reeling in a few guys on a climb is a good feeling. Losing a few spots to the same guys after dropping two water bottles in two separate feeding attempts isn't so good. Ending up in the bushes in spots that I would not describe as typical places to crash wasn't creating thoughts of sunshine and lollipops.
Decided to tone it down and ride it in. I'm sure Ben would appreciate it if his partner for the relay was still alive. I still had fun, and there's always next week to redeem myself.
Just had an early dinner and almost had ice cream. Getting set to head up to the pre-race meeting for tonight's Red Bull Monte Descend relay and find out what I've gotten myself into.
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